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
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.
Ride Along-No Snorkel
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
1,887 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unfortunately not the experience we had hoped for…
Thomas B,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00We had a few issues with this tour so unfortunately can’t give it a good review. I booked on the day for this tour through Viator and realised immediately after booking that I had selected the no snorkelling option instead of the manta night snorkelling. I immediately called Viator about amending the booking and they said I needed to contact the tour company as it was within 24 hours of booking, they also sent a message to the company about amending the booking to see if they could sort it for me. I contacted the tour company and they said they could help when we came in on the night. When I came in on the night I was shocked they charged me 60% more on top what I had paid for the whole trip on Viator when there has only been a $9 difference per person between the two options on the booking site I booked on. We were quite taken aback by this up charge amount, especially when I had tried to sort out the change following mistake when booking that day. It doesn’t make sense that the upcharge is that much so we felt a bit ripped off by this. We tried to keep an open mind and just enjoy the experience. When we actually got out in the water, the boat was good and the staff in the water were knowledgeable. However my partners gear was faulty and the snorkel part constantly had water coming in and he couldn’t really enjoy the experience because of this as he was taking in sea water. He got really sick from all the salt water he took in while in the water. He asked for fresh water when we got on the boat as we had seen they have given it to another person because he was unwell but the girl on the boat didn’t take the situation seriously and took quite awhile before they gave it too him and he was feel so ill from it so was just not a great experience because of this. He just needed water to try and not throw up. Once we got back to shore he was vomiting up all the sea water. We went snorkelling with another company the day before so we know that there was an issue with the gear he was given as we had no issues with our other snorkel experience. Although it was great to see the manta rays, the faulty snorkelling gear kind of ruined the experience for my partner.
Incredible!!!! Do it!!
Malinda M,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00AMAZING!!! The best experience we had on the island!! This tour is extremely well organized, they are over the top friendly, we were so impressed!! GO!!! I can’t believe how many manta rays we saw and how close they were!
Nice activité to do
Mireille C,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was a nice activité. We did not have the chance to see mantaray bit the expérience was awesome and I recommand it
An amazing adventure with an awesome crew!
Camper265324,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The nighttime snorkel swimming with the Manta Rays was an amazing experience. The crew was professional and very informative . Equipment was excellent quality. It was incredible to have these gentle giant creatures swim right up to you to have a close look at them! I highly recommend this adventure.
Absolutely fantastic and...
Lynn L,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely fantastic and unique experience. I’ve done many memorable things in my life and this is one of the top experiences that I will always remember. The crew was very knowledgeable and we felt safe the entire time. If you come to the Big Island, this is an absolute must do!
Unique experience
Emily L,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was well organized, and easy to partake. You check in and pick up gear at the shop, then meet at the boat launch. Use your own snorkel if you need RX. You only in the water for 30 minutes which is plenty as it can start to get chilly, but you’ll see plenty of manta rays! Tour guides were extremely helpful and informative.
Bucket list checked again
Bruce C,May 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the best experiences of my life! Wow!!! Have to see it to understand!!! Great team leading us!
A must see!
TERRY P,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was by far one of the BEST experiences in Hawaii! You will not regret it. Even if you're not a strong swimmer, you will enjoy this epic Mana Ray experience. 5 stars all the way!
Surreal experience with the manta rays!
Alicia Y,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Dan, Jake and the whole team were very friendly, professional, and passionate! We were able to see dozens of the manta rays and also other fishes! It was like in a dream and so surreal! I paid extra to rent a life jacket since I didn't feel comfortable swimming in the ocean at night. It worked really well! Highly recommended!
Please, BE quiet!
Michelle Z,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The nature experience was truly amazing. We had so many manta rays come in I was awestruck. As for many group experiences, humans can wreck it. Please watch the video, make your teenage boys watch the video so they know what to expect and aren’t screaming like babies, like they had no idea what they signed up for. Also, I suggest that the staff also keeps their chatting catch up time sessions on shore. While I’m experiencing the event of a lifetime I don’t want to hear you telling a co worker how your weekend went. Omg. We are trying to connect with nature people, listen to instructions, shut up and enjoy this absolutely epic adventure.
From US$30.00
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