Page 7) Things to Do in Big Island in 2025 – Tours & Activities

Kona Sunset & Moonlight Wild Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Wahine Charters

Nice people, no Manta Rays

Reviewed by: CHZ

Tour guides were great, nice, and informative. Sadly did not see any manta rays on our cruise. They said this was highly unusual but still disappointing to not see any. They offered for us to go back on a future tour, but we were leaving the island and they do not offer any refunds.

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Rating:
Packages:	Moonlight Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2 hours]
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/08/22
Activity Date:	2021/08/01

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

I didn't enjoy it but you might

Reviewed by: Denis

We left late and were, as far as I could tell, the last boat to arrive. The place was pretty packed with people from the other boats. The ocean is pretty big so I'm not sure if we were so clustered because there's one particular spot that is best or because of some other reason. For the safety of the manta rays and possibly for your own safety, you don't actually get to swim in the water but rather your entire group are always holding on to a shared flotation device. It's not a good thing or a bad thing but something you should be aware of before signing up.
We saw one manta ray, which was a nice experience. Right after we saw it, the crew packed us up and headed back to the harbor. These are wild creatures so it's not like you're guaranteed to see them but I was expecting the crew to keep us there a bit longer. Anyway, my kids liked it, but I still wouldn't recommend this experience.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/08/22
Activity Date:	2021/08/20

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Loved it!!!

Reviewed by: Karen

Not quite what I expected as you don’t get to snorkel around but breathtaking and amazing to watch those beautiful creatures at night in the light, it’s like they are dancing for you!

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/08/21
Activity Date:	2021/07/30

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Love the crew

Reviewed by: Angimono26

Super fun boat ride with great boat crew. Mata rays were fun adventure

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/08/14
Activity Date:	2021/07/24

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Only saw a few manta, waited too long in the water before sunset, family all got too cold to enjoy the experience.

Reviewed by: Ang

Nice people running the boat, but there were SO many boats out there, and other boats had bigger/brighter lights - so they were all "oo-ing" over manta at their sites, and we were on the outskirts, only saw a handful flying by. No barrel rolls under us.

The worst part is you have to take such a long boatride to get out there, and we had to then get into the water and line up on a raft thing waiting at least 10 minutes in the cold water just waiting for sunset to get dark. We could've at least waited until closer to when out it was dark and the rays would come.

Plus my son and I also got seasick, since the waves were so bad - and it wasn't even the ocean that caused it, it was the motion of all the boats coming in. At least 10 other boats out there, figthing to see the manta.

Would definitely not do it again, for the torture in the process.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/08/13
Activity Date:	2021/08/11

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Up close and personal with manta rays!

Reviewed by: Bridget D

Staff was very helpful especially with one in our party who just rode along and needed assistance getting on and off boat. Boat was a little crowded but staff very efficient at getting everyone into water. Manta rays swam just beneath us and seemed close enough to touch!

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Moonlight Manta Snorkel (Seasonal)
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/08/13
Activity Date:	2021/08/05

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Close to Nature - REALLY Close

Reviewed by: Ravenclaw

This experience is one of a kind - having manta rays come right up to you as they feed on plankton in the bay! We were provided with a wet suit (top only for adults, body suit for children), snorkel, and mask.

Once anchored, you will slip into the water at the back of the boat, swim over to the lighted surfboards with handles, grip the handles and let your body float flat on the surface. They will give you a pool noodle to help with this. The manta rays will come right up to the surfboard and gently roll over as they feed on plankton that the light illuminates. I will add that it may seem like a short amount of time (about 30 minutes), but by the time they brought us in, I had started to get cold and my arms started aching from holding the handles the whole time. It was worth it for the experience.

If you are not a strong swimmer, they will offer to help you.

All the members of the crew on my boat were great! Very friendly and helpful. Thank you so much!

My one concern is regarding the number of other boats and people also participating in the same activity. There were quite a few and my concern was for the safety and protection of the manta rays. However, it does seem that the manta rays are not in danger and gain something out of the experience themselves because it provides a better opportunity for feeding that they would not have otherwise. The crew also show a great respect and love for them as well.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/08/02
Activity Date:	2021/07/31

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe

Just....WOW

Reviewed by: Chris

The whole experience was well done. Captain Danielle and her crew mate were knowledgeable, kind and helpful. We saw tons of mantas doing endless barrel rolls inches from our masks!!! The boat ride is brief and we spent plenty of time in the water on the light-board. FYI- You need to be able to climb up a 3-rung boat ladder to get out of the water, it went fine with our tour but I could imagine that might be tough for some. Well worth the time and money!!

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/08/01
Activity Date:	2021/07/30

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Fantastic!

Reviewed by: Meg

We had the best time, the crew was fantastic, nice boat, brand new wetsuits, we enjoyed this trip so much. And the hot chocolate after the swim was a perfect touch! We saw I think 5-7 mantas and they were with us the entire dive.

Reply from activity provider

Thank you for joining with us.
We are glad you felt warmth with Hot chocolate, too ;)

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Rating:
Packages:	Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2021/08/01
Activity Date:	2021/07/11

Kona Sunset & Moonlight Wild Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Wahine Charters

Manta rays

Reviewed by: P.

The manta rays were incredible to swim with and the crew did an excellent job. You are taken care of the moment you get on to the boat until the moment you get back. This adventure takes you out with light boards to see the manta rays come swim around you. It was well done.

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Rating:
Packages:	Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours]
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/07/31
Activity Date:	2021/07/29

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Spectacular adventure!

Reviewed by: Donna W.

Amazing crew who shared humor, but were extremely focused on safety and total enjoyment for each guest. Thank you Captain Scott, Bryce, and the entire Ikuka Team for this amazing experience. We will definitely be returning. Mahalo!

Reply from activity provider

Thank you for joining with us and beautiful Manta Ray shots!
We are looking forward to seeing you again!

A hui hou

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Rating:
Packages:	Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/07/27
Activity Date:	2021/07/25

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Manta Ray snorkel

Reviewed by: Ninnette H

This was such an awesome experience! My family and I had such a great time. It was a little scary at first but you get over it really quick once you see the mantas! The crew was also awesome. They made everyone comfortable and constantly checked on us to make sure we were on in the water! 10/10!

Reply from activity provider

Thank you for your nice picture!
People sometimes feel scared first in the dark Ocean but no need to worry.
Manta Rays flip in the blue light is so beautiful.
Mahalo!

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Rating:
Packages:	Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/07/24
Activity Date:	2021/07/03

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe

Amazing!

Reviewed by: C Wilson

The crew was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, and seeing the mantas up close was an amazing experience. We would so this again, no question!

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/07/22
Activity Date:	2021/07/20

Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour - Small-Group Adventure from Keauhou Bay

Great Experience

Reviewed by: Jenn from WA

This was an extraordinary experience. I loved every minute watching the majestic mantas doing their thing. The staff was incredibly nice, safe, knowledgeable and accommodating. I would ten out of ten recommend this!

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Rating:
Packages:	Night Manta Discovery Adventure
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/07/21
Activity Date:	2021/07/19

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Simply Amazing!! Best of my my things I have done on Big Island!

Reviewed by: Roxene Gascoigne

This has been the most thrilling adventure ever snorkeling with this big creatures!!! Loved it and loved the reggae music on the boat ride out to the snorkel area.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha
Thank you for your beautiful photos.
Yeah, Mantas are amazing!

Please come again.
Mahalo!

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Rating:
Packages:	Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2021/07/20
Activity Date:	2021/07/19

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Manta Ray tour experience

Reviewed by: Paul Miller

First Ill start and say the Rays were awesome. So many showed up and the crew was teaching us facts while we were out there.
The beginning was a little different though. When we arrived at the shop it was very unorganized, the area to get a wet suite top was very dark and scattered, there was very little instruction getting on boat and captain didn't seem to really wanna be there.
I would pick a different company if we did it again.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Moonlight Manta Snorkel (Seasonal)
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/07/18
Activity Date:	2021/07/14

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe

A must do

Reviewed by: Cliff

Over all great experience. The boat and crew were great, we seen several mantas even though it was kinda rainy. Went with family and older children. 16 and 19 y/o daughters they loved it.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/07/18
Activity Date:	2021/07/13

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Manta snorkle

Reviewed by: Emily

This excursion was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done! I’ve been to the Big Island 4 times prior and never did this, but I now highly recommend it! It will truest blow your mind to see these beautiful creatures! Trever, Diego, Captain Wayne and all the other crew that I can’t remember their name, sorry, were very helpful and knowledgeable about the Manta Rays. The rays came within inches of us! Very cool! Highly recommend!

Reply from activity provider

Thank you very much!
Mantas swim in a relaxed matter, and come close and turn around under the blue light.
It is very mystical experience !
Please don't miss out when you visit Kona.
Mahalo

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Rating:
Packages:	Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/07/18
Activity Date:	2021/07/16

Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour - Small-Group Adventure from Keauhou Bay

Must do!

Reviewed by: Kate

Highly recommend this! The guides were knowledgeable and we saw lots of rays! Booked the 6:30pm trip but went out about 7pm which was perfect timing for sunset.

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Rating:
Packages:	Night Manta Discovery Adventure
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/07/16
Activity Date:	2021/07/13

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Such a unique experience!

Reviewed by: Glenn

Crew was great, energetic and attentive. Such an amazing experience, I found myself holding my breath as I felt these magnificent manta rays swim under me.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/07/12
Activity Date:	2021/07/10

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Once in a lifetime experience

Reviewed by: Emily

For a list minute booking, this experience was amazing. The entire crew was very knowledgeable and helpful. We saw so many manta rays up close and personal. They are such majestic creatures. One of the best moments of our entire trip!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Emily,

Yes, they are coming so close enough to touch!
We are so glad you enjoyed the tour and spend a great time with Manta Rays.

Mahalos

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Rating:
Packages:	Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/07/11
Activity Date:	2021/07/09

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Awesome experience!

Reviewed by: Wendy

We went on the sunset cruise and had a great experience. The crew/guides were knowledgeable, fun and helpful. When we got in the water, they knew where to take us for the best viewing.
The Manta Ray's were so cool to see. This should be on your must do activity list. I would recommend it over a regular day time snorkel trip. However, next time I would do the later night time trip. The Manta Rays seem to be more active the later it gets.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2021/07/03
Activity Date:	2021/07/01

Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour - Small-Group Adventure from Keauhou Bay

Great time

Reviewed by: Amalia

My family had a great outing to the manta rays. The crew made us feel safe and made sure we had a great time. My 12 and 8 year old loved the experience as well. Would definitely recommend this crew.

Reply from activity provider

Mahalo for the shout out to your crew and the 5 star review! We are thrilled to hear that you had an amazing night. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again next time!

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Night Manta Discovery Adventure
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/07/02
Activity Date:	2021/06/30

Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour - Small-Group Adventure from Keauhou Bay

Amazing experience

Reviewed by: Alex U.

If you are ever on Big Island and looking for unforgettable experience, you have to snorkel with manta rays. They are massive, but completely harmless, and will swim up to and under you. Just have your camera ready and enjoy the show. Dolphin Discoveries took care of all the details and made everyone feel comfortable in the water. I will definitely consider them for other tours!

Reply from activity provider

Mahalo Alex for your awesome review! We are so happy that you had a great time out on our manta ray snorkel! We do hope that we can see you again soon!

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Rating:
Packages:	Night Manta Discovery Adventure
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/06/30
Activity Date:	2021/06/28

Kona Sunset & Moonlight Wild Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Wahine Charters

Amazing experience

Reviewed by: Daniel

Awesome crew, it's actually an advantage to go on a smaller boat with fewer people, highly recommended.

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Rating:
Packages:	Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours]
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/06/29
Activity Date:	2021/06/27

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

What a great experience!!!

Reviewed by: Brian My

Our crew was awesome and made the experience just totally rad.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Moonlight Manta Snorkel (Seasonal)
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/06/29
Activity Date:	2021/06/27

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Manta dive

Reviewed by: Dude

Was lots of fun! Saw manta rays and enjoyed the sunset!

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/06/28
Activity Date:	2021/06/25

Kona Sunset & Moonlight Wild Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Wahine Charters

Awesome!

Reviewed by: Haven

I would totally do this again! Such beautiful creatures!

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Rating:
Packages:	Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours]
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2021/06/26
Activity Date:	2021/06/24

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Great tour!

Reviewed by: jrd

We booked this sort of last minute and were so pleased with the tour! The crew was great and had some very funny and entertaining jokes/stories. The manta rays were indescribable and it was such a unique experience. One major thing to note - we went in the middle of June and it was still very cold in the water, wetsuits are a must in my opinion!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha, Thank you for joining our Manta Ray snorkeling tour! We are grad that you had a great time with Mantas. Yes, since Manta Ray tour stars after Sunset, we highly recommend to wear wet suits during snorkeling. Thank you for your advice!
A Hui Hou.

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Rating:
Packages:	Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2021/06/26
Activity Date:	2021/06/24

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Incredible

Reviewed by: Mel

Never done anything like this. Is like a must do in Kona.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/06/25
Activity Date:	2021/06/20

Things to Do in Big Island in 2025 – Tours & Activities | HawaiiActivities.com

All Reviews for Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Big Island

Overall Rating

Reviews

Nice people, no Manta Rays

I didn't enjoy it but you might

Loved it!!!

Love the crew

Only saw a few manta, waited too long in the water before sunset, family all got too cold to enjoy the experience.

Up close and personal with manta rays!

Close to Nature - REALLY Close

Just....WOW

Fantastic!

Manta rays

Spectacular adventure!

Manta Ray snorkel

Amazing!

Great Experience

Simply Amazing!! Best of my my things I have done on Big Island!

Manta Ray tour experience

A must do

Manta snorkle

Must do!

Such a unique experience!

Once in a lifetime experience

Awesome experience!

Great time

Amazing experience

Amazing experience

What a great experience!!!

Manta dive

Awesome!

Great tour!

Incredible

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