Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour from Kona

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour from Kona: A Close Encounter with Kona’s Gentle Giants

Imagine paddling in dark waters, illuminated only by your boat’s lights, watching enormous manta rays glide effortlessly just inches from your face. This is what makes the Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour from Kona such a memorable experience. Priced at around $160.50 per person and lasting roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, this tour takes you just five minutes off the Big Island’s west coast, where manta rays come to feed on plankton attracted by your vessel’s lights. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll snorkel in a safe, well-chosen spot—not far from Kailua-Kona, yet feeling worlds away.

Two things we especially love about this experience: first, the clarity of the water under the vessel’s lights, which reveals the massive, graceful manta rays in their natural habitat. Second, the warm, homemade soup and hot drinks served after your swim, offering comfort and a chance to swap stories with fellow adventurers. A possible consideration? The activity requires a moderate physical level and good swimming ability, so it might not suit everyone, especially non-swimmers or those with limited snorkeling experience.

This tour is perfect for travelers who appreciate authentic wildlife encounters and don’t mind a little water at night. If you’re fascinated by marine life and looking for a safe, guided way to see these incredible creatures up close, this adventure will suit you perfectly.

Key Points

• Unique Night Experience: Snorkeling in Kona’s waters at night to see manta rays feeding.
• Close Encounters: Get within inches of gentle, massive mantas that are completely safe.
• Expert Guides: Led by knowledgeable, helpful staff ensuring a safe, enjoyable adventure.
• Warm Post-Snorkel Comfort: Enjoy homemade soup, bread rolls, and hot drinks after your swim.
• Limited Group Size: Small tours (max 26 travelers) for a more personal experience.
• Good Value: For around $160, you get equipment, wetsuits, and a memorable wildlife encounter.

A Deep Dive into the Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience

The Location and What to Expect

The tour departs from 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, a spot that’s easy to find if you arrive early. The boat, operated by Kona Sunrise Charters, takes you just a few minutes offshore, where the water’s depth and clarity are ideal for nighttime snorkeling. Unlike daytime manta viewing, where you might spot mantas from a distance, this trip brings you into their feeding ground—where the mantas intentionally swim close, feeding on plankton attracted by the vessel’s special dive lights.

What makes this experience so captivating is the lighted water—it’s almost otherworldly. The underwater scene reveals the whales of the night: mantas with wingspans exceeding 15 feet, gracefully gliding through the water. As one reviewer, Gayle_K, exclaimed, “We saw 8 different mantas during our time in the water,” which is a testament to the richness of the experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

• Check-in at the Dock: Arrive early to avoid parking issues and find your guide. The meeting point is straightforward, but arriving early is always wise to secure a good spot and get familiar with the boat.
• Briefing and Equipment Fitting: Your guides will give safety instructions and help you gear up with snorkel equipment and wetsuits—all included in the price. Importantly, full face snorkel masks are not permitted on the vessel, so prepare accordingly.
• Departure and Travel to the Spot: The boat ride is short—about five minutes—giving you plenty of time to settle in and enjoy the views of Kona’s coast.
• Snorkeling with Mantas: Once anchored, the crew turns on the special lights that attract plankton and, consequently, the mantas. You’ll hop into the water, float near the boat, and watch these gentle giants come close, often swimming just inches from your face.
• Post-Snorkel Warmth: After about 45 minutes or so in the water, you’ll climb back aboard to enjoy warm homemade soup, bread rolls, and hot drinks—a cozy reward after your aquatic adventure.

Why the Night Snorkel Is Special

Unlike daytime manta sightings, which often involve observing from a distance, this night snorkel aims for a more intimate encounter. The manta rays are feeding, which means they’re actively swimming, sometimes swirling in elegant circles around the lights. According to multiple reviewers, the experience can be quite emotional. Toni_B mentions, “4 manta rays danced around below us and came right up close,” emphasizing how close and personal it gets.

The Guides and Safety

The tour features knowledgeable guides like Captain Tim Mitchell, praised for their professionalism and safety awareness. Many reviewers highlight the helpfulness and friendliness of the crew, which is crucial when dealing with night water activities. The tours are limited to 26 travelers, making it easier to manage safety and ensure everyone gets a good view.

Weather and Booking Considerations

The tour relies on good weather—if weather conditions turn bad, it might be canceled, with full refunds or rescheduling offered. Because most bookings are made about 34 days in advance, it’s wise to reserve early, especially during peak seasons. Travelers are advised to have moderate physical fitness and be comfortable in the water, as non-swimmers and beginners might find it challenging.

How Does This Tour Compare in Value?

While $160 might seem steep for a 1.5-hour experience, consider what’s included: snorkel gear, wetsuits, safety instructions, and post-trip warm food. The reviews repeatedly praise the quality of the guides and the opportunity to see multiple manta rays close up, which adds significant value. Plus, the small group size enhances the overall experience, avoiding the crowded feeling some tours have.

Many say it’s “worth every penny” and describe it as “the coolest thing to do in Kona.” The consistent praise from visitors about seeing up to 8 manta rays and how “it was so much better than previous experiences” makes it clear this tour offers something memorable, not just a touristy snapshot.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers comfortable in the water and eager to see marine life in a natural, unspoiled setting. If you’re nervous about night swimming or have limited snorkeling experience, it’s wise to assess your comfort level beforehand. Families with older children who can handle the physical activity and water conditions tend to enjoy it, as do couples and solo travelers wanting a unique, awe-inspiring encounter.

People who appreciate a guided experience with knowledgeable staff and enjoy sharing stories over hot soup afterwards will find this tour especially rewarding. And if you’re looking for an activity that combines wildlife, adventure, and a bit of magic, this trip hits the mark.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No, it’s not recommended for non-swimmers or those without snorkeling experience, as you’ll be in open water at night.

How long does the snorkeling last?
You’ll be in the water for approximately 45 minutes, giving ample time to observe multiple manta rays.

Is the water cold during the tour?
The tour includes wetsuits, which help keep you warm, especially in the cooler night waters.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, a towel, and waterproof camera if you wish. The tour provides all snorkeling gear and wetsuits.

Will I see manta rays every night?
While sightings are common, especially with the guides’ expertise and the attraction of the plankton, nature can be unpredictable, and sightings can vary.

Are there age restrictions?
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. It’s best suited for those comfortable in the water and with moderate fitness.

Is there a risk of seasickness?
If seasickness is a concern, consider taking medication beforehand. The boat ride is short, but water conditions can vary.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

How do I book?
It’s best to reserve well in advance, as most people book about a month ahead, especially during peak seasons.

Final Thoughts

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour from Kona offers a rare chance to see some of nature’s most graceful creatures in their nighttime feeding grounds. The experience’s intimacy, guided by expert staff, and the warmth of post-snorkel refreshments make it a compelling choice for anyone seeking an authentic marine adventure.

While it requires a bit of physical effort and comfort in open water, the extraordinary sight of manta rays swimming close enough to touch compensates for those challenges. If you’re a lover of wildlife, a good swimmer, and looking for an unforgettable memory, this tour will likely be a highlight of your time on the Big Island.

For travelers seeking a safe, well-organized, and genuinely awe-inspiring activity, this trip delivers on its promises. It’s a chance to connect with Kona’s marine life in a way few other experiences can match—truly a night to remember.

Remember: Book early, arrive prepared, and keep your camera ready for some breathtaking moments underwater.