Hawai’i is not the only place where you can swim with manta rays. Other popular places to dive with these gentle giants are for example the Maldives, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Galapagos islands. Most manta ray dives at these locations are made at so-called “cleaning stations”, where the manta rays get their skin cleaned by smaller creatures .What makes Hawaii so special is the time when you are in the water with the manta rays: night time! The Big Island is one of the best snorkeling spots in the world. Snorkeling spots are discussed in detail in the snorkeling and beaches section.