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Manta ray · Hawaii

Where to see manta rays in Hawaii

Operators 4Season Year-roundRegions 2Published prices 3Encounter formats 2
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About this list

A common trap when looking for places to see manta rays in Hawaii is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the manta ray as a target species, 4 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Encounters are split into scuba diving and snorkeling. Two "manta ray tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 3 of the 4 operators (75%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. The manta ray season in Hawaii is year-round, according to Kona Snorkel Trips (operator, Kona) (checked Sep 14, 2026). The manta rays off Kona are a resident population that does not migrate, so night manta dives and snorkels run all year. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.

Manta ray season in Hawaii

Year-round

  1. JanJanuary: in season
  2. FebFebruary: in season
  3. MarMarch: in season
  4. AprApril: in season
  5. MayMay: in season
  6. JunJune: in season
  7. JulJuly: in season
  8. AugAugust: in season
  9. SepSeptember: in season
  10. OctOctober: in season
  11. NovNovember: in season
  12. DecDecember: in season

The manta rays off Kona are a resident population that does not migrate, so night manta dives and snorkels run all year.

Source: Kona Snorkel Trips (operator, Kona) · Manta Ray Night Dive Kona · checked Sep 14, 2026

4 listed operators

Manta rays in Hawaii, by way to meet them

Manta ray season

Manta rays in other countries

Activities in Hawaii

Frequently asked questions

Where can you see manta rays in Hawaii?

4 operators name the manta ray as a target species. Main regions: Kona, Hawaii Island.

Do you have to get in the water to see manta rays?

Formats on record: scuba diving and snorkeling. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.

When is manta ray season?

The manta ray season in Hawaii is year-round, according to Kona Snorkel Trips (operator, Kona) (checked Sep 14, 2026). The manta rays off Kona are a resident population that does not migrate, so night manta dives and snorkels run all year.

Will I definitely see them?

No. Manta rays are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.