Snorkel With Giant Manta Rays in Kailua Kona

Manta rays are wild animals, and the crew can't guarantee they'll show, but they usually do.

Snorkel with giant manta rays off Kailua Kona or Keauhou on a 2-hour boat excursion led by a Red Cross-licensed in-water guide. Wetsuit and snorkel gear are included, and you'll hold onto a custom light board equipped with powerful underwater lights designed to help you see the rays up close. Prior snorkeling experience and basic swimming skills are required, and you must be able to independently climb a boat ladder.

The experience

Check in at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor on the north side of Kona, where the crew fits you with a shorty wetsuit included in the excursion. A licensed captain takes the boat out for a 15–20 minute ride along the coastline, narrating the views as you head toward the snorkel site. The location shifts depending on where manta sightings have been strongest (either the northern site near the airport or further south toward Keauhou), so the crew is chasing the best conditions, not a fixed route.

Once in the water, you hold onto the custom light board with its powerful underwater lights while an in-water guide stays with you, pointing out the rays and explaining their behavior and the wildlife around them. The lights give you a real advantage: they attract the mantas and let you see detail other snorkelers miss. The crew provides additional floatation and assistance if you need it, and every guest gets personal attention throughout the experience.

Snorkel Big Island has run manta excursions for over 12 years, and the family-run operation emphasizes safety and detail. Keep in mind that manta rays are wild animals. The crew cannot guarantee they'll appear on any given night. If you don't see mantas, you can rebook for a different night for a rebooking fee. Refunds aren't offered because the costs of setting up the charter don't allow for it. Seats can be extremely limited during peak times of year, so book early if you're traveling during a busy season.

What’s included

• Shorty wetsuit, snorkel gear and fins.
• Red Cross-licensed in-water guide and lifeguard.
• custom light board with powerful underwater lights.
• personal attention and additional floatation upon request.

Before you book

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

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 18

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Snorkel Big Island

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a small-group snorkel with a crew that's been running manta excursions for over a decade and uses underwater lights to give you an edge. The trade-off is that manta rays are wild animals and their appearance isn't guaranteed, though the crew's track record is strong.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

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's the boat ride like to get to the manta site?

The licensed captain takes about 15–20 minutes to reach the snorkel site, narrating the coastline views along the way. The boat is USCG documented and designed for safety and comfort.

Do I need snorkeling experience to book this?

Yes, prior snorkeling experience is required, along with basic swimming skills. You must also be able to independently climb up a boat ladder to board and exit the vessel.

What if the manta rays don't show up?

Manta rays are wild animals and their presence cannot be guaranteed. If you don't see any on your night out, you can rebook for a different night for a rebooking fee, though refunds are not offered.

What's included in the snorkel excursion?

The excursion includes a shorty wetsuit, snorkel gear, a Red Cross-licensed in-water guide, and use of the custom light board with powerful underwater lights. Additional floatation is available if you request it.

Where do I check in, and how early should I arrive?

Check in happens at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor on the north side of Kona. Arrive on time for your scheduled tour. Check-in may be up to 40 minutes before departure, so confirm your exact check-in time with the operator.