Manta Rays but no boat?

Question

We are staying at Kanoloa at Kona - right on the bay there. I've looked into so many excursions to see Manta rays (three kids 5, 7, 12). The issue is my 5 year old is not a good enough swimmer at this point and I just think he might be a little young.

My question is, is is worth us taking a family stroll over to Outrigger and check out the Manta Ray viewing area (since it is so close)? Or is this just something I can make an excuse to come back to do once the kids are old enough? Totally find with the latter, lol!

Answer

Seeing manta rays in Kona is one of Hawaii’s most magical marine experiences, but it’s true that the most popular way to view them is on a guided night snorkel or dive tour. These tours allow you to get up close to the mantas as they feed on plankton attracted by lights, which is an unforgettable experience — but as you noted, it’s not suitable for very young children who aren’t confident swimmers.

Regarding the option of walking over to the Outrigger Manta Ray viewing area from your Kona Bay location:

The area near the Outrigger is primarily the launch point for tours and doesn’t offer a public “shore viewing platform” for mantas. At night, when mantas come close to the bay lights, you might see them from the shore, but the visibility is limited. You won’t get the same immersive experience as a tour, and often the rays are far enough out that you’ll just see shadows or occasional splashes.
During the day, mantas are not generally near shore, so there’s no guarantee of sightings at all. Most daytime shore visits won’t provide a meaningful manta experience.
Safety and accessibility are key — walking with small children, especially at night, can be tricky, and the lighting and rocky shoreline may pose hazards. You’d need to be extra cautious with a 5-year-old.

Given these points, it might make more sense to enjoy the other family-friendly activities in Kona Bay and plan to return when your children are older and able to participate in a guided tour. The tours are very safe and family-friendly for kids who meet the swimming requirements, and the experience of floating near manta rays at night is truly unforgettable — it’s one of those things that’s worth waiting for until the whole family can enjoy it safely.

Alternative options for your current visit:

Enjoy snorkeling or swimming at Kailua-Kona beaches or nearby calm bays during the day where all ages can participate safely.
Consider daytime boat tours with glass-bottom viewing or shorter family-friendly excursions that allow children to see marine life without needing to snorkel at night.
Take a walk along the bayfront to see the lights and the water — it can be enjoyable in its own right, even if you don’t see mantas.

In summary, for your current trip with a 5-year-old who isn’t a strong swimmer, the best approach is to save the full manta ray night snorkel for a future visit. Walking over to the Outrigger is unlikely to provide a meaningful manta sighting, but a brief stroll can be a fun, safe way to enjoy the bay area without committing to a tour.

Manta Rays but no boat?

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