Kona & Keauhou: Night Manta Ray Snorkel with Expert Crew

Summary

Night swim with manta rays in Kona’s glowing waters

You’ll slip into warm Hawaiian waters after dark for an up-close encounter with wild manta rays near Kona or Keauhou. With an expert local guide and all gear included, you’ll float above glowing plankton as mantas sweep past just inches away. The memory of those silent giants stays with you long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous before our night manta ray snorkel near Kona. The idea of slipping into the dark water after sunset — well, it’s not something I’d ever pictured myself doing. But there we were, shuffling down to Honokohau Harbor, wetsuits half-zipped and everyone sort of joking about who’d be the first to spot a fin. Our guide, Kaleo, handed out masks and gave us this quick but no-nonsense safety talk (he made sure we all knew how to climb the ladder back up — not as easy as it sounds when you’re wet and laughing). The boat ride out was maybe 20 minutes, just enough time for the sky to turn that deep velvet blue you only get in Hawaii.

The water felt cooler than I expected when I slid in at Garden Eel Cove — they call it “Manta Heaven,” which sounds dramatic until you actually see these huge shapes gliding below you. We held onto this floating light board that glowed soft green under our faces. Plankton swirled up from nowhere and suddenly there they were: manta rays, looping and flipping so close I could see their gills flutter. Someone next to me let out a quiet “whoa.” It smelled faintly of salt and neoprene; my heart was thumping but in a good way. Kaleo kept checking on us, making sure nobody drifted or missed the show. He told us each ray has its own name — like Hoku or Sugar Ray — and pointed out which one was which (I still can’t tell them apart but he seemed pretty sure).

On the way back toward Kona, everyone was quieter than before. Maybe it was tiredness or just trying to hold onto that feeling for a bit longer — you know? I leaned back against the bench, listening to someone point out Orion overhead while city lights flickered along the shore. There’s something about being out on the ocean at night that makes everything else feel far away. Honestly, I didn’t expect to think about those manta rays days later, but here I am.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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 star and city light views
• Return to harbor

Top questions

Do I need snorkeling experience for this Kona manta ray tour?

Yes, previous snorkeling experience is required for safety reasons.

Where does the night snorkel tour depart from?

The tour departs from Honokohau Harbor near Kona.

How long is the boat ride to see manta rays?

The boat ride takes about 15-20 minutes each way.

Is equipment provided for the night snorkel?

Yes, snorkel gear and a shorty wetsuit are included in your booking.

Can pregnant travelers join this manta ray night snorkel?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to safety concerns.

What if we don’t see any manta rays during our tour?

If no mantas are seen, guests who booked directly may join again for free on another night (subject to availability).

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; guests must arrive at Honokohau Harbor themselves.

Are life jackets available if needed?

Yes, life jackets can be provided upon request—just contact the reservation line ahead of time.

What’s included

Your evening includes use of snorkel equipment and a shorty wetsuit plus guidance from a certified in-water lifeguard throughout your time with the manta rays—just bring your sense of adventure and meet at Honokohau Harbor before your scheduled departure.