Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua-Kona: Small Group Nightlife Underwater Experience
4.8
183 Ratings
Kailua-Kona
Experience the thrill of a small group night snorkel with manta rays in Kailua-Kona. Expert crew, stunning underwater views, and a commitment to conservation make this a must-do activity.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Grander Marlin Sportfishing - Small Groups. 6 Passenger Max.

Departing from Honokohau Harbor a 15-20 minute boat ride gets you to either Garden Eel Cove (northern manta site “Manta Heaven”) or further south down to Keauhou “Manta Village”. Slide in and relax hanging onto our custom-made light board to witness these huge, acrobatic, gentle giants feed on tiny pieces of plankton. Our experienced guide helps get everyone in the best possible viewing position to give guests an up close and personal encounter all while keeping everyone safe and comfortable. Afterwards, enjoy sipping on some hot cocoa and light snacks before heading back to the harbor. Be sure to look up checking out the stars and the city lights during the ride back. A night filled with magnificent mantas and fun memories is sure to be remembered.

What's Included
  • Certified In-water Guide/Lifeguard
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • Shorty Wetsuit
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Private transportation
Additional Information

Our intimate groups of six or less and a team of experts make our tours stand out. We might visit the manta site close to the Kona airport in the north, or switch our course and head further south to Keauhou, depending on where the mantas have been spotted the most. Our competent captains and dedicated guides go above and beyond to guarantee you have the most rewarding experience possible.

Before booking this activity, participants must have had previous swimming and snorkeling experiences. Participants must also be able to climb up a boat ladder on their own. This activity is not advised for individuals who have had surgeries or who suffer from mobility or physical constraints, nor is it recommended for pregnant women. Please reach out to the tour operator for any exceptions.

As a family-operated venture, we take immense pride in teaching our guests about the significance of preserving our earth, oceans, wildlife, and one another.

Ensure timely arrival for your scheduled tour.

  • Basic swimming skills are required
  • Previous snorkeling experience is required
  • Guests must be able to independently climb up a boat ladder
  • Guest must be able to converse in English to understand verbal instructions and safety briefings
  • Your safety is our priority! If you or anyone in your group would like a lifejacket please contact our reservation line.
  • Our Manta Policy: Manta Rays are wild animals and Snorkel Big Island cannot guarantee their presence. If a manta ray is not seen on your night out with us you may try again on a different night for a rebooking fee. Please keep in mind that seats may be extremely limited during certain times of the year. We usually are very successful in finding mantas for you; however if they decide to take the night off the costs involved with setting up the charter will not allow us to offer you a refund. We appreciate your business and understanding of this policy.
  • Please confirm your check in time directly with tour provider. Check in time may be up to 40 minutes prior to tour time.
  • Not recommended for travelers with physical or mobility restrictions
Location
Snorkel Big Island
Kealakehe Parkway
Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. Coming from Hwy 19, turn West toward the ocean on Kealakehe Pkwy. Take the 1st right turn to enter the North side of the harbor. Follow the road around to a large dirt parking lot. Park near Public Restroom Pavillion.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(183 Ratings)
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Miryam_w
Apr 25, 2024
Best Wildlife experience ever - Wow! We went tonight to snorkel with the mantas, and we were blown away at what we saw! The smaller boat let us quickly get our group in the water, and right away there were mantas under us, coming up to feed right below us! They were beautiful, huge and so graceful, and we had basically a nonstop show of these beautiful creatures the whole time! I would definitely recommend this captain and crew, they knew just where to put us in so we were where the plankton was, and the mantas followed. Eli was able to identify many of the mantas by their markings, and names. He knew a lot and shared interesting facts the whole boat ride and snorkel. We all really were impressed and would recommend them to anyone wanting a really great experience!
Review provided by Viator
Deborah_s
Apr 23, 2024
Pure AWE and peace - In one word AWE!!! My partner and I chose this trip and experience to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. It was AMAZING! From beginning to end the captain and Eli did not disappoint. Their respect for the Manta Rays, their knowledge of their habits, names, Hawaiian views… all added to the once in a lifetime encounter. And not only were they great humans, or a smooth boat ride, but the Manta Rays were with us from the second we went in the water until we left them. As everyone says, they came within an inch or two and even brushed against us. The acrobatic display was beautiful but the way they filled us with peace and pure awe, had stayed with us and we will never forget. Also we are animal rights and felt the Manta’s were only honored. And we are a queer couple and felt very safe being open. Highly recommended!!
Review provided by Viator
K-existence
Apr 22, 2024
AMAZING EXPERIENCE- must do and with this company - Skip the big boats and go with this family own small business. 6-passengers MAX for the manta ray night snorkel. Their small jet boat was super fun ride itself. We pay direct with this company instead of Groupon. We had a GREAT experience and they were easy to work with. My husband and I love to snorkel but feel most comfortable with a life jacket — we can’t thread water well. I called a few companies and they were very stricter for strong swimmers with no life jackets. You DO need snorkel experience and be comfortable in open waters in night. But it was the EASIEST snorkel experience. You literally are instructed not to kick and just float holding onto the light board + use a pool noodle. We had NO issues. Yes, easier than molokini crater or hanauma bay.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Funny_f
Apr 21, 2024
Fun/amazing - Fun boat ride at night! U side on the side of a boat. Rays r awesome!!! Cold water but had wet suit!
Review provided by Viator
Todd_w
Apr 20, 2024
Amazing experience - The Manta Rays are majestic. We had 6 large ones circling around us the whole time. We got bumped (love taps) quite a few times. This was definitely an experience of a lifetime! I you’re on the fence about going, my advice is to do it. You won’t regret it. Also, go with Snorkel Big Island. They do smaller groups which makes the experience that much better. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Simon_l
Apr 17, 2024
Great experience!! - A thrilling adventure in the dark! You get to see huge amazing animals, if you are lucky even other animals than manta rays
Review provided by Viator
Kiyoung_l
Apr 17, 2024
Enjoyed Manta Ray snorkeling for non-swimmer which afraid of water. - We used small boat and enjoyed boating to the place and back, it's little different experience with small boat - good to me which could feel the waves in the ocean. More over 6 people Manta Ray snorkeling tour is really amaging for me. I enjoied Manta Ray snorkeling really even I am afraid of water and do not know how to swim. Another luck is we (I and my wife) enjoyed private snorkeling because other team was not joined to our tour. Thanks for all to support this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Jenniferpb9840mh
Apr 15, 2024
Must book - The company stayed on great contact throughout the whole booking. The guide and captain of the boat was very informative and safety conscious. Was able to get on the spot and was able to guide us around the bright dive lights and get us super close mantas. 10 out of 10 experience. Will most definitely book again with this group
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Simon_j
Apr 14, 2024
Up close and personal with the friendly manta rays. - What a memorable experience! We were able to see these stunning sea creatures do their flips only a few inches away. The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. As a small group, he was able to maneuver us around the bay quickly to find the best spots to observe the manta rays.
Review provided by Viator
David_m
Apr 12, 2024
Perfect for our family. - The kids loved it. Lots of Manta Rays and great service. Perfect for our family. Will be back. Mahalo
Review provided by Viator
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1 Adult
May 2024
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