Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkeling: Kailua-Kona
Watching Manta Rays Feed at Night Off Kailua-Kona
You board a boat at sunset in Kailua-Kona, cruise to a manta ray feeding site, and snorkel among them for roughly an hour while a guide explains what you're seeing. Gear, wetsuit, floatation, snacks and transport are all included. The whole outing takes two to three hours, and you'll want to call 12 hours ahead to confirm the departure time.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Adventure
- Take short cruise to snorkel site
- Watch spectacular sundown
- Snorkel with manta rays
- Return onboard
- Enjoy snacks and drinks
- Use onboard washroom
The experience
You don't expect to be nervous about getting in the water at night, but standing on the boat as the sun drops below the horizon, you are. The crew dims the lights to draw the plankton (and the manta rays that hunt them) closer to the surface. Your guide goes over the basics one more time: stay calm, move slowly, let them come to you. The water is warm. The sky is still holding color. And then you're in, floating on a board with a light beneath you, and the first ray glides underneath like something from a dream.
The manta ray night snorkeling tour on the Big Island operates from Kailua-Kona and takes about two to three hours total. You board a small boat, cruise out as the light fades, and anchor over a site where the rays reliably gather to feed. The snorkeling itself lasts roughly an hour, though time gets strange when you're watching something that large move that gracefully. The rays aren't aggressive (they're indifferent to you, really), but their size makes you feel small in a way that's hard to describe until you're there. Some nights you see three or four. Some nights more. It depends.
The boat provides snorkeling gear, a jacket-style wetsuit top, and a floatation device, so you don't have to bring your own equipment. There's a professional guide on board who watches the group and offers live commentary about what you're seeing: how the rays feed, how they navigate, why they gather at night. Between the snorkeling and the boat ride, you get light snacks and bottled water. The crew also points out the washroom if you need it. Round-trip transport is included, though you'll want to bring a towel and something warm to wear on the ride back, because the ocean cools you down faster than you'd think.
Call at least 12 hours before your tour in case there's a time change: weather and sea conditions can shift the departure window. The experience isn't recommended if you're pregnant, have spinal injuries, or have cardiovascular concerns that would make floating in the ocean risky. Infants can come along but need to sit on an adult's lap the whole time. If you're traveling with small children, a stroller works fine on the boat.
What’s included
- Your tour includes snorkeling gear, a jacket-style wetsuit top, and a floatation device.
- A professional guide provides live commentary on board and supervises the snorkeling.
- Light snacks and bottled water are served, and you have access to the boat's washroom.
- Round-trip transport from Kailua-Kona is included.
Options for this experience
2 optionsBefore you book
Prices and times updated today
Operated by Kona Coast Boat Tours
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see manta rays in their natural feeding habitat without arranging your own boat, gear, or guide. The night timing is what brings the rays to the surface reliably, and it's the one thing that makes the whole experience possible.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).
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 time does the manta ray snorkeling tour depart?
Departure is at sunset, which shifts with the season. Call at least 12 hours before to confirm the exact time for your date.
Do I need my own snorkeling gear?
No. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, a wetsuit top, and a floatation device.
How long does the snorkeling last?
The total tour is about two to three hours. You spend roughly one hour in the water snorkeling.
Is it safe to snorkel with manta rays at night?
Yes. Manta rays are not aggressive. They feed on plankton and are indifferent to snorkelers. A professional guide supervises the group throughout.
What's included in the price?
Snorkeling gear, wetsuit top, floatation device, professional guide, light snacks, bottled water, and round-trip transport from Kailua-Kona.
Is this tour recommended for pregnant travelers?
No, it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or serious cardiovascular concerns.
What should I bring?
Bring a towel and something warm to wear for the ride back. The ocean cools you down, and the return trip is in the evening.
Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkeling: Kailua-Kona
2h 30m · EN
from US$ 75 per person
4.89859 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider