5 Mistakes to Avoid When Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Hawaii | The Thing to Do in Hawaii

[@zennoodle]

Both of you guys have shining smiles! Makes me smile when I see both of you smile. While the Big Island isn't on our agenda I'm sure to still check out these videos just in case we get wild and crazy!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We have fun making these videos! Thanks for the comment. We write a rough outline and we see what spurts out. Big Island for your next trip!

[@MrsInvest]

I am so obsessed with your channel. You guys have the best tips!! I did the night snorkel on my trip to the big island. It was one of the most incredible experiences in my life. A top 10 for sure. I would add one mistake to avoid: If you are prone to seasickness, it's probably not the activity for you. You're laying horizontal on the surface of the water holding a mat and since you're in open ocean the waves jostling you side to side as you hold the mat for 45 mins are significant. Also it's dark out so you lose a bit of visual perception to steady yourself. There were 2 people on our group who has to bow out because they almost vomited in the water. If you can handle being on a raft boat you'll probably be fine but if boating makes you sea sick then I wouldn't go for this activity. Great video guys!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for watching our channel! That is a great tip to share. It was in our notes but we forgot to mention it. Some tours leave from north of Kailu-Kona so it could be a 45 minute ride to Keauhou Bay. Not enjoyable if one is prone to seasickness. Thanks for pointing out holding onto a swaying raft may get people. Worst seasickness I ever got was being in a shark cage on O'ahu. not fun.

[@stevehunter121]

Wife and I did this and it was outstanding. Definitely a must do

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Hawaii is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Continuing these types of experiences is all about doing it the best way we know-how. Please respect the marine life of Hawaii and choose a tour operator who feels the same. Mahalo for watching! Read our Pulitzer Prize-winning (just kidding) manta article here: thehawaiivacationguide.com/manta-ray-snorkel-and-dive-in-hawaii/

[@SwissAlpsHiker]

And if you can dive, it's even a better experience! You sit at the bottom in a circle with a light in the middle (kinda like around a campfire), and manta rays just swim inches above your head. It's AMAZING!! Totally agree, one of the most memorable life experiences!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

I have to try diving with them! I heard it was amazing. A lot of great dive spots of the Kona Coast. Thanks for sharing!

[@timgraymatter]

My daughter went night snorkeling with manta rays when we went to the Big Island back in June. She absolutely loved it!

[@Scambush]

I did this on my trip! I would say one additional piece of advice is to make sure to wear the wetsuit the tour companies provide you. The water may seem warm at first but sitting still in it for one full hour holding onto a bar will make you cold.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Good tip. I didn’t think people would bring their own. It gets chill it at night and it can be a long time in the water without a lot of swimming.

[@senju2024]

Not unless your partner is over 300 pounds. No wetsuit will be big enough but on the other hand, I guarantee he will not get cold.

[@thomasw5430]

I have done the night dive with the Manta Rays. If you like the snorkel, you will love the dive. It is amazing seeing them swim above you.

[@missmilimakk2246]

Did this a few days ago at Keauhou Bay. It was an amazing experience! I prepared myself by watching your video (many times). I'm not an ocean swimmer, and your video put me at ease. Thanks for all the great info and tips!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

That is wonderful to hear we helped with your fears. The tour guides do a great job at keeping people safe, the manta rays protected, and everyone has a good time. Thanks for watching and the post experience comment!

[@teslawhincop4658]

My son and I did this on the big island!!! What an experience!!

[@toddf7582]

I learned about this on my las5 day on the Big Island. It’s on my bucket list to do at some point. I’m glad you shared this! Mahalo!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

A good reason to go back!

[@ronkreed]

We just did this as a family in Kona a few days ago. I have about 30 minutes of GoPro video. It was amazing. A little spooky at night, but well worth it.

[@felula82]

May I ask how old are your kids? My husband just booked one but my kids are 5&8 and a bit afraid it is not suitable for them

[@ronkreed]

@@felula82 Sorry I missed this until now. My boys are college age. I don't recall kids as young as 5&8. That said, the trip is very well organized, with staff in the water with you. If the kids have trouble, the shuttle boat is right there and you can get back into it quickly. I hope this is helpful?

[@judithfiore6988]

Thank you so much for all your updates. You are both so cute and handsome..and i love watching your family!! Thanks again for all the tips!!

[@jolenekealohaflowers6965]

Your recommendation was greatly appreciated there’s so many tours to choose from it’s hard to know which is a good one so thank you so much for your sharing your knowledge

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

glad to help. So many tour companies on the Big Island, requires a lot of research on a continual basis. We try to stay on top of it. Have a great trip!

[@katiehanson6253]

I stayed at the sheridan kona, literally years ago... never got to get in the water with them... but every night they were magic... every night! from our balcony❤ amazing animals

[@jeffreyjones1721]

Great advice. Just in case you were thinking he's had a boring life, or just loves wildlife so much, his top 5 are skewed.... I would say the same thing. Most of the things we do in Hawaii, my wife enjoys but says box checked (there are so many other things to do) This is one she happily wanted to do again. We saw 19 mantas the first time we went. We used Kona Honu Divers. They also have an afternoon dive (as part of the manta dive) w/ some amazing snorkeling on the first spot. I was able to swim side by side with a monk seal for a couple minutes. At first I didn't see it as I was looking at a turtle the other direction. One of their biologists, gently and quietly grabbed me and said to slowly and calmly look the other direction. The monk seal was looking at me from about 7-8 feet away. This was a very great experience along with the many fish and turtles. They do guarantee you will see rays (must rebook w/in a year) so do like they said book it for early in your trip in case you are one of the unlucky 10% that don't see mantas. You could then rebook and try again, just trust us, it is very much worth it....

[@eddiesaldana4701]

I just booked to see the manta rays!!!! I super stoked!!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Have a great snorkel!!

[@diverm2371]

One of your better videos.

[@laurakuo9429]

I used Manta Ray Advocates when I visited Big Island last week after watching one of your prior videos that recommended it and had a great time! I do very much agree with tip #2 to tell people not to snorkel by themselves to see mantas. We had a small tour group of four that went out but then there were about eight other people that weren't part of the group that swam out to join us that weren't properly educated on how to act around the mantas. One of them kicked me in the face but even worse, none of them had a floatation device and some of them weren't even wearing goggles or a snorkel so they kept treading water and nearly kicked the mantas several times. One of them started yelling that they were going to try to touch one but luckily never succeeded.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for sharing. That is disturbing to hear. That must have dampened the experience for the ones who knew how to protect the manta rays when swimming around them.

[@chrisaddison4691]

I’ve always wanted to this guy’s 🤷‍♂️ never got the opportunity to do it 🥺 Great info as always guy’s 👍 keep up the good work 👍😎🇨🇦❤️

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks Chris. Book it for next trip!

[@andrewdevonshire3255]

Great video guys!. Love your enthusiasm. We are heading to Hawaii in January from the UK. First time there, and maybe our only time there as we have so much of the World to still see!. But this is my No1 activity. Going to book it NOW!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Have a great trip and enjoy the manta ray night snorkeling! Glad to hear you're visiting from the UK!

[@Andy62468]

Going to Hawaii in less than two months! Going to Waikiki! Your videos are amazing, super helpful in our planning. Thank for all your hard work! Love your content. Greetings from Las Vegas, NV.😀

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Aloha! Thanks for watching. Have a great trip to Waikiki!

[@davidwelfare5248]

I was really lucky on Oahu and saw a manta ray swimming around in the harbour opposite ala moana! So cool!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

very cool! that would be a nice suprise.

[@suehofkamp8594]

This is my absolute favorite thing to do on the Big Island. Another great video. Can you do a video on things to do and see in Hawaii for seniors? This would be awesome.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for the video idea! We will add it to our list. Thanks for watching!

[@billhobartclairvoyantmedium]

That's a beautiful experience! Maybe I can work up to do this but I'll need to start small first

[@susanf1566]

Yeah like visit an aquarium to see them up close. Maybe one day.

[@paulwalker4639]

Cant wait, May 7th 2022!!!

[@jonathanmietzner8003]

This is a solid informational video. My family has done the Manta snorkel from Keauhou Bay twice and I would agree this is a must do activity.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

thanks for the comment! It is an experience that is hard to forget.

[@xiaochenzhang5967]

Oh shame I just saw this video but glad I picked a qualified provider!! I could have save so much time if saw this video before!!

[@EmerysZR2Duramax]

Thank you! We just booked our trip!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

have a wonderful time!

[@rayhernandez6502]

I did this tour and it was incredible. These creatures are massive and im so glad that I was able to do this. I did see a small shark to and that was super rare . The tour guy said he had done this 17years and never seen one . So don’t trip guys my experience was probably an anomaly.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

So cool you saw a shark! Most are reef sharks that are harmless for those that worry about sharks.

[@majorkerr1333]

Sending this link to my sister

[@jennybee5066]

Love Love Love your HVGuide 😍 Fantastic detailed information with beautiful video footage 🌺🌸🌼 I feel like I’ve been on an amazing vacation every time I watch your clips. Thank you so much for your hard work ‼️‼️With love from Missouri ❤️❤️

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Mahalo Jenny for the comment and watching! We appreciate the support! Hope you can come visit soon.

[@jodymcnabb5241]

Thank you so much for your tips! We went with sea paradise and it was the most amazing experience ever…and I appreciated your go pro settings as well…I got perfect footage! 🙌🏻

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

I'm glad it was worth it! We are planning to do it again on our next trip.

[@fredaw61]

Mantas are my favorite sea creatures. However we have already booked a trip to Maui for October 23rd. Maybe we will bump into one another. It’s our first time and I turn 60 next week so we have been watching a lot of your videos and taking you advice to heart Especially the easy hikes since I have neuropathy in both my feet.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Happy Birthday Fred! October is our favorite month to visit so have a blast! Enjoy the easy hikes around the island. It's a small island so see ya soon.

[@alexchavez2820]

One month way to visit the beautiful island of Maui 🤙🏾🌴

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Have a great trip! Thanks for watching

[@petertrout8140]

Didn’t do this on 3 previous trips to the Big Island, but now my son and daughter-in-law both work for one of the approved dive companies in Kona, and are doing this 5-6 times per week? Heck of a job! Can’t wait to visit them in Kailua-Kona!!!! And yes, every visit to the island was bucket list. Saw the original black sand beach at Kailua and Kalapana, and the resulting new land and “new” black sand beach on subsequent visits. Surfed on Oahu, saw the Na Pali coast on a zodiac, sunrise on Haleakala, saw the Pu’u Oo vent and lava flow at night, swam with sea turtles, the most amazing things I’ve ever done. Can’t wait to get back, and add this to my own bucket list! Thanks for the clip, some very good info….

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

that is a stellar list of activities around Hawaii! Your son and daughter-in-law have a cool job. I'd love to go diving with the manta rays.

[@petertrout8140]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide lol, we certainly tried to make the most of each visit!!!! I hope the kids can make it work, very expensive to live there. Tip your tour guides!!!! 👍

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Exactly, tip your guides! we should mention that in the videos!

[@petertrout8140]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide exactly! Helps them live locally to do these trips and to earn a living doing what they love to do!!!

[@rannyreynolds3152]

I actually watched your adds, they were different and pretty good.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks Ranny! That’s the KZbin algorithm knowing what you like. Creepy but helpful at times.

[@jimgood1949]

Erica, a brief shot in the video showed you with your feet on the dashboard of the car. Please don’t do that! If you are in an accident and the airbag deploys, you can be very seriously injured. Most people don’t understand the force with which an automobile airbag deploys. While protecting you from the effects of a vehicular accident, the bag can do a lot of damage if you are in the wrong position.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

thanks Jim! I will pass that along to her and remind her as I've had the same concern recently.

[@terrythoms1092]

completely true! It will mess you up. Several broken bones, lots blood.

[@luonajgarroutte212]

"If you are coming from America" cracked me up. 😆

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Feels like a whole other world at times.

[@luonajgarroutte212]

This activity looks amazing. Is this something that can be done solo?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

A tour is required for safety of you and the manta rays. You can go solo in the tour. That is what we did.

[@luonajgarroutte212]

That's what I meant. Alone but in a tour. Thanks.

[@Kalza86]

Thank you very much for your video, there seems to be a few differnt operators that offer this. Is one company better than another?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

They offer different boats, price points, tour group size, and departure location. Those are the biggest differences. See our favorites here: thehawaiivacationguide.com/best-manta-ray-night-snorkel-kona/

[@carlettemoser3673]

I booked a Manta Ray Experience that you swim out to the site instead of boating out to them. It's my first time in Hawaii and I hope this wasn't a mistake.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

those are good tours. Erica did one and loved it.

[@user-wg4pm6gp4b]

My family and I are booked for a manta ray tour with Sea Paradise. My wife and daughter are not strong swimmers and have opted for the ride along version of the tour. We are wondering how much they will be able to see from the boat. They are also worried about getting sea sick. Would they be better off getting a dessert at the Sheraton Kona and watching from shore? Will they be able to see the mantas from the hotel (assuming they are present?) Thank you so much for producing such great articles, videos and itineraries!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Great question. In my experience on manta ray night tours, glimpses from the boat are possible but it isn’t much to see. On my last Sea Paradise tour, they had us about 100 ft from the boat so one couldn’t see them from the boat. It is very dark. Seeing from the hotel is hard. The cove is calm so sickness is probably low probability.

[@hectorruiz1291]

Whats the company calles that you guys used for the night snorkel?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We share a few options here: thehawaiivacationguide.com/best-manta-ray-night-snorkel-kona/

[@princessleia1633]

Thanks for these tips. Going to Big Island this April 2022! Any cheaper ticket options for the manta rays but still with high possibility of meeting them? I see so far over $100 per person.

[@Cruisingfoodies]

We have been hoping to do this on our next trip to BI or Maui. I don't know anywhere offering it here on O'ahu.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

The Island of Hawai'i is the only island with reliable sightings! Thanks for watching from O'ahu!

[@Cruisingfoodies]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide good to know! Let us know if you come to O'ahu again!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Will do! Thanks for the invite. Well done on your new channel, we subscribed!

[@Cruisingfoodies]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide awe thanks so much, we appreciate that! Your lil guy is adorable. We'll def have to eat together!

[@thealbatross13]

Leaving for hawaii soon- why should the sharpness be on medium? I set it to that haha but just wondering

[@LanNguyen-sw7em]

Thank you for the tips! Going there in May and want to do it and want to know can I wear life jacket?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Yes! They encourage a life jacket. You will be holding a floatie too.

[@LanNguyen-sw7em]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Thank you very much for your prompt reply. I am very nervous even with regular snorkeling but really want to try it.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

It can be a little scary but the crews are wonderful. Talk to them about your concerns.

[@LanNguyen-sw7em]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide thank you! Will reach out to the company!

[@heatherehrenholz3221]

Is there any way to do this without getting sea sick? I’m super prone to getting seasick and we tried this last time we were on the big island, and I couldn’t stay out longer than a few minutes before I got super sick ( had to swim back to the boat)… I think it was the boat ride? Any suggestions? Im so sad I couldn’t experience this without getting super sick ( I took gravol too 😢) . I think I would be okay without a boat ride. Is that possible?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

You can walk in from the beach with Manta Ray Advocates and Sea Paradise leaves from the bay where they do the snorkeling so it is hardly a boat ride, learn more here: thehawaiivacationguide.com/hawaii-best-tours-and-activities/big-island-tours-and-activities/

[@stephaniehardy3986]

I’ve watched many of your snorkeling videos and still have a quick question. What do you do with your stuff when you’re snorkeling? My family will be in Maui in October and plan on snorkeling your top five beaches, but we aren’t sure how to keep our things safe while we are all in the water. Thanks!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

There is no easy solution. Don’t take anything you want to lose to the beach. You can get a lock box for your car keys or a water proof pouch for your phone. We alternate or don’t worry about our stuff. Have a great snorkel trip!!

[@stephaniehardy3986]

Thanks for the advice!

[@bobmclennan1727]

While browsing the Green List's preferred and approved tours, it's a bit difficult to determine exactly where each tour takes you. Many sites simply make a reference to the "Kona coast." Is there a way to ensure the tour sites we're browsing will be headed to Manta Village (aside from contacting them individually?)

[@loki967]

which tour goes out right from the sheraton? I am contacting some that say its a 25 min boat ride. I want less of a boat ride , which company for snorkle with manta ray should I pick? Sea paradise said its still a 25 min boat ride. Can you advise who to book with that leaves from that that area?

[@PA96704]

Wahine Charters are the best 🤙

[@bondgirl30]

What are your thoughts on snorkel masks .. the full face verses the regular kind? I grew up in a mask and fins and was an avid scuba diver in my youth and I’m very comfortable in a mask and snorkel, but my guest is a first timer and I had no clue they have full face masks now! What’s the difference and which will he fell more comfortable with for just regular daylight first time snorkeling? Thank you so much! I ask you a lot of questions and I truly value your opinions

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We go with the regular kind. Some snorkel boats won’t let you snorkel with full face and snorkel stores don’t rent them as there is uncertainty if they are safe.

[@bondgirl30]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide thank you!

[@Peterpstolemybike]

What time of night did you folks schedule your snorkel and what time of the day would you recommend? My group is thinking between two times. Between 7pm or 9pm.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Anyone works! We have done both times. The 9pm gets you back late at night

[@joelnguyen3875]

My wife and I are fully vaccinated and a big believer of wearing masks and social distancing. But we have paid and booked everything we need for a maui vacation months in advance for September 14. Should we try to get a refund and if we can go will it even be worth it with all the restrictions?

[@SLBxINLOVExBLS]

Would you suggest doing this tour if one is easily prone to motion sickness? Going in a few weeks and would hate to miss out but also don’t want to ruin part of my trip with motion sickness. Caged shark diving in Oahu was terrible as I felt sick the entire time and was barely able to keep my head in the water to even look at the sharks.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

I was the same way on the Oahu shark cage. Worst motion sickness ever. I’m not prone to it either. I didn’t have an issue on the manta ray snorkel. It is just like snorkeling. The boat ride is short with our recommended tour operator in the description.

[@thealbatross13]

I screenshot the camera settings, but would you recommend the handheld stick for filming this or the headstrap?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We always use the handheld stick. You can swim with it in your hand and get better control.

[@dipeshnavani]

Do you need to know how to swim for this experience? Also can you see the Mantas from the boat without getting into the water for snorkeling? We would love to do this but we don’t know how to swim or snorkel without life jacket.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We recommend knowing how to swim before snorkeling at night. The tours provide flotation devices but swimming is a prerequisite.

[@loki967]

How long was the entire tour? Is the floatie they provide attached to the boat? Wondering if you have the option to wonder off or is it roped on. My kids are 13 and 11 so I want to make sure they are roped on. Also Is it worth going on a tour with less people or more people? More people more light but more people more covid... Also not interested in dives just snorkel so is there a company that takes just snorkels and no divers?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for the questions. The tour is 1.5 hours, 45 mins in the water. They provide floatation devices and you hold onto the longboard. Less people is best, they can move you around the bay to get to the mantas. Plus they have lifeguards in the water to keep you and the kids safe. Snorkel tours are only snorkelers. Do this tour, as it will be perfect for your family: thehawaiivacationguide.com/manta-ray-night-snorkel-with-sea-paradise/

[@SillyJillyStLouis]

Is there a dock or hotel patio that I could look down from and see the manta rays, free?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

We are not aware of any places like that. You may be able to see shadows from shore but it isn’t like whale watching

[@nataliekay713]

I have only snorkeled twice in my life. Can I still try this? Or is it for only experienced snorkelers?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

From the boat is a beginner snorkeler experience in my opinion as they do the tours in calm water, in a cove, and you hold onto the SUP. I wouldn't recommend going from the beach.

[@planaheadstayahead]

In one of your videos it looked like you were walking instead of taking a boat? Is this possible to avoid a boat ride?

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

That is Manta Ray Advocates from the Mauna Kea Resort.

[@bobmclennan1727]

This video was integral in helping us find the right manta tour for us. We finally had the big night late last week, and it was more than we could have ever hoped for. 12 different mantas swam in our boat's area! Sometimes it was too many to keep track of at once. To top it off, a little baseball-sized jellyfish swam into the area and accidentally got swallowed (temporarily) by a manta. I wss lucky enough to catch it on video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXSvnKOppaeKe5Y Thank you again for the terrific guidance!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

that is a sweet video! wow

[@bobbyboombeck]

Which tour company did you wind up going with?

[@bobmclennan1727]

@@bobbyboombeck I believe it was called "Sea Paradise" or something similar. Terrific experience all-around.

[@jackiebower5616]

I want to do this so bad. Going to the big island March 2024. Honolulu is our port. Please give me contact info close to the port. Thankyou!

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

See our manta ray snorkel article! thehawaiivacationguide.com/best-manta-ray-night-snorkel-kona/ cruise ships dock in Hilo and Kona, manta ray tours are around kona and usually start at 6pm

[@Mygirl6137]

I am a very basic swimmer. I wanted to bring my own life jacket, but all the operators are not letting me do the snorkel with mantas with a life jacket. I am so disappointed to miss this experience.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

sorry to hear that!

[@amayer349]

Too bad i didn't know the correct settings on my GoPro when i went. Instead all my video & pics are garbage.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Sorry to hear that. GoPro usually does a good job at auto adjusting but it is gotten a lot better with the newer HEROs

[@amayer349]

@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide So i thought as well. Bought GoPro HERO8 and used auto settings (straight out of out of box). Experience was great though.

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

You always got the memories. hard to forget that snorkel dive.

[@jameswulzen590]

do not touch them keep clear, your in their house.

[@tomjohnson5700]

If those are your feet, Erica, you may want to rethink riding with your feet on the dash board.. If the airbag deploys you can count on having your knees be driven into your face if you are lucky. I have seen xrays of bilateral femur and pelvic fractures and dislocated hips.

[@Lisaf825]

It’s Kauna’oa at Mauna Kea Beach, NOT Kaua’oa

[@TheHawaiiVacationGuide]

Thanks for finding the typo! We can't change the video but I'll leave a correction in the description.