Kona: Night Manta Ray Snorkel Tour & Sunset Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.60 (1,314 reviews) 82% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/17

Duration2h 30m

GroupUp to 30

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Swim with manta rays after sunset in Kona’s glowing waters

You’ll float above glowing waters in Kona as manta rays swirl beneath you—guided by locals who know every current. Watch the sunset from deck, slip into a wetsuit, and share quiet awe as these gentle giants glide past. Whether you swim or just watch from above, it’s one of those nights that lingers long after.

2h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience

Depart from Honokohau Harbor
Enjoy sunset over the water
Snorkel with manta rays
Use provided snorkel gear and wetsuits
Relax on observation deck
Return to harbor

The Experience

There was this low hum from the boat’s engine as we left Honokohau Harbor, and I remember the salty air sticking to my skin—the kind of feeling you only get on the Big Island. The sky was still streaked orange when our guide, Keoni, handed out wetsuits and cracked a joke about how everyone looks good in neoprene at dusk (not true, but it made us laugh). I kept glancing at the horizon, half-nervous, half-excited. It’s weird how quickly you forget you’re nervous when someone hands you a swimming noodle and tells you the manta rays are already circling below.

We floated just off Kona, faces down in the water, holding onto a light board that glowed blue underneath. The water felt cooler than I expected—maybe it was just nerves. Suddenly these huge shadows drifted up from the dark, so close I could see their gills fluttering open. Someone next to me whispered “whoa” through their snorkel. Our guide shone his torch gently along their wings and told us how each manta has its own spot pattern—like fingerprints. There was this moment where time sort of paused; all you could hear was your own breath and the soft swish of fins. I didn’t expect to feel so calm floating there.

If you’re not up for swimming (my aunt chickened out last minute), there’s plenty of space on deck to watch everything from above—the guides made sure she had snacks and bottled water while we were in the water. The boat ride back was quiet except for some tired laughter and talk about which island is best (Keoni says Kona wins). My hair smelled like salt for days after, but honestly? I still think about those silent shapes moving under me. Makes regular snorkeling feel kind of tame now.

What’s included

Your evening includes a leisurely boat ride from Honokohau Harbor with professional local guides leading you to prime manta sites near Kona. All snorkel equipment is provided—including mask, wetsuit jacket, swimming noodle for flotation—as well as bottled water and snacks while onboard before heading back under the stars.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Bite Me Sportfishing