Kona: Night Manta Ray Snorkel Tour & Catamaran Cruise

Summary

Snorkel with manta rays by moonlight off Kona’s coast

You’ll head out from Kona at sunset on a catamaran, then slip into calm waters for a night snorkel with wild manta rays—watching them glide just inches away under glowing lights. Afterward, warm up with hot drinks as you cruise back under the stars. The memory lingers long after you’re dry.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to get nervous before we were gliding out from Kailua-Kona on this big, steady catamaran—lights from town flickering behind us, salt in the air. Our guide, Keahi, joked about “manta manners” and handed out wetsuits that smelled faintly like neoprene and ocean. I kept thinking: am I really about to jump into dark water with giant rays? But everyone else seemed excited, so maybe my nerves were just city brain talking.

When we reached Manta Ray Village, the crew gave us a quick safety rundown (I appreciated how seriously they took it—no nonsense). The sea was calm but you could hear it slapping against the hull in the dark. We slipped in one by one, holding onto these floating light boards. Suddenly there they were—manta rays gliding right beneath us, huge and ghostly in the blue glow. One brushed so close I swear I felt the water shift around my hand. It was quiet except for muffled snorkel breaths and someone’s muffled laugh when a ray did a slow somersault.

Back on board, everyone looked kind of dazed but happy—like we’d all shared some odd secret. Hot cocoa tasted way better than usual (maybe because my lips were still salty). I tried to describe what it felt like to my partner but words didn’t quite land. On the ride back toward Kailua town, the lights along the coast looked softer somehow. I still think about those silent shapes moving just under us—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening manta ray snorkel adventure

• Board 50' catamaran at Kona coast
• Travel to Manta Ray Village
• Receive safety briefing
• Snorkel with manta rays
• Return to boat
• Enjoy hot cocoa and tea
• View Kona night lights
• Boat ride back to Kailua town

Top questions

Is snorkeling experience required for the Kona night manta ray tour?

Yes, you must be able to swim confidently without a flotation device and know basic snorkeling skills.

What is included in the Kona manta ray snorkel tour?

The tour includes all snorkel gear, wetsuits, swim noodles, soft drinks, juice, water, and post-snorkeling hot cocoa or tea.

Where does the manta ray snorkel tour depart from in Kona?

The tour departs from Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Beach Hotel at 75-5660 Palani Road in Kailua-Kona.

Are children allowed on the night manta ray snorkel tour?

Children under 5 are not allowed in the water; all children must be accompanied by an adult on board.

How long does the night manta ray snorkel trip last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including check-in and boat travel time.

Can non-swimmers join the Kona manta ray snorkel tour?

No; only competent swimmers are permitted in the water for safety reasons.

Is hotel pickup included for this Kona snorkel tour?

No hotel pickup is included; guests check-in at the departure location themselves.

What’s included

Your evening includes use of all snorkel equipment plus wetsuits and swim noodles if needed. You’ll have complimentary bottled water, juices, soft drinks onboard—and after snorkeling with manta rays off Kona’s coast, hot cocoa or tea is served as you ride back toward town under the lights.