Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

If you’re looking for a truly unique way to experience Hawaii’s incredible wildlife, a Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona might just be your best bet. From what travelers say, it’s an experience that feels both surreal and deeply memorable—something that sticks with you long after the trip ends. We’ve dug into the details and reviews to give you an honest, thorough look at what this tour offers and whether it’s right for you.

What really gets us excited about this tour? First, it’s the opportunity to see majestic manta rays up close in their natural environment—a rare chance that’s not available during the day. Second, the knowledgable guides make all the difference, providing not just safety but engaging insights into these gentle giants. That said, a potential downside is the need for swimmers to be comfortable in the water and able to climb a metal ladder back onto the boat. This tour isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re not a confident swimmer or have mobility concerns.

If you’re someone who loves animals, craves memorable adventures, and doesn’t mind a bit of night-time chill, this tour could be a highlight of your Big Island trip. It’s especially well-suited for adults and older kids who are good swimmers and okay with ocean conditions. For families with younger children or those nervous about swimming, it’s worth noting that ride-alongs are available, but the in-water experience requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Key Points

• Incredible wildlife experience: Get close to manta rays feeding in the dark, an experience that’s both natural and captivating.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, safety-conscious staff enhance the tour with interesting facts and careful management.
• Great value for the price: At $69.99, it’s considered a good deal for a two-hour adventure with unforgettable sights.
• Comfortable gear provided: Short-sleeve wetsuits and snorkeling equipment are included, making it easier to focus on the experience.
• Limited group size: Max of 28 travelers ensures a more intimate experience.
• Weather dependent: The tour is weather-sensitive and may be canceled if conditions are poor, with full refunds available.

What to Expect from the Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour

This tour is designed to be straightforward yet packed with the potential for awe-inspiring moments. You’ll begin by arriving at the meeting point at 78-6831 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona—make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early so you’re ready to go. It’s important to note that the check-in time is an hour before the departure, which means the boat leaves promptly, and arriving late can mean missing out.

A short 5-minute cruise takes you from the dock into the waters of Keauhou Bay—an ideal location for manta rays to gather at night. Once you’re at the designated viewing area, your guides will help you gear up with a short-sleeve wetsuit top and snorkeling equipment. The gear is designed for ease and comfort, so you can focus on the experience rather than fussing with equipment.

In-water time lasts approximately 30 minutes, during which you’ll hold onto specially designed rafts to observe the manta rays feeding beneath you. Many reviewers mention how close and calm these rays are, giving a sense of almost touching these gentle giants. The guides will narrate and share fascinating facts about manta rays, often introducing them by name—adding a personal touch to the experience. One reviewer noted, “Our guides were so knowledgeable about the Mantas and introduced them all by name,” which speaks to the personalized care and education provided.

Throughout the tour, safety is clearly a priority. Guests are required to know how to swim, and those with medical or physical conditions should carefully consider whether they can handle the activity. The tour concludes with a brief return to the dock, where no restroom facilities are available onboard.

The Experience on the Water

Judging by the reviews, the highlight is the close-up view of manta rays as they glide around and feed. Some guests, like Mia, shared, “The mantas get SO close to you!” Others appreciated the calm sea conditions during their evening outing, describing the water as “calm and clear,” which significantly enhances the visibility and overall experience.

Many travelers find the experience to be surprisingly gentle and peaceful—a stark contrast to what you might expect from a large marine creature. Guides do an excellent job managing the group, ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable, even if seas are a bit rocky, as one reviewer pointed out.

The Value and Cost

At $69.99 per person, this tour offers a lot of value for a two-hour adventure. It’s a well-priced way to see a rare natural spectacle—something many consider a bucket-list item. The inclusion of wetsuits and snorkeling gear means you won’t have to worry about renting equipment elsewhere, and the small group size helps keep things personal and manageable.

Some reviewers suggested bringing a GoPro or waterproof camera to capture the moments—many regrets not doing so! Since the rays can come quite close, having a camera ready makes sense if you want to preserve the memories.

Weather and Booking Considerations

The tour is weather-dependent. If the weather is poor or seas are too rough, the experience may be canceled, but full refunds are offered. Since the tour books up about 20 days in advance, it’s advisable to secure your spot early, especially during peak seasons. Keep in mind the minimum age is 6, and everyone in the water must be a confident swimmer capable of holding onto the raft for about 30 minutes.

A couple of reviews mentioned some booking and parking challenges—allow yourself extra time to find the check-in location and parking, especially if you’re coming from a distance. The tour is limited to 28 guests, so it’s a relatively intimate experience, but arriving early helps ensure you don’t miss out.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for animal lovers and adventure seekers who are comfortable in the water. If you’re eager to see manta rays in their natural habitat and don’t mind a night-time adventure, you’ll find this trip well worth it. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy educational experiences, as guides share plenty of interesting facts.

However, don’t forget this is a wild, outdoor experience—not a luxurious cruise. It’s not ideal for people with mobility issues or medical conditions that prevent them from climbing a metal ladder or swimming confidently. It’s also worth noting that the experience involves some cold water, but most guests find the thrill and the sight of the rays outweigh the chill.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a truly memorable adventure that combines the beauty of Hawaii’s night waters with the chance to see gentle manta rays in their feeding frenzy, this tour is a solid choice. The knowledgeable guides, the close encounters, and the reasonable price point make it one of the most talked-about activities on the Big Island.

While unpredictable weather and physical requirements mean it’s not a fit for everyone, those who meet the criteria and are excited by wildlife encounters will likely find this a highlight of their trip. It’s a fantastic way to connect with nature in a way that’s both awe-inspiring and educational.

In the end, this tour suits travelers who want an active, engaging, and meaningful experience—something to tell stories about long after they’ve left Hawaii. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a night out that’s out of the ordinary, the manta ray snorkel offers a chance to see some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures in action, under the stars.

FAQ

Do I need to be able to swim to join this tour?
Yes, snorkeling participants must know how to swim and be comfortable treading water. Ride-alongs are available if you prefer to stay on the boat, but the in-water experience requires swimming ability.

What should I bring for the tour?
The tour provides wetsuits and snorkeling gear, so you mainly need to bring a towel, waterproof camera if you wish to capture the moments, and possibly a wetsuit if you’re sensitive to cold. It’s also good to arrive early and be prepared for potentially rocky seas.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age to participate in the snorkeling activity is 6 years old. Children should be good swimmers and comfortable in the water. For younger kids or those uneasy in the water, ride-alongs are an option.

What are the main safety considerations?
Guests should have a moderate physical fitness level, be able to climb a metal ladder, and understand safety instructions. This is a wild and free excursion—no refunds are given if you don’t see mantas, so patience and safety come first.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, the trip may be canceled, and you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Keep an eye on the forecast and book early to secure your spot.

How long is the tour?
The total tour lasts about 2 hours, including check-in, gear up, safety briefing, and about 30 minutes of in-water time with the mantas.

Can I book last minute?
Most trips are booked about 20 days in advance, so last-minute bookings are possible but less common. It’s best to plan ahead to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

If you’re after an unforgettable night in Hawaii’s ocean, watching these majestic creatures glide effortlessly beneath you, this tour could be just the thing. Just come prepared, and get ready for a truly magical experience.