This makes them totally safe to be around. It is very important to note that the Manta Ray does NOT have a stinger like its cousin the Sting Ray. Truly, the Manta Rays are a sight to behold! Like large butterflies dancing across the sea. So, in their own way they can see behind them and all around themselves. How do the Manta Rays swim so artfully while they feed and not bump into anything or other creatures in their environ, even those behind them? The Manta Rays have a neat sense we don’t have as humans that uses electromagnetic pulses to sense the distance of objects around them. While you float at the surface of the water still as possible, these truly amazing creatures glide right on by, coming as close as possible without touching you. Now with the Plankton on the scene it is not long until the Manta Rays come swooping through, around, under and in mouths open like a sieve to catch the Plankton.

Once we set up the lights you can see the plankton begin to mass like clouds of air bubbles rising toward the lights. We will be bringing some lights that attract swarms of the itty bitty creatures the Manta Rays feed on known as Plankton. So why is this tour at night you may ask? It’s not only more exciting but it matches the natural schedule for the Manta Ray! Manta Rays are Nocturnal feeders like Hawaii’s Spinner dolphins they feed at night. A Manta Ray’s ‘wing spans’ can be as large as 20ft in length. Their huge side fins operate like wings which helps the Manta Ray to fly through the water. Manta Rays are often called the “Butterflies of the Sea” for how they glide, turn, and seemingly move as if in an intricate dance. These magnificent creatures of the sea are known for their grace and beauty of movement as they glide through the ocean.

It is the Waters off Big Island where the Manta Rays can be found to gather at night and feed on plankton. You don’t want to miss out on this once in a lifetime experience! This experience and type of tour is unique in all the world to the Big Island, Hawaii. Come experience up close, up very close the harmless and beautiful creatures known as the Manta Ray.

Manta ray swim big island