ABOUT DIVING WITH MANTA RAYS IN KONA
The Kona Manta Ray Night Dive is one of the most popular activities in Hawaii. And Pacific Rim Divers has been taking people diving with manta rays for 25 years.
Manta rays feed on tiny marine organisms called plankton. Many years ago, divers discovered that light attracts plankton. When they held an underwater torch in place, plankton gathered in its beam. If divers could congregate large amounts of plankton, they could encourage manta rays to stay and feed in one area. And thus, a show was born.
At a site just off the airport, dive operators built an underwater “campfire” using large boulders. Why the airport? Because it is a good, reliable site for plankton accumulation (mantas show up about 90% of the time). A natural sand channel allows divers to sit or kneel on the bottom without impacting the environment. We don't want to kill coral while we're watching mantas!
Before sunset, dive guides put a crate of the brightest lights available (currently 33,000 lumens) to accumulate plankton. Once it's dark, divers gather and settle in the sand around the campfire; they hold up their dive lights. Snorkelers gather on the surface with bright lights shining down from rafts. And everyone watches the manta rays perform their night-time ballet, swooping and flying through the water column. If you're lucky, your light collects lots of plankton and a manta flies right over your head. If you're snorkeling, you might find yourself belly to belly with a 10-foot manta.
We're pretty confident you'll come out of the water and exclaim that it's the coolest thing you've ever seen.
Times: Varies based on sunset (1-tank or 2-tank available)
Where: Honokohau Marina near the mountain-side (mauka) boat ramp
What's included: tanks, weights, snacks, water and a professional, experienced dive guide
What to bring: any personal dive gear, certification card, camera, towel and sense of adventure. Some people find that they get chilled after being in the water at night, so we recommend you bring warmer dry clothes and even a hat.
Experience the Pacific Rim Divers Difference
We know that a manta ray night dive is a bucket-list item for many, but the quality of that experience often comes down to the size of the group. That is why we at Pacific Rim Divers intentionally limit our charters to just six guests. By keeping things small, we transform a popular tourist activity into a peaceful, intimate underwater encounter. Our boutique approach allows us to provide our signature "valet" service on all our Kona night diving tours, where we handle all your gear logistics from start to finish, letting you simply relax and soak in the aloha spirit of the Big Island.
Deciding which team to trust with your evening is a big choice. As a family-owned operation with a 25-year legacy, we prioritize slow, observant diving that focuses on the details. We love "talking story" with our guests, sharing the history of the Kona coast and the unique behaviors of the marine life we encounter. Between your dives, you can relax on our deck with a legendary treat—Patrice’s famous homemade brownies—while watching the stars over the Pacific. Whether you are an experienced enthusiast or looking for a patient environment for your first scuba diving trip at night, we make sure every detail is covered.
We are deeply committed to the health of our reefs here in Kona, HI. By utilizing established "campfire" sites and focusing on low-impact diving techniques, we ensure that your manta ray night dive is as environmentally conscious as it is thrilling. Beyond the mantas, our night dives often reveal nocturnal hunters and rare critters that larger "cattle boats" simply move too fast to see. From the moment we depart Honokohau Small Boat Harbor until we return under the moonlight, our goal is to provide a safe, professional, and truly zen-like Hawaii manta ray night charter.
If you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime, contact us today to reserve your spot on our next excursion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pacific Rim Divers focuses on a boutique valet experience, meaning we limit our boat to only six divers. We handle all gear logistics, including setup and cleaning, so you can enjoy a stress-free evening. Plus, every guest gets to enjoy our famous homemade brownies during the surface interval.
Yes, we welcome beginners and offer a patient, low-pressure environment for all our guests. Because of our small group sizes, our instructors can provide the individual attention needed to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable during their manta ray night dive in Kona, HI.
Our charter includes professional guide services, tanks, weights, and our signature valet gear service. We also provide snacks and drinks. We choose our dive sites daily based on the best current conditions in Kona, HI, to ensure the highest chance of a spectacular encounter.