Kailua-Kona: Sunset Manta Ray Snorkel Tour Small Group

Summary

Swim with manta rays at dusk in Kona’s calm waters

You’ll slip into Kona’s twilight waters with a small group for an up-close swim with manta rays—guided by locals who know each ray by name. Enjoy included wetsuits, all snorkel gear, GoPro photos and videos, plus hot drinks and snacks after your swim. The quiet awe of seeing mantas glide beneath you will stay long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect as we shuffled onto the boat in Kailua-Kona — the sun was still hanging on, kind of lazy and orange, and I could smell sunscreen on my arms mixing with salt air. Our guide, Jamie, had this way of explaining things that made you feel like you were just chatting at a backyard barbecue instead of about to float in the dark ocean with manta rays. I remember she said something like, “They’re huge but honestly, they’re just here for the plankton buffet.” That made me laugh — and also a little less nervous.

The ride out was short, maybe ten minutes? I lost track because everyone started swapping stories about why they’d booked this manta ray snorkel tour — one guy next to me had flown from Seattle just for this. When we anchored, Jamie handed out wetsuits and masks (I was grateful; the breeze off the water felt cooler than I’d expected). She double-checked everyone’s gear and then we slid into the water one by one. It was weirdly quiet except for our breathing through snorkels and the soft slap of water against the float boards. The lights underneath us glowed blue-white and started drawing these ghostly shapes up from below — first shadows, then suddenly there they were. Manta rays. Enormous but almost gentle? I kept catching myself holding my breath every time one swooped close enough that I could see its gills flexing.

At some point Jamie floated nearby and whispered, “That’s Big Luna,” pointing out a ray she recognized by her markings. There was something comforting about knowing these creatures had names — like we weren’t just tourists dropping in but guests at someone else’s dinner party. My hands were cold but I barely noticed once the rays started looping right under us. Someone’s GoPro light flickered next to me; later they sent us videos so even my mom got to see me flinch when a fin brushed my leg (it felt like velvet). After about forty minutes in the water — which went by way too fast — we climbed back up using this wide ladder that actually made it easy even though my legs felt wobbly.

I sat wrapped in a towel with hot cocoa between my hands as we headed back toward Kona harbor, watching stars blink on above the shoreline. Still can’t quite believe how close those manta rays came or how peaceful it all felt out there after dark. It’s not something I’ll forget soon… honestly wish I’d learned how to say thank you in Hawaiian before I left.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset manta ray snorkel experience

• Check in at in-water boat slip G-8
• Attend safety and manta ray briefing
• Enjoy 10–15 minute boat ride to snorkel site
• Snorkel with manta rays for 40–45 minutes
• Reboard boat using wide ladder
• Relax on return boat ride

Top questions

How long does the sunset manta ray snorkel tour last?

The boat ride is 10–15 minutes each way; you spend 40–45 minutes snorkeling with manta rays.

Is snorkel equipment provided on this Kailua-Kona tour?

Yes, all snorkel gear and wetsuits are included in your booking.

Are drinks or snacks included during the manta ray tour?

Yes—hot cocoa, tea, bottled water, potato chips and cookies are provided after your swim.

How many people are allowed per group?

No more than 10 guests are allowed in the water per group for a calmer experience.

Where do we check in for the tour?

You check in directly at the boat slip (G-8) for fast boarding before departure.

Are GoPro photos or videos included?

Yes—GoPro13 photos and videos from your experience are included at no extra cost.

Is hotel pickup available?

No hotel pickup is offered; you meet at the designated boat slip in Kailua-Kona harbor.

What happens if minimum guest numbers aren’t met?

If fewer than four guests book, staff will help coordinate a reschedule for your tour date.

What’s included

Your evening includes meeting directly at Kona harbor for easy boarding, all snorkel equipment and wetsuits provided by friendly guides, a short boat ride to prime manta sites, 40–45 minutes swimming among rays with attentive crew nearby, plus hot cocoa or tea and snacks once back on board—along with GoPro13 photos and videos sent after your trip.