Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour: Guaranteed or come again free
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 20 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 than boat boats!
Avoid 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 200, 000 lumens of blue or white 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
Additional Info
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
What‘s Included
Floatation Life Belt
USCG Captain, Water snorkel guide & Lifeguard
Dive lights with manta board to hang onto
Mask + Snorkel
Wetsuits are NOT mandatory. $10 upper Jacket or $20 Full Body Wetsuit
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Gratuities
Lifejackets are NOT mandatory. $10 lifejacket if wanted. We have free lifebelt and floating board
Options
NOT Snorkeling price option!
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
GUARANTEED Manta Ray Snorkel
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!
Reviews
2,482 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely worth it!...
Jenn F,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely worth it! Amazing experience, the manta rays come so close to you it's truly an unreal experience! The crew were all so kind and informative. 10/10 would do it again in a heart beat!!
Frustrated tourist.
theresad282,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I never will go. I bought a groupon and tried to book my trip. When I called today I was first greeted by a voicemail that they do not check but it was stated they call back everyone that calls. I got my call back and the owner that answered was very rude once he found out I was using a groupon. He talked over me when I was questioning the time. He told me it was all clearly stated on the groupon. When I had my groupon pulled up I could not see anything about a 11 pm tour time. He claims that I should have know by "late" night tour I should have known to look that up. I tried to explain I couldn't even see where it said "late" but the point wasn't that I didn't see fine print or whatever. The point of my negative review was him talking over me and not letting me talk. He booked me on the tour and before I could really understand what he was doing he canceled it saying I was unhappy. I hope to get my money back as groupon is saying it is past the refund date. I would have gladly went on the tour at 11 pm had he been more willing to let me talk and grasp the fine print. Now I am at a crossroads as I do not want to go out with such a gruff person.
My sister in-law had ana...
Waid I,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My sister in-law had ana amazing experience watching the Manta Rays. I had a health issue that arose while in the water. They were awesome to help me get back to the boat. I observed the amazing sevice that they offered to all of their guests in getting to the light board and moving around to the Manta Rays and back to the boat when the committed time was up.
Beautiful experience, no regrets!
V2609PSkelseyl,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Top notch customer service, you can tell the crew have genuine respect for these magnificent animals. Short ride, good amount of time in the water, and excellent education throughout. If you are on the fence about booking, JUST DO IT!
“Epic” Manta Ray snorkel tour Feb. 2026
Brian M,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00From signing up for our tour, to checking, to the tour and afterward cannot say enough positive about the overall experience and value of the experience! Deavon, Sage, Steven, and Leo(?) were kind, passionate confident, knowledgable and obviously trained and prepared for all levels of swimmers/snorkelers. I saw 7 Manta Rays and multiple schools of beautiful fish. And, 5:50 show time included an amazing sunset experience. Thank you guys!
Great tour! Great staff!
Debra S,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time. The boat crew are really friendly and knowledgeable about the rays in the area. We got to see several very up close and personal. Finding their check in location was simple enough. Street parking when we arrived was easy as well. Read information given closely. You need to arrive in your swimwear and don’t take extra stuff with you. They hang on to all your towels and phones and keys off the boat so it stays dry. And you have to be able to swim to the platform! We had someone on our tour who couldn’t swim and it clearly states you need to be able to make it a short distance. So just make sure you can. One issue we had was that Viator does not list the correct check in time. You are supposed to arrive 30 minutes before time listed on Viator and we weren’t aware so we missed our launch time. But the guy at check in was really nice and just put us on the next tour which was not too much later than planned. When we return to Hawaii we would definitely do this you’re with them again. Highly recommend.
Rescheduled because boat needed repairs.
Ken G,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Boat was broke down. We were rescheduled. We were so looking forward to this as it was a must do while in Hawaii.
One highlight of our trip...
Dianna F,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00One highlight of our trip to Big Island, we had several planned events and this was a great one. The Mantas are amazing, beautiful creatures that I’d love to learn more about now.
Mantas seen, friendly crew, chaotic
Brian S,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We saw 3 mantas and the crew was friendly and helpful. Poorly organized. Very rushed in the beginning when they get you checked in. We showed up at check in time which was delayed via txt. Chaotic in the water with this boat and many similar boats around. Not always clear whether it was our crew talking or another. With it being in the dark they should do a better job managing guests. It was a full boat, about 20 people, packed tightly during the boat ride. Heavy traffic for two docks from the many different operating companies.
Amazing experience!
F3632TQmollyr,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Greg, Koa, and Dylan were great crew! This tour was amazing and we saw so many manta rays. Once in a lifetime experience. This was nice since it was a 3 minute boat ride and about an hour total, versus some of the other options which make it 2-2.5hrs round trip. If you’re prone to motion sickness I’d recommend taking something for the short ride back since after being in the water I felt a little woozy. Easy check in and wetsuit rental (cash or venmo). Thanks for making our trip to the Big Islad unforgettable!
From US$35.00
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Operated by Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tours