Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Discover the Magic of the Manta Ray Night Snorkel on the Big Island

Imagine floating in the darkness, surrounded by the glow of underwater lights, with massive, graceful manta rays gliding inches past you. The Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona offers just that—a 2.5-hour adventure where you get to watch these gentle giants feed and socialize in their natural habitat. For $130 per person, you’ll join a small group led by knowledgeable guides and witness one of Hawaii’s most memorable wildlife encounters.

This tour departs from Honokohau Harbor, and your journey begins with a scenic boat ride out into the sea, where you can enjoy the spectacular Kona sunset. Once in position, you’ll slip into your wetsuit, don your snorkel gear, and hop into the water—where the true magic happens.

Two things we love about this experience are the detailed explanations about manta biology provided by the guides—making the encounter educational as well as awe-inspiring—and the guaranteed sighting policy, which takes the stress out of wondering if you’ll see anything. The only downside? The waters can get quite choppy, which might pose a challenge if you’re prone to motion sickness or aren’t comfortable swimming in open water.

This tour is perfect for those who love wildlife, enjoy being in the water, and want a memorable, respectful encounter with nature. It’s suitable for most swimmers, though children must be accompanied by an adult, and comfort in the water is recommended.

Key Points

• Incredible Marine Life: Get face-to-face with giant manta rays in their natural feeding habitat.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable, attentive, and help make the experience safe and enjoyable.
• Sunset Views: The tour includes a beautiful Kona sunset, adding to the overall ambiance.
• All Equipment Included: Snorkel gear, wetsuits, and flotation devices are provided for comfort and safety.
• Guaranteed Sightings: If you don’t see a manta, you’ll receive a voucher for another tour.
• Ideal for Most Swimmers: Suitable for anyone comfortable in the water, with some reviews noting the need for stamina in choppy conditions.

Setting Out from Honokohau Harbor

The adventure begins at the Bite Me Sportfishing offices in Kona, where you check in, get fitted with your gear, and meet your guides. The boat itself is well-equipped with a spacious deck, a large cabin, and an observation area—perfect for catching the sunset or just relaxing before the night swim.

Most travelers find the check-in process smooth, and the crew’s friendliness sets a welcoming tone. The boat departs at sunset, which depends on the time of year—around 5 to 6 PM—so it’s a good idea to call the day before to confirm your departure time. The ride out to the manta habitat takes roughly 20 minutes, giving you time to enjoy the starry views and the incredible colors of the Kona sunset.

The Scenic Boat Ride & Sunset

Watching the sun dip below the horizon from the deck provides a peaceful, almost meditative start to this adventure. Several reviewers rave about the spectacular sunset views, noting how the changing colors of the sky add a magical backdrop to the experience. As Riley said, “We saw a bunch of Mantas and even got to see a beautiful sunset on the way. 0 complaints!”

Preparing for the Night Snorkel

Once in position, guides assist everyone with donning wetsuits—an important step since the water can be at a comfortable but cooler temperature. The snorkel gear, including fins and masks, is included, as are flotation devices, which many find helpful, especially if you’re less confident in open water.

You’ll be assigned a light board powered by a bright underwater light. This is crucial because the lights attract microscopic plankton—the manta’s favorite snack—and in turn, the mantas are drawn to the illuminated waters. The guides set up the lights carefully and stay close, ensuring safety and answering questions.

The Underwater Spectacle

When you slip into the water, it’s an experience unlike any other. You’re in about 30-35 feet of water, just a short swim from the shoreline. Many reviews highlight how close the mantas come—sometimes they brush right past your arm, making it feel like you’re sharing a dance with a peerless underwater ballet dancer. Jazmyn called it “such an amazing experience,” emphasizing how the mantas are “so peaceful and majestic.”

The gracefulness of these creatures can take your breath away. Their wing spans range from 4 to 12 feet, and they weigh hundreds of pounds. The guides help keep interactions respectful, emphasizing that these are wild animals and should be observed quietly and passively.

Authentic Encounters & Tips

Several reviewers appreciated how safe and well-managed the tour was, noting guides like Momi and Josh went above and beyond to ensure everyone, especially less experienced swimmers, felt comfortable. One mention was of guiding a swimmer with noodles to help him feel secure—highlighting the attentive approach of the crew.

However, some reviews noted that the water can be choppy or rough, particularly if the weather isn’t calm. This might be a concern for folks with motion sickness or frail stamina, so prepare accordingly. Still, the overall consensus is that the near-constant sightings and the chance to see multiple mantas make it worthwhile.

The Afterglow & Return

After about 45 minutes in the water, you’ll climb back onto the boat. Many mention the peaceful, surreal feeling of floating beneath the stars and watching those majestic creatures glide effortlessly around. As one reviewer put it, “This was such an incredible experience. Don’t hesitate, book this now.”

The return trip usually includes a cozy boat ride back, with some tours offering snacks or water. People often say it’s a perfect blend of adventure, tranquility, and wildlife observation.

This experience is best for those comfortable in open water, eager for a close-up wildlife encounter, and appreciative of natural beauty. It’s suitable for most swimmers, but if you’re prone to motion sickness or have difficulty swimming in choppy conditions, it might be worth preparing accordingly or considering other options.

Travelers who value knowledgeable guides, a respectful approach to wildlife, and a touch of adventure will find this tour to be highly rewarding. Families with children over 5 can enjoy it, but younger kids might find the experience less comfortable due to water conditions or length.

Price & Value

At $130, this tour provides excellent value given the unique nature of the experience. All equipment and safety gear are included, and the guarantee of sightings reduces uncertainty. Many reviews highlight the professionalism of the crew and the quality of the experience—making it a worthwhile investment for a bucket-list adventure.

If you’re looking for something truly special in Hawaii, this tour delivers a chance to see massive, majestic manta rays up close in their natural environment. The combination of a scenic boat ride, sunset views, expert guides, and guaranteed sightings makes it a memorable choice. It’s perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, water lovers, and anyone wanting a peaceful yet exhilarating experience.

While the water can be rough, most find that the chance to witness these gentle giants in action outweighs the minor discomforts. The tour is well-organized, with a friendly, professional crew committed to safety and education. Expect a respectful, awe-inspiring encounter that’s truly a highlight of your trip to the Big Island.

This experience suits travelers who value authenticity, are comfortable in the water, and seek a meaningful connection with Hawaii’s marine life. If you’re ready to see manta rays dance beneath the stars, this tour is an excellent choice.

Do I need to know how to swim to join this tour?
Yes, you must know how to swim since the activity takes place in open water at a depth of about 30-35 feet. Comfort in the water is important for safety and enjoyment.

What equipment is included?
All snorkel gear, wetsuits, and flotation devices are provided. This makes it easier for you to focus on the experience without worrying about gear.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and those under age 5 need to provide their own life vests. It’s best suited for kids who are comfortable in water and can handle the length of the activity.

What if I don’t see any manta rays?
The tour offers a sighting guarantee—if you don’t see a manta, you’ll receive a voucher for another tour. This policy helps reduce disappointment and encourages confidence in the experience.

How long does the entire tour last?
Expect approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from check-in to return. The time includes boat ride, sunset viewing, gear-up, and the snorkel itself.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While the departure times vary throughout the year, sunset times adjust accordingly. The tour runs from early evening to night, with the best conditions typically during calm weather months.

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona combines natural beauty, wildlife education, and a touch of adventure. For anyone eager to see these impressive creatures in their element, it’s a truly worthwhile experience that promises both excitement and tranquility.