Sunset Manta Ray Snorkel Tour

Home
Big Island
Manta Ray Tours And Activities
Sunset Manta Ray Snorkel Tour

Best Time for Manta Rays

Combine Hawaii’s most stunning sunsets with extraordinary manta ray encounters on this magical Big Island adventure. As the sun paints Kona’s skies in brilliant colors, prepare for underwater encounters with gentle giants in their natural feeding grounds. This premium experience offers the perfect blend of above-water beauty and below-surface wonder, creating memories that capture the true essence of Hawaii’s natural magic.

Activity Price

130 USD

Duration

2.5 Hours

Age

Ages 5+

Location

Kailua-Kona, HI

Amenities

Premium sunset viewing position and professional photography guidance

Underwater LED lighting system for optimal manta viewing

Special Instruction

Sunset Glory Meets Underwater Ballet

World-Famous Kona Sunset Viewing

Experience legendary Kona sunsets from the best vantage point on the water, where unobstructed views showcase nature’s daily masterpiece. Our timing ensures optimal positioning as the sun descends behind Mauna Loa, creating spectacular golden hour photography opportunities. The transition from daylight to dusk sets the perfect ambiance for upcoming manta encounters. Professional guides share local legends and geological insights about the volcanic landscape creating these magnificent sunsets.

Twilight Transformation & Plankton Magic

Witness the ocean’s transformation as day becomes night and plankton begins to glow, attracting magnificent manta rays to their feeding grounds. Our strategically positioned lights create underwater galaxies of bioluminescent plankton, providing the perfect feeding environment for gentle giants. This natural phenomenon creates an otherworldly atmosphere where mantas perform graceful feeding dances. The timing synchronizes perfectly with manta feeding schedules for optimal encounters.

Professional Photography Opportunities

Capture stunning sunset silhouettes transitioning to underwater manta ray photography with guidance from our experienced crew. Learn composition techniques for both above and below water shots, including proper lighting for underwater photography. We provide waterproof camera recommendations and settings for optimal results in changing light conditions. Many guests leave with portfolio-quality images of both sunset landscapes and manta ray encounters.

Complete Sunset & Manta Experience Details

About

Pricing

Cancellations

Overview
Duration: 2.5 hours
Location: 74-380 Kealakehe Pkwy, Slip G-8, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Cancellations: 48-hour cancellation policy
Age: 5 – 75
Group Size: Maximum of 10

Activity Details:
Join us for our nightly Sunset Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour! We will check you in, size your wetsuits and snorkels, and our experienced captains and crew will brief you on safety procedures for both yourself and the manta rays.

Departing from Slip G-8 in Honokohau Harbor, we’ll take a quick 15-20 minute ride in our comfortable 31’ Ocean Craft RHIB to one of two incredible manta ray locations.

What’s Included:

All snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
Wetsuits
Ice cold water
Hot cocoa and hot tea
Chips and chocolate chip cookies
GOPro13 videos and photos (free!)

Enjoy an unforgettable evening in the warm Hawaiian waters while snorkeling with the majestic manta rays!

Pricing:

US$130 – Adults (Ages 13+)
US$120 – Children (Ages 5-12)
US$95 – Ride Along (Non-swimming option)

Cancellation Policy:

Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours’ notice of cancellation.
Customers will also receive a full refund or credit if the tour is canceled by the operator due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
To cancel or inquire about a cancellation, please contact us by phone.
No-shows will be charged the full price of the tour.

Your Sunset Manta Questions Answered

How long is the complete sunset and manta experience?
The complete experience lasts approximately 2.5 Hours, including sunset viewing, transition time, and 60-90 minutes of manta ray snorkeling. Timing varies seasonally based on sunset schedules.
What's the best time of year for this tour?
Year-round availability with peak manta activity typically October through April. Summer months offer later sunsets and calmer waters, while winter provides dramatic skies and active marine life.
Can I see manta rays during sunset hours?
Manta viewing occurs after sunset when our lights attract plankton. The sunset portion provides scenic beauty and relaxation before the main manta encounter begins in twilight hours.
What type of camera works best for this tour?
Waterproof action cameras or underwater housings work best. We recommend cameras with good low-light performance for sunset shots and underwater flash capabilities for manta photography.
Is the tour affected by moon phases?
Moon phases can affect visibility but don’t typically cancel tours. New moon periods often provide better manta viewing as our lights are more effective in attracting plankton.

What Our Guests Say

Author 7

March 15, 2025

Fabulous Road to Hana 7

We did the Road to Hana tour in Maui and it was amazing. We took so many beautiful pictures. Our tour guides name was Kalei, he made the tour great, he was very informative and made sure we knew when to have our camera ready. I would definitely request Kalei from Hawaiian tours to be our guide if we ever make it back to Maui 7.

Author 6

March 15, 2025

Fabulous Road to Hana 6

Author 5

March 15, 2025

Fabulous Road to Hana 5

Author 4

March 15, 2025

Fabulous Road to Hana 4

Author 3

March 15, 2025

Fabulous Road to Hana 3

Author 2

March 15, 2025

Fabulous Road to Hana 2

Author 1

March 14, 2025

Fabulous Road to Hana

More Manta Ray Tours And Activities

Sunset Manta Ray Snorkel Tour