Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel & Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.94 (276 reviews) 97% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/8

Duration2h 30m

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Swim with manta rays after sunset on Hawaii’s Kona coast

You’ll float above glowing manta rays off Kona after sunset, guided by locals who know every trick to spotting them up close. All your gear is sorted — wetsuit, mask, fins — plus lunch and snacks on deck with new friends afterward. That hush when a manta glides right beneath you? It stays with you long after you’re dry.

2h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience

Arrive at Kona Coast location
Receive snorkeling or diving gear
Float on custom board with spotlights
Watch manta rays feeding below
Enjoy snacks, beverages, and lunch
Use provided sunscreen and towels

The Experience

I didn’t expect to feel nervous until the boat actually slowed down off the Kona coast — it was darker than I thought it’d be, and the water looked almost inky under the spotlights. Our guide, Kaleo, handed out wetsuits and cracked a joke about “Hawaiian snow” (which just means you’ll get goosebumps). The air smelled faintly of salt and sunscreen. I could hear someone’s laughter echoing over the water as we slipped in, one by one.

Floating on that custom board, holding onto the handles while the lights shone down — that’s when I saw my first manta ray. Massive but somehow gentle, gliding right below us and flipping in slow-motion circles for plankton. The group got quiet except for a few muffled gasps through snorkels. At some point Kaleo pointed out how their bellies almost glow white in the light. It felt weirdly peaceful up there, just drifting and watching these creatures do their thing. I kept losing track of time; it was kind of hypnotic.

Afterwards, back on deck with towels and some local fruit (pineapple never tastes as good anywhere else), people started comparing what they’d seen — someone swore a ray winked at them but who knows. Lunch was simple but hit the spot after swimming: wraps, snacks, cold drinks. There was even vegan stuff if you wanted it. The crew checked in on everyone before heading back toward shore. I still think about that moment when everything went quiet underwater except for my own breathing — not sure I’ll ever forget it.

What’s included

Your day includes all snorkel equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit if you want one), expert guidance from local crew members throughout your experience, snacks and fresh local fruits on deck after swimming with manta rays off Kona’s coast, plus a catered lunch tailored to your dietary needs along with drinks like juice or local beer if you ask. Towels and reef-safe sunscreen are provided too before heading back to shore together.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kona Ocean Adventures