Kailua-Kona: Night Manta Ray Snorkeling by Double Canoe

Summary

Night gliding over Kona’s waters, manta rays swirling close, small group only

You’ll slip into Kona’s nighttime waters from a traditional Hawaiian double-hulled canoe, watch wild manta rays glide beneath you as plankton swirl in glowing light, and laugh with your guide while floating under the stars. Includes wetsuit top, snorkel gear, and all those quietly electric moments you’ll replay long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped barefoot onto the Wa'a Kini Kini just as the last bit of pink faded out of the sky — honestly, I was more nervous than I let on. The canoe felt different from any boat I’d been on before, all wooden curves and quiet creaks. Our guide, Kaleo, handed me a wetsuit top (I’d guessed my size wrong, but he just laughed and grabbed another), and we pushed off into the dark water near Keauhou Bay. It was maybe a five-minute paddle but it felt longer, probably because my mind kept jumping between “this is wild” and “wait, do manta rays bite?” Spoiler: they don’t.

The crew gave us a quick rundown — how to use the snorkel gear, what to do if you get cold (hug yourself like a sea otter apparently), and then we slid into the water one by one. Floating there in a small group under the stars was weirdly peaceful. The only real sound was our own breathing through snorkels and this soft humming from the light board they set up. The lights pulled in these tiny plankton clouds — you could see them swirling around your fingers if you held still long enough.

I didn’t expect to feel so small when the first manta ray appeared. It looped right under me, mouth wide open like some kind of gentle alien vacuuming up dinner. Kaleo pointed with his flashlight and whispered “Hahalua,” which is what Hawaiians call them. Li tried saying it too and cracked up at her own pronunciation — honestly I’m not sure any of us nailed it. There was this moment where three mantas swooped in together; their wings nearly brushed my toes. Hard to explain but I still think about that slow-motion feeling days later.

Getting back into the canoe was less graceful (I flopped like an awkward seal), but nobody cared — everyone was grinning or shivering or both. We talked about how lucky we were that night; sometimes the mantas don’t show up at all since they’re wild animals. No one seemed bothered by that risk though — maybe because even just floating out there in Kona’s night water felt like enough on its own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Experience

• Brief safety and gear instructions
• Board Hawaiian double-hulled canoe
• Ride to manta ray snorkel site
• Enter water with crew guidance
• Float near Light Board for viewing
• Watch manta rays attracted by lights
• Return to canoe and end tour

Top questions

Do I need to know how to swim for manta ray snorkeling?

Yes, all guests must be able to swim and climb a short ladder unassisted for safety reasons.

How many people are in each group?

Groups are kept small with 12 or fewer guests per tour for better assistance and freedom in the water.

What equipment is provided on this tour?

You’ll get a wetsuit top for warmth, snorkel gear (including prescription masks), and flotation devices.

Where does the manta ray snorkeling tour start?

The tour departs from Keauhou Bay in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Is there a guarantee to see manta rays?

No sightings are guaranteed since mantas are wild animals, but if none appear you can return for another attempt (pending availability).

Are children allowed on this tour?

The minimum age allowed onboard is 5 years old.

Can pregnant travelers join this activity?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with recent surgeries or mobility restrictions.

How long does the whole experience take?

The actual snorkeling lasts about an hour; transit time is just a few minutes each way from shore.

What’s included

Your evening includes use of snorkel equipment (with prescription options), a fitted wetsuit top to keep warm in the water, flotation devices for easy floating above the manta rays, plus guidance from local crew throughout your time on and off the double-hulled canoe.