The Manta Ray Night Dive in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, is ranked among the Top 10 Dive Sites in the world by nearly every diving publication and scuba website. We decided to explore what makes this dive site so special. But first, check out the video below.
Big Island Manta Ray Night off Kona’s Coast, Hawaii
This is the most incredible night dive; it’s like being in a lighted Aquarium at night. The divers sit on the bottom in 30ft of water, and the snorkelers float on top. The last Manta you see is Big Bertha at about 16ft!! A must-do dive/snorkel event!
The Kona Coast is one of the best places in the world to encounter manta rays up close. Often described as an unforgettable experience, diving with these magnificent creatures is made even more spectacular by the night dive twist offered by operators in Hawaii.
Manta Rays have no teeth.
The harmless Manta Rays are plankton-eating rays with approximately 12 ft wingspans. Although massive, they are known to have one of the most graceful and mesmerizing presence of all sea creatures and are an absolute joy to dive with.
Divers are equipped with underwater flashlights and instructed to direct their beams toward the surface. The bright lights attract large numbers of plankton, which draw in manta rays and various other fish. This spectacle delights divers and snorkelers alike. The manta rays often swoop, turn, and even perform somersaults toward the light, showcasing their surprising agility. Over 60 individual manta rays, recognized by the unique spots on their undersides, have been photographed, cataloged, and named as regular visitors to the Manta Ray Night Dives.
Touching the Manta Rays is a strict no-way.
These creatures have incredibly delicate skin, so taking great care not to harm them is essential. Strict guidelines dictate that divers remain underwater while snorkelers stay on the surface, giving the rays enough space to move freely. The objective is to observe these magnificent animals without interfering with them.
As you sit on the sandy ocean bottom, illuminated by your dive light aiming towards the surface, a breathtaking vision stands silhouetted above you. This is a world-class dive you cannot miss!
