Manta Magic – Night Manta Ray Snorkel At Manta Village, Kona, Hawaii

Witness the captivating manta ray dance as you venture into the waters of Kona, Hawaii for a mesmerizing night snorkel experience. Glide alongside these majestic creatures and observe their graceful movements as they feed on plankton near the surface. With the guidance of an onboard naturalist and certified swim instructors, you’ll gain unique insights into the fascinating behaviors of these remarkable marine animals. Prepare to be enchanted by the sheer scale and elegance of the manta rays – an unforgettable encounter that will leave you in awe of the wonders of the underwater world.

Just The Basics

• This small-group manta ray snorkel tour offers an up-close encounter with the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat near Kona, Hawaii.

• Guests board the boat in the evening and reach the snorkeling site at sunset, providing the opportunity to witness the mantas’ graceful feeding behavior.

• A knowledgeable on-board naturalist offers insights into the mantas’ unique feeding techniques, brain capacity, and social behaviors to deepen the appreciation for these animals.

• The tour includes high-quality snorkel gear, drinks, and certified swim guides to ensure a safe and comfortable exploration of the mantas’ underwater world.

• Participants must meet accessibility and fitness criteria, and the tour is weather-dependent, with a cancellation policy offering full refunds for timely cancellations.

Tour Details

The Manta Magic night snorkel tour in Kona, Hawaii, offers visitors an up-close encounter with graceful manta rays as they feed on plankton after dark.

This small group excursion is limited to 12 guests and features an on-board manta naturalist who provides insight into the feeding habits and behavior of these magnificent creatures.

Travelers will board the boat in the evening and reach the snorkeling site at sunset, where they can witness the mantas swooping and diving while feeding.

The tour includes snorkel gear, drinks, and a certified swim guide for assistance.

Participants must be in moderate physical condition and adhere to a maximum weight limit of 280 pounds.

With 1,009 reviews, this Manta Magic night snorkel tour is a popular attraction.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet at the designated location of 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA, and then board the boat at Keauhou Harbor in the evening to reach the snorkeling site by sunset.

The meeting point is where the tour begins, and the trip ends back at the same location. Clear instructions are provided for finding the meeting point and boarding the boat.

This evening adventure allows guests to witness the magnificent manta rays as they feed on plankton under the night sky. Once at the site, the group will snorkel and observe the mantas’ graceful movements and feeding behavior, guided by a certified swim guide and the on-board naturalist.

Snorkeling Experience

Upon reaching the snorkeling site, guests can expect an up-close encounter with the magnificent manta rays as they feed on plankton under the night sky.

An on-board naturalist provides insight into the manta’s feeding habits and behavior, enhancing the overall snorkeling experience. Certified swim guides are available to assist snorkelers, ensuring a safe and memorable exploration of the mantas’ graceful movements.

Guests have the option to use a ‘light board‘ while snorkeling, which can attract the mantas and provide a truly mesmerizing experience.

As the mantas swoop and dive, feeding on the plankton, guests can witness the sheer size and beauty of these gentle giants, creating lasting memories of their Manta Magic adventure.

Manta Ray Feeding

As the snorkelers witness the mantas’ graceful movements, they’ll marvel at the intricate feeding behaviors of these gentle giants. Manta rays employ a unique technique to capture their primary food source – plankton – by opening their cavernous mouths and swimming with their wings outstretched, effectively creating a feeding vortex that pulls in the tiny drifting organisms. This feeding strategy allows the mantas to consume massive quantities of plankton in a single pass. The table below illustrates the key adaptations that enable mantas to thrive as efficient filter feeders:

Adaptation	Purpose
Large Mouth	Maximizes plankton intake
Gill Rakers	Traps and filters plankton
Cephalic Fins	Directs plankton-rich water into mouth

Naturalist Insights

The on-board manta naturalist provides valuable insights into the feeding behaviors and unique adaptations of these marine giants, captivating the snorkelers with their expert knowledge.

They explain how the mantas’ large, wing-like pectoral fins and open mouths allow them to effortlessly glide through the water, straining plankton from the current.

The naturalist also highlights the manta’s impressive brain capacity, which enables complex social behaviors and navigational skills.

As the mantas gracefully swoop and dive, the naturalist points out their distinctive markings, which act as unique ‘fingerprints’ to identify individual rays.

Through these engaging interpretations, the snorkelers gain a deeper appreciation for the majesty and wonder of these magnificent creatures.

Included Amenities

Complementing the naturalist’s insights, the Manta Magic tour includes a range of amenities to enhance the snorkeling experience.

Guests receive complimentary drinks and snorkel gear, ensuring they’re equipped and refreshed throughout the adventure.

The small-group trip, limited to 12 travelers, offers a more personalized and intimate encounter with the majestic manta rays.

Among the included features are:

• Drinks to keep guests hydrated during the outing
• High-quality snorkel equipment for a comfortable and safe underwater exploration
• A specialized ‘light board’ option, which can be used to attract the mantas closer to the surface for a mesmerizing display.

These thoughtful inclusions make the Manta Magic tour a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Accessibility and Fitness

For the Manta Magic tour, participants must meet certain accessibility and fitness requirements. While the experience is not wheelchair accessible, the tour does accommodate guests up to a maximum weight limit of 280 pounds. Plus, a moderate level of physical fitness is required, as guests will be swimming without the use of floatation devices.

Accessibility	Fitness Level	Health Conditions
Not wheelchair accessible	Moderate physical fitness required	Various health conditions not recommended
Maximum weight limit of 280 pounds	Swim without floatation device	–
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Guests should ensure they meet these criteria to fully enjoy the breathtaking manta ray snorkeling experience.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations for the Manta Magic tour can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but refunds aren’t available for cancellations less than 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Changes to bookings less than 24 hours prior are also not accepted.

This tour is weather-dependent, so there’s a chance it could be canceled due to unfavorable conditions. The trip requires a minimum number of travelers, so it may be canceled if this threshold isn’t met.

If you need to cancel or modify your plans, it’s best to do so as early as possible to avoid any penalties. The operator wants to ensure a smooth experience for all guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour Start and End?

The tour starts in the evening and returns to the meeting point after the snorkeling experience. Guests board the boat at the meeting point to reach the snorkeling site at sunset.

Is Video Recording Allowed During the Snorkeling?

Video recording is generally allowed during the snorkeling experience, though guests should be mindful not to disturb the manta rays or other wildlife. Some tour operators may have specific guidelines regarding the use of cameras and recording devices.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Guests can bring their own snorkeling equipment, but the tour company provides high-quality gear included in the trip cost. Using the provided equipment ensures proper fit and function for the best snorkeling experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no specific age restrictions, but it requires a moderate fitness level. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the operator has the right to refuse participation for safety reasons.

Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour?

Most tour operators offer customized or private tours for an additional fee. Customers can typically request tailored itineraries, group sizes, and specialized services to suit their preferences. However, availability and pricing may vary depending on the tour provider.

Sum Up

This manta ray snorkeling tour in Kona, Hawaii, offers a unique and captivating experience.

Guests can witness the majestic creatures up close at sunset, with the guidance of a naturalist and certified swim guides.

The personalized tour, with high-quality equipment and amenities, provides an opportunity to observe the mantas’ graceful movements and feeding strategies.

It’s an unforgettable encounter with these remarkable marine animals.