Afternoon & Manta Ray Snorkel

Consistently ranked as one of the best snorkels in the world, the Manta Ray Night Snorkel belongs on everyones bucket list. With no stingers, barbs or teeth, manta rays are gentle giants and watching them move through the water column is a sight to behold.

After dark, divers and snorkelers use bright lights to attract plankton, a naturally occurring food source for manta rays. The plankton concentrates around the lights, making it easy for manta rays to easily gulp down mouthfuls of food.

Both snorkels take place at Makako Bay (Garden Eel Cove). The first snorkel is in the late afternoon during which a snorkel guide will point out some of the unique marine life around the cove. Occasionally, manta rays show up early and snorkelers get to see them during the day!

During the surface interval, as the sun sets, our passionate and knowledgeable guides teach divers and snorkelers about manta ray behavior and give thorough briefings to prepare them for the night dive/snorkel.

Once it’s dark, snorkelers get back in to watch the manta rays graceful and mesmerizing feeding ballet. Sometimes swimming just inches from snorkelers! Many of our guests say this experience is a highlight, not just of their trip to Hawaii, but of their entire lives.

**The number of mantas will often vary in accordance to the naturally occurring levels of plankton present. Plankton levels are impossible to predict and can even change throughout the course of a dive. While the overall chance of seeing manta rays is high, manta rays are wild animals and there is no way to guarantee they will show. In the event no manta rays show up on a particular night, our crew will lead snorkelers on an exploratory night snorkel.

Included

All charters include wetsuits, masks, snorkels and full-foot fins.

Snacks are served between (including our famous homemade brownies!) and a variety of hot and cold beverages are available. Our boat includes a mixture of sun and shade, a protective cabin and a hot freshwater shower to rinse off after being in the water.

Bring with You

Swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, hat, rash guard, refillable water bottle, hair ties, reef-safe sunscreen and anything else you need for a fun day in the ocean. Since this charter concludes at night, warm, dry clothes to change into after your snorkel are encouraged (most are comfortable with a sweatshirt or light jacket).