Night Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour

Night Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour

Night Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour

Join our world-famous night manta ray snorkeling tour in Kona, where you’ll float above these graceful giants as they feed in illuminated waters. This family-friendly adventure offers an intimate encounter with manta rays without the need for diving certification, making it perfect for snorkelers of all skill levels seeking an unforgettable Hawaiian experience.

Activity Price

149 USD

Duration

2 Hours

Age

Ages 5+

Location

Kailua-Kona, HI

Amenities

Professional underwater photography services available
Warm towels and hot chocolate after snorkeling

Special Instruction

Float Above Feeding Manta Rays

Safe Family-Friendly Snorkeling Adventure

Our night manta ray snorkeling tour welcomes participants ages 5 and up, making it perfect for families and non-divers. With experienced guides, quality snorkel gear, and safety flotation devices, you’ll comfortably float at the surface while manta rays glide gracefully beneath you in the illuminated waters of Kona’s famous manta ray viewing areas.

Optimal Viewing at Famous Manta Ray Sites

Visit the world-renowned manta ray viewing sites where these gentle giants gather nightly to feed on plankton attracted by our powerful underwater lights. With over 90% success rate for manta ray sightings, you’ll witness their incredible wingspan of up to 20 feet as they perform elegant barrel rolls just below your snorkeling position.

Professional Guides and Premium Equipment

Our certified marine naturalists provide comprehensive safety briefings and fascinating insights about manta ray behavior and Hawaiian marine ecosystem. All high-quality snorkeling equipment including masks, snorkels, fins, and flotation devices are provided, ensuring your comfort and safety during this magical nighttime ocean adventure.

Your Snorkeling Adventure Includes

About
Additional information
Pricing
Cancellations

Overview

Duration: About 2 hours
Location: 74-381 Kealakehe Parkway, Suite E, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Group Size: Up to 18 guests
Age Range: 5–75
Cancellation Policy: Changes or cancellations require 48 hours’ notice. Only refundable ticket types qualify for refunds.

Experience one of Kona’s most unforgettable ocean adventures — a Manta Ray Night Snorkel. As night falls, underwater lights attract plankton, which in turn draw in majestic manta rays. You’ll float above these gentle giants as they glide, loop, and feed in the illuminated water below, sometimes with wingspans reaching over 12 feet.

Your guide will walk you through safety procedures, share fascinating insights into manta behavior, and ensure the experience is respectful to the marine environment. This is a chance to witness manta rays in their natural habitat — peaceful, surreal, and unlike anything you’ve seen before.

What’s Included

  • Snorkel mask and gear

  • Shortie wetsuit

  • Extra flotation support (designed to keep legs lifted — not a substitute for swimming ability)

Itinerary

  1. Check-in & Gear Fitting

  2. Boat Safety Talk + Manta Education Briefing

  3. 20–25 minute boat ride to the snorkel site

  4. Approx. 30 minutes snorkeling with manta rays

  5. 20–25 minute ride back to the harbor

Check-In & Communication

  • The tour operates in the rain unless conditions are unsafe.

  • A minimum of 6 guests is required for the charter to run.

  • If you’re booking with an international phone number, we will communicate only by email.
    Please check your email regularly for updates—we are not responsible if important trip information is missed because emails weren’t read.

What to Bring

  • Arrive already wearing your swimsuit

  • Towel

  • GoPro (optional)

Not Allowed:
Waterproof phone cases with long lanyards. These can interfere with the manta rays and may cause them to leave the area.

Supervision & Responsibility

Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
This is an adventure activity — please be realistic:

  • Can you swim confidently in open ocean at night?

  • Can your child follow instructions the first time?

  • Are they strong, calm swimmers in snorkel gear?

Your judgment matters.

Participation Requirements & Restrictions

This is a nighttime open-ocean snorkel.
For the safety of guests and wildlife:

  • Strong swimming ability is required for every participant.

  • You must be able to swim 50 yards unassisted.

  • Prior snorkeling experience is required — consider a daytime snorkel first if unsure.

  • Non-swimmers and ride-alongs are not allowed.

  • Children must be at least 5 years old, excellent swimmers, and stay with their parent/guardian at all times.

  • All participants must be able to understand and follow instructions in English.

The following guests may not join this experience:

  • Pregnant individuals

  • Anyone with recurring back, neck, or shoulder issues

  • Those who have experienced shoulder dislocations

  • Individuals unable to safely move on/off the boat without assistance

  • Those with serious medical conditions (heart conditions, severe asthma, etc.)

  • Guests over 300 lbs are strongly discouraged due to physical exertion and distance from medical care.

A life vest does not replace swimming ability. If you need one to stay afloat, this tour is not suitable.

Disclaimers & Wildlife Policy

Pricing varies based on demand and does not include tax and fees.

Manta rays are wild animals. While sightings are very common, they are not guaranteed.

If no manta rays appear:

  • You may join another tour on a standby, space-available basis

  • No refunds are provided for non-sightings
    (This is the standard policy across Kona operators.)

Important Notes:

  • This standby offer does not expire, but has no cash value and is non-transferable.

  • Standby availability may be limited, especially during busy seasons.

We appreciate your understanding — manta rays choose when to visit. When they do, the experience is unforgettable.

Pricing

  • US$149 — Refundable Ticket (Ages 5+)
    Fully refundable if canceled at least 48 hours before the trip.

  • US$159 — Non-Refundable Ticket (Ages 5+)
    This option cannot be refunded or canceled once booked.

Refundable Ticket Policy

  • Cancellation: Receive a full refund if canceled at least 48 hours before your scheduled trip.

  • Rebooking: You may reschedule for free up to 48 hours before the trip.

All cancellation or rebooking requests must be submitted in writing at least 48 hours before the tour.
Reservations made within 48 hours of the tour are not eligible for refunds.

Non-Refundable Ticket Policy

  • Cancellation: No refunds, under any circumstances.

  • Rebooking: You may reschedule up to 48 hours before the trip.

We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your plans in case of illness, flight delays, weather disruptions, or other personal circumstances.

No-Show Policy

If you do not show up for your scheduled tour, or if you arrive late, you will be counted as a no-show.
No-shows are not eligible for a refund or rescheduling.

If We Cancel

We may cancel a tour for reasons such as:

  • Weather

  • Ocean conditions

  • Mechanical concerns

  • Any situation affecting guest or crew safety

If we cancel, we will:

  • Reschedule your trip, based on availability, or

  • Provide a full refund

Your safety is always the priority.

Night Manta Snorkeling Questions & Answers

  • Children as young as 5 years old can participate with adult supervision. We provide child-sized equipment and extra flotation support. Our family-friendly approach ensures young snorkelers feel safe and comfortable while experiencing the magic of swimming near manta rays.

  • Our night manta ray tours have an exceptional 90% success rate for sightings throughout the year. Kona’s manta rays are resident and gather nightly at established feeding sites. While wildlife sightings cannot be 100% guaranteed, our experienced guides know the best locations and timing for optimal encounters.

  • Wear comfortable swimwear and bring a towel and warm layer for after the tour. We provide wetsuits if needed for warmth and buoyancy. Avoid wearing jewelry or loose items that could fall in the ocean, and use reef-safe sunscreen during daytime preparation.

  • The complete tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including boat transportation, safety briefing, and 60-90 minutes of actual snorkeling time with the manta rays. We time our departure to arrive at the manta ray sites during optimal feeding conditions for the best possible experience.

What Our Guests Say