Overview
We carry a maximum of 12 passengers so we can offer a more intimate manta ray snorkel experience than the larger "cattle boats" in Kona.
In addition to delivering a more private experience, our small group size allows for a better manta ray show. Your swim guide will tow your party to the most active areas of the snorkel site, as you hold onto a light board and enjoy the show. Larger groups on bigger boats are often required to stay next to the boat, and can't chase the manta ray action as we do. By locating the most active areas of the snorkel site, you'll have a higher chance of seeing more manta rays.
If you book all 12 seats on any trip, you will have your own private charter.
Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snorkel with manta rays, in a private small-group experience. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!
Itinerary
You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of a marine documentary during your up-close encounter with Kona’s majestic manta rays. Watch from mere inches away as these gentle giants have a feeding frenzy on phytoplankton and zooplankton that’s attracted to our lightboard.
Hawaii Island is the only place in the world that offers nighttime manta ray encounters with more than 90% consistency. Kona’s Manta rays perform a seemingly choreographed nocturnal ballet, conducting barrel rolls at the water’s surface as they return to the same spot each night for dinner. This bucket list item is a must-do for every visitor to Hawaii’s Big Island.
Kona’s wild manta rays have wingspans that can reach 16 ft., which is huge! Don’t worry, they don’t have any teeth, stingers, or barbs, and hundreds of people safely interact with the manta rays every night. Your swim guide will educate you on safely and humanely interacting with the wild manta rays, and you will be escorted to the most active areas of the manta viewing site.
All tours include non-alcoholic refreshments, snacks, and a special treat. Please bring a towel and a coverup to keep warm on the boat ride back to the harbor.
What’s Included
Inclusions
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
Exclusions
- Please bring your own towel.
Meeting & Logistics
Special Instructions
When you arrive at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, there's a sign for the harbor. Turn towards the ocean.
After you turn off the highway, go 1/4 mile and MAKE THE FIRST RIGHT TURN, to the north side of harbor (BIG ROCKS OF THE CORNER). Follow that until you pass a gas station and then turn left into the LARGE DIRT parking lot. Go to the public restroom off to the right and park there. Our boat is on a trailer next to the restroom. It will say Coral Reef Adventures on the side of the cabin.
Meeting Point
Hawaii
Additional Info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Must be able to swim without the assistance of a floatation device.
- Maximum weight of 280 pounds per traveler.
- Not recommended for travelers with neck problems
