Mahalo to Brian StPierre with Pau Hana Travel Agency for sharing these super cool manta ray photos with us for Aloha Friday Photos.
Brian took these shots while snorkeling with manta rays off the Big Island in June 2018. With wide wingspans stretching up to approximately 16 feet (nearly 5 meters), these majestic creatures swim with the grace of a ballerina. 
The Kona coast of Hawaii’s Big Island is known for its manta ray population and opportunities to snorkel with them. They feed on tiny plankton.
At around sunset, most snorkeling tours start heading to their spots. After orientation, snorkelers are invited get into the ocean and prepare to admire the manta rays. Lights are used to attract plankton, which in turn attract manta rays.
If a manta ray snorkel tour is of interest, we recommend booking a tour in advance. The tour companies typically provide snorkeling gear, wet suits, and refreshments. Most tours cost about $100 to $150 for a 1.5-to-2.5-hour tour. Here are some tour companies who earn great reviews:
- Coral Reef Snorkel Adventures is rated 4.8 out of 5.0 on Google Reviews and they currently have a 20%-off promo code, which is the word flash.
- Kona Style is rated 4.9 out of 5.0 on Google Reviews.
- If you prefer diving to snorkeling, Kona Honu Divers is rated 5.0 out of 5.0 on Google Reviews.
We have tried nighttime manta ray snorkeling when we stayed at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Unfortunately, the manta rays didn’t come, but it was still an exciting adventure.
Once on Maui, we came face to face with a manta ray on a daytime kayak and snorkeling tour. What a thrill!
Have you snorkeled with manta rays?
Sheila Beal
