Manta Ray Night Snorkel

If you’re heading to the Big Island of Hawaii and craving a truly unforgettable adventure, the Manta Ray Night Snorkel is often touted as a must-do activity. We’ve come across countless glowing reviews praising this tour’s ability to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience—swimming alongside peaceful, enormous manta rays as they glide through the night. It sounds almost surreal, and for many, it definitely lives up to the hype.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the energetic guides and crew clearly know their stuff, making sure everyone feels safe and well-informed. Second, the chance to witness the “manta rave”—a spectacle of lights and gentle creatures in their natural habitat—is genuinely breathtaking. But, not everything is perfect. The duration of the activity, about 2.5 hours including boat time, can feel a bit short if you’re eager for more. Also, if you’re prone to motion sickness, the sometimes choppy waters might be a concern.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who are comfortable in the water and looking for a unique night experience. It might not be the best fit for very young kids or those with health issues that make night swimming challenging. Still, for those who love marine life and aren’t afraid of a bit of night ocean spray, this is an experience you won’t forget.

Key Points

• Guaranteed sightings: If no manta rays show up, you’ll get a voucher for another tour.
• All gear included: Wet suits, snorkel equipment, and flotation devices are provided, making it easy to just relax and enjoy.
• Beautiful setting: Watch the Kona sunset from the boat’s deck before jumping into the water.
• Educational component: Guides share insights into manta biology and behavior.
• Accessible for most: Participants need to be able to swim, but the crew helps everyone feel comfortable.
• Limited group size: Max of 30 travelers, which keeps the experience feeling personalized.
• Weather-dependent: Tour might be canceled in bad weather, with full refund options.
• Cost-effective: At $130 per person, it’s a well-priced adventure considering the experience.

The Experience in Detail

The adventure begins at the Bite Me Sportfishing offices in Kona’s Honokohau Harbor, where you check in and get fitted for your gear. The staff is friendly and professional, quickly helping you gear up in wetsuits, snorkels, and flotation devices. If you’re traveling with children under five, remember they’ll need to bring their own life vests—just a small detail that’s good to prepare for.

Once aboard the spacious boat—equipped with a large cabin, an observation deck, and a bathroom—you’re heading out into the open sea. The cruise typically lasts about 20 minutes, during which you’ll enjoy stunning views of the stars and possibly even some early wildlife. Most reviews highlight how tranquil and beautiful this part of the trip is, especially as you approach the manta habitat.

As the boat reaches the designated snorkel spot, it’s time for the sunset. Watching the fiery sky over Kona is a peaceful way to settle into the experience. The crew expertly sets up the lighting—bright enough to attract microscopic plankton, which in turn draws the manta rays. This setup creates what many describe as a visual “manta rave”—bubbles, shimmering lights, and graceful rays swirling around you.

Getting in the water is made easier with the provided wetsuits and flotation devices. The guides assist as you slip into the water, often within about 30-35 feet of the shoreline. Expect to spend roughly 45 minutes snorkeling among the manta rays, which are no threat to humans—they have no teeth or barbs—and usually have a wingspan ranging from 4 to 12 feet. Their size can be intimidating at first, but they are famously gentle and curious.

Guides monitor your safety and comfort, ensuring interactions are passive and respectful. Multiple reviews mention how close the mantas come—sometimes brushing gently past arms or even faces, which can be startling but thrilling. “Huge manta so close they actually brushed against my arm,” one reviewer recalls, highlighting just how intimate this experience can be.

What to Expect at Each Stage

Check-in and Gear Fitting

This part is straightforward, with staff guiding you through wearing your wetsuit and snorkel gear. It’s a good chance to ask questions and get comfortable with your equipment.

Boat Ride & Sunset Viewing

Most travelers agree that the boat ride offers spectacular views—both of the coast and of the stars once darkness falls. Watching the Kona sunset from deck is a serene moment before plunging into an entirely different kind of beauty beneath the surface.

Snorkeling with Mantas

Once in the water, guides set up the lights and position themselves nearby for safety. The light boards are designed to attract plankton, which in turn brings the mantas in close. Watching these enormous yet peaceful animals move silently through the water is awe-inspiring. Many reviews note how soft and gentle the mantas appear, gliding effortlessly and sometimes swimming just inches from your face.

Return Journey

After about 45 minutes of snorkeling, you’ll climb back onto the boat, often still in awe. The crew sometimes offers snacks and water, adding a relaxed element to the end of your adventure.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many guests highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the crew. “The captain and crew were absolutely amazing,” one reviewer shares. They also mention the helpfulness of guides like Momi and Josh, who go out of their way to assist less experienced swimmers. This kind of support makes the experience accessible for a wider audience, provided you’re comfortable in water.

A recurring theme is how close the mantas come—”sometimes just inches from my face,” as one person puts it. The peacefulness of the animals, combined with the tranquil night setting, creates a calming, almost meditative atmosphere. It’s also worth noting that water conditions can sometimes be choppy, which might bother those prone to seasickness. Some reviews mention rough water, so if you’re sensitive, it’s worth considering.

How Does the Pricing Stack Up?

At $130 per person, the tour offers good value considering what’s included: all gear, guides, and the guarantee of sightings. Given the uniqueness of swimming with manta rays at night, many consider it a worthwhile splurge. Plus, if no mantas are spotted, you receive a voucher for another tour, which adds a safety net and encourages a relaxed mindset.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience appeals most to travelers who enjoy marine wildlife and are comfortable in the water. It’s perfect for those seeking a tranquil, awe-inspiring night adventure. It’s also suitable for families with older children who can swim, but bear in mind that children under five need to bring their own life vests.

People prone to motion sickness should weigh the sometimes choppy waters, but most find the boat ride manageable. The limited group size ensures a personal touch, and the environmentally conscious approach—respectful, passive interaction with the mantas—makes it a responsible choice for eco-minded travelers.

Final Thoughts

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel offers one of those rare moments that feels almost magical. The combination of a stunning sunset, tranquil night at sea, and the graceful dance of giant manta rays makes it a highlight for many visiting Hawaii. The professionalism of guides and the guarantee of sightings add reassurance to such an adventurous activity.

If you love marine life, are seeking a peaceful yet exhilarating experience, and don’t mind a little night swimming, this tour could be one of the most memorable parts of your Big Island visit. It balances excitement with education, making it accessible for most water-savvy travelers. Just come prepared for the dark and the possibility of rough water, and you’re in for a truly special night.

FAQ

Is snorkeling equipment provided? Yes, all snorkeling gear, including wetsuits and flotation devices, are included in the tour, so there’s no need to bring your own unless you prefer.

What is the minimum age to participate? Children must be able to swim, and kids under five need to bring their own life vests, but most travelers of all ages who can swim comfortably enjoy this experience.

How long is the tour? The activity lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with about 45 minutes spent snorkeling with the mantas.

What if I don’t see manta rays? No worries—if no mantas are spotted, you’ll get a voucher to join another tour.

Is this suitable for non-swimmers? You need to be able to swim to participate, as snorkeling is involved. Non-swimmers should consider this before booking.

What should I wear? A wetsuit (provided), swimsuit underneath, and possibly a towel for after. Some mention water can be choppy, so a comfortable wetsuit helps.

Are there any weather restrictions? Yes, the tour depends on good weather. Bad weather may lead to cancellation, with a full refund or rescheduled tour.

What is the group size? The maximum is 30 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and less crowded.

Can I book close to the date? Most bookings are made about 20 days in advance, but last-minute availability depends on demand and weather conditions.

If you’re ready for a peaceful yet exhilarating night under the stars and in the company of gentle giants, the Manta Ray Night Snorkel offers a chance to see Hawaii’s marine life in a way few other experiences can match. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure—and maybe a little patience for the water conditions.