There’s no denying that Hawaii is a majestic place both on land and in the sea. For anyone who goes snorkeling, some of the most mesmerizing sea creatures you’ll come across are rays. Also known as batoidea, these are the wide, flat-bodied fish with wing-like fins. If you’ve ever been curious about them, here are a few amusing tidbits.

5 Facts About the Rays You Might See While Snorkeling in Hawaii

1. There Are 3 Types

In Hawaii, you’ll find stingrays, spotted eagle rays, and manta rays, with the latter being the most common. Their coloring is the quickest way to spot the difference. Stingrays are usually brown, spotted eagle rays are generally black with white spots on the top of their bodies, and manta rays are mostly black with some white markings on their back.

2. They Are Closely Related to Sharks

If you’ve looked closely at the texture of their skin and the size of their gills, you may have noticed they're a little similar to that of sharks. This is because they are part of the same subclass. They’re both a type of cartilaginous fish, which means that instead of having a skeleton made of bone, theirs is made of cartilage.

3. They Can Breach the Water

Like whales, manta rays and spotted eagle rays have been seen breaching the water, which is simply leaping up out of the water. The former is more likely to do so. Sometimes, the jump takes them partially out of the water, while other times, their entire body comes out. Scientists have yet to explain exactly why they do this.

4. You Should Always Keep Your Distance

Both stingrays and spotted eagle rays have stingers, so steer clear of their rear ends and tails. Although manta rays don’t have one, you should still maintain some space while you’re snorkeling. Not only do manta rays not like to be touched, but their bodies are also covered in a protective mucus that shields them from infections.

5. Manta Rays Are Legally Protected in Hawaii

Since 2009, it is forbidden to hunt or catch manta rays in Hawaiian waters. This is because populations have severely declined throughout the Pacific due to a high demand for their gills by some East Asian cultures. Those caught violating the law face fines ranging from $500 to $10,000.

If you’re ever in Oahu and eager to see rays up close, book a sailing and snorkeling tour with Ko Olina Ocean Adventures! Based in Kapolei, they’re known for their commitment to the community as well as the environment. They’re a proud member of the Hawaii Ecotourism Association, so you can always trust they’ll prioritize the safety of everyone and everything involved. Aside from rays, during your snorkeling tour, you could even swim with turtles or dolphins! To learn more, visit their website or call them directly at (808) 396-2068.