Big Island: Manta Ray Night Snorkeling & Sunset Cruise Kona

Summary

Swim with manta rays under Kona’s stars after sunset cruise

You’ll slip into warm Kona waters after sunset for a guided night snorkel with manta rays—gear, wetsuit top, and floatation all included. Watch these graceful giants feed beneath you while local guides share stories and snacks onboard. It’s a mix of nerves, laughter, and awe you’ll probably remember longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost chickened out when I realized how dark it actually gets off the coast of Kailua-Kona. The boat ride started easy enough, with our guide cracking jokes about “Hawaiian time” and the sun dipping low over the water. But as we anchored, there was this hush — just the slap of small waves and someone’s nervous laugh (okay, mine). The air smelled like salt and sunscreen, and I remember clutching my wetsuit top a little too tight before slipping in.

Our guide, Keahi, handed me a floatation device and winked — “You’ll want this when the big ones show up.” He wasn’t kidding. We drifted above these huge manta rays gliding below us, their wings moving so slowly it almost felt choreographed. There was this one moment when a ray brushed past my hand — not close enough to touch (you’re not supposed to), but close enough that I felt the water swirl colder for a second. Someone whispered something in Hawaiian that I couldn’t catch; Li tried to repeat it and totally mangled it, which made half the group snort-laugh into their snorkels.

I didn’t expect how peaceful it would feel out there at night — just our little group floating under a sky full of stars, watching those manta rays feed in slow circles beneath us. Back on the boat there were snacks (macadamia nut cookies taste better when you’re shivering) and stories about other nights when dolphins showed up too. The ride back was quiet except for Keahi humming softly at the wheel. I still think about that view of Kona’s lights blinking from far out on the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Adventure

• Take short cruise at sunset
• Watch spectacular sundown
• Snorkel with manta rays
• Return onboard
• Enjoy snacks and drinks
• Use onboard washroom

Top questions

Is snorkeling gear provided on the manta ray tour?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included along with a wetsuit top and floatation device.

Are snacks or drinks available during the night snorkeling trip?

Yes, light refreshments including snacks and bottled water are provided onboard.

How do we get to the manta ray snorkeling site from Kailua-Kona?

The tour includes round-trip transport by boat from Kailua-Kona to the snorkel site.

Is this night snorkeling experience suitable for children?

Infants and small children can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; strollers are allowed onboard.

Can pregnant travelers join the Big Island manta ray snorkel?

No, this activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Will there be a local guide during the snorkeling adventure?

Yes, a professional local guide leads the tour and provides live commentary onboard.

What should I bring for night snorkeling with manta rays?

The essentials are provided: gear, wetsuit top, floatation device; just bring swimwear and maybe a towel.

What’s included

Your evening includes round-trip boat transport from Kailua-Kona to the snorkel site with all your snorkeling gear ready—mask, fins, wetsuit top plus floatation device—plus guidance from local experts who share live commentary. After swimming with manta rays at night you’ll warm up with light snacks and bottled water before heading back ashore.