Manta Ray Night Dive or Snorkel in North Kona

Witness an incredible underwater spectacle unique to the Big Island. Attracted by plankton which are attracted to lights placed in the water, large manta rays (6 to 20 ft wide) visit the same location virtually every night to feed. For 50-60 minutes, you will get a front row seat as these harmless elegant creatures loop, somersault, and cruise in the beams of light and funnel plankton into their giant mouths. Divers will settle to the ocean floor (about 35-40 ft down) and shine their dive lights up which bring the rays close. Snorkelers will observe the show from the surface, holding on to a snorkel board alongside a guide.

The spacious 46’ boat with giant stride entry into the water, hot water shower, and a restroom will keep you comfortable, along with attentive service from the guides and dive masters with only a 6:1 diver/snorkeler to guide ratio.

You can start this adventure in the afternoon with a daytime dive/snorkel (more geared towards divers but snorkeling also available). One of the best diving spots on the Big Island, Garden Eel Cove (close to the Kona airport) is not just home to many manta rays, but also hundreds of tiny garden eels and other marine life, as well as a dramatic drop-off. This spot has the potential to go to 60-70 feet deep, depending on the guide and the experience level of the guests in the group.

In between the afternoon and night dives/snorkels, there is a 1 hour break where light refreshments and sandwiches are enjoyed while the sun sets. If just joining for the night dive, you will enjoy snacks as well as the sunset. Full set of rental diving gear is $39/person.

Divers are required to bring their Open Water Certification card or email a copy in advance in order to dive. For the safety and enjoyment of everyone, for the 1-tank version (Option 2), divers should have at least 10 total dives under their belt and should have dove within the past 6 months, and for the 2-tank version (Option 1) have dove within the past 2 years (no min dive requirement). If you don't meet this requirement, you can do a morning dive first. If your last dive has been longer than 2 years ago but less than 4, you can do the 2-tank version with private guide ($150, pending availability).

Junior Open Water Divers who are ages 10-11 must dive with a private guide. Divers ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian diver or private guide. Anyone with a certification that has a depth restriction of 40 feet (13 meters) must also select private guide at checkout.

Snorkelers must be 8 years of age or older, able to swim, have prior snorkeling experience, and those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times or must hire a private guide.

• For parties with just snorkelers, we recommend the night-only option, if it fits your schedule. While snorkelers do often enjoy the afternoon stop, it is in deeper water and more geared towards divers.
• It is sometimes cancelled due to water or weather conditions, and therefore we recommend booking as early in your trip as possible to increase the chances of being able to reschedule, and also in order to take advantage of the guarantee if mantas are not seen on your first attempt. If you are not able to reschedule, then you will receive a full refund for weather (but not for the manta guarantee).

• Large boat with giant stride entry into the water, hot water shower, and a restroom
• Offered daily
• Option to combine with afternoon dive/snorkel
• Manta Guarantee (see FAQ for details)
• Generally less boats in a more confined area than the south Kona manta site, meaning usually more mantas seen

Hawaii Big Island Revealed Guidebook:

Top 11 Adventures. It may stay with you for the rest of your life. The best money you will ever spend underwater.

Kona Honu Divers has a beautiful boat with plenty of shade, comfortable, and easy to get around on. Professional guides, good briefing, and a relaxed pace.

Lonely Planet Guidebook:

Top 20 Activities in Hawaii. Heart-wrenchingly beautiful and utterly fascinating. You need not be an expert in the water to enjoy this unforgettable adventure. For many, this is the capstone experience to their time in Hawaii.

Kona Honu Divers has a good reputation.

Moon Guidebook:

Kona Honu Divers has a good reputation for service and luxury

• On the Green List of Manta Ray Preferred Activity Providers (managed by Hawaii Ocean Watch) who meet best practices for safety for the manta rays and visitors and promote sustainability
• Signed on to West Hawaii Voluntary Standards for Marine Tourism (WHVS) to protect the environment

• No refunds after 48 hours prior to activity time

• 4.712% Hawaii sales tax (GET)
• 3% Harbor Tax
• $5/person Hawaii Ocean Watch Nature Fee to protect the mantas and people who participate in this very popular activity

• Divers should be certified. For the 1-tank version, divers should have at least 10 total dives under their belt and should have dove within the past 6 months, and for the 2-tank version have dove within the past 2 years (no min dive requirement).
• Diving not for pregnant women or those with circulation, heart, or breathing issues.
• Divers are required to bring their Open Water Certification card or e-mail a copy in advance in order to dive.
• Junior Open Water Divers (ages 10-11) must dive with a private guide.
• Divers ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian diver or private guide.
• You should not go to high altitude (e.g., Mauna Kea, airplane) within 18 hours after diving. You can dive after high altitude, though.
• Snorkelers must be 8 years of age or older, able to swim, have prior snorkeling experience, and those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times (including in the water as a snorkeler) or must hire a private guide.
• No one under 8 years of age allowed on boat, even as ride-along.
• Everyone in your party should be able to speak and understand English proficiently.