Sunset Manta Ray Snorkel in Kailua-Kona: Small Groups Under 10
Float inches from manta rays under lights, then warm up with cocoa on the ride back
A sunset manta ray snorkel tour in Kailua-Kona limits each group to no more than 10 swimmers in the water, with two crew members, a guide in English, and all gear provided. The boat departs from an in-water slip for fast boarding, travels 10–15 minutes to the snorkel site, and gives you 35–40 minutes in the water watching manta rays feed on plankton attracted to LED lights. Snorkel gear, wetsuits, bottled water, hot cocoa, tea and snacks are included; a minimum of 4 guests is required to run the tour.
2h–3h
Step-by-step itinerary
Sunset Manta Ray Snorkel Tour
- Check in at boat slip G-8
- Attend safety and manta ray briefing
- Enjoy 10–15 minute boat ride
- Snorkel with manta rays for 35–40 minutes
- Reboard boat using wide ladder
- Relax on return boat ride
The Experience
You arrive at the in-water boat slip (G-8) in Kailua-Kona for a fast check-in and boarding. After a safety briefing and a smooth 10–15 minute ride, you're in the water with an experienced guide for 35–40 minutes. Manta rays with wingspans up to 16 feet glide through the darkness, drawn to the custom LED light boards that attract the plankton they feed on. They have no teeth, stingers or barbs—they're filter-feeders, and the encounter is calm and safe. You float at the surface while they move beneath and around you, inches away.
The small-group cap of 10 swimmers in the water sets this apart from operators running 25–50 passengers per departure. Fewer people means a calmer experience and more room to move without crowding the animals. Two crew members stay with your group for personalized attention throughout. Reboarding uses a wide ladder, and the return ride gives you time to settle in before the boat heads back.
Snorkel gear, wetsuits, bottled water, hot cocoa, tea and snacks are all included—no hidden fees. Children are welcome from age 5. A minimum of 4 guests is required; if the tour does not meet that threshold, the operator will coordinate a reschedule rather than run a smaller group.
What’s included
- Snorkel gear and wetsuits.
- bottled water, hot cocoa and tea.
- snacks (potato chips and cookies).
- all taxes and fees.
- two crew members for personalized attention.
- safety briefing before entering the water.
Operated by Hawaii Marine Life Charters
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a small-group encounter rather than a crowded one—the 10-person cap in the water means you're not jostling for position or watching the animals from a distance. If you're visiting Kailua-Kona for the first time and have a free afternoon or evening, this is a single, self-contained activity that requires no planning beyond showing up at the slip; gear, transport and timing are all arranged.
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Top questions
What are the manta rays doing when I snorkel with them?
The manta rays are feeding on microscopic plankton attracted to the custom LED light boards the tour uses. They're filter-feeders with no teeth or stingers, and they come to the lit area to gorge themselves on the plankton—not to interact with swimmers. You're watching them eat, not hunting or defending territory.
How long is the boat ride out to the snorkel site?
The ride from the in-water slip to the snorkel site takes 10–15 minutes. You'll have 35–40 minutes in the water, then the return ride back to the slip.
Can my 6-year-old come on this tour?
Children are welcome from age 5, so your 6-year-old can join. Snorkel gear and wetsuits are provided for all ages, and the guide will brief everyone on safety before entering the water.
How many people will be in the water with me?
The tour limits each group to no more than 10 swimmers in the water, plus two crew members. This is smaller than many other operators in the area, which run 25–50 passengers per tour.
What's included in the price?
Snorkel gear, wetsuits, bottled water, hot cocoa, tea, snacks, and all taxes and fees are included. There are no hidden charges.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness and be able to climb a vertical boat ladder without assistance. You'll be floating at the surface during the snorkel, not diving or swimming long distances. All guests must confirm they have no pre-existing medical conditions—including neck or back injuries—that could be aggravated by the activity.
Sunset Manta Ray Snorkel in Kailua-Kona: Small Groups Under 10
2h–3h · EN
from US$ 109 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.95256 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
