Manta Ray Night Snorkeling in Kailua Kona: Small Group

Hold the lightboard and watch manta rays barrel-roll underneath you

Small-group manta ray night snorkeling in Kailua Kona departs from Keahou Harbor with a maximum of 12 passengers, a professional guide, and all snorkeling equipment included. The boat ride to Manta Village takes 5 minutes. You'll spend 30–45 minutes in the water holding a lightboard while manta rays feed on plankton gathered beneath the lights. The operator sees them about 92% of the time. Children 7 and older are welcome if they can swim 25 yards comfortably in the ocean.

The experience

The Pueo Kai 2 leaves Keahou Harbor for a short 5-minute ride to Manta Village, where manta rays naturally gather to feed on plankton at the surface. You'll enter the water with a lightboard, your feet supported by floatation devices, and stay in position as the rays move around you. The experience lasts 30–45 minutes depending on sea conditions and feeding behavior. Every night is different, and the rays may fly past, hover, or perform barrel rolls as they come back for more plankton.

Your captain and snorkel guide explain Kona's manta rays and the operator's approach to interacting with them safely and humanely. The boat holds a maximum of 12 passengers: small enough that you're not competing for space or sightlines. All snorkeling equipment is provided, including an optional wetsuit. The operator is Green Listed and takes an environmentally cautious approach to the encounter.

If manta rays don't appear on your night (they take nights off about 8% of the time), you'll receive a free trip on any available future charter. Because tours typically sell out several days in advance, booking early during your stay on Hawaii Island improves your chances of getting your preferred date.

What’s included

• Professional snorkel guide.
• snorkeling equipment and optional wetsuit.
• beverages.
• local taxes included in the price.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 18:10, the last at 19:50Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 75 years) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 14 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 11

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Hawaii Oceanic

Is this one for you?The small-group format with a 12-passenger maximum means you're not jostling for position or light with dozens of other snorkelers. The guide can watch everyone and the rays have room to move. Book this if you want to actually see the manta rays instead of just hear about them from the back of a crowded boat.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years); Child (7 to 14 years). Children under 7 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 exactly do I do in the water during manta ray snorkeling?

You hold onto a lightboard with your feet propped up by floatation devices while manta rays feed on plankton that gathers under the lights. The rays may glide past, hover near you, or perform barrel rolls as they feed. You stay in one position and watch them move around you.

How often do you actually see manta rays on these snorkeling trips?

The operator sees manta rays about 92% of the time. Manta rays are wild animals and occasionally skip Manta Village, but if they don't appear on your night, you receive a free trip on any available future charter.

Can my 8-year-old come snorkeling with the manta rays?

Children 7 and older are welcome on the tour if they can comfortably swim 25 yards in the ocean without assistance. If your child cannot swim that distance, they can purchase a ticket to ride along on the boat but not enter the water.

How long is the boat ride from Keahou Harbor to the snorkeling site?

The boat ride to Manta Village takes 5 minutes. You'll spend 30–45 minutes in the water, depending on sea conditions and manta ray feeding behavior.

What's included in the snorkeling experience?

The tour includes a professional guide, all snorkeling equipment, an optional wetsuit, beverages, and local taxes. You do not need to bring or rent gear separately.