Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona
Overview
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Avoid the crowds of the other "cattle boats" in Kona, and enjoy a small-group manta ray snorkeling experience with a maximum of 12 passengers.
This tour departs from Keahou Harbor in South Kona and enjoys a short 5-minute boat ride to our snorkeling site, Manta Village.
Your Captain and snorkel guide will educate you on Kona's famous manta rays and will discuss our safe and humane approach to engaging with the gentle giants.
After entering the water, you'll hold onto our lightboard, with your feet propped up by floatation devices, as the manta rays perform a graceful ballet beneath you. The manta rays filter feed on plankton that naturally gathers at the surface just before sunset, then accumulates underneath our lights. This is an opportunity to enjoy an evening on the water and watch in amazement as the manta rays glide around and dance for you.
We are proud to be a Green Listed company, and we take an environmentally cautious approach to our interactions with the manta rays.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Must be able to swim without the assistance of a floatation device.
A ticket is required for all passengers, regardless of age or whether they are entering the water.
Maximum weight of 280 pounds per traveler.
Not recommended for travelers with neck problems.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Come aboard the Pueo Kai 2, and enjoy a small-group manta ray snorkeling experience with up to 12 passengers. Snorkeling with Kona's famous manta rays is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that The Travel Channel called "one of the top 10 things to do in your lifetime." After a quick 5-minute boat ride, we'll arrive at the aptly named "Manta Village." You'll enter the water as Kona's famous manta rays feed on plankton accumulating under our light boards. The manta rays may fly by our light boards as they feast on plankton, and they may even hang around and do "barrel rolls" beneath us, as they come back for more and more plankton. Every night is different. After 30-45 minutes in the water, depending on sea conditions and manta ray feeding behavior, you will be guided back to the boat. We see manta rays about 92% of the time. While we expect to see them every night, manta rays are wild animals and they do take nights off from Manta Village about 8% of the time. If this happens, we will offer you a free trip on any available charter. Since our tours typically sell out several days in advance, we recommend you book this tour as early as possible during your stay on Hawaii Island.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Wetsuit (optional)
Local taxes
Beverages
Gratuities
Transportation to/from attractions
Options
Manta Magic
Reviews
1,145 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Otherworldly beauty!
O3216FHalisonw,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great experience! We had four mantas with us nearly the entire time we were in the water. They were so beautiful and majestic! Our in-water guide was full of fun facts and I indulged my inner nerd and soaked up all the info while being overwhelmed with the grace of the mantas. They literally come within inches of you!
It was magical.
Sharon D,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience. Guides were helpful and the manta rays were beautiful. Having the wetsuit jacket and the ankle floats made it easy.
Worth It!
Connector150677,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Christine, Sara, Justin and Rachael took great care of us on this adventure. 3 adults and a 13 year old and we all had a great time. It was organized and on time and just long enough for myself. I appreciated the smaller group size. We know there is no guarantee but they are set up for success and we saw many manta rays! Worth it!
Loved the Manta Rays!
Freedom449020,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience that we highly recommend. The crew did such a great job ensuring a great experience. Some of us were nervous, but they had so many crew members and each were responsible for certain pieces of the trip that we felt everything was covered. Very knowledgeable with the manta rays.
Excellent company and experience
Extraordinary643395,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience!! Crew and staff were very organized and friendly. We viewed 2 mantas at one time. Very exciting experience.
This was an unforgettable...
Beth B,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an unforgettable life experience! Our guides were very knowledgeable and we could tell they care about the mantas
A beautiful experience
237nikkid,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was awesome - we calmly waited for the mantas to appear and then let them do their thing. They got up close and personal - Queenie brushed past me several times. Sarah was very informative. We loved it.
Amazing Manta Ray night Snorkel!
Audrey R,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Small group size, knowledgeable, friendly guides and boat captain, 4 minute boat ride- a perfect evening adventure! We saw 7 Manta Rays and loved learning their names and about the animals. The guides made us feel safe and provided for a fun evening! Highly recommend!!!
An out of this world experience worth every cent.
Xavier G,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience, would recommend allows you to get up all close and personal. It’s an out of this world experience and with lovely staff it’s definitely worth the money.
We L O V E D it! Once in a lifetime experience, magical manta rays!
146jeannec,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely recommend! This was a once in a lifetime experience. The boat ride is quick to the manta ray viewing. A great size (smaller) group of people 10-12 on this excursion. Words cannot describe the magic of viewing these amazing beings. They have so much personality and were very hungry. Sara our in water guide knew all of them by name and gave a great narrative while we watched with amazement. Justin was a friendly and confident captain and Hailey was also helpful in getting everyone ready to get in the water as well as getting out of the water in the end. Best for people comfortable swimming and who can relax floating in the ocean to get the most out of this experience. This crew cares about the safety of the rays and the safety of everyone on board. The host was also extremely helpful and friendly, Karleen (I think was her name). Don't hesitate book your tour today! Note: If you are prone to motion sickness take the appropriate precautions.
From US$145.00
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Operated by Hawaii Oceanic