Kona: Night Manta Ray Snorkel Small Group & Fast Boat

Summary

Night snorkeling with manta rays in Kona’s blue glow small group

You’ll slip into Kona’s Keauhou Bay after dark for a small-group manta ray night snorkel led by local guides—just a short boat ride away. Float above glowing blue lights as giant mantas sweep inches below you, then share laughs with your crew back on deck. It’s raw, thrilling, and feels strangely peaceful—something you’ll remember long after your hair dries.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous about the dark water — I mean, I love snorkeling, but stepping off the boat into Keauhou Bay at night is something else. The crew joked about how everyone hesitates the first time, and honestly, it helped. There were just a handful of us (definitely not one of those packed boats), and our guide Kimo kept things light, even when he handed me the mask and I realized my heart was thumping louder than the waves against the hull.

The boat ride out was barely five minutes — just enough time for the salty air to wake me up and for someone to ask if manta rays ever bump into you (Kimo grinned: “Only if you’re plankton”). Floating on the surface with my hands wrapped around this glowing light board felt weirdly peaceful after all that anticipation. The water was cool but not cold; I could smell sunscreen and that metallic tang from the gear. Then these huge shapes started gliding up from below — honestly closer than I’d imagined. Their wings almost brushed my stomach as they looped through the blue-lit water. For a second everything was just silent except for muffled breathing through snorkels and someone quietly whispering “whoa.”

I tried asking Kimo how many times he’s seen this and he shrugged, said every night’s different — sometimes three mantas, sometimes twenty. We got lucky, I think. There were more than a few swooping right under us, mouths wide open like cartoon characters hoovering up plankton in the lights. My mask fogged up at one point and I fumbled with it, which made Li next to me laugh (she said she always does that too). It was over faster than I wanted — maybe 25 minutes? — but climbing back onto the boat with wet hair and adrenaline still buzzing felt like waking from a dream.

Back on shore, drying off under those harsh dock lights, I kept thinking how wild it is that this happens here every night. Not some show or aquarium — just wild animals doing their thing while we float above them like curious ghosts. If you’re in Kona and you can swim (and don’t mind a little darkness), this manta ray night snorkel is worth every nervous heartbeat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience

• Arrive on time for tour
• Prepare for 40 minutes
• Take 4-minute boat ride
• Snorkel for 20-30 minutes
• Float on light board
• Observe manta rays feeding

Top questions

How long is the Kona manta ray night snorkel tour?

The tour includes about 40 minutes of prep time on shore, a 4-minute boat ride each way, and 20–30 minutes of snorkeling with manta rays.

Is snorkeling experience required for this Kona night tour?

Yes, previous snorkeling experience is required as guests must be able to swim independently and climb up a boat ladder.

How many people are on each Kona manta ray snorkel trip?

The group size is small—maximum 17 guests per tour for a more personal experience.

Are prescription masks available for this tour?

No, prescription snorkel masks are not provided on this tour.

Where does the Kona manta ray night snorkel depart from?

The tour departs from Keauhou Bay in Kona.

What safety measures are in place during the snorkel?

A licensed captain, certified lifeguard, and trained swim guide are present throughout for safety.

What happens if no manta rays appear during my booking?

If no mantas are seen and you booked directly, you can rebook another tour free of charge (subject to availability).

What’s included

Your evening includes all necessary snorkeling gear—mask and snorkel—plus guidance from experienced local crew members who handle safety briefings and help everyone get comfortable before heading out on a short boat ride to Keauhou Bay’s glowing waters.