Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Kona & Keauhou
Manta Rays at Night: What Happens When You Drop Into the Dark
You'll snorkel at night with manta rays off the Big Island's Kona coast, floating on a light board while these gentle giants feed around you. Your guide stays in the water, your gear is included, and the boat ride out is 15–20 minutes from Honokohau Harbor. If mantas don't show, you can return free (if booked at full price). Confirm your check-in time with the operator when you book.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience
- Arrive on time for check-in
- Depart from Honokohau Harbor
- Boat ride to manta ray site
- Slide in and snorkel with mantas
- Relax on custom-made light board
- Enjoy guide's assistance for best viewing
- Observe mantas feeding on plankton
- Look up at stars and city lights
- Return boat ride to harbor
The experience
The boat idles in darkness. Around you, the ocean is black except for the lights mounted on the hull, and then the mantas arrive. They're enormous, silent, moving through the water like living kites, their wing-tips nearly brushing your shoulders as they glide past to feed on plankton drawn to the light. It's nothing like daytime snorkeling. The contrast hits hard: you're floating in the middle of the Pacific at night, and these creatures (some with wingspans wider than a car) treat you like part of the reef.
The Big Island manta ray night snorkel departs from Honokohau Harbor near Kailua-Kona, and the boat ride out takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on conditions and where the sightings have been strongest that week. Your guide (all of them certified and trained in water safety) positions you on a custom light board so you're stable and can watch without chasing the rays around. The operation runs two main sites: Garden Eel Cove to the north (locals call it "Manta Heaven") or further south toward Keauhou Bay, which they call "Manta Village." The captain decides based on recent activity, so you don't know which one until you're heading out. Your wetsuit and snorkel gear are provided, and a lifeguard stays in the water with your group the whole time.
One thing the operator is clear about: mantas are wild animals, and they don't guarantee you'll see them. If you don't spot any on your night out, you can come back free if you booked at full price, or for $60 extra if you bought a discounted ticket through a third party. It's an honest policy, and it matters because the setup costs don't change whether the mantas show or not. Most nights they do show. The ride back is worth staying awake for too. You'll see the city lights of Kona reflecting off the water and the stars overhead without the glare of daytime.
Check-in happens 15 to 40 minutes before departure, and you'll need to confirm your exact time directly with the operator when you book. You must have prior snorkeling experience and be able to climb a vertical boat ladder on your own. Those are hard requirements, not suggestions. The crew takes safety seriously, and they'll brief you on everything in English before you enter the water.
What’s included
- Your tour includes a certified in-water guide and lifeguard, full snorkel equipment, and a shorty wetsuit.
- The boat departs from Honokohau Harbor and takes you 15–20 minutes out to either the northern manta site near Garden Eel Cove or the southern site near Keauhou Bay, depending on recent sightings.
- You'll spend the evening floating on a light board while mantas feed, and the ride back includes views of the Kona city lights and stars.
- Check-in is 15–40 minutes before departure.
Options for this experience
2 optionsBefore you book
Prices and times updated 3 days ago
Operated by Snorkel Big Island
Is this one for you?Book this if you're a confident snorkeler who wants to see manta rays in their natural habitat at night without arranging your own boat or guide: the operator's experience and safety setup are what make the difference between a memorable encounter and a risky one.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Under 4: they 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.
Do I need snorkeling experience to book this tour?
Yes, prior snorkeling experience is required. You also need basic swimming skills and must be able to independently climb a vertical boat ladder.
Where does the boat depart from?
Honokohau Harbor near Kailua-Kona on the Big Island's west side.
How long is the boat ride to the manta sites?
About 15 to 20 minutes, depending on which site (northern or southern) the captain chooses based on recent sightings.
What if I don't see any manta rays?
If no mantas appear, you can return on another night for free if you booked at full price. Discounted tickets allow one free return. Additional trips cost $60 per person. Refunds are not offered because setup costs remain the same regardless of sightings.
What's included in the tour?
Certified in-water guide, snorkel equipment, and a shorty wetsuit.
When should I arrive for check-in?
Check-in is 15 to 40 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Confirm your exact check-in time directly with the tour operator when you book.
Is this tour safe for pregnant women or people with mobility issues?
No. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with mobility or physical restrictions. Contact the operator if you have specific health concerns.
What time does the tour depart?
The tour is a night snorkel, so it departs in the evening. Confirm the exact departure time with the operator when you book.
Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?
No. Snorkel equipment and a shorty wetsuit are provided.
Can I get a lifejacket if I need one?
Yes. Contact the reservation line before your tour if you'd like a lifejacket provided.
Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Kona & Keauhou
2h · EN
from US$ 137 per person
4.68593 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider