Night Manta Ray Experience

If you’re planning to visit the Big Island of Hawaii and looking for a truly unforgettable activity, a night snorkeling with manta rays might just top your list. This tour offers a rare chance to see these gentle giants up close as they feed beneath you—an experience that many say is one of the most surreal moments of their trip. We’ve looked into the details, reviews, and what makes this tour special to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What we love about this tour is how well it’s organized, with highly knowledgeable guides making sure everyone stays safe and informed, and how mesmerizing the manta rays are when they come out to feed. Plus, the inclusion of all snorkel gear, wetsuits, and flotation devices makes it feel like a worry-free adventure. On the flip side, a potential snag is that weather and ocean conditions can sometimes impact the visibility of mantas, and it’s a night activity, so you’ll want to be comfortable in the water after dark.

This tour is best suited for confident swimmers who are comfortable in open water. If you’re someone who loves marine life, a bit of an adrenaline rush, and don’t mind a late-night outing, this experience could be a highlight of your trip. It’s not ideal for those who are not comfortable swimming or have difficulty with night water activities.

Key Points

• Unmatched Experience: Swim with manta rays feeding at night—a rare, unforgettable moment.
• Expert Guides: Highly trained staff help ensure safety and share fascinating insights about manta rays.
• All-Inclusive: Snorkel gear, wetsuits, flotation devices, and hot chocolate are included, making logistics easier.
• Weather-Dependent: Visibility of mantas depends on the weather and ocean conditions; they’re seen almost every night but not guaranteed.
• Group Size: Limited to 27 travelers, keeping the experience intimate.
• Booking: Book about 3 weeks in advance as it’s popular and fills up quickly.

What is the Night Manta Ray Experience?

This tour takes you out on the Kona coast to snorkel in the dark, where you’ll watch manta rays come in to feed on plankton. Typically lasting about 1.5 hours, it’s a short but intense experience. The tour departs from a convenient meeting point in Kailua-Kona and involves a quick boat ride to the feeding site. Once in the water, with all the gear provided, you’ll float on the surface as the manta rays—some weighing up to 1000 lbs and spanning 16 feet across—glide inches from your face.

Many reviews praise the “nonstop action” and how close they got to these creatures. Veronica_A called it “beyond expectations,” highlighting the thrill of having manta rays brush up against her during the snorkel. The guides do a fantastic job sharing stories and ensuring everyone feels comfortable, even if you’re nervous or new to night snorkeling.

The Itinerary and Experience Breakdown

The tour begins with check-in at the Kailua-Kona meeting point, where you’re greeted and fitted with snorkel gear, wetsuits, and flotation devices. The staff is praised for their helpfulness, and some reviews mention thoughtful touches like prescription masks for those who wear glasses.

Once suited up, you’ll hop on the boat for a brief ride to the site, which is near public transportation, making it easy to access. The boat ride itself is quick—just a few minutes—so you’re not spending too much time in transit. During the briefing, guides explain what you’re about to see and outline safety procedures, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and relaxed in the water.

When you step into the warm Kona waters, the guides direct you to float on the surface, where you’ll witness the manta rays feeding and doing barrel rolls. The experience is often described as magical, with multiple reviewers mentioning the “ballet-like” movements of the mantas and the chance to watch several rays feeding at once. Kim, a guide, is noted for her knowledge, and many appreciate her storytelling and care.

The highlight? The manta rays swim just a few feet beneath you, often brushing against your wetsuit. Many guests describe it as “an underwater ballet,” and others mention getting kissed by the rays during the feeding frenzy—a truly surreal moment. Some reviews even mention being lucky enough to see a pregnant manta or a tiny “toddler” ray, adding to the awe.

After about an hour of marveling at these gentle giants, everyone heads back to the boat, where warm hot chocolate is served—an appreciated touch to wind down after the cool night swim.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

You’re provided with all the essentials: snorkel gear, wetsuits, flotation devices, and even hot chocolate at the end. These inclusions help simplify planning, especially if you’re traveling from afar or prefer not to worry about equipment. However, keep in mind you’ll need to bring your own towel and plan your transportation, as no transfers are included.

One of the tour’s best features is the “Manta Guarantee”: if no mantas are seen, you’re welcome to go again during your trip at no additional cost—either during the same vacation or on an afternoon snorkeling adventure. This gives a reassuring safety net in case weather or other factors affect the sightings.

The Price and Value

At around $146 per person, this tour is priced in the middle range compared to other activities in Kona. Considering the all-inclusive nature—snorkel gear, wetsuit, flotation, hot chocolate—and its reputation, many guests find it well worth the cost. It’s a short, high-impact adventure that often gets glowing reviews, with 97% of travelers recommending it.

Given the reviews’ consistency—many praising the staff, the sightings, and the overall organization—you’re likely to find this experience a good value. The limited group size (max 27 guests) also makes the experience feel more personal and manageable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for marine life enthusiasts, adventure lovers, and anyone craving a cool, memorable story to tell. It’s not suitable for those uncomfortable with night snorkeling or who aren’t confident swimmers, but if you can handle the water after dark and follow safety instructions, you’re in for a treat. Families with confident swimmers may enjoy it too, but always consider your comfort level with night water activities.

Final Thoughts

The Night Manta Ray Experience on the Big Island offers a rare glimpse into one of Hawaii’s most magical marine spectacles. From the highly praised guides and well-organized logistics to the chance to see multiple rays doing barrel rolls just inches away, it’s clear why this activity has earned such glowing reviews and a perfect rating.

If you’re looking for a bucket-list adventure that combines natural beauty, wildlife, and a bit of adrenaline, this tour has everything you need. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy marine encounters, aren’t shy about the dark, and appreciate good organization and safety. Keep in mind the weather’s role in the experience—sometimes the manta rays don’t show, but with the guarantee in place, you have a solid shot at a night you’ll never forget.

FAQ

What do I need to bring with me? You should bring a towel for after the snorkel, though everything else—snorkel gear, wetsuits, flotation devices—is provided. Sunscreen is optional, but since the tour is at night, it’s not necessary during the activity.

Is transportation included? No, transportation isn’t provided, so plan to meet at the designated Kailua-Kona location. It’s near public transportation, and parking is available, though some reviews note the lot can be tight.

What if I don’t see any manta rays? The tour offers a “Manta Guarantee”—if no mantas are seen, you’re welcome back at no cost during your trip, either during the same vacation or on an afternoon snorkel.

How long does the tour last? About 1 hour 30 minutes, including the boat ride, snorkeling, and end-of-tour hot chocolate. The actual snorkeling time is shorter but packed with close encounters.

Is this suitable for children? It’s best for confident swimmers, and everyone should be comfortable in open water at night. The reviews suggest that kids who can swim well and follow instructions generally enjoy it.

What is the group size? The maximum is 27 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and allows guides to give more personal attention.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience? Yes, all participants should be experienced snorkelers, comfortable in open water, and able to climb a short ladder to re-board the boat.

When is the best time to book? It’s recommended to book around 22 days in advance, as it’s a popular activity and fills quickly.

Final Word

If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime underwater experience, the Night Manta Ray Snorkel on the Big Island is hard to beat. It combines gorgeous wildlife, expert guides, and the thrill of being so close to these gentle, graceful creatures. While it does depend on good weather, the overall reputation and glowing reviews suggest most people walk away with memories that last forever. It’s an adventure suited for confident water lovers who want a night full of awe and wonder.