Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Our location offers one of the world’s premier manta ray viewing experiences, just a five-minute boat ride from the snorkel site. Utilizing advanced viewing technology, our experienced in-water crew safely guides guests through the ocean for an unforgettable encounter with these remarkable animals.
We offer three ticket options to accommodate different preferences. The Manta Guarantee allows guests to return on another tour if no mantas are seen and is best booked early in your stay. The Standard Ticket provides a single opportunity to view manta rays. Ride-Along ticket guests remain on the boat and do not enter the water; sightings are limited for this option. Snorkelers enjoy approximately 30 minutes in the water.
This nighttime manta snorkel is a truly memorable experience, offering a rare and close encounter that will leave a lasting impression.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times
Minimum age 6yrs old; Maximum 70yrs old
A maximum of 28 people per booking
Electronic Waiver required to be signed prior to tour
Must be able to climb up a metal ladder resting on a pontoon to get back in the boat
Must be under 285lbs
All participating guests must know how to swim and tread water. Snorkeling experience required.
This is a wild and free excursion. No refunds are given in the event we do not get to view mantas the night of your tour.
If you are unable to swim and would like to remain on the boat, we welcome you. "Ride alongs" are a paid ticket as it is a reserved seat on the boat at a discount.
We have full discretion to refuse service to guests based on attire, behavior, physical fitness & condition
Please arrive no later than your scheduled check in time, as we have important information to review prior to leaving the dock, as well as outfit all guests with the equipment needed for the tour.
Restroom facilities not available on boat
This tour is not for those with neck or back problems
This tour is not for those with major medical conditions or heart conditions
Guests must be physically and mentally capable of listening to and obeying safety instructions
This is an open ocean experience at night. Young children may be scared of the dark waters and large animals.
Children who are frighten and crying will be escorted back aboard with a guardian. No Exceptions
Transportation NOT provided.
This trip is not for individuals who are afraid the dark, deep water, or large animals.
Snorkel vest provided for children 12 and under. Snorkel vest available to rent for all others.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Important! The listed start time is the check-in time, not the departure time. Please do not arrive early. This tour has two designated meeting locations. Carefully review all tour details before booking, as this experience may not be suitable for all guests. 1st: Check in at our store. Get fitted with gear, a boarding pass, and directions to the bay. 2nd: Board the boat, safety briefing, then spend approximately 30 minutes in the water with an in water guide to see manta rays. 3rd: Reboard and go back to the bay. Additional Information: * Swimming and snorkeling experience is required * This is an open-ocean activity; participants must be comfortable in deep, dark water * Activity intensity ranges from moderate to strenuous, depending on ocean conditions and individual fitness * Manta rays are wild animals, and sightings cannot be guaranteed * Guests must opt in to receive emails and text messages for important trip updates * International travelers must speak and understand English * We are unable to place international phone calls; please provide an alternative contact method * Groups with multiple reservations must contact us at least 24 hours in advance
What‘s Included
Manta Ray Night Snorkel or Ride Along (based on option selected)
Short Sleeve Wet Suit Top, Mask and Snorkel Provided (No Fins Allowed)
Towels
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Gratuities
Private Tour
Private transportation
Options
Ride Along-No Snorkel
Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island
Duration: 2 hours: Time includes check-in, equipment fitting, safety brief, and transportation to viewing site. Enjoy 30 minutes in water time.
Manta Ray Guarantee
Manta Ray Gurantee: If you don’t see manta rays, we will invite you to come back out once more on another night at no additional cost to you.
Duration: 2 hours: Includes check-in, equipment fitting, safety brief and transportation to viewing site. Enjoy 30 minutes in the water.
Reviews
1,862 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Manta Snorkel
Sunshine14519202844,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very fun, short boat ride, good crew
Manta
Andrew C,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Def bring your phone Even get GoPro Such wonderful experience and memories Even cold water was so refreshing in my experience Crew bit hard to interact with But we were there for manta
Manta Ray night snorkel.
Dale C,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew explained everything and made you feel very comfortable. Luckily we had apple Car play to help us navigate to the boat location.
It was incredible to sea...
Istvan S,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was incredible to sea how close the mantas rays got to us! Wonderful experience overall; highly recommend!
AMAZING! Best excursion...
Marilyn H,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00AMAZING! Best excursion ever. We saw so many Manta ray. Dolphin Discoveries was a great company to go with. They gave you wet suit tops and a board with handles to hold onto. Those two things made a big difference. Definitely recommend!!!!
Our family joined the...
Weina S,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our family joined the manta ray dive yesterday and had an amazing experience. The check-in and boarding process were very smooth, and the crew was incredibly friendly and patient. They explained everything clearly and made me feel safe and comfortable the whole time. Seeing the manta rays glide and flip so close was absolutely unforgettable. Huge thanks to the team for such a wonderful trip. Highly recommended!
Good
Jenny S,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was amazing!! They did a great job keeping us safe and a good time. However, having to do two check in and drive in between them was annoying and disrupted the flow of the evening.
A must do in Kona!
Michelle F,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The Manta Reys were so cool! I did not realize they would come so close up to us like that. One thing I did not understand is why this particular tour was more expensive than the others. The boat might have been nicer but the boat ride is less than 10 minutes so I don’t think that matters too much. I also did not understand why we had to check in elsewhere to collect gear and then drive down to the harbor. It was a lot of waiting around. (More than 1 hour of wasted time…) It seemed like a lot of other tour groups had people meet directly at the bay. Overall the guides were great and the experience was magical, just a few logistical things that did not make sense to me.
Two alpha females and a captain
Matt S,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00They definitely have alpha females running the show. They were very clear on direction and that’s what’s needed for a lot of tourists. Addy and I think the other girls name was Jordan, were hard workers and very knowledgeable. We went on an 8pm snorkel on 4/15/26 and it didn’t take long for the manta rays to come. One woman I was by started to freak out a bit once she was in the water and Jordan calmed her down immediately. She stayed calm and the lady fed off her vibe. I thought she was very well trained. I was calm and listening to her calm down that lady calmed me down even more lol. The only thing I wish the captain would do is feed his crew a little more 😆. Poor buggers couldn’t quit talking about food and how hungry they were. Once you watch them work in the water pushing all of us around they must need 10,000 calories a day to fuel their body. Hats off to those woman who orchestrated all that chaos.
AMAZING experience
Oliver H,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience! Would highly recommend!! Well organised and great team. Do not doubt if it worth it! You will not regret it.
From US$30.00
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Operated by Dolphin Discoveries