Overview
This small group Kona manta ray night snorkel adventure offers one of the rarest experiences on Earth - swimming with manta rays at night in their natural habitat. With a maximum of 17 guests, this tour ensures a more personal and uncrowded encounter compared to larger boats. After a quick 3–5 minute ride from the harbor, you'll float comfortably on custom light boards as powerful blue lights attract plankton, drawing manta rays to glide inches beneath you. Led by licensed captains, certified lifeguards, and local guides, this family-owned company combines safety, education, and aloha spirit. A Manta Guarantee allows free rebooking if no mantas are seen.
What Makes your Manta Ray Night Snorkel Unique
One of the only places on Earth to snorkel with manta rays at night—in their natural habitat
Small group size (maximum 17 guests) for a personal, uncrowded experience—unlike other boats carrying 40–60 people
Quick 3–5 minute boat ride from the harbor to the manta site (not 30 minutes each way like many other operators)
Industry-leading light system with over 150,000 lumens of blue dive lights, attracting more plankton and increasing manta activity
Custom light boards designed to keep you comfortably floating while mantas glide inches below
Later tour times available, which statistically have fewer boats and more mantas
Manta Guarantee — If no manta rays are seen, direct booking guests can rebook for free until they do (subject to availability)
Staffed by a licensed captain, certified lifeguard, and trained swim guide for safety
Run by a local, family-owned company that values education, conservation, and sharing the spirit of aloha
Itinerary
Please arrive on time for the start of your scheduled tour. 40 minutes is allocated to prepare guests before going out on the boat. Short 4 min boat ride to the snorkel destination Snorkel time is 20-30 minutes. Our experienced Captains, swim guides & lifeguards are stationed at the viewing site, with light board, underwater dive lights, & dancing rays anticipating your arrival. All guides are highly knowledgeable, full of interesting facts & lifeguard/CPR certified. 13 persons ensures your safety & extra personal attention as needed. You will float on the surface of the water, snorkeling, while holding on to our custom light board for up to 30 minutes. The light board attracts plankton, and in turn the manta rays enjoy swimming close by in order to scoop up the concentrated accumulation of food in the lights below you. Prescription snorkel masks are NOT available. (60 mins)
What's Included
Inclusions
- Gear (mask, snorkel)
Exclusions
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Gratuity
Meeting & Logistics
please check your ticket details / ticket PDF
Meeting Point
Meeting details will be provided after booking.
Special Instructions
MUST READ EVERYTHING BELOW *GEAR: • Mask & snorkel • Floatation life belt / noodle Included items necessary to do the tour. • Rental /cleaning fee. Prices at check in lifejacket ( 12 & Younger FREE ) upper body jacket wetsuit shorty full body wetsuit floating waterproof phone case ( based upon availability ) Wetsuits & lifejackets are NOT necessary or mandatory to do the tour. *DURATION & DELAY POLICY: We can depart late upon rare situations. Tour durations time and departure times are estimates — not exact. Delays are normal in this industry up to one hour behind especially with this particular tour! *CAPACITY POLICY: If the tour doesn't meet this minimum, we’ll move you to another time or day *ABOUT THE BOAT: RIB Zodiac Navy Seal Vessel *Manta Guarantee Policy: If No manta seen, come again free! No refunds! *TOUR LENGTH: Approximately 45 minutes from dock to dock From check-in to check out approximately 1 hour 20 minutes Average water time is Approximately 30 minutes depending on many different situations *TERMS: Can swim unassisted climb up a boat ladder Weigh less than 275 LBS No back/neck problem 5 years old minimum *CAN BRING: Must wear and arrive in swimsuits. Sandals Phone Vehicle keys Wallet Towel Gratuity for your captain & crew if wanted! *CHECK-IN TIME: The TOUR TIME you selected / purchased is your check-in time. Arrive early to find parking The boat will depart 30 minutes after check in *CHECK IN ADDRESS: 78-7100 Kaleiopapa st. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 DONT PARK IN THE TRAILER STALLS - YOU WILL BE TOWED FREE PARKING ON THE SIDE OF THE STREET FREE PARKING IN THE BEACH PARKING LOT BY THE HOTEL. Meet at the Tall White Rental Wetsuit Van across the street entrance of the OUT RIGGER RESORT & SPA sign with tall palm trees with Christmas lights & tiki torches. After check in process at van, they will send you down to the boat ramp, wait under light pole. Crew will greet you we boat returns, please wait
Photos
Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure Photos
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
- Knows how to swim & snorkel
- Weigh less than 3000lbs
- Physically fit to climb up a boat ladder
- 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 Your safety is our priority! If you or anyone in your group would like a lifejacket please contact our reservation line.
- Mantas are wild animals and we cannot guarantee their presence
- Offered by Kona Snorkel Tours 2 tours & activities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
