Daytime Manta & Whale Watch Tour

Rare Day Manta Sighting

Experience the rare opportunity to encounter magnificent manta rays during daylight hours while enjoying spectacular whale watching in Kona’s pristine waters. This unique daytime adventure combines two of Hawaii’s most sought-after marine experiences, offering unparalleled visibility and unforgettable encounters with these gentle ocean giants in their natural habitat.

Activity Price

152 USD

Duration

4 Hours

Age

All Ages

Location

Kailua-Kona

Amenities

Professional snorkeling gear and safety equipment included
Expert marine naturalist guides and photography assistance

Special Instruction

Daytime Manta Magic Awaits

Premium Daytime Manta Ray Encounters

Join our expert guides for an exceptional daytime manta ray experience in Kona’s crystal-clear waters. Unlike traditional night tours, our daytime encounters offer superior visibility and photography opportunities. Watch these graceful giants glide through the water with their impressive wingspans, feeding on plankton in the warm Hawaiian sunshine. Our experienced crew knows the best manta ray hotspots and optimal times for sightings, ensuring an unforgettable marine wildlife experience.

Seasonal Whale Watching Excellence

During whale season (December-April), witness the spectacular migration of humpback whales in Kona’s protected waters. Our knowledgeable marine naturalists provide fascinating insights into whale behavior, migration patterns, and conservation efforts. Experience the thrill of seeing these magnificent creatures breach, tail slap, and sing their haunting songs. The combination of manta rays and whales creates an unparalleled marine wildlife adventure that showcases Hawaii’s incredible biodiversity.

Professional Photography and Equipment

Capture stunning memories with our professional-grade snorkeling equipment and underwater photography opportunities. Our boats feature comfortable viewing areas, shade options, and easy water entry points for all skill levels. Professional crew members assist with equipment fitting and provide safety briefings to ensure everyone enjoys the experience. High-quality masks, snorkels, and fins are provided, along with flotation devices for non-swimmers who want to observe from the surface.

What's Included in Your Daytime Manta Adventure

About
Pricing

Health & Safety

  • We comply with all County of Hawaii mask mandates.

  • All gear is sanitized with Clorox according to CDC Guidelines.

Tour Description:
The Kona manta ray population is one of the most well-known in the world, and while the manta ray night dive is a popular choice, why not try a natural daytime encounter? These rays are often seen feeding on plankton in winter current lines and at cleaning stations along our beautiful reefs. Manta rays are harmless to humans, as they have no teeth, barbs, or stingers.

Your charter begins at Honokohau Harbor with a 7:30 AM departure. Our experienced Captain and Crew will guide you on this adventure and answer any questions you have about the manta ray population. We’ll search the coastline for manta rays feeding in the current lines, and if we locate one, you’ll receive a briefing on how to safely interact with them before you get in the water to swim with these majestic creatures. If we don’t find manta rays feeding, we’ll check several cleaning stations along the coastline.

During this trip, we’ll also be on the lookout for Humpback whales, which are quite active in the waters off the Kona coast. Humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters during the winter months for mating and birthing, and we have an underwater hydrophone to listen to their beautiful songs. Seeing these whales in person is truly an unforgettable experience.

Please note, current lines where manta rays are located may have small Cnidaria (jellyfish). For added protection, dive skins, shirts, or rash guards are recommended.

Departure and Check-In:

  • Check-in: 7:00 AM

  • Departure: 7:30 AM

Guarantee:
We guarantee that you will see either a manta ray or a whale on your charter. If you don’t, you can come back out for free (subject to availability).

Rates:

  • Adults: $152

  • Children (5-12 years old): $107 (Under 4 years old: Free)

  • Ride Alongs (Non-swimmers): $103

4-hour experience!

What’s Provided:

  • Sunscreen

  • Towels

  • Beverages

  • Snorkel Gear

  • Rx Masks Available

  • Flotation Devices

  • Light Breakfast

  • Lunch

  • A true 5-star experience

What Should You Bring:

  • Camera (Waterproof or non-waterproof)

  • Rash guard, shirt, or in-water body cover

  • Light jacket (recommended April – September)

  • Sweatshirt or jacket (recommended October – May)

  • Your sense of adventure!

Pricing:

  • Adult: $152

  • Child (5-12 years old): $107

  • Children under 4 years old: Free

Frequently Asked Questions - Daytime Manta Tour

  • Manta rays can be seen year-round in Kona waters, but the best visibility for daytime encounters is typically during calmer ocean conditions from April through October. However, each day offers unique opportunities, and our experienced guides monitor conditions to maximize your chances of memorable encounters.

  • No prior snorkeling experience is required. Our professional crew provides comprehensive safety briefings and equipment instruction. We welcome beginners and provide flotation devices for those who prefer to observe manta rays from the surface while staying comfortable and safe.

  • Daytime tours offer superior visibility and natural lighting for photography, while nighttime tours feature artificial lights that attract plankton and manta rays. Daytime encounters showcase manta rays in their natural feeding behavior with crystal-clear water visibility, perfect for underwater photography and videography.

  • While we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings as these are wild animals in their natural habitat, Kona waters have excellent whale activity during humpback season (December-April). Our experienced captains know the best locations and have high success rates for whale encounters during peak season.

  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and an underwater camera if desired. We provide all snorkeling equipment, safety gear, and refreshments. Consider bringing a light jacket for the return trip as ocean breezes can be cool after being in the water.

What Our Guests Say