Hawaii · MANTA RAY NIGHT SNORKELS

Manta Ray Night Snorkels in Kona: The 15 Best Trips

24 tours  ·  from $25

Two sites off the Kona coast run this, and almost every operator uses one of them. These 15 differ on boat size, whether you float on a lit board or dive, how long the mooring lasts and what happens if no rays show.

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel - Leaving Keauhou Bay and watching the Kona sunset
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

1.Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,656 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84Our pick

Meet Hang Loose Boat Tours at Keauhou Bay for a roughly two-and-a-half-hour manta ray outing. You’ll cruise along the Kona coast, watch the sunset, then use provided snorkel gear, a wetsuit top, and flotation support while mantas circle beneath lighted viewing boards. Guides including Bryce, Jordan, Aden, and Vince have been praised for calm, careful help in the water.

“Fabulous! The crew was amazing and seeing the mantas was incredible! Highly recommend and would definitely do tour again!”

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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor - The Keauhou manta site and the light board
Big Island Tours, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews, Tours

Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

2.Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,465 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $25Best value

Meet at Keauhou Harbor, collect your mask and snorkel, then take a three-minute boat ride to a manta feeding site. You will float for up to 30 minutes beside an illuminated board that draws plankton and manta rays. Guides such as Greg, Eric, and Mahina may assist in the water. Wetsuits cost $10 extra.

“Had a wonderful time seeing the manta rays dance in the waters on this excursion. Crew was great and knowledgeable. Believe the names were mahina, Greg, and ash? (the captain). Loved it and would 100% recommended.”

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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings - What happens once you enter the water
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

3.KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,212 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $49

Meet near the Outrigger Resort in Kona for a short RHIB boat ride to a manta viewing site. Guides such as Taco, Peyton, and Mike explain manta behavior before you spend 25 to 30 minutes in the water. You get snorkel gear, optional wetsuits, surface lighting, and an 11-person boat. Strong swimming skills are required.

“Fun and well organized experience. Crew was great and very knowledgeable. They found 3 manata rays right away which lead to a very memorable experience for us.”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island - Equipment, clothing, and the short boat ride
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

4.Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,758 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $44

Meet Dolphin Discoveries in Kailua-Kona, collect your mask, snorkel, and short-sleeve wetsuit top, then travel to Keauhou Bay for about 30 minutes beside manta rays feeding under the lights. You must swim, tread water, and climb a metal ladder. Ride-along tickets are available for non-swimmers.

“Team was on time and the guides in the water were very helpful and provided reassurance and support the entire time you were in the water. Awesome crew on deck as well. Great experience. Definitely recommend!”

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Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays - The 45-minute light-board viewing session
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

5.Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,254 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $80

From Honokohau Harbor, you ride offshore for a Kona sunset and about 45 minutes beside giant manta rays feeding under bright lights. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, flotation, snacks, and water are included. You must know how to swim, but a ride-along option lets non-swimmers stay aboard.

“This is a must do activity! When I say life changing it’s almost not enough! The captain counted 14 different manta rays. They performed as if on cue! A ballet is a. Good term!”

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Kailua Kona: Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island - Holding onto the light board
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Tour Reviews

Kailua Kona: Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island

6.Kailua Kona: Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,199 reviews · 2h 30m · from $121

Join Hang Loose Boat Tours for a 150-minute evening cruise from Kailua Kona, then hold a light board while manta rays feed on plankton below. Snorkel gear, wetsuit tops, snacks, and drinks are included. Guides such as Aidan, Jordan, Gary, Noah, and Ula have been praised for calm, hands-on help. A ride-along option is available.

“It was perfect in every way. I scheduled another five later in the week.”

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Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona - Getting ready with the small-group crew
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Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona

7.Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,141 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $145

From Keauhou Harbor, you’ll make a short boat ride to a nighttime manta site, then hold a glowing light board as manta rays gather for plankton. Hawaii Oceanic keeps groups to about 11 people, supplies snorkel gear, drinks, and wetsuit tops, and places a certified swim guide in the water. Snorkeling is optional.

“Hawaii Oceanic was one of four eco friendly tours and recommended night snorkel tour operators. We had an amazing small group experience with operators that know and care about the manta rays.”

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Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure - The sunset sail along the Kona coast
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure

8.Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 843 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $154

Sail the Kona coast aboard a 50-foot catamaran, watch the sun set, then hold onto a light board while manta rays feed below. Kona Style provides gear, instruction, drinks, hot cocoa, and an attentive crew led by Captain Dan on some departures. You must be a strong swimmer to enter the water.

“Captain Dan and his crew were wonderful! Really appreciated all the information before and even during the snorkel. They really put my mind at ease, as I was nervous about snorkeling at night. If I can do this, anyone can! We saw many mantas right away, which was so exhilarating yet peaceful. Easy entry off and back on the boat with a staircase from the boat. This is a very well run boat! I cannot recommend them enough!”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona - Getting into the water at Garden Eel Cove
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

9.Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 777 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Cruise Kona’s coast aboard Manta Adventures’ Maheli-Heli, then watch manta rays feed beneath bright floating lights at Garden Eel Cove. You can snorkel with supplied gear, wetsuit, and flotation aid, or stay aboard. Captain Bill, Captain Dan, and crew members such as Drew and Sam have been praised for careful instruction, warm rinses, snacks, and close attention to safety.

“Captain and crew were so complete at instructions and were firm but still calm. Very nice crew! Very nice boat! And successful immediately on seeing manta rays 😎”

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Night Manta Ray Experience - What the manta viewing is really like
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Tour Reviews

Night Manta Ray Experience

10.Night Manta Ray Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 751 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $146

Meet Sea Quest Hawaii at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St. in Kona for a 90-minute night boat trip to a manta feeding site. You will snorkel beside a lighted board as manta rays glide inches away. Guides such as Em, Sage, Kim, Skyler, Rick, and Captain John have been praised for clear safety help and good manta facts. Gear, wetsuit, flotation aid, and hot chocolate are included.

“The mantas were amazing. The only thing to make it better would have been if they offered pictures of the mantas back at the shop.”

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Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed - From Keauhou Bay to the Hokulani
Big Island Tours, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed

11.Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 738 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $141

From Keauhou Bay, Sea Paradise takes you by trimaran to Manta Ray Village for a sunset cruise and night snorkel. You will hold a lit flotation raft while manta rays feed below, often passing within inches. Wetsuits, masks, snorkels, drinks, and in-water support are included. The tour lasts about 90 minutes.

“The crew was very knowledgeable. We had never snorkeled before but wow so cool. The manta ray came up from the bottom and leveled off about a foot from us. Totally worth the price of admission!”

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Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii - Meeting the canoe in Kailua-Kona
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

12.Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 672 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $127

Meet Eka Canoe Adventures in Kailua-Kona for a short ride on a traditional-style double-hulled canoe. At the manta site, you will use a lighted float and snorkel above wild rays feeding on plankton. Groups are limited to 12, guides provide gear and safety help, and the tour usually lasts about an hour to 75 minutes.

“It was an unbelievable experience. The manta rays were shockingly stunning! Must see! You don't need to be the best swimmer to participate.”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel from Kona — Small Group - Garden Eel Cove or Manta Heaven
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Manta Ray Night Snorkel from Kona — Small Group

13.Manta Ray Night Snorkel from Kona — Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 657 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $123

From Honokohau Harbor, you’ll ride with a small group to Garden Eel Cove or Manta Heaven, then snorkel beside manta rays feeding under lights. Captain Kris, Chris, Ryan, Tori, and other crew members are praised for calm safety help and useful manta facts. Wetsuits, flotation gear, drinks, and snacks are included.

“Fantastic experience. Manta Rays came within inches of us. A must do tour on the Big Island. Kris and crew were great!”

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Big Island: Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Adventure in Kailua-Kona - Getting ready for the night water
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Big Island: Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Adventure in Kailua-Kona

14.Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Adventure in Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 593 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

From Honokohau Harbor, you cruise along the Kona Coast at sunset before stopping at a manta feeding site. Your crew provides snorkel gear, a jacket-style wetsuit top, flotation help, snacks, water, and an onboard restroom. Expect roughly 25 minutes by boat each way and about 30 to 45 minutes in the water.

“Don’t hesitate to book this one. Not only is it a convenient location to downtown Kona but you get a bonus long sunset cruise and nice cruise longer than most tours. Plus they don’t rush you and really make it a fun experience to see one of the coolest things in the world. Just show up in a swim suit with a towel and they provide the rest to include snacks and drinks. You see a lot of other tours out at the site that are rushed and not as fun. This is the one.”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience of a Lifetime - From Honokohau Harbor to the feeding site
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience of a Lifetime

15.Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience of a Lifetime

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 505 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79

From Honokohau Harbor, you take a 15 to 20 minute boat ride to Manta Heaven or Manta Village. Float at a light board while manta rays feed below, with gear, a shorty wetsuit, and an in-water guide provided. Small boats carry up to 18 people, and guides such as Kelly, Jay, Elijah, and Jonathan have been praised for calm, friendly service.

“Fabulous night of snorkeling with Manta Rays. Our crew was fun , knowledgeable, and very helpful. Kelly our captain was great and funny. I can’t remember the other 2 guys names but they were great in knowing the ocean floor- attracting the Manta Rays, outfitting us, getting us in the water safely and seeing the Manta Rays. This was a great tour and only 18 people, considered a small group. Highly recommend this tour.”

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★ 4.9Snorkel with Manta Rays – Manta GuaranteeFrom $141114 reviews
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