A trip to Hawaii is a wonderful experience; you will never forget the time spent there. However, if you plan a trip to this beautiful place, you must try the manta ray snorkeling. Why? You will find an agency offering a manta ray snorkel tour in Kailua-Kona, HI, because every year, thousands of tourists come to Kailua-Kona for this special snorkeling experience.
If you are wondering what’s the difference between regular snorkeling and manta ray snorkeling, this post will help you understand the difference.
The islands of Hawaii sparkle during the daytime, and the experience is magical at night; you can also snorkel in Kailua-Kona at night.
On the west coast of Hawaii, there is an amazing town called Kailua-Kona. This place is known for deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and many other activities.
This place hosts the International Billfish Tournament in August every year. Kona coffee is another popular attraction for tourists here.
What does a manta ray night snorkel feel like?
It is a fantastic experience that will make you want to go there again and again. This snorkeling activity must be on your bucket list if you visit Hawaii. Get in touch with an agency that offers a manta ray snorkel tour in Kailua-Kona, HI, before you reach the island.
This activity was first discovered when the people noticed the light emitted by the hotels nearby the sea attracted the manta ray that came to feed on plankton. After that, the place became a hotbed for tourists.
Why is the manta ray snorkel in Kailua-Kona so special?
Indeed, places like the Galapagos islands in the Caribbean, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, and many other places have this snorkeling facility. However, tourists prefer this place for snorkeling. Why is that?
Here, in Kailua-Kona, you can witness nature at its best as you watch this creature feed on plankton in their natural habitat. The lights coming under the sea from the island hotels and street lights and the dancing of the manta rays is so magical that snorkeling in no other place gives you the same experience.
Here are some fun facts about manta rays in Kailua-Kona:
- Have you heard of the Mobula alfredi species? The manta rays are a part of these species, or to be precise, the largest among them. Manta rays are found in shallow waters and reefs and have giant vacuum-like mouths.
- Kona manta rays grow up to 18 feet (wingspan) and weigh 3000 lbs.
- They do not migrate as the seasons change. So, you can spot them in the same region all year around Hawaii island.
- The life span of the Kona manta ray is around 50 years. The reproduction process is slow, with one pup every 2 to 3 years.
- Data shows that the population of manta rays reached about 320 on Hawaii island, most of which can be found in the Kailua-Kona region.
- They are considered extraordinary aquatic creatures and are revered in Hawaiian culture. Manta rays are so important in their culture that they mentioned them in their Hawaiian creation chant known as the Kumulipo.
When to go snorkeling in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii?
People can go for the manta ray snorkel tour in Kailua-Kona, HI, any time of the year as the manta rays don’t relocate their habitat. Hawaii is also known as the surfing haven as it always has high waves. Hence, the high tides are unsafe for snorkeling. So, the best time would start in late spring and continue till early fall.
If all the activities mentioned above and information excite you about the trip to Kailua-Kona, then you can book tickets for the following fall.
