Snorkeling with Manta Rays off Kona Coast at Sunset

Glide along Kona’s coast on a spacious catamaran before meeting graceful ocean giants up close

Snorkel with manta rays at night off the Kona coast on a 50-foot catamaran, starting with a sunset sail and ending in the water with a professional guide. The boat departs from Kona pier after a 45-minute check-in at the operator's retail outlet; snorkel equipment, wetsuits, instruction and complimentary drinks are included. If you don't see a manta ray while snorkeling, you can rebook for free on another night.

The Experience

The day starts with a sail down the Kona coast as the sun drops toward the water. You'll receive an in-depth explanation of manta rays—one of the ocean's most mysterious creatures—before the boat reaches manta ray village. Once in the water with your professional guide, you're snorkeling at night, when the rays are most active. The manta rays arrive to feed on plankton drawn to the boat's lights, and you watch them glide and feed just below the surface. After the snorkel, the boat heads back to Kona pier, passing the lights of town on the water.

Snorkel equipment, wetsuits and swim noodles are provided, along with instruction from certified guides. Complimentary water, juice, soft drinks and hot cocoa come after you're back on the boat. The whole outing runs about two and a half hours from departure to return. Guests can purchase beer, wine and cocktails from the full bar if they want something beyond the complimentary drinks.

Check-in happens 45 minutes before departure at the operator's retail outlet in the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Beach Kona Hotel, on Palani Road. Discounted self-parking is available at the hotel for $13 for up to 5.5 hours. Departure times vary throughout the year to match the changing sunset, so confirm your exact time when you book.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• all snorkel equipment and wetsuits.
• instruction in the water.
• complimentary water, juice, soft drinks, hot cocoa and hot tea.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Good to know

Demanding physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Kona Style

Is this one for you?Book this if you're a confident open-water swimmer wanting to snorkel with manta rays at night—the guide leads you in the water rather than narrating from the boat.

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Top questions

What are manta rays like when you're snorkeling with them at night?

Manta rays are drawn to the boat's lights at night to feed on plankton, and they glide through the water just below the surface where you can watch them. They're large, graceful creatures, and the operator provides an in-depth explanation of their behavior before you enter the water so you know what to expect.

Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler to join this snorkel?

You must be a strong swimmer and able to swim without a flotation device, but you don't need snorkeling experience—the professional guides provide instruction in the water. If the captain determines you're not a competent swimmer, you'll be directed back to the vessel and won't receive a refund.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Snorkel equipment, wetsuits, swim noodles, professional guide, all taxes and fees, plus complimentary water, juice, soft drinks and hot cocoa are included. You should bring your own towel. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on the boat.

What happens if we don't see any manta rays?

The operator offers one of the best manta guarantees in the industry—if you book and don't see a manta ray while snorkeling, you can rebook for free on another night, subject to availability.

Where do I check in, and how early should I arrive?

Check-in is at the operator's retail outlet in the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Beach Kona Hotel at 75-5660 Palani Road, Suite C8, Kailua-Kona. You must arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Discounted parking is available at the hotel for $13 for up to 5.5 hours.

Can children come on this snorkel?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 are not allowed in the water and must stay on the vessel with an adult at all times. Any child entering the water must be a strong swimmer without assistance from a flotation device.