Big Island: Snorkel With Manta Rays – Manta Guarantee

The Big Island’s "Snorkel With Manta Rays" excursion is an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent creatures. Expert guides monitor manta ray activity, ensuring the best chances of sightings. With small group sizes and personalized attention, participants can enjoy Hawaii’s vibrant marine ecosystem. Though there’s no guarantee of manta ray encounters, this unique adventure promises lasting memories. Safety and environmental stewardship are top priorities, making this excursion a must-try for anyone seeking an extraordinary glimpse into the underwater world.

Key Points

• Manta Ray Village offers a 2-hour snorkel excursion to observe manta rays, priced at $140.03 per person with a 45-minute snorkel time.
• The excursion provides a unique opportunity to float above feeding manta rays and learn from expert tour guides.
• While a manta ray sighting is not guaranteed, the tour operator employs strategies to maximize the likelihood of encounters.
• Comprehensive snorkel gear, including wetsuits and flotation devices, is provided, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 81 reviews, highlighting the exceptional quality and value for money.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The activity on offer is a snorkeling encounter with manta rays at Manta Ray Village. Priced from $140.03 per person, the 2-hour excursion includes approximately 45 minutes of snorkel time.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The experience highlights include floating above manta rays feeding on plankton, a unique opportunity on the Big Island, and interacting with marine life under the guidance of expert tour guides.

Light snacks and hot cocoa are provided after the snorkel.

Experience Highlights

Floating above manta rays as they glide through the water and feed on plankton offers a truly unique experience on the Big Island.

The expert tour guides provide a knowledgeable briefing, ensuring swimmers feel comfortable and safe throughout the encounter.

Participants can expect to:

1. Swim alongside these gentle giants as they gracefully maneuver through the ocean.
2. Witness the manta rays’ impressive wingspan and unique feeding behavior.
3. Enjoy light snacks and hot cocoa after the snorkel, a perfect way to warm up and reflect on the extraordinary experience.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows visitors to enjoy the vibrant marine ecosystem and create lasting memories.

Meeting Point and Details

To begin the snorkeling experience, participants are advised to check in at least 15 minutes prior to departure at the Keauhou Bay Pier. The excursion departs aboard the boat named HokuNui. Guests should come prepared with swimwear, a towel, and a light sweater, as the boat enforces a no-shoe policy. This activity is only suitable for experienced swimmers and snorkelers.

Meeting Point	Check-In Time
Keauhou Bay Pier	15 minutes prior to departure
Boat Name	HokuNui
What to Bring	Swimwear, Towel, Light Sweater
Allowed	Experienced Swimmers/Snorkelers
Not Allowed	Shoes

Equipment and Amenities

The snorkeling activity includes a comprehensive array of equipment and amenities to enhance the experience. Guests receive top-notch snorkel gear, including wetsuits and prescription masks.

Manta float flotation devices provide added buoyancy and safety, ensuring a comfortable and secure time in the water. Plus, light snacks and beverages are provided after the snorkel to help recharge.

For those interested in capturing their encounter, an optional GoPro rental is available. The crew ensures all participants’ needs are met, prioritizing comfort and safety throughout the excursion.

• Snorkel gear, wetsuits, and prescription masks provided
• Manta float flotation devices for added buoyancy
• Light snacks and beverages offered post-snorkel

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the snorkeling experience with manta rays, as evidenced by the activity’s impressive 4.8/5 overall rating based on 81 reviews. The tour guides received high marks of 4.8/5, highlighting their knowledgeable and attentive approach. Transportation was also praised, earning a 4.9/5 rating. While the value for money received a solid 4.5/5, reviewers emphasized the uniqueness and quality of the experience. Positive feedback consistently praised the crew’s efforts to ensure comfort and safety, as well as the ample time spent in the water observing the majestic manta rays up close.

Metric	Rating
Overall	4.8/5
Guide	4.8/5
Transportation	4.9/5
Value	4.5/5
Feedback	Knowledgeable crew, ample time, close encounters

Manta Ray Encounter Guarantee

Although the tour operator can’t guarantee that manta rays will be present during the snorkel excursion, they do their utmost to provide the best chance of encountering these magnificent creatures.

To maximize the likelihood of a manta ray sighting, the company follows these three strategies:

1. Carefully monitors manta ray activity in the area and selects the best time and location for the tour.
2. Employs experienced, knowledgeable guides who can quickly spot and track the mantas.
3. Ensures the snorkel group size is small, allowing for more individualized attention and a quieter, less disruptive approach.

While a manta ray encounter can’t be assured, the tour operator’s commitment to guest satisfaction and environmental stewardship increases the odds of a truly unforgettable experience.

Preparing for the Excursion

To prepare for the snorkel with manta rays excursion, guests should gather a few essential items.

First and foremost, visitors need their swimwear and a towel to dry off after the snorkel. A light sweater or jacket is also recommended, as the boat can get chilly.

Plus, guests should wear no shoes on the boat, as it’s a shoeless experience.

It’s crucial for participants to be experienced swimmers and snorkelers, as the activity requires comfort in the water.

The crew provides all the necessary equipment, including snorkel gear, wetsuits, and flotation devices, ensuring a safe and enjoyable excursion.

Book Your Adventure

Guests can book their manta ray snorkel adventure through the tour provider’s website or by calling their office. The process is straightforward and convenient:

1. Select the date, time, and number of participants.

2. Provide the necessary information, such as names, contact details, and any special requirements.

3. Secure the booking by making the full payment, or take advantage of the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

Once the reservation is confirmed, the tour company will send all the necessary details, including meeting instructions, what to bring, and safety guidelines.

Guests can then look forward to an unforgettable encounter with the gentle giants of the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkel gear. However, the tour company provides high-quality snorkel equipment, including wetsuits and manta float flotation devices, to ensure your comfort and safety during the snorkel experience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement?

The snorkel tour has no minimum age requirement, though it’s recommended for experienced swimmers and snorkelers only. Children are welcome, but parents should ensure they can safely participate in the water activity.

Are Photographs/Videos Allowed During the Snorkel?

Photos and videos are allowed during the snorkel experience. The activity includes an optional GoPro rental, allowing guests to capture their close encounters with the majestic manta rays.

Can I Request a Specific Tour Time?

Guests can request a specific tour time, subject to availability. The tour operator aims to accommodate preferences where possible, though exact timeslots may be limited based on demand and scheduling.

Is This Activity Suitable for Non-Swimmers?

The activity is not recommended for non-swimmers. It requires experienced swimmers and snorkelers to safely float above and observe the manta rays. Life jackets and floatation devices are provided, but the experience involves extended time in open water.

Recap

The "Snorkel With Manta Rays" excursion on the Big Island offers an unmatched opportunity to encounter these magnificent creatures. Guided by experts, small groups enjoy personalized attention and enhanced chances of sightings, all while prioritizing safety and environmental stewardship. With an immersive marine experience and a manta ray encounter guarantee, this adventure promises lasting memories in Hawaii’s vibrant ecosystem.

You can check if your dates are available here: