Surrounded by the beautiful Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Islands are easily the best place in the United States to get up close and personal with marine life. And while we endlessly enjoy experiencing the sea life you’ll find off the coast of Hawaii — from Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish to humpback whales and spinner dolphins — not everyone knows about one of the most epic underwater adventures you can enjoy in the Aloha State: swimming with manta rays after dark!
Widely regarded as one of the most memorable underwater experiences you can have across the planet, swimming with manta rays off the western coast of the Big Island is one experience you won’t want to skip.
Sea Quest Rafting and Snorkeling Adventures/Facebook
The reef mantas that call the Pacific Ocean home off the coast of Hawaii are the second largest species of manta rays in the world, and on average, they have a wingspan of 12 feet and weigh up to 1,000 pounds.
Sea Quest Hawaii/Website
While this experience isn’t the only one in the world where you can dive with manta rays, it is one of the most unique as you’ll get to hang out with them during their dinner time!
Sea Quest Hawaii/Website
You see, plankton is attracted to bright lights brought by tour operators, and the manta rays feed on said plankton and filter it out of the ocean by swooping through the water with their mouths open.
Sea Quest Hawaii/Website
Though there are quite a few companies that offer manta ray snorkeling and diving experiences off the Kona coast, today, we’re taking a look at the tour offered by SeaQuest Hawaii. It’s been recognized as one of the world’s best by The Travel Channel, and who are we to disagree?
Sea Quest Rafting and Snorkeling Adventures/Facebook
With two daily departure times — 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. — the hour and fifteen-minute tours allow guests to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. Wetsuits, floatation devices, and snorkeling gear is provided, and you’ll even enjoy hot chocolate and cookies on the boat ride back to shore.
Sea Quest Hawaii/Website
So, what are you waiting for? Even if you don’t have plans to visit the Big Island anytime soon, this is one experience you’ll want to add to your Hawaiian Island bucket list as soon as possible.
Sea Quest Rafting and Snorkeling Adventures/Facebook
For more information about SeaQuest, and to learn about the other snorkeling tours they offer, visit their website. You can also follow them on Facebook. Have you ever been swimming with manta rays off the coast of Hawaii? What about sea turtles or, even scarier, sharks?
Sea Quest Rafting and Snorkeling Adventures/Facebook
Sea Quest Hawaii/Website
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
