Big Island Kona: Night Manta Ray Snorkel Small Group Tour

Summary

Swim with wild manta rays under Kona’s night sky just minutes from shore

You’ll slip into Kona’s warm night waters for a guided manta ray snorkel—just five minutes by boat from shore. Float beside glowing boards as giant mantas glide past in the dark. With expert crew support and all gear included, you’ll feel both safe and amazed by these wild encounters.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d willingly slip into pitch-black ocean water, but there we were off the coast of Kona, just five minutes from the harbor, zipping up our wetsuit tops and listening to our guide, Kaleo, crack jokes about “manta manners.” The air smelled faintly of salt and sunscreen (someone nearby had really gone for it). It was one of those humid Hawaiian nights where you can hear the water lapping against the boat and everyone’s a little nervous but pretending not to be. I kept glancing at my mask, trying not to overthink what was below us. Kaleo handed out snorkels and reminded us—no fins tonight, just float and watch. That surprised me.

When we finally slid into the water, holding onto this glowing board that looked like something out of a sci-fi movie, I caught myself shivering—not from cold (the wetsuit did its job), but from pure adrenaline. The bay was quieter than I expected except for muffled laughter and a couple of whispered “whoas” when shadows started circling beneath us. Suddenly this massive manta ray swooped up right under my nose—close enough to see its spots and the way its mouth opened like it was smiling (I know it wasn’t, but still). Someone next to me blurted out “did you see that?” and spluttered a bit through their snorkel. I almost forgot to breathe.

We got about half an hour floating there—time felt weirdly stretchy—and even though we’d been told these are wild animals and nothing’s guaranteed, the mantas showed up in style that night. Our crew kept checking on everyone (“all good?”) and making sure nobody drifted too far or panicked in the dark. Getting back on the boat was clumsy—I banged my knee on the ladder—and then we all sat dripping under the stars with salt drying on our faces. I still think about that feeling: part awe, part relief, part wanting to do it again even though I swore I wouldn’t when we first arrived.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience

• Arrive at check-in location
• Wait one hour for departure
• Travel 1.4 miles to departure point
• Board boat for 5-minute ride
• Receive gear and briefing
• Snorkel with manta rays for 30 minutes
• Return to boat and end tour

Top questions

How long is the Big Island Kona manta ray night snorkel tour?

The tour lasts around 2 hours total, including check-in, briefing, gear fitting, boat ride, and about 30 minutes in-water time.

Do I need snorkeling experience for this tour?

Yes, participants must be able to swim and have prior snorkeling experience; comfort in deep and dark open ocean water is required.

Are children allowed on the Kona manta ray night snorkel?

Children ages 6 and up can join if accompanied by an adult; young kids frightened by dark water or large animals may be brought back onboard early.

Is transportation provided for this tour?

No transportation is provided; guests must arrange their own way to both check-in and departure locations.

What equipment is included in the manta ray night snorkel?

A short sleeve wetsuit top, mask, snorkel (no fins), and a flotation board are provided; snorkel vests are available for children 12 and under.

Can non-swimmers join as ride-alongs?

Yes, non-swimmers may book a discounted "ride along" ticket to stay on the boat during the activity instead of entering the water.

Where does this Kona manta ray tour depart from?

The departure location is 1.4 miles from check-in; exact details are sent after booking—guests must arrive at both places on time.

Are restrooms available on board?

No restroom facilities are available on the boat during this tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes use of a short sleeve wetsuit top plus mask and snorkel (no fins needed), safety briefing with experienced local crew guiding you throughout your time in Kona Bay’s waters—plus about 30 minutes floating above wild manta rays before returning to shore together by boat.