Snorkeling with Manta Rays at Keauhou - Ninth Island Nation
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Basic swimming ability is recommended; participants should be comfortable in open water and able to handle mild ocean currents.
Overview
Join Ninth Island Nation for a spellbinding one-hour snorkeling trip at Keauhou where underwater lights draw majestic manta rays close for an unforgettable night swim beneath Hawaii’s starlit waters.
Keauhou: Snorkel The Original Manta Spot - Shared Charter
Boat ride to Snorkel with the Mantas
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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
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to complete gear setup and safety briefing.
Bring a Water-Resistant Light Source
While the boat provides lights in the water, a small waterproof flashlight can help with personal belongings and gear adjustments.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin without harming marine life by using environmentally friendly sunscreen before heading out.
Secure Your Valuables
Leave unnecessary valuables on shore or use waterproof pouches to keep items safe while snorkeling.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Giant manta rays
- Green sea turtles
History
Keauhou became Hawaii's original manta ray snorkeling hotspot after the Outrigger Hotel first illuminated these waters nearly 50 years ago, creating a sustainable human-wildlife interaction zone.
Conservation
Operators including Ninth Island Nation follow strict guidelines to minimize impact on mantas and surrounding ecosystems, using low-intensity lights and small group sizes to protect this marine habitat.
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Adventure Hotspots in Kailua-Kona
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Snorkel Mask and Fins
Quality snorkel gear enhances comfort and visibility during the underwater manta encounter.
summer specific
Wetsuit or Rash Guard
A wetsuit or rash guard provides warmth and protection from cooler water temperatures and sun exposure.
winter specific
Waterproof Camera
Capture the surreal nighttime dance of manta rays safely beneath the surface.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin and the fragile marine ecosystem with eco-friendly sunscreen.
summer specific