Manta Ray Night Snorkeling in Kona: See Them Feed

Watch manta rays glide through lit water as they feed at night

Manta ray night snorkeling in Kona puts you in the water five minutes off Hawai'i Island's west coast to watch these gentle giants feed on plankton under dive lights. The experience lasts about 90 minutes and includes snorkel equipment, wetsuit, instruction and warm soup and hot drinks afterward. You need previous snorkeling experience, confidence swimming in the dark, and be at least 7 years old. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

Night snorkel with manta rays

• Travel five minutes off Kona coast
• Board vessel with diving lights
• Snorkel at night near mantas
• Observe mantas feeding on plankton

The experience

The mantas feed most actively at night, when plankton rises toward the surface. The boat's dive lights are safe for the animals and draw them close enough to watch their wingspans, some exceed 15 feet, as they glide through the water. Unlike stingrays, mantas have no teeth, stingers or barbs, so they're completely safe to be around. You'll get instruction on the snorkel gear and wetsuit before entering the water, and the whole outing takes about 90 minutes from start to finish.

The five-minute boat ride from Kona gets you to the snorkeling site quickly. Once in the water, the dive lights create the conditions that bring the mantas in. They're attracted to the light and the plankton it illuminates. This is what makes the night snorkel different from daytime viewing: the mantas are actively feeding, not just passing through. Warm homemade soup, bread rolls and hot drinks wait for you back on the boat afterward.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment, wetsuit and in-water instruction.
• warm homemade soup, bread rolls and hot drinks.
• live guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 17:15 and 17:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 26

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Kona Sunrise Charters

Is this one for you?Book this if you're an experienced snorkeler comfortable in the dark and want to watch mantas actively feeding rather than simply passing by. The night timing is what brings them in to eat, so daytime snorkeling in Kona won't give you the same encounter.

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Top questions

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?

Yes. You must have previous snorkeling experience and be confident swimming in the dark. This is not a beginner activity, and non-swimmers or beginner swimmers should not book it.

How far from shore is the snorkeling site?

The site is only five minutes off Hawai'i Island's west coast near Kona, so the boat ride is short and the water is close to land.

Why do the mantas come at night instead of during the day?

Mantas feed most actively at night when plankton rises toward the water's surface. The dive lights attract both the plankton and the mantas, making nighttime the best opportunity to see them feeding.

What's included in the snorkeling experience?

Snorkel equipment, wetsuit, instruction and warm homemade soup, bread rolls and hot drinks are all included. Beer and wine are available to purchase separately.

Can children go on this snorkel?

Children as young as 7 can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult and have previous snorkeling experience and confidence swimming in the dark.

Are full-face snorkel masks allowed?

No. Full-face snorkel masks are not permitted on the vessels, so you'll use a standard snorkel mask and snorkel.