Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Hold the Light Board

Float effortlessly with kids and spot graceful rays in clear island waters

A 2-hour manta ray night snorkel in Kona aboard a 32-foot Zodiac limited to 16 passengers, with all snorkel gear, wetsuits, and flotation devices included. You hold a specially designed light board while underwater lights attract plankton and draw manta rays directly beneath the boat. The experience accommodates kids, non-swimmers, and less confident swimmers, with an experienced crew led by Captain Kris Henry departing from Honokohau Harbor.

The experience

The boat leaves Honokohau Harbor at either 6:00 pm or 6:30 pm, depending on which departure you choose. You'll be on the water for 2 hours total, and the group stays small, just 16 people maximum, so there's room to move and space to see without crowding. Everything you need is provided: snorkel mask, fins, snorkel tube, flotation device, and a full wetsuit at no extra cost. The crew hands you a light board before you enter the water, and that board becomes your anchor point at the manta viewing site.

Once in the water, you hold onto the light board while powerful underwater lights beneath it attract plankton. The manta rays come to feed on that plankton, and they pass directly underneath and around you: wingspans over 20 feet, moving in barrel rolls and swoops just inches from your face. Kailua-Kona sits on one of the world's best manta ray feeding grounds, and the shallow-water setup means you stay in control the whole time. Non-swimmers and kids as young as five can participate because you're holding flotation and the crew is right there. The water is calm and the rays are used to the boats.

Bring a swimsuit and wear it under the wetsuit. The ride back can get chilly, so pack warm clothes (a sweater or windbreaker) to throw on once you're out of the water. The crew provides island juices, soda, bottled water, and light snacks during the trip. If you need a prescription mask, request it in the checkout notes. They have a limited range available.

What’s included

• All snorkel gear and flotation devices.
• full wetsuits.
• island juices, soda, bottled water and light snacks.
• experienced crew led by Captain Kris Henry.
• small group limited to 16 passengers.

Options for this experience

2 options

Manta Boat #1 – 6:30 pm departureGuide in English · Available from 1 Mar 2027From March 1 to September 30, the 6:30 pm sailing takes place on a 32 ft Zodiac carrying 16 passengers, running from sunset to moonlight. Check-in is at 6:15 pm.

Manta Boat #1 – 6:00 pm departureGuide in English · 18:00From October 1 to February 28, the 6:00 pm sailing takes place on a 32 ft Zodiac carrying 16 passengers, running from sunset to moonlight. Check-in is at 5:45 pm.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 18:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by C Big Island Tours

Is this one for you?Book the 6:00 pm departure if you want to be back early, or choose 6:30 pm if you prefer a later start. Either way, the shallow calm water and light board setup mean you stay in control whether you're a confident swimmer or you've never snorkeled before.

Traveler reviews

4.75★★★★★★★★★★

678 verified traveler reviews

5 ★608

4 ★24

3 ★14

2 ★12

1 ★20

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: 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.

What do manta rays look like when they're right below you in the water?

Manta rays have wingspans reaching over 20 feet, and at the feeding site they glide, swoop, and barrel roll just inches beneath the surface as they eat plankton attracted by the light board you're holding. You watch them move in three dimensions around you rather than seeing them from a distance.

Can I go snorkeling if I'm not a strong swimmer or have never snorkeled before?

Yes. The activity accommodates non-swimmers and less confident swimmers because you hold onto a flotation device the entire time, the water is shallow and calm, and the experienced crew stays with the group. Kids as young as five can participate under the same setup.

What time does the boat leave, and how long am I in the water?

The Manta Boat departs at either 6:00 pm or 6:30 pm from Honokohau Harbor, and the total time on the water is 2 hours. You choose which departure works for your schedule at checkout.

Is there a weight or size limit for this snorkel?

Yes, there is a 265-pound weight restriction. Pregnant travelers are not permitted on this activity.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring myself?

The price includes all snorkel gear, wetsuits, flotation devices, island juices, soda, bottled water, and light snacks. You need to bring a swimsuit, a towel, and warm clothes like a sweater or windbreaker for the return ride. Gratuities are not included.