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

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.

Options for this experience

2 options

Ride Along-No SnorkelGuide in English · Available from 1 May 2027

Manta Ray GuaranteeGuide in English · 18:00, 19:00 and 20:00Should you not spot any manta rays, you're welcome to join us again on another night at no extra charge. The experience lasts 2 hours and covers check-in, equipment fitting, a safety briefing, and transportation to the viewing site, with 30 minutes available in the water.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day at 18:00, 19:00 and 20:00, from US$ 30 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday: 18:00 and 19:00Wednesday to Friday: 18:00, 19:00 and 20:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 28

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with 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.

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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's the difference between the Manta Guarantee and the Standard Ticket?

The Manta Guarantee lets you return on another tour free if no mantas are seen. Book it early in your stay so you have time to reschedule. The Standard Ticket is a single opportunity with no return option if sightings don't happen.

How long do you actually spend in the water snorkeling?

Approximately 30 minutes in the water with an in-water guide, after a five-minute boat ride from the bay and a safety briefing on board.

What if I can't swim or don't want to snorkel?

The Ride Along ticket keeps you on the boat instead of entering the water. It costs less but sightings are more limited from the deck. You must still be comfortable with an open-ocean experience at night.

What equipment is provided, and what do I need to bring?

A short-sleeve wet suit top, mask and snorkel are provided. No fins are allowed. Children 12 and under receive a snorkel vest. Older swimmers can rent one. Bring a towel if you want one, as none are provided on the boat.

Are manta rays guaranteed to show up?

No, manta rays are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed. This is why the Manta Guarantee option exists: if no mantas appear, you can return on another tour at no extra charge.

What's the minimum swimming ability required?

You must know how to swim and tread water, and have snorkeling experience. The activity takes place in deep, dark open ocean and ranges from moderate to strenuous depending on conditions, so at least a moderate level of physical fitness is necessary.