Manta Night Dive and Snorkel: Kona's Resident Rays

Three hours in the water with manta rays that live year-round in Kona

A night dive and snorkel activity in Kona where you enter the water with resident manta rays on the same charter, whether you're a certified diver or snorkeler. The boat carries both groups together, with soda, ginger tea and snacks provided. Divers must hold current certification and be able to show proof from an accredited agency, and snorkelers and non-diving observers are welcome. Children can join from age 10.

The experience

The charter leaves for the manta grounds at night, when these animals are most active. Kona has a resident population that returns consistently, so the encounter is one of the most reliable on the island. You're not chasing them across open ocean or hoping they show. The boat is set up so divers and snorkelers work from the same vessel, which means families or mixed groups don't split up. If you're a certified diver who hasn't been in the water for more than two years, you may need to do a refresher dive during the day first, or join as a snorkeler instead.

The guides are local and trained in manta behavior and conservation. They'll explain what you're watching before you get in and keep the focus on the animals' wellbeing, not just the spectacle. The three-hour window covers the boat ride out, the time in the water, and the return. Soda, freshly brewed ginger tea and snacks are on board, so you're not managing hunger or thirst between dives.

Certified divers can bring their own gear or rent it through the operator. Snorkelers use provided equipment. The night dive is the draw: manta rays feed on plankton that rises after dark, and the activity level and visibility are different from what you'd see in daylight. This is not a beginner dive, and the operator screens for fitness and diving experience before confirming your spot.

What’s included

• Soda and freshly brewed ginger tea.
• snacks.
• live guide in English.
• snorkel gear for snorkelers.
• the option to rent SCUBA equipment if you're a certified diver without your own gear.

Options for this experience

4 options

SnorkelerGuide in English · Available from 1 May 2027

Ride AlongGuide in English · 16:30 and 17:00Above-water only: Join your friends and family on the boat without getting wet.

For certified divers, without SCUBA gearGuide in English · 16:30 and 17:00SCUBA gear is not included

For certified divers, SCUBA gear includedGuide in English · 16:30 and 17:00Scuba rental gear is included

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 16:30 and 17:00

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (10 to 11 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Aquatic Life Divers

Is this one for you?Book this if you're a certified diver or confident snorkeler who wants to see manta rays in their active feeding window at night. The same boat takes both groups, so you're not separated from non-diving companions, and the resident population in Kona means the encounter is reliable rather than a long-shot chase.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

82 verified traveler reviews

5 ★82

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (10 to 11 years). Children under 10 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 I need to bring or know if I'm a certified diver?

Certified divers must hold current Open Water Diver certification or higher from an accredited agency like PADI, NAUI or SSI, and you'll need to show proof of your card before boarding. If you haven't dived in more than two years, the operator may ask you to do a refresher dive during the day first. You can bring your own gear or rent it from the boat.

Can I snorkel instead of diving, or just watch from the boat?

Yes. Snorkelers are welcome on the same charter, and you'll be in the water with the divers. If you prefer to stay on deck, you can ride along and watch from the boat: all three options depart together.

What are manta rays like when you're in the water with them at night?

Manta rays in Kona are resident animals that return to the same feeding grounds after dark, when plankton rises. They're filter feeders, not hunters, and they're known for being curious and gentle. The guides will explain their behavior and how to position yourself so you can watch without disturbing them.

What happens if the manta rays don't show?

The operator doesn't guarantee sightings, though the resident population in Kona makes encounters consistent. If conditions change or animals don't appear, the guides will work with what's in the water that night.

What's included in the three hours?

The charter includes soda, freshly brewed ginger tea and snacks. Dive or snorkel gear is included for snorkelers. Divers either bring their own or rent it. The three-hour window covers the boat ride, time in the water and return to shore.