Overview
This manta ray snorkeling by night in Kailua-Kona tour offers an intimate, cultural adventure with group sizes capped at 12 for personalized guidance. Operated aboard Wa'a Kini Kini, a traditional Hawaiian double-hulled canoe, this 1-hour tour maximizes your time in the water with the majestic manta rays. Located in Kailua-Kona, Eka Canoe Adventures blends history with one of the world's most thrilling ocean experiences, praised by the Travel Channel. Snorkel gear, flotation devices, and wetsuit tops are provided, making this a safe, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable night on the Big Island.
Why choose Eka over the others? Our small group sizes of 12 or less allow us to assist each guest, keep everyone accounted for, and move freely in the water towards the best manta viewing! Big groups stay tethered to their boats. Our 1-hour tour travels just a few minutes to and from the manta ray site. We spend less time loading/unloading and more time doing what matters: snorkeling with the manta rays!
Located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, Eka Canoe Adventures specializes in manta ray snorkeling experiences with a cultural touch. One of a few historically accurate Hawaiian double-hulled canoes, Wa'a Kini Kini is your unique gateway to the waters of the Kona coastline. Regarded by the Travel Channel as one of the most thrilling experiences on earth, the manta ray night snorkel experience is an activity that can only be enjoyed in a few locations globally. Manta ray snorkeling will give you an unforgettable, humbling, and awe-inspiring sensation.
Itinerary
You're about to snorkel with the smartest fish in the ocean, the manta ray, in the only location within the United States!
Guests will join us on a brief canoe ride out to the manta ray snorkel site located near the mouth of Keauhou Bay in Kona, Hawai'i.
Our safety brief includes instructions on how to use the provided snorkel gear, fitting for a wetsuit top to keep warm in the water, and guidance for the experience.
Guests will then be guided into the water by our professional crew and positioned along the perimeter of our Light Board.
Float effortlessly with the help of floatation devices while you watch for manta rays.
We will position the board for optimal viewing.
The powerful lights attract photosynthetic plankton toward the group, and the Manta rays come in search of the plankton!
Please note that for the safety of all guests and team members, all guests getting into the water must know how to swim and climb a short ladder into the canoe unassisted.
If a guest is unable to swim, they will be immediately guided back to the boat.
Refunds will not be offered for tours that are operated.
Please read this listing thoroughly to ensure this experience is a good fit for you.
What's Included
Inclusions
- Floatation devices
- Wetsuit top (for warmth)
- Use of snorkel equipment (Normal & Rx)
Exclusions
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Snacks
- Towels
- Private transportation
- Crew gratuity
- Motion sickness medication
Meeting & Logistics
Navigate to the above address in Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze.
Park along Kaleiopapa St. and walk downhill along the road until you come to a small parking lot and a finger pier.
Look for a black & yellow Hawaiian canoe on the pier and check in with one of our crew members!
Meeting Point
Meeting details will be provided after booking.
Special Instructions
Guests are asked to check in directly at the boat, which departs from the Keauhou Finger Pier. Guests should arrive at the Keauhou Finger Pier 15 minutes PRIOR TO SCHEDULED DEPARTURE TIME. Wayfinding directions and reminders will be emailed and texted. Detailed maps and directions can also be found on our website under the Reach Us tab: (https://ekacanoeadventures.com/reach-us/).
Photos
Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 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
- Guests must be able to swim and climb a short ladder unassisted
- Please remember that these manta rays are completely wild animals. They are not fed or trained. Eka Canoe Adventures cannot guarantee their presence. Even if the manta rays take a night off, our operating costs do not. Because of this, we are unable to offer refunds for tours where manta rays were not seen; only another chance to snorkel with them. This is true for any manta ray snorkel provider in Kona. We greatly appreciate your understanding!
- In the unlikely event that we do not spot a manta ray on your tour, our Manta Ray Guarantee will ensure you have another opportunity to come back for another attempt on a different evening or on a future visit to Kona, Hawai’i (pending available seats)
- Minimum age allowed onboard is 5 years old
- We only collect height and weight during booking to calculate the size of your wetsuit top. There's no way to simply ask for your shirt size here
- Please opt-in to receive text message updates (during booking) regarding this experience. The reminder text message will be sent day-of and include instructions and pictures to help you find parking and the check-in location. We promise not to spam you
- Not recommended for those who have recently undergone surgery
- Not recommended for those who may have mobility/physical restrictions
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
