Scuba Diving with Manta Rays in Hawaii

Location: Hawai’i (the big island)

Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler

How do I know it’s ethical?

Scuba diving, when done correctly, is an ethical experience. There should be no interaction with wildlife, ever. It’s a core belief of scuba diving and should be respected at all costs. Scuba diving (or snorkeling) with manta rays follows this principle.

Description of the Experience

The experience starts on the dive boat with ensuring all gear is accounted for. After a safety demonstration, you head over to the dive spot (one of a couple options, depending on sightings in the past few days.)

Upon arrival near the dive spot, the crew tells you all about manta rays. The pattern on their bottom side is unique to the animal like a fingerprint. Mantas are not dangerous to humans, they don’t sting or bite. However, we cannot touch the manta rays. They have a protective layer on them that gets rubbed off by humans. The speech also includes what will happen in the water so everyone is on the same page.

Once you’re in the water, the dive instructor will put out a few flashlights – called a ‘campfire’. This will wake the krill (who are normally asleep at night). The manta rays eventually come for a buffet of their favorite food. Scuba divers set up in a small circle around the campfire on the ocean ground (not on coral). Divers stay still and let the manta rays glide right over them.

Snorkelers have a floating paddleboard with handles around the edge. There were a few holes in the middle with flashlights pointing down. No matter which way you see these graceful animals, you’ll be in awe at their beauty. It was an incredible experience that I would recommend to anyone visiting Hawaii.

Company/ Cost: 

I did my dive with Torpedo Tours. Per my usual, I did extensive research on the company before booking. Torpedo is a small business with roots in the Kona area. They limit the number of scuba divers and snorkelers to ensure we don’t overwhelm the animals and to ensure we each can get unobstructed views of the manta rays.

Cost: Snorkelers $140, Scuba Divers (certified) $170

Manta Rays eating krill. Photo by me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler.
Scuba diving with Manta Rays in Hawai'i

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This is one post on a series of ethical animal tourism posts by travel content creators. The experiences cover all seven continents and a variety of animals. Ensure that your animal experience is an ethical one.

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