Coral Reef Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Kona Reef Night Swim

Join our classic manta ray night snorkel tour, Kona’s most popular evening ocean adventure. Float effortlessly at the surface while magnificent manta rays with wingspans up to 20 feet glide gracefully beneath you, feeding on plankton attracted to underwater lights. This iconic Hawaiian experience offers unforgettable encounters with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Activity Price

125 USD

Duration

1.5 Hours

Age

Ages 7 – 70

Location

Kailua-Kona, HI

Amenities

All snorkeling equipment and flotation devices
Expert marine naturalist guides and safety crew

Special Instruction

Classic Manta Ray Night Adventure

World-Famous Manta Ray Viewing Sites

Visit Kona’s internationally renowned manta ray cleaning stations where these magnificent creatures gather nightly to feed. Our experienced captains know the precise locations and optimal timing for the best manta ray encounters, ensuring you experience these gentle giants in their preferred feeding areas with over 90% success rates for sightings throughout the year.

Safe and Easy Surface Snorkeling

Enjoy comfortable surface snorkeling that requires no diving experience or special certification. With high-quality flotation devices and snorkel equipment, you’ll float effortlessly while manta rays perform their graceful feeding dances just below you. Our professional guides ensure safety and comfort for snorkelers of all experience levels.

Professional Marine Life Education

Learn fascinating facts about manta ray behavior, feeding patterns, and conservation efforts from our certified marine naturalists. Gain insights into Hawaiian marine ecosystems while witnessing these incredible creatures up close, making your encounter both educational and deeply meaningful as you connect with Hawaii’s precious marine life.

Night Snorkel Tour Inclusions

About
Additional information
Pricing
Cancellations

Overview

Duration: 1.5 Hours
Meeting Point: Honokohau Harbor, Kailua-Kona, HI
Cancellations: Full refund with 24 hours notice; no-shows will be charged in full. If the tour is canceled by the operator due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, a refund or rescheduling will be offered.
Age Requirement: 7–70 years
Accessibility: Not suitable for individuals over 270 lbs

Activity Details

Join us for an unforgettable 1.5-hour manta ray night snorkeling tour in the beautiful waters of Kona, Hawaii. Get up close to the majestic manta rays, some with wingspans reaching up to 16 feet, as they perform their graceful barrel rolls beneath you, feeding on plankton attracted to our lightboard.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers you the chance to swim alongside these gentle giants in a safe and guided environment. Choose from the early tour to enjoy a stunning sunset or the late tour, perfect for experienced snorkelers who want a more serene experience with fewer boats and snorkelers in the water.

What’s Included:

  • Snorkel gear (mask, fins, wetsuit)

  • Lightboard to attract plankton and manta rays

  • Professional snorkel guide

  • Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks

What’s Not Included:

  • Gratuities

  • Personal expenses

  • GoPro rental (available for reservation)

Itinerary:

  • Check-in: Arrive at Honokohau Harbor 15 minutes before departure. Meet at the pavilion near the restrooms.

  • Boat Ride: Enjoy a 25-minute boat ride to the manta ray site.

  • Snorkeling: Spend up to 45 minutes in the water, holding onto the lightboard as you watch manta rays feed.

  • Return: After your snorkeling experience, return to the harbor and enjoy refreshments.

Highlights:

  • Swim with Kona’s majestic manta rays in their natural habitat

  • Up to 45 minutes of snorkeling in plankton-rich waters

  • Learn about manta rays and marine conservation from your guide

  • Stunning sunset views (for early tours) or a quiet nighttime experience (for late tours)

Check-In Details
Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour’s departure at the pavilion at Honokohau Harbor. Follow the detailed instructions provided to find the pavilion.

What to Bring:

  • Swimsuit (already on)

  • Towel

  • Hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen (for early tours)

  • Waterproof camera (optional) or you can rent a GoPro

  • Warm cover-up for after the snorkel

Special Requirements:

  • Maximum weight: 270 lbs

  • Participants must be able to swim comfortably and follow all safety instructions.

  • All guests must adhere to safe and humane practices, including not touching or harassing marine wildlife.

Restrictions:

  • No restrooms on board

  • Not suitable for pregnant women or individuals over 270 lbs.

Pricing:

  • People (Ages 7 to 70): $125 per person

    • All minors must be accompanied by a paying adult supervisor.

    • Maximum weight limit: 200 lbs per person.

  • Private Charter (Max 12 people): $1,499

    • Ages 7 to 70, with a weight limit of 270 lbs per person.

    • All minors must be accompanied by a paying adult supervisor.

  • GoPro Hero 9 Black – Camera Rental: $50

Cancellation Policy:

  • Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours’ notice of cancellation.

  • If the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, customers will receive a full refund or credit.

  • To cancel or inquire about a cancellation, please contact us by phone.

  • No-shows will be charged the full price of the tour.

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Questions

  • Wear your swimsuit to the harbor and be sure to bring a towel and a warm cover-up for afterward.

  • If you’re prone to seasickness, we recommend taking motion sickness medication before boarding.

  • Yes, you are welcome to bring your own snorkel gear, though we provide all the necessary equipment for the tour.

  • Departure times vary by season to align with optimal sunset and manta ray feeding times, typically between 6:00-7:30 PM. The complete tour lasts approximately 3 hours, returning around 9:30-10:30 PM depending on departure time and manta ray activity levels.

  • Pregnant women should consult their physician before participating, especially in later stages of pregnancy. Individuals with heart conditions, respiratory issues, or mobility limitations should also seek medical clearance. Our crew can accommodate many conditions with proper advance notice and medical approval.

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