Manta rays are some of the most graceful creatures in the ocean. Many people dream of seeing them up close in Hawaii.
Whether you’re planning a vacation or already live on the island, you might be wondering where you can catch a glimpse of these gentle giants.
I’ll share the best places to see manta rays on Oahu so you can make the most of your visit. With a little planning and the right timing, spotting a manta ray can be an unforgettable experience.
Kaimana Divers
When I went diving with Kaimana Divers, I noticed how small the groups were. My instructor explained everything and kept the boat uncrowded.
This made it easy for me to ask questions and feel safe while learning. The guides knew the local waters well.
I saw a lot of marine life, including turtles and even a manta ray during my dive. The staff picked the best dive sites based on the day’s weather, which helped us spot interesting sea creatures.
Booking my trip was simple, and the staff answered my questions quickly. All the equipment was clean and ready.
The instructors stayed calm and patient, even when some of us felt nervous before our first ocean dive. If you want a friendly dive experience on Oahu, check out Kaimana Divers.
I saw several other divers getting their certifications, but the staff treated everyone with patience and respect. Even as someone with less experience, I felt welcome.
Rating: 4.9 (260 reviews)
Location: 930 McCully St, Honolulu, HI 96826
Contact: (808) 772-1795
Website: Visit Website
One Ocean Diving
I spent a morning with One Ocean Diving, and it was both exciting and educational. The crew started by sharing facts about sharks and marine life, which helped calm my nerves before getting in the water.
If you’re not ready to dive in right away, you can stay on the boat and still see plenty from above. The guides are professionals, and knowing they’re trained as safety divers and marine biologists made me feel safe.
They stayed right next to me when I first got in the water. I held onto a line by the boat while I got used to the feeling.
When I felt ready, my guide showed me how to swim out and look for wildlife. I mostly went for the shark experience, but I also watched for turtles and manta rays.
While manta ray sightings aren’t always expected here, the crew always looks out for marine life on the way to and from the dive spot. The focus is on respecting the ocean and learning new things.
If you want a chance to see larger marine animals and learn more about ocean conservation, this is a good choice. They offer advanced tiger shark dives in the summer and fall for those who want a closer look with a small group.
Rating: 4.9 (1779 reviews)
Location: 66-105 Beach Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Contact: (808) 649-0018
Website: Visit Website
North Shore Shark Adventures
When I joined North Shore Shark Adventures, the boat left from the small harbor in Haleiwa and traveled a few miles off the North Shore. I didn’t need to bring any special gear—just showed up and got my mask and snorkel from the crew.
The ride out gave us great ocean views and a chance to spot dolphins and even sea turtles. Once we arrived, I got into a sturdy cage.
The staff explained everything clearly, and I felt safe the whole time. Sharks started circling soon after we entered the water, swimming smoothly past the cage.
I’m not a strong swimmer, but that didn’t matter. I just held onto the bars and watched the sharks glide by.
Some people on my tour even said it was the highlight of their Hawaii trip. I liked how friendly and helpful the crew was throughout the tour.
Rating: 4.8 (1924 reviews)
Location: Boat Harbor, 66-105, Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Contact: (808) 228-5900
Website: Visit Website
HAWAII ADVENTURE DIVING
I recently went on an ocean dive with Hawaii Adventure Diving, and it was one of the most memorable trips I’ve had on Oahu. The crew was patient, friendly, and made me feel safe from the moment I stepped on the boat.
They explained everything before we got in the water, which helped calm my nerves. The groups were small, which made the experience feel more personal and less crowded.
Our guides knew what they were doing and made sure everyone felt comfortable. I saw several kinds of sharks up close, including tiger sharks, and the guides showed a lot of respect for the animals.
Though this shop is known for shark dives, their staff talked about seeing other marine life in the area too. If manta rays are around, the crew knows how to spot them and will do their best to help you see them during your dive.
Rating: 5 (1,644 reviews)
Location: 66-105 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Contact: (808) 829-2203
Website: Visit Website
Reef Pirates Diving
When I went diving with Reef Pirates Diving, I saw right away how small their groups were. There were never more than six divers on the boat.
This made the trip feel safe and personal. The staff, like Crash, Noah, and Joe, were friendly and professional.
I felt comfortable and well taken care of from the start until the dives were done. The equipment was clean and up to date, which helped me enjoy the water.
Reef Pirates Diving offers trips for all skill levels. Since they run their own boats, we got to the dive sites earlier than most other operators.
During my trip, the sites were almost empty, giving us the best chance to spot manta rays and other sea life. They also have private charters for groups who want a more private experience.
If you are new to diving or want to get a certification, they also run courses with PADI professionals. Everything felt safe and organized throughout the day.
Rating: 4.8 (426 reviews)
Location: 7192 Kalanianaʻole Hwy D-100B, Honolulu, HI 96825
Contact: (808) 348-2700
Website: Visit Website
Manny’s Diving Adventures
I took a trip with Manny’s Diving Adventures and was impressed by how personal and welcoming it felt. This small, locally owned company is in Honolulu, and the staff really care about their guests.
I joined a boat tour where we looked for manta rays and explored Oahu’s beautiful dive spots. The guides explained everything clearly and made sure everyone felt safe, even if you didn’t have much experience.
They offer both group and private trips, so you can pick what fits your style. Besides scuba diving, they also run snorkeling tours, private charters, and special cruises like whale watching or watching fireworks from the water.
Manny, the owner, was there helping out and giving tips, and he knew a lot about the local sea life. If you want to see manta rays around Oahu and have a relaxed, fun time on the water, this is a great place to check out.
Rating: 4.8 (178 reviews)
Location: 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
Contact: (808) 748-9367
Website: Visit Website
Honolulu Snorkel Company
I joined one of the Honolulu Snorkel Company’s tours, and it was a great way to see marine life up close in Oahu’s clear waters. The guides made everything feel safe and easy, even for beginners and families.
Snorkel gear and life jackets were included, and the instructions were simple to follow. During our snorkel trip, our group saw many colorful fish and a few turtles swimming by.
The crew was friendly and knew all the best spots to look for sea creatures. I liked that there were options like basic and premium packages, so I could pick what worked best for me.
Even though the tours are family-friendly, there were plenty of chances to ask questions or just relax on the boat. The staff was always nearby to help with anything I needed.
Everything felt organized, from check-in to returning our gear after the tour. If you have friends or family who don’t want to snorkel, they can still enjoy the ride and watch ocean life from the boat.
It really felt like a welcoming, local experience.
Rating: 4.9 (693 reviews)
Location: 1085 Ala Moana Blvd # 103, Honolulu, HI 96814
Contact: (808) 556-7557
Website: Visit Website)
E Sea Diver
I chose E Sea Diver because I wanted to snorkel and see Hawaii’s ocean life up close.
The crew welcomed us and explained everything clearly, so even beginners feel comfortable and safe.
They answered my questions about where to spot manta rays and other sea creatures.
Their 3-hour tours allow plenty of time in the water.
The staff made sure everyone had the right gear and checked on us throughout the trip.
I got to swim near turtles and saw several rays gliding by on the reef.
The guides know a lot about the wildlife and help everyone see the animals without disturbing them.
Booking online was easy, and I discovered discounts for booking directly.
The team helped me choose the best tour for what I wanted to see.
They were easy to contact before and after my booking.
Rating: 4.9 (1169 reviews)
Location: PIER E, 1025 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
Contact: (808) 697-2787
Website: Visit Website
Ko Olina Ocean Adventures
When I joined Ko Olina Ocean Adventures, I saw a variety of sea life right from their catamaran.
The crew knew where to find the best snorkeling spots, and the clear water let me see corals, colorful fish, and turtles swimming nearby.
Everything on the boat felt comfortable.
The boat was clean, had restrooms, and plenty of space to relax in the sun.
They provided all the snorkel gear I needed, and the included drinks and snacks made the trip even better.
I didn’t see manta rays that day, but I watched dolphins play in the waves from the boat.
The guides explained that you can sometimes spot manta rays near the reefs and that each trip is a little different.
The sunset sail was beautiful.
We sailed along the Oahu coast as the sky turned orange and pink.
The crew was friendly and made sure everyone felt safe and welcome.
If you want a guided tour where you might see dolphins, turtles, and sometimes manta rays, this is a great choice.
Rating: 4.9 (2598 reviews)
Location: Ko Olina Ocean Adventures, Kapolei, HI
Contact: (808) 396-2068
Website: Visit Website
Ocean Outfitters Hawaii
I joined a tour with Ocean Outfitters Hawaii and had one of my favorite ocean experiences on Oahu.
The crew welcomed everyone and made sure we felt comfortable, whether we were swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the boat.
The guides took us to quiet spots on the North Shore, where we saw rays, green sea turtles, and even dolphins in their natural habitat.
Each crew member knew the best places to spot marine life and answered all my questions about the animals we saw.
The tours felt both safe and fun.
The equipment was clean, and the staff helped everyone get ready for swimming with sharks or snorkeling near the reefs.
It felt like exploring the ocean with friends.
I liked the small group size, which meant more time in the water and no crowds.
The guides made sure we got plenty of photos and memories to bring home.
Rating: 4.9 (528 reviews)
Location: 66-105 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Contact: (808) 400-1277
Website: Visit Website
Understanding Manta Ray Behavior
Manta rays are calm and gentle sea animals.
I love watching how they move and feed around Oahu at certain times of year.
Feeding Habits
Manta rays filter feed by swimming with their mouths open to catch plankton and small fish.
I often see them swimming slowly near the surface, especially near lights that attract plankton after sunset.
On Oahu, seeing manta rays while snorkeling or diving is rare compared to the Big Island.
The most likely spots are near reefs where plankton is common.
Sometimes, boats use bright lights at night to draw in plankton, and manta rays may show up for a late-night meal.
When food is easy to find, manta rays glide in slow circles, sucking in water and filtering out food.
They are social and may gather in small groups if there is lots of plankton.
Their big wings move like gentle waves.
Best Time of Year for Sightings
On Oahu, you can see manta rays all year, but I have the best luck from May to September.
During these months, the ocean is calmer, and plankton is more plentiful.
Calm water also makes it easier to spot manta rays from the surface or a boat.
Nighttime gives the highest chance for sightings, since plankton comes closer to shore and lights attract more.
Oahu doesn’t have as many regular feeding areas as Kona, so seeing manta rays depends on the day’s conditions.
Luck plays a role, but summer evenings at known spots have brought me the best results.
Responsible Wildlife Viewing
When I go out to see manta rays, I always try to protect the animals and respect their home.
I pay close attention to how my actions and choices can keep sea life safe and oceans healthy.
Eco-Friendly Tour Practices
I choose tours that use low-impact methods and care about marine life.
I look for companies that limit group sizes, use boats designed to avoid harming coral or sea creatures, and teach guests about manta rays.
Many ethical tours in Hawaii avoid chasing or crowding the rays, letting the animals approach on their own terms.
Some tours provide clear guidelines before I get in the water.
They remind me to use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid single-use plastics.
I choose certified guides who follow strict local rules.
I check reviews and look for mentions of education, respect, and responsible practices.
If a company leaves no trace and focuses on the well-being of the rays, I feel better about supporting them.
For more information, I sometimes check ethical wildlife tourism in Hawaii.
Rules for Swimming Near Manta Rays
When I swim close to manta rays, I follow safety rules to avoid stressing or harming them.
I keep a safe distance of at least 10 feet. I never touch, chase, or block their path.
I stay calm and quiet. I let the rays swim freely without sudden moves.
I float at the surface without splashing or kicking hard, because sudden movement can scare manta rays away.
I avoid using bright lights, flash photography, or loud noises, as these can hurt manta rays.
Many places have local laws to protect the rays and their environment. I learn the rules before I visit.
