Manta rays at outrigger vs airport?

Question

I saw this was a question about 10 years ago, but what is the current suggestion for a better snorkel experience to see the manta rays at either the outrigger or the airport? I have gone to the outrigger site before, but have not been to the one at the airport. In terms of experience, I am looking for amount of time in the water with the manta rays or more numerous manta rays.

Any tour company suggestions would also be helpful.

Answer

The Manta Ray snorkel experience is one of the most sought-after underwater adventures on the Big Island, and there are two popular sites where you can do it: the Outrigger site (near Kona) and the airport site (often referred to as the Kailua-Kona Airport or “Kona Airport” site). Both locations offer incredible opportunities to swim with manta rays, but they differ slightly in terms of the experience and conditions.

Here's a comparison of the two locations based on your priorities—amount of time in the water and the number of manta rays encountered:

Outrigger Site (Kona Coast):
- Experience: This site is generally considered to offer a more consistent and controlled experience. It’s a popular location for manta ray tours, and many companies operate here. The water is generally calm, and the visibility is excellent, which contributes to a great experience overall.
- Manta Sightings: The manta rays here are typically very active, and you have a good chance of seeing multiple rays. The site is deep, around 30 to 40 feet, but the tours are usually conducted with the help of bright lights to attract the manta rays. It’s common to see a handful of mantas during a single session, with some nights offering even more.
- Time in the Water: The time spent in the water is often around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on conditions. The tour companies typically ensure plenty of time for participants to enjoy the interaction with the rays.
Airport Site (Kailua-Kona):
- Experience: The airport site, located near the Kailua-Kona Airport, tends to be a quieter location compared to the Outrigger site. It’s not as frequently visited, and this can translate to a more private and serene experience. However, it can also have more challenging conditions, such as stronger currents and variable visibility.
- Manta Sightings: The number of manta rays at the airport site can be highly variable. While some nights can offer exceptional experiences with multiple mantas, other nights may have fewer rays. However, the site can occasionally offer more close-up interactions, as the manta rays tend to be less habituated to crowds compared to the Outrigger site.
- Time in the Water: You’ll generally spend around 45 minutes to an hour in the water here as well, though the experience can sometimes feel more intimate because of the smaller groups. The lack of large crowds might allow for a more relaxed, less rushed dive.

Tour Company Suggestions: There are several reputable companies offering manta ray snorkel tours at both sites. Here are a few top-rated options:

Kona Diving Company: Known for its professionalism and high-quality tours, Kona Diving Company offers both boat and shore-based manta ray snorkeling experiences. They often operate at the Outrigger site but can also organize trips to the airport site, depending on conditions.
Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii: This is one of the most well-known companies specializing in manta ray night dives, and they operate at the Outrigger site. They focus on providing an immersive, educational experience and are known for their small group sizes.
Kona Honu Divers: Offering a more intimate and personalized tour, Kona Honu Divers is another great choice for snorkeling with manta rays. Their boats are equipped with large, powerful lights that attract the rays, and they provide both daytime and night dives.
Jack's Diving Locker: This is another excellent option for divers who prefer a well-organized, professional experience. Jack’s Diving Locker has a reputation for high standards in safety and service and offers both boat and shore-based manta tours.

Conclusion: If you're looking for more consistent encounters with multiple manta rays and a controlled experience, the Outrigger site is your best bet. It's busy but well-managed, and you're more likely to see several mantas during your session. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, less crowded experience with the possibility of more intimate interactions with the rays (albeit with more variability in terms of sightings), the airport site might be the better choice. Both sites provide an amazing opportunity to see one of Hawaii’s most iconic marine animals, and with the right tour company, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Manta rays at outrigger vs airport?

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