What to Expect While Diving with Manta Rays in Hilo, Hawaii

If there’s one underwater encounter that divers dream about, it’s gliding alongside the gentle giants of the ocean — manta rays. Here in Hilo, Hawaii, we’re lucky enough to share our waters with these graceful creatures year-round. Whether you’re a certified diver or working toward your first PADI certification, diving with manta rays is an unforgettable experience.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what to expect on your dive — from gearing up to that magical moment when a manta ray soars overhead.

1. Meeting the Mantas: Understanding These Gentle Giants

Manta rays are completely harmless filter feeders. They don’t have stingers like stingrays and they feed mostly on plankton. In Hawaiian waters, reef manta rays can have wingspans of up to 12 feet — and they often swim right past divers with a curiosity that feels almost magical.

Fun fact: Each manta ray has a unique spot pattern on its underside, kind of like a fingerprint!

2. Pre-Dive Briefing

Before heading out, your dive instructor will cover:

• Safety protocols

• Manta ray behavior (and how to respect their space)

• Photography tips for underwater shots without disturbing the wildlife

If you’re doing a night dive — one of the most popular ways to see mantas — you’ll also learn how the lights attract plankton, which in turn attracts the manta rays.

3. The Dive Experience

Once in the water, here’s what you can expect:

• Crystal-clear visibility on most days, especially during night dives when lights illuminate the scene.

• Weightless wonder as mantas glide just feet above your head, performing slow barrel rolls to feed.

• A front-row seat to nature’s ballet, with mantas swooping in and out of your light beam.

They often come incredibly close — close enough to see their gills filtering plankton — but remember: no touching! Let them approach you naturally.

4. Respecting the Ocean and Its Residents

Diving with manta rays is a privilege. Always follow these guidelines:

• Keep your fins and gear away from the rays.

• Stay low to the reef or sandy bottom.

• Avoid sudden movements or chasing the mantas.

Your respect ensures these incredible creatures remain comfortable around divers for years to come.

5. The Takeaway: A Memory You’ll Never Forget

The first time a manta ray passes over you, its wings gently brushing the water above, you’ll feel something hard to describe — a mix of awe, peace, and connection to the ocean. Many divers call it a spiritual experience, and it’s easy to see why.

Whether it’s your first dive or your hundredth, manta rays have a way of making it unforgettable.

Ready to Dive with Mantas in Hilo?

At [Your Dive Shop Name], we offer guided manta ray dives for certified divers and discover scuba experiences for beginners. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with Hawaii’s most elegant ocean residents.