Manta snorkeling: Sunset cruise and night dive

Swim alongside manta rays under the stars

A private sunset cruise and night snorkeling activity in Manta where you enter the water to swim with manta rays after dark, equipped and guided. The boat departs at sunset, cruises the coast, then anchors for the snorkeling portion when the mantas arrive. Three hours total, with snorkeling equipment, refreshments and a live English or Japanese-speaking guide included.

The experience

You have a free afternoon and evening in Manta. The charter boat leaves at sunset, giving you time to watch the light change over the water before the real draw begins. Once darkness falls and the water cools, the manta rays move in to feed, and you're in the water with snorkeling gear, a mask and fins, positioned to watch them glide beneath you. The guide stays in the water with your group, pointing out the rays as they pass and managing the boat's lights to keep them visible without startling them.

The boat is a private charter, which means your group has it to yourselves: no strangers, no schedule conflicts with other bookings. You get snorkeling equipment, coffee or tea, soda and snacks during the outing. The guide speaks English or Japanese, so you can follow the commentary and any safety instructions in your language. The whole experience runs three hours from departure to return.

What’s included

• Use of snorkeling equipment.
• coffee and/or tea.
• soda and pop.
• snacks.
• live guide in English or Japanese.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 16:45

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Aloha Kona Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Japanese, so you can follow safety instructions and learn about the rays in your language. If you speak another language, confirm availability with the operator before booking.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

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

Manta rays in Manta's waters are large, graceful fish that feed on plankton at night. They glide through the water with slow, wing-like movements and are generally calm around snorkelers who stay still and let them pass. The guide positions the group to watch without chasing or crowding them.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this activity?

No. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and snorkeling equipment is provided. The guide is in the water with you and can help with positioning and technique. If you've never snorkeled before, let the operator know when you book so they can brief you on basics before entering the water.

Why does the snorkeling happen at night instead of during the day?

Manta rays feed on plankton that rises to the surface after dark, so night is when they're most active in Manta's waters. Daytime snorkeling in the same area would mean far fewer rays. The boat's lights attract the plankton, which in turn draws the rays close enough to observe.

What happens if the weather turns bad during the three hours?

The boat is a private charter, so the operator can adjust the timing or route based on conditions. If seas are too rough for safe snorkeling, the guide will decide whether to move to a calmer spot, delay the water entry, or reschedule. Check the operator's weather policy when you book.