outrigger kona resort and spa manta viewing deck

Swim with manta rays at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa

The Big Island of Hawaii, known for its black sand beaches, lush rainforests, and world-famous volcanoes, offers a diverse range of natural wonders.

Among these, an extraordinary and magical experience awaits beneath the crystal-blue waves of the Pacific Ocean: swimming with majestic manta rays.

Manta rays, often referred to as the ‘gentle giants of the sea’, are awe-inspiring marine creatures with wingspans that can reach up to 22 feet. Manta rays are renowned for their harmless nature and their comfort with divers and snorkellers, making them highly sought-after companions for underwater adventures.

outrigger kona resort and spa manata ray dive

outrigger kona resort and spa pool

Located on the shores of Keauhou Bay, the oceanfront 22-acre OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa is one of the only places in the world to consistently view and interact with manta rays year-round. The resort has a partnership with Manta Pacific Research Foundation as part OUTRIGGER’s global OUTRIGGER Zone initiative that provides enriching experiences for guests that focus on stewardship, conservation of the ocean and its inhabitants.

For those seeking a thrilling encounter with these gentle giants, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa offers a remarkable Signature Experience with the Manta Ray Night Snorkel. This unique adventure takes you to the ‘Manta Ray Village’, just in front of the property where you can swim alongside manta rays under the enchanting night sky.

For those who prefer to stay dry, OUTRIGGER’s Manta Center offers daily manta ray viewings at dusk, complemented by informative talks.

The oceanfront OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa provides a captivating home base for travelers seeking everything from adventure and Hawaiian culture to relaxation and romance. With an on-site chapel and ample event venues, it’s an ideal location for weddings and meetings. Kids and kids-at-heart love the 200-foot water slide and the resort’s Feast & Fire Lū‘au is legendary.

The property is now undergoing exciting enhancements, with newly renovated rooms available for booking starting Nov. 1, 2023.

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