Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona: Short Boat Ride to Ideal Viewing Location with Expert Guide
4.7
772 Ratings
Kailua-Kona
Experience the thrill of a Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona. Join our expert guides for a short boat ride to the perfect viewing location and enjoy an unforgettable close encounter with these magnificent creatures.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St - What can be better than viewing manta rays in the wild? Come aboard our vessel as we set out into the Pacific Ocean on a short 5 minute cruise to the mouth of Keauhou Bay for an in water observation of the the manta rays. Let our expert “in water” guides give you an experience of a lifetime. Imagine floating in a dark ocean near the waterâs surface as you hold on to our state of the art flotation device outfitted with lights when giant prehistoric, creatures with wingspans over 12â glide silently and effortlessly into view from out of the inky dark boundaries of light. As they feed, the manta ray will swim while doing somersaults (barrel rolls) and turning gracefully in the beams of piercing light, giving you the most unforgettable snorkel adventure ever!
Our viewing location is the most ideal manta viewing location. Our in water crew will guide you through the bay to view these beautiful animals. Enjoy approximately 45 minutes of in water viewing time. Manta Ray viewing is a bucket list item for all who visit the Big Island. Come see what the excitement is all about.
Snorkel participants must have swim experience.
What's Included
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Short Sleeve Wetsuit tops
What's Not Included
- Your “in water” guides work very hard. Gratuity is always appreciated.
- Please bring a towel for after snorkeling
Additional Information
Situated at the prime manta spotting location, we’re only a quick 5-minute boat journey away from our snorkeling spot. With the assistance of our sophisticated viewing board and proficient marine crew, you’ll be led around the bay to observe these stunning creatures. Rely on roughly 45 minutes of under-water time for this experience.
The thrilling twilight snorkel alongside the imposing Manta Rays is truly unforgettable! It offers close encounters of an extraordinary nature, ensuring lasting memories!
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times
- Minimum age to participate is 6 years
- A maximum of 28 people per booking
- Electronic Waiver required to be signed prior to tour
- Must be able to climb up a metal ladder resting on a pontoon to get back in the boat
- Must be under 285lbs
- All participating guests must know how to swim and tread water
- Arrive 5-10 min prior to check-in time to find parking
- This is a wild and free excursion. No refunds are given in the event we do not get to view mantas the night of your tour.
- If you are unable to swim and would like to remain on the boat, we welcome you. “Ride alongs” are a paid ticket as it is a reserved seat on the boat.
- We have full discretion to refuse service to guests based on attire, behavior, physical fitness & condition
- Please arrive no later than your scheduled check in time, as we have important information to review prior to leaving the dock, as well as outfit all guests with the equipment needed for the tour.
- Restroom facilities not available on boat
Location
78-6831 Ali‘i Dr
Ali‘i Drive
To Check in: Keauhou Shopping Center, 78-6831 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i 96740, Space F-146. Located in courtyard behind Tropics, KTA & Bianelli's. From there, you will drive to Keauhou Bay where the crew will greet you for the tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(772 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Nicole_l
Apr 14, 2024
The best Kona excursion! - This was one of two excursions we did with Dolphin Discoveries and they were SO amazing. Shelly (Shelley?) the captain is the absolute best and the Manta Rays were amazing. This is an absolute must-do experience. Go with this crew - it’s not over crowded, they care about the environment and were SO fun!
Review provided by Viator
864galiag
Apr 14, 2024
Amazing - I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Dolphin Discoveries immensely as it was my first time seeing Manta Rays up close and personal. Our team leader, Chad, was very thoughtful and made sure everyone was comfortable and assured our safety. Chad was so thorough, clear, and concise with the plethora of information he shared regarding our journey to and from, and what was to be expected. Chad made the experience exciting and thrilling, a very positive outcome all in all. I would definitely recommend booking with Dolphin Discoveries! It’s totally worth it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth
Apr 14, 2024
Don’t Miss Dolphin Discoveries Night Manta Snorkel in Kona, Big Island, Hawaii! - Everyone should experience this amazing view of the graceful Manta Rays in Kona, Big Island Hawaii. Under the care and guidance of our personal guide, and assigned crew member, Chad, we had a never to be forgotten look into the underwater world of these amazing creatures. It was educational and awe-inspiring. I consider this a “don’t miss” experience with an amazing company with fantastic employees, at every level.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Erika_r
Apr 13, 2024
Surreal Experience - Our guides Julie, Robert, and Shelly, were incredibly kind and patient. They provided an experience like no other! Being the water the manta rays is a surreal experience that everyone must try when in Kona.
Review provided by Viator
Stacey_b
Apr 13, 2024
The cherry on top of an already amazing trip! - My brother, his wife, and four of their children went with me to do the night snorkel with the manga rays and of all the incredible things we have done on this island this was by far the best! Pam and the rest of the crew were so kind and knowledgeable and made us all feel safe and ready for the adventure. Within seconds of us all being in the water the mantra rays arrived and put on a show for us the whole time we were in the water! We got so lucky to see so many! I could have stayed out there for hours! I thought going at the 6pm reservation time would be too early but it ended up perfect because it is mid April so as we drove out as the sun was setting and we had the most beautiful views! Cannot recommend this experience through this company enough! This is a must do!
Review provided by Viator
Amy_h
Apr 10, 2024
Unbelievable - Amazing!!!!! Such great guides and amazing sites!! We saw 10 different manta!! Shady Brent did us great!
Review provided by Viator
601kerstinj
Apr 9, 2024
Best on the island - This was the most incredible experience of my life. From the moment we set off on the boat to the moment we dove into the crystal-clear waters, everything was perfect. Chad and the other crew members were super knowledgeable and made sure we felt safe throughout the entire adventure. As we descended into the depths, the sight of the majestic manta rays took my breath away. Being able to co-exist alongside them was like being in a dream. The sheer size and gracefulness of these creatures left me in awe. I will cherish this memory forever. 10/10 recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevin_m
Apr 8, 2024
No other choice choose Dolphin Discoveries. - The team at Dolphin Discoveries made this experience unforgettable. Not only were they able to answer every question and put everybody at ease but they provided a guided experience that has exceeded many adventures. They were a seamless unit in lock step with every move.
The experience with the manta rays was amazing. To be up close and personal enough to sense the power the animals have was amazing. They swim with grace and are so peaceful. One in our party was extremely nervous but within 10 minutes was enjoying every aspect of the experience.
If you have a choice I’d recommend Dolphin Discoveries as your guides.
Review provided by Viator
Mishtess
Apr 7, 2024
You HAVE to do this! - This was one of the most amazing things I have ever done! I cannot say enough good about the team at Dolphin Discoveries - they were very friendly and professional; it was clear that safety was their top priority.
As for the experience itself - WOW! The manta rays were beautiful and put on quite a show. They barrel-rolled over and over right underneath us! There really are no words to describe how incredible this was; all I can say is, if you have a chance, make sure you do this!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachel_b
Apr 1, 2024
10000/10 - An unbelievable experience. Regardless of the rays, the crew was incredible and very well trained. They ensured our safety at all
times, took people back to the boat when requested, and got us as close as we could to the rays. Highlight of our trip was this experience. It became very rocky on the water at the end, but the crew was very professional guiding us through the entire tour.
Review provided by Viator
More activities from this operator
