Recently Viewed
Manta Ray Tour: Sunset Snorkeling Adventure
5.0
114 Ratings
Kailua-Kona
Experience the thrill of swimming with majestic Manta Rays on a sunset tour in Kailua-Kona. Join us for a top 10 activity of a lifetime!
Experience the thrill of swimming with majestic Manta Rays on a sunset tour in Kailua-Kona. Join us for a top 10 activity of a lifetime!
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Garden Eel Cove / Manta Heaven - Embark on a voyage that transforms the night into a realm of enchantment with our Nightly Manta Ray snorkel experience. Rated as one of the top aquatic adventures in the world, it is truly a “bucket-list” once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our Nightly Manta Ray snorkel is a portal to a realm rarely witnessed by human…
- Garden Eel Cove / Manta Heaven - Embark on a voyage that transforms the night into a realm of enchantment with our Nightly Manta Ray snorkel experience. Rated as one of the top aquatic adventures in the world, it is truly a “bucket-list” once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our Nightly Manta Ray snorkel is a portal to a realm rarely witnessed by human eyes. With custom-made high-intensity LED light boards, we invite you into the nocturnal playground of these gentle giants. Imagine floating weightlessly as the Manta Rays glide elegantly through the darkness, inches away from your awe-struck gaze. With wingspans of up to 16 feet and weighing up to 1,600 pounds, it’s truly awe-inspiring, but safe as mantas have no teeth, stingers, or barbs. They are filter-feeders and are here strictly to gorge themselves upon microscopic plankton attracted to the lights.
Before the adventure begins, you’ll receive a safety and Manta Ray briefing, ensuring you’re prepared for this otherworldly encounter.
What's Included
- Hot Cocoa
- Hot Tea
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Wetsuit
- Hot Cocoa
- Hot Tea
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Wetsuit
Additional Information
Join us for an exhilarating sunset Manta Ray Tour, ranked among the top 10 must-do activities in a lifetime. Check-in will be at our in-water slip (G-8), where our crew will provide a safety briefing for both the boat and the water with the Manta Rays. Enjoy a pleasant 10-15 minute ride to one of two snorkeling destinations. Upon arrival, you’ll spend…
Join us for an exhilarating sunset Manta Ray Tour, ranked among the top 10 must-do activities in a lifetime. Check-in will be at our in-water slip (G-8), where our crew will provide a safety briefing for both the boat and the water with the Manta Rays. Enjoy a pleasant 10-15 minute ride to one of two snorkeling destinations. Upon arrival, you’ll spend 40-45 minutes in the water, marveling at the Manta Rays with our experienced swim guides. Our boat features a convenient ladder and comfortable seating for the return trip to the harbor.
Our boat accommodates a maximum of 10 passengers and 2 crew members, with a tour minimum of 4 guests. While rescheduling is rare, we will make every effort to rebook you during your stay if necessary.
Location
Hawaii Marine Life Charters
Kealakehe Parkway
Check-in area are located at Honokohau Harbor slip G-8. We are reached from both north and south of Kailua-Kona via Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Hwy 19). TAKE YOUR THIRD RIGHT AT BROWN RESTROOMS WITH RED ROOF, LOOK FOR OUR WHITE VAN AND ORANGE SLIP SIGN ON YOUR RIGHT. (PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES EARLY).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(114 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
961kierae
Oct 10, 2025
Unbelievable experience - Absolutely amazing experience with Hawaiian Marine life charters! Captain and crew were knowledgeable and friendly. They get extra bonus points for being a family friendly trip. They accommodated our young family and when above and beyond to make sure we all could participate. Our 5 year old had the time of his life. Coming face to face with multiple mantas. Certainly a memory we won’t soon forget. The charter was a nice small group which made it feel more personal and allowed for maximum time in the water. You will not be disappointed on a trip with Hawaiian Marine life charters.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
204pams
Oct 9, 2025
5/5 Crew, Views & Rays!! - Crew & guide were fabulous, knowledgeable and the tour was very thoughtful! Very well organized! We loved the sunset along the way and the small group made it feel more personal. We saw a ton of mantas and big ones too! The hot cocoa on the way back was a delicious perk!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karenob4854vb
Oct 9, 2025
Non swimming ride along - Captain Brian and assistant Skye were the best! Smaller boat and personalized service went above our expectations of customer service. We decided to go on the ride along tour so we could see how it’s done and were actually able to see the mantas from the boat! They are amazing creatures and I would highly recommend this tour above all the others that are available.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sightseer631215
Oct 6, 2025
Amazing experience - This tour was the best I’ve ever done!
Captains Mitch and Riley were excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. We were given wet suits before getting in the boat. They briefed us before we went into the water, what to expect, some rules, and how to get the most out of the experience. We left the harbour as the sun was setting, and there happened to be a rainbow at the same time, it was beautiful! Once we got into the water the Manta rays showed up, it was an incredible experience, they are so large and graceful and came within inches of us. We also seen 3 dolphins at the start of tour. It was an amazing experience that should not be missed! I really enjoyed being on this boat because there were only 8 of us, the boat handled the chop very well, and it was easy to get into the water.
Thanks Mitch and Riley!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Venture59050805164
Oct 5, 2025
Night time Manta - Awesome saw a lot of fish and Mantis. Saw several different fish and other marine life. While on the trip! Definitely recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
William_m
Oct 1, 2025
The Best excursion we have ever taken! - This was an incredible experience! Captains Mitch and Riley were a lot of fun, they went over details about the manta’s, what to expect, and the rules we had to follow while in the water. We were in a small group of eight, and the boat was very comfortable. The tour started right on time, we were given wet suits to put, which I’m glad we did, the water would likely have been a little cool in the dark, but we were very comfortable. The mask was great, with no leakage or fogging. Being in the water when the manta rays show up is incredible, we’ve done lots of snorkelling tours, but nothing compares to this! It was a wonderful experience!
Review provided by Viator
Marybethand
Oct 1, 2025
Kona Must Do - My husband and I chose to ride along. Captain Mitch and Riley were top notch. The sunset view and a rainbow on the mountain were sublime. The boat ride was both exhilarating and relaxing. There is nothing like being on a small watercraft in the ocean after sunset. We saw the manta rays and dolphins from the boat. The snorkelers had an amazing time with many mantas swimming close by. We will definitely be back, will choose Hawaii Marine Life Charters, and next time will be in the water with the mantas!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sparkette6791
Sep 30, 2025
Highlight of Our Hawaii Trip – Truly Unforgettable 💙 - Our manta ray snorkel trip with Hawaii Marine Life Charters was truly the highlight of our vacation. Swimming with these beautiful, gentle creatures under the glow of a full moon was magical—an experience our family will never forget.✨
We brought three of our kiddos aged 8, 10 & 18. They felt safe and weren't too scared. The two youngest did get cold and go back to the boat a little earlier. They were given blankets on the boat which was a nice touch. I do recommend bringing cozy clothes to put on at shore after as we stayed chilled for a bit after.
The staff made everything smooth from start to finish: they were kind, efficient, and thorough, making sure we felt completely safe and cared for the whole time. Their knowledge and guidance allowed us to fully relax and enjoy the wonder of the manta rays gliding gracefully beneath us.
As if the evening wasn’t already perfect, they even had hot chocolate waiting for us afterward—a thoughtful touch that made the night feel extra special.
If you’re visiting The Big Island of Hawaii, this is a must-do experience. We can’t recommend it enough! 💙 Thanks Brian & crew!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joann_c
Sep 30, 2025
Beyond anything you imagine it will be! - Captain Mitch and Riley take an already amazing trip to the next level. From their first Aloha till the end of the 2.5 hr trip, these two make sure you have an unforgettable experience. They do everything from fitting wetsuits (not fun for anybody) and snorkel gear to taking underwater videos (not an extra fee!!!) We lucked out and saw a stunning sunset, a rainbow, a bunch of dolphins and more manta rays than we could count on our tour. It was surreal and one of our top 10 experiences EVER. However, even if we had only seen one manta ray, I would still count it among the highlights of my life. There really are no words to describe these magical creatures. This is an absolute must-do for everyone's bucket list!
PS-We brought our adult special needs daughter on this adventure. Mitch and Riley responded to her anxiety and 5 million questions with patience, smiles and encouragement. Well done gentlemen!
Two very exhausted parents appreciate you both🥰
Review provided by Viator
Pierreolivierl770
Sep 29, 2025
Best manta ray night encounter experience in town - Just amazing 🤩 ! Captain, team, boat, manta ray spot and light are just too notch !!! Much better than the big company on the island .. only 10 peoples and that make the difference
Review provided by Tripadvisor
