Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona: 30 minutes in the water

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/19

Duration1h 30m

GroupUp to 28

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Thirty minutes in dark open water with manta rays gliding beneath you

A manta ray night snorkel in Kona puts you in the water for approximately 30 minutes with an in-water guide, five minutes by boat from the departure bay. You choose between the Manta Guarantee (return free if no mantas appear) or a Standard Ticket for a single opportunity. Snorkeling experience and the ability to swim and tread water are required; the activity takes place in deep, dark ocean and ranges from moderate to strenuous depending on conditions. A short-sleeve wet suit top, mask and snorkel are provided; no fins are allowed.

The Experience

Check in at the shop to get fitted with your wet suit top, mask and snorkel, then receive your boarding pass and directions to the bay. The boat ride to the snorkel site takes five minutes. Once in the water, an in-water guide leads you through the open ocean for approximately 30 minutes while you look for manta rays. These are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed—this is the trade the Manta Guarantee addresses, allowing you to return on another tour at no extra cost if none appear that night. The Standard Ticket gives you one shot; the Ride Along option keeps you on the boat instead, which limits sightings but removes the water requirement.

The activity intensity ranges from moderate to strenuous depending on ocean conditions and your own fitness. You need to be comfortable in deep, dark water and able to climb a metal ladder back onto the pontoon to reboard. Swimming and snorkeling experience are required, and you must be able to tread water. The minimum age is 6 years old; children 12 and under get a snorkel vest, and older swimmers can rent one if needed. Maximum weight is 285 pounds. International travelers must speak and understand English, and everyone signs an electronic waiver before the tour.

The 90-minute experience includes the check-in, boat ride, time in the water and return to the bay. Arrive no later than your scheduled check-in time—the crew has safety information to review and gear to fit before departure. Restroom facilities are not available on the boat. If you are uncomfortable in the dark or afraid of large animals, this tour is not the right fit; young children who become frightened may be escorted back aboard with a guardian.

What’s included

Manta ray night snorkel or ride-along ticket (your choice at checkout).
short-sleeve wet suit top, mask and snorkel.
in-water guide.
snorkel vest for children 12 and under, or available to rent for adults.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Dolphin Discoveries

Is this one for you?Book the Manta Guarantee if you're staying several days and want a second chance if mantas don't appear on your first night; the Standard Ticket works if you prefer a single scheduled time or are confident about ocean conditions. The Ride Along keeps you dry and on deck if you want the experience without entering the water, though sightings are less frequent from the boat.