Kona: Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour & Free Re-Ride Guarantee

Summary

Swim with manta rays in Kona’s glowing night waters on a small boat tour

You’ll float above glowing waters off Kona as manta rays swirl beneath you, guided by locals who know every story behind these gentle giants. Expect a small group vibe, quick boat ride, and real chance to get close — plus a free re-ride if luck isn’t on your side that night. It’s more intimate than you’d think, with moments that linger long after you towel off.

What’s the experience like?

“Did you see that shadow?” our guide whispered, shining his light into the black water. I was already shivering a little from nerves (and maybe the wind — it gets chilly fast after sunset in Kona), but I nodded, trying to keep my snorkel steady. There were only nine of us huddled at the edge of this little Zodiac boat, wetsuits half-zipped and masks fogging up as we waited for something — anything — to move below. The harbor lights faded behind us. It smelled like salt and rubber and that weirdly comforting ocean diesel.

I’d heard about the Kona manta ray night snorkel for years but didn’t expect how quiet it would feel out there. Our guide, Kaleo, grew up here and told us stories about these “gentle giants” while we bobbed around waiting for them to show up (he also gave me a hard time for calling them ‘fish’ — apparently they’re rays, not fish-fish). Suddenly someone gasped and pointed — a huge gray shape just glided right under my belly, so close I could feel the water swirl against my skin. My heart was hammering but in a good way. You don’t really hear much underwater except your own breathing and the muffled swish of fins. For maybe twenty minutes we floated like that, faces down, watching these mantas do slow-motion flips through columns of light.

I didn’t get seasick (which is rare for me), probably because the whole thing is only about an hour from check-in to dry land again — maybe 25 minutes actually in the water? The group was small enough that nobody got kicked in the face or lost track of their stuff. Kaleo checked on everyone constantly; he even helped one guy adjust his mask mid-swim without making him feel dumb. Oh — if you’re over 260 pounds you’ll need to book an extra seat; they were upfront about that at booking, which honestly made things easier for everyone.

We didn’t see mantas right away and I started worrying we’d miss out, but then two showed up at once and just… hung out with us. If nobody spots them on your trip they let you come back another night for free (I asked twice because I couldn’t believe it). Back on shore my fingers were wrinkled and I smelled like neoprene for hours afterward. Still worth it. Sometimes when I close my eyes I can picture those wings gliding past in the dark water — kind of wild what sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening manta ray night snorkel

• Check in for snorkel tour
• Rent wetsuit if desired
• Board 23-foot Zodiac boat
• Travel to snorkel site
• Snorkel with manta rays for 25-30 minutes
• Return to shore

Top questions

How long does the Kona manta ray night snorkel last?

The total tour is about 1.2 hours including check-in and boat travel; water time is usually 25–30 minutes.

Is snorkeling experience required for this tour?

Yes, all participants must be experienced swimmers with basic snorkeling skills.

What happens if we don’t see any manta rays?

If there are no sightings during your trip, you’ll get a free re-ride on another night instead of a refund.

How many people are on each boat?

The boat takes up to 11 passengers per tour.

Are wetsuits provided?

Wetsuits are optional and available to rent at check-in.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the departure point near Kona harbor.

Can children join this manta ray snorkel tour?

Children must be at least 5 years old to board the boat.

Are life jackets provided?

Casual use life jackets are only provided for children aged 13 and under.

What’s included

Your evening includes all taxes and fees, fuel surcharge covered by the operator, use of snorkel gear (wetsuits available to rent), plus guidance from local crew throughout your small-group manta ray night snorkel adventure departing from Kona harbor—just bring yourself and leave valuables behind in your car before boarding.