The manta ray night snorkel is one of the most popular things to do in Kona and is only possible in a few places in the world. Experience a once in a lifetime encounter with giant manta rays, an experience you can only find in Hawaii on the Big Island. Keauhou Bay is famous for its resident manta rays who put on a show every night. Watch these massive and graceful animals up close as they come out to play and feed on microscopic plankton.
Hawaii Activities has the best selection of Big Island manta ray snorkeling and diving tours. Find the best deals and discounts on manta ray night snorkeling in Kona. Book your manta ray night tour early as they sell out quickly. You can find all of the best Hawaii Manta Tours right here, including Sea Paradise, Sea Quest, Ocean Encounters, Kona Ocean Experience, Eka Canoe, Dolphin Discoveries, and Wahine Charters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does manta ray night snorkeling work?
Your guides will begin your manta experience with a thorough explanation of everything manta. Floating light boards are used to light up the ocean from the surface to the ocean floor. The lights attract the plankton, and the plankton attracts the mantas. You will float at the surface, holding onto the light board watching as the manta come swooping in beneath you. Very minimal snorkeling effort is required.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, although very minimal snorkel effort is required, you must be familiar with and comfortable using snorkeling equipment. Please consider that you are going into the ocean at night. This is not the type of tour for learning how to snorkel.
Flotation devices are provided to help you easily relax and float flat on the surface while watching the mantas. It is important to understand that using flotation devices is NOT a substitution for being comfortable with swimming and using snorkeling equipment.
Are we guaranteed to see mantas?
The success rate for manta ray sightings in Kona is very high, in the 90-95% range. Also, some but not all manta ray night tours offer a manta sighting guarantee, which entitles you to go on the tour again for free if manta rays are not sighted.
Can I scuba dive with manta rays?
Yes, join Big Island Divers for a manta ray night dive on SCUBA.
Where can I snorkel with Mantas in Hawaii?
The only place to snorkel with mantas is on Big Island. Most of the tours take place at Manta Village, Keauhou Bay with boats departing from Keauhou Bay and Honokohau Harbor. Both departure locations are convenient If you are staying in Kona. If you are staying in Waikoloa, Kohala or Hapuna, it is recommended to book a tour departing from Honokohau Harbor.
| Tour |
Departure Location |
Duration |
Capacity |
Inclusions |
Type of Boat |
| Sea Paradise |
Keauhou Bay |
2 hrs |
36 |
Wetsuit, Beverages
Hot Cocoa, Snacks |
Trimaran Sailboat |
| Dolphin Discoveries |
Keauhou Bay |
1.5 hrs |
16 |
Hot Tea
Wetsuit Top |
Ocean Raft |
| Sea Quest |
Keauhou Bay |
1.25 hrs |
27 |
Hot Cocoa & Cookies
Wetsuit |
Ocean Raft |
| Ocean Encounters |
Honokohau Harbor |
3 hrs |
35 |
Beverages, Snacks
Wetsuit |
46’ Power Boat |
| Eka Canoe |
Keauhou Bay |
1 hr |
6 |
Snorkel gear, Wetsuit |
Sailing Canoe |
| Wahine Charters |
Honokohau Harbor |
2 hrs |
14 |
Wetsuit, Hot Chocolate
Beverages, Snacks |
29’ Power Boat |
| Kona Ocean Experience |
Keauhou Bay |
1 hr |
6 |
Light Meal, Beverages
Wet Suit |
Ocean raft |
| Hula Kai |
Keauhou Bay |
1.5 hrs |
22 |
Soup & Bread, Hot Drinks
Wet Suit top |
55ft Catamaran |
