Daytime Manta Swim & Whale Watch with Ali'i Ocean Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic swimming skills required
Overview
Swim alongside Kona’s manta rays by day and spot migrating Humpback whales on this expert-guided marine tour from Ali'i Ocean Tours. Discover the Big Island’s unique coastal wildlife in a 4-hour ocean adventure.
Daytime Manta Encounter and Whale Watch
Adult $152, Child $107 | 4hr Experience | 7:30am* - 11:30am
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the thrill of swimming with Kona's majestic manta rays in their natural habitat during a unique daytime encounter. Led by expert guides, you'll explore feeding areas and cleaning stations along stunning reefs, while also searching for Humpback whales. This unforgettable adventure promises breathtaking marine life and memories to last a lifetime.
Tour Description:
The Kona manta ray population is one of the most well-known populations in the world.
While the manta ray night dive is on the top of most people’s list, why not try a natural daytime encounter. These rays frequent our winter current lines and our local manta expert provides the best likelihood to successfully locate them. Manta rays feed on plankton and are often seen feeding in current lines during early morning hours and they also frequent cleaning stations along our beautiful reefs. Manta Rays have no teeth, barbs, or stingers and are harmless to humans.
Your charter begins at Honokohau harbor departing at 7:30 AM*. With years of experience, our Captain and Crew are ready to answer any questions you may have regarding our ray population. We will head along the coastline looking for mantas feeding in current lines. When we locate a manta, we will give a briefing of how to interact with them and then you will be able get in and swim with them. In the event that we do not find mantas surface feeding, we will check several cleaning stations along our coastline.
We will also be looking for Humpback whales during this trip, as they are quite active in the waters off the Kona coast. The Humpbacks come to Hawaiian waters in the winter months for mating and giving birth. We have an underwater Hydrophone we can use to listen to their beautiful songs. Seeing these whales is truly amazing.
- current lines, where the manta rays are sometimes located may have small Cnidaria. Dive skins, shirts, or rash guards are recommended
*please note, check in is at 7am, departure is at 7:30am
Guarantee:
We guarantee that you will see a manta ray or whale on your charter. If you do not see a manta ray or whale, you can come back out for free provided there is availability.
Rates:
- Adults - $152
- Children (5yr-12yr) - $107(under 4yr Free)
- Ride Alongs (non swimmers) - $103
- 4 hour experience!
What is Provided:
- Sunscreen
- Towels
- Beverages
- Snorkel Gear
- Rx Masks Available
- Flotation Devices
- Light Breakfast
- Lunch
- A true 5 star experience
What Should You Bring:
- Camera (waterproof or non)
- A rash-gaurd, shirt, or in-water body cover
- Light Jacket is recommended April - Sept, sweatshirt or jacket is recommended Oct - May
- Your Sense of Adventure!
Adventure Tips
Wear a rash guard
Protect your skin from sun and jellyfish in the current lines where mantas feed.
Bring a waterproof camera
Capture unforgettable moments swimming near manta rays and spotting whales.
Arrive early for check-in
Check in at 7:00 AM sharp to ensure a timely 7:30 AM departure from Honokohau Marina.
Listen closely underwater
Use the provided hydrophone to hear Humpback whales’ songs during the trip.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Kona manta rays
- Humpback whales
History
The Kona manta population has been studied extensively and is crucial to the local tourism and conservation efforts.
Conservation
Ali'i Ocean Tours follows strict guidelines to minimize disturbance, helping protect manta rays and whales in their natural habitat.
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Adventure Hotspots in Kailua-Kona
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Rash Guard
Protects against sunburn and jellyfish stings in ocean currents.
summer specific
Waterproof Camera
Capture close-up shots of manta rays and whales during your swim.
Sunscreen
Broad-spectrum reef-safe sunscreen prevents sun damage while protecting marine ecosystems.
summer specific
Light Jacket
Keeps you warm on boat rides during cooler mornings or breezy conditions.
spring specific