Water Activities & Land Adventures at Keauhou's Manta Night Safari
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable swimming in open water but do not need advanced skills.
Overview
Join a private night snorkel in Keauhou to swim alongside majestic manta rays under a starlit Hawaiian sky. This extraordinary adventure offers a rare chance to witness one of nature’s most captivating displays. Keep reading to discover what makes this trip unique.
Keauhou: Snorkel The Original Manta Spot - Private Charter
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About This Adventure
Gather your family or join a small band of adventurers for an electrifying snorkeling escapade in the supple blue waters of Hawaii
Duration
1 hour
About
Gather your family or join a small band of adventurers for an electrifying 1-hour snorkeling escapade in the supple blue waters of Hawaii. Set sail on a short journey towards what could easily become the most exhilarating experience of your lifetime!
Nearly half a century ago, the Outrigger Hotel began illuminating the ocean at Keauhou, drawing in guests with captivating displays. These lights also beckoned the Manta rays’ by drawing in their favorite food: microscopic plankton.
Today, we revisit this very locale, enticing the rays with our underwater lights that lure the same plankton as those original spotlights did. This brings you and your loved ones within arm’s reach of these majestic Mantas as they elegantly glide through to feast, offering an unparalleled encounter with nature’s wonders!
Adventure Tips
Bring waterproof flashlight
Use a waterproof flashlight to see better and help attract plankton for the mantas.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen
Protect the ocean by choosing biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen to avoid harming marine life.
Arrive early for gear setup
Getting here early ensures smooth gear fitting and safety briefing before the experience begins.
Stay calm and relaxed
The mantas respond well to gentle movements and calm behavior; stay relaxed to enjoy the encounter.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles
- Honorable Hawaiian monk seals
History
The area has deep roots in Hawaiian culture, with stories of manta rays as ‘aumakua’—protector spirits—integral to local legend.
Conservation
Operators emphasize responsible wildlife watching, ensuring that manta rays are observed at a safe distance to maintain their natural habits.
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Adventure Hotspots in Kailua-Kona
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Snorkel gear
Necessary for observing underwater and breathing comfortably while watching the mantas.
Wetsuit
Optional for added warmth in cooler months or if you’re sensitive to water temperature.
winter specific
Waterproof camera
Capture the mesmerizing rays and underwater scenery.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin without harming marine ecosystems.