Snorkel with Manta Rays at Manta Ray Village: Guaranteed sighting

Float above manta rays feeding on plankton at night

Snorkel with manta rays at Manta Ray Village, a nighttime activity where you float on a specialized manta flotation device above the rays as they feed on rising plankton attracted to underwater lights. The tour runs roughly 90 minutes aboard the catamaran Hoku Nui, with wetsuits, masks and snorkels provided. If no manta rays appear, you return free within 7 days. Children from age 6 with swimming or snorkeling experience are welcome, though non-swimmers cannot enter the water.

The experience

You arrive at the dock and board the Hoku Nui, a state-of-the-art catamaran built for this work. Once the boat reaches Manta Ray Village, the crew briefs you on what to expect and how to move on the water. They fit you with a wetsuit, mask and snorkel, fins aren't needed, and guide you onto the manta flotation device, a specialized platform designed to keep you stable and safe above the rays.

The plankton rises from the ocean floor at night and is drawn to the lights attached to the float. The manta rays follow the plankton to feed, and you watch from above as they glide underneath you, their wings spanning the water. Your snorkel time is roughly 45 minutes. When it ends, the crew guides you back aboard, and the full outing takes about 90 minutes from start to finish.

Sea Paradise has been running manta tours since 1985, and the guarantee backs the operation: if no manta rays show on the night of your tour, you can return free on another manta tour within the next 7 days, subject to space and availability. Bring a camera with the flash turned off if you want photos. Full-face masks and shark bands are not permitted for safety reasons.

What’s included

• Wetsuits, masks and snorkels.
• filtered water and juices.
• use of the manta flotation device.
• expert guide briefing and water supervision.
• return within 7 days if no manta rays are spotted.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 18:00 and 20:30

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (6 to 12 years) · Child (4 to 5 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 49

Live guideEnglish

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

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Sea Paradise

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to watch manta rays from a catamaran rather than swim among them, or if an evening departure fits your schedule better than a daytime option.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 12 years); Child (4 to 5 years). Children under 4 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.

Can I snorkel with manta rays if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Non-swimmers cannot enter the water on this tour. Children from age 6 and adults must have at least moderate swimming or snorkeling experience to participate in the water activity. Younger children from age 4 can ride along on the boat with an adult supervisor but will not enter the water.

What happens if we don't see any manta rays?

The tour includes a manta guarantee: if no manta rays are spotted on your tour night, you can return for free on another manta tour within 7 days, provided space and availability allow it.

What's included in the snorkel tour?

Wetsuits, masks and snorkels are provided. Fins are not needed. The tour also includes filtered water and a selection of juices aboard the catamaran. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Why do the manta rays come to Manta Ray Village at night?

Plankton rises from the ocean floor at night and is attracted to the lights attached to the flotation device. The manta rays follow the plankton to feed, which is why the tours run after dark and why you see them gathering in this area.

Can I use my phone to take photos underwater?

You can bring a camera, but the flash must be turned off. Neck lanyards for phones are not allowed on the tour for safety reasons.