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
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.
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
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
2,496 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amber S,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
I appreciated that this was a quick in and out to see mantas without taking a bunch of time. Note: you will have to pay more for any extras like prescription goggles ($25 rental), wet suit, life jacket, etc. we saw mantas and the captain/crew were great.
kristabL6429EM,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Terrible company that is impossible to get in touch with. The weather changed with large swells quickly while we were on our trip in Hawaii, and initially we reached out to the company to see if it was still happening, as locals were saying not to go out... but they would not answer or respond to messages. We reached out to Trip advisor and they could not get in touch with them either... I will try to get my money back...
621oanah,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
At first everyone was nervous and we didn’t see much in the darkness of the water. We were about to get out of the water when one swims right up to us. It was spinning in circles and we got to see him eat. He was the most beautiful, gentle, and largest animal I’ve ever seen. It got really close, but if you don’t move or bother it, it won’t try to touch you. When we got on the boat, we got to see about 8 dolphins. They swam right next to us and it was the best night of my life. Our guide Danielle was the sweetest captain ever.
madelinecR8256ZW,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I took my 9 yo son on this tour and we loved it! We had a great boat crew who made it fun and exciting. Definitely would recommend this company and definitely would love to do this again on a future vacation. My son said "this is the best tour in the whole wide world!"
Karen B,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
Snoring with manta rays very cool. Everyone on the team, Deavon, Ryan, Khalayla and Greg was great! Highly recommend
billeM972WJ,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Initially very difficult to sort through all the operators offering this tour (with names that are not all that different). Many were sold out one or two days in advance, so I was a little hesitant as this company had many more nightly tours, hence more openings. The fact that they are the most affordable, certainly added to my apprehension. I was soooo wrong. These guys were great for our family. Ranging in age from 15 to 57, all decent swimmers, and not looking for a hand-held experience, Hawaii Island and Ocean Tours ran a timely, tight, and well oiled operation and we had some amazing really close Manta encounters nicely encapsulated in a 1 hour package. Capt. Rory, guides Kaleia and Greg made us comfortable before we ever jumped in that nighttime water (and I know you’re as scared as we were, just reading about it). Totally perfect!!!! Don’t hesitate to go with them.
Keyla V,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
It was awesome, it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done and the Manta Rays came up so close it was sooo! Workers were so sweet and funny and such a good vibe!!!
Yesenia C,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
From Davin offering extra swimming gear to Greg, Rory, and Leila taking such great care of us on the boat, they truly made the whole experience even more enjoyable. The manta ray encounter is an absolute must-do!!! It’s so incredible!
Keerthi P,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
The crew was amazing. Steve was a very helpful person. We saw a ton of manta rays . I really love how they drill down a very key point to not touch the manta rays.
amandasH9846IW,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We saw no mantas tried to rebook to go out and only had 11 pm to go out. That time doesn’t work when you have kids.
Operated by Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tours