Why do Manta Rays come to Keauhou Bay?

Many manta rays on Big Island can be found at Keauhou Bay, also known as Manta Ray Village, all year round. The depth of the water near here goes from very deep to very shallow quickly creating a short swim for zooplankton to rise to the surface. This creates a rich feeding ground for manta rays in Kona. Additionally, the reef around the bay is a beautiful reef that is home to a variety of small wrasse fish which remove parasites and dead skin cells from the manta rays at natural cleaning stations. When you swim with manta rays on Big Island an artificial light source is used through these state-of-the-art “Light Boards” which draws in an abundance of zooplankton, which in return draws in manta rays. During your manta ray night swim on Big Island, you’ll see the natural food chain from the smallest of animals to some of the largest. 1. Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona