Manta Ray Night Snorkeling: Kona Coast, Hawaii

Watch manta rays perform barrel rolls beneath a lit board at night

Night snorkeling with manta rays off Kona, Hawaii puts you on a custom board floating above creatures feeding in the dark. The operator provides all snorkel gear, a wet suit if you want one, lunch and snacks. A guide and captain run the boat and the lights that draw the plankton and the rays. Children from age 6 are welcome, and the activity takes about two and a half hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure

• Gather at Kona Coast meeting point
• Receive snorkeling or diving gear
• Float on custom board with spotlights
• Watch manta rays feed and perform
• Enjoy provided snacks and beverages
• Have a delicious lunch

The experience

The manta rays gather at night to feed on plankton attracted to your boat's spotlights. You float on the surface as a group on a custom-built board, watching them glide and spin beneath you in the beam. The water here is no deeper than 30 feet, and the rays are completely harmless. They're drawn to the light and the food, not to you. If you're a certified diver, the operator runs an easy night dive instead, kneeling in the sand with lights positioned around you. Contact them directly to arrange it.

All snorkel gear comes with you: mask, snorkel, fins, and a wet suit if you ask for one. The boat carries a captain and a snorkel guide who speak English and manage the lights and the spotting. Lunch is made to order: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or Kosher options are available, and the operator includes fresh local fruit, juices, water and local beer on request. Snacks and bottled water are there throughout.

The Kona Coast is listed as one of the top ten dive sites in the world by National Geographic, and manta ray snorkeling here is the kind of thing most people see once in a lifetime. The boat picks up from the Four Seasons or the pier. If you're arriving by cruise ship, let the operator know your ship's schedule so the timing works.

What’s included

• All snorkel gear including mask, snorkel, fins and wet suit on request.
• lunch prepared to your dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or Kosher).
• snacks, fresh local fruit, juices, water and local beer on request.
• sunscreen and towels.
• a captain and English-speaking snorkel guide.

Information

Lasts 2h 30m, runs every day at 17:00, from US$ 227.20 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 10 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kona Ocean Adventures

Is this one for you?The activity floats you on the surface on a board, so there's no swimming or diving required. It suits anyone comfortable in calm water at night. If you're a certified diver, contact the operator to arrange an easy night dive instead, kneeling in the sand with lights around you.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do manta rays actually look like when you're snorkeling with them?

Manta rays are gentle giants that glide and perform barrel rolls and spins as they feed on plankton in the water below your board. They're completely harmless and drawn to the spotlights and the food, not to snorkelers.

How deep is the water where you snorkel with the manta rays?

The water is no deeper than 30 feet, and you stay on the surface of the water on a lit board as a group, so depth is not a concern for snorkelers.

What's included in the price, and do I need to bring my own gear?

All snorkel gear is provided (mask, snorkel, fins and a wet suit if you request one) along with lunch, snacks, fresh fruit, juices, water and local beer on request. You don't need to bring anything except sunscreen, which is also provided.

What time does the snorkeling happen, and how long does it take?

The snorkeling happens at sunset and in the evening when the manta rays gather to feed. The activity takes about two and a half hours total.

Where does the boat pick up, and what if I'm arriving by cruise ship?

Pickup is from the Four Seasons or the pier. If you're arriving by cruise ship, inform the operator of your ship's schedule so the return time aligns with your departure.