Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Why Choose Us for Your Manta Ray Night Snorkel?
Manta Guarantee Policy
Didn’t see a manta ray? Come again for FREE until you do!*
(Based on availability. See full policy for details.)
Smaller Group Size
unlike big boats that carry 25 to 50 guests.
Shorter Boat Ride
Get to the action faster with a quick 3-minute ride to the manta site—no long 30-minute boat ride like other operators.
Unmatched Light Power
Our custom light boards use over 150,000 lumens of blue dive light, attracting more plankton and increasing your chances of manta sightings.*
(*Mantas are wild animals—sightings are common but not guaranteed.)
Statistically Better Later Tours
Later tours often have fewer boats and more manta activity, enhancing your experience.
Fully Staffed & Safety-Focused
Every tour includes a licensed captain, swim guide, and certified lifeguard to keep you safe and informed.
Water time is approximately 20 to 40 minutes
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Basic swimming skills are required
Previous snorkeling experience is required
Guests must be able to independently climb up a boat ladder
Guest must be able to converse in English to understand verbal instructions and safety briefings
17 Guests maximum per group
Not recommended for those who have recently undergone surgery or who may have mobility/physical restrictions.
Maximum weight cannot exceed 275 pounds per guest.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manta guarantee policy, if you don’t see them come again Free! Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona! After a 3 minute boat ride from the harbor, you’ll enter the water and float on the surface while holding onto our custom-built light board. The powerful 150,000+ lumen dive lights attract plankton, which in turn draw in majestic manta rays that glide and feed just inches below you. It’s a breathtaking, up-close experience guided by our professional team, including a licensed captain, swim guide, and certified lifeguard. Water time is approximately 20 to 40 minutes depending on various situations ocean conditions, etc. *Statistically the later at night you go the more manta rays and the more time we have the manta rays increases significantly! The earlier you go, very crowded, making it harder to get manta rays must know how to swim and be comfortable in open ocean conditions. Wetsuits & lifejackets are optional rentals and can be arranged. Free masks and snorkels are provided, or you may bring your own.
Manta Ray Snorkeling (If option is selected)
Small Group Experience
USCG Captain, in Water snorkel Guide & Lifeguard
Mask + Snorkel
Optional Use of Wetsuit - Charged $10 pp
Private Tour
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Gratuities
Guest ENTERING the water price: For guest who want to enter the water and snorkel with manta rays! The Guarantee Policy: if No Mantas seen, come again FREE!
Guest NOT entering the water!: Only book this option if you plan on staying on the boat! To snorkel with Manta Rays, please book the other ticket option
2,466 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
19kaitlyng,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had an amazing experience with Kalailah, Roy and Greg. We had up to 5 Mantas swimming and swooping around us almost the whole time we were in the water. They're a knowledgeable crew and definitely worth it for the experience. Thanks again!
susannemedeiros3,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We highly recommend this tour. The crew with Greg and Rory were knowledgeable and experienced and it was clear they love their job and the manta rays. Not only was our time with the manta rays magical, it was wonderful to see the respect given to the rays by the crew and then instructed to the guests. From check in at the van to collecting our shoes at the dock, we had an amazing time.
stephyelland,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a great time tonight! Greg was so knowledgeable. Rory and Kaleila (sp?) were our hands on the boat. The water was pretty rough but we felt comfortable with them the whole time. We saw 3 separate mantas, but they put on an amazing show for us!
Jim G,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
Obviously the stars of the show are the Manta Rays, and they do not disappoint. The crew on the boat and the ones organizing on the ground are helpful and comforting. Keep your phone with you as they prefer to text info you need. For instance, we had reservations for 6:20 pm. Apparently there was a coast guard rule that changed our time to 7:30. They notified us in plenty of time, but we were trying to go cell phone free on the vacay. These guys deserve your support? It's a family run business, they live the rays and love what they do. Heck, they knew the Rays by name. It's worth the money!
Inspiration802017,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This trip seemed much more disorganized than when I previously went (with the same company years ago, and that was an amazing experience hence why we booked again). For this excursion, they asked us to postpone our group’s checkin due to “limited boat capacity” on the tour I was originally booked for. When we checked in at the updated time, their crew hadn’t even set up (meaning they didn’t actually take a group out at my original time, and instead combined us to the next round to save a trip out). Overall the process was rushed, some of the staff had a poor attitude and was rude to my family members. We had a short time in the water as well (not even 20 minutes per my gopro). We timed 2 minutes with the mantas (I understand this is out of their control as they are wild creatures). Also, the $10 wetsuits are simply just short sleeve tops. They charge $25 for the “shortie” wetsuit. In the future, I’d rather pay a little more to go with a different company. We chose this one for the affordability and the wonderful experience last time, but now, it seems you unfortunately get what you pay for.
jlee1972,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We are a family of 5 and had the best time! The staff was fun and patient. We saw 3 huge manta rays on our 20 min in the water. We would definitely do it again on our next trip to the Big island.
655kelseye,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Absolutely amazing, the crew was so friendly, and knowledgeable, they knew where the manta rays would be ( basically manta whisperers) they made it feel super safe and so enjoyable, the manta rays get so close and it’s crazy to see them doing backflips and eating the plankton. 10/10 recommended and definitely a must do on Kona!
G3668URgregt,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great experience and amazing encounter with the Manta Rays. The team Sage, Mahina(?), Deavon, and Kalea(?) were all very helpful and responsible.
D1400JYjacobm,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This is the most amazing thing i have ever done. The rays look beautiful. If you paid $10.00 you could get a wetsuit, I would recommend it. The staff was perfect, very honest and friendly, but also professional and productive. They knew even the names of the rays! Their names were Jake, Dave, Devin. we had 16 or 15 people in our boat. It took about 30-40 minutes to watch the rays. 5 to get out there. There is no “best for”, I would recommend it to anyone.
573laneym,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
That was literally the best thing I’ve ever done, I was so nervous but Jake, Dave , Devin, etc made it such a fun and comfortable experience. So glad I did it and these people were great!!!!
Operated by Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tours