Manta Ray Night Snorkel in South Kona

Widely recognized as one of the top underwater adventures in the world, swimming with majestic manta rays in the night waters off of Kona is a thrilling and beautiful experience. Attracted to the abundance of plankton in the area, these large creatures (some up to 15 feet wide) gracefully glide in and out of darkness, turning cartwheels as they feed, creating what has been called “the manta ray ballet.” These are harmless creatures, lacking the stingers of its stingray cousins or sharp teeth.

Conveniently located just minutes from the "Manta Ray Village" site and next door to the Sheraton, you will depart from Keauhou Harbor on a spacious trimaran. After viewing the sunset and hearing an informative briefing by the crew, you will enter the water at dark, holding on to a specially designed manta ray flotation device virtually the entire time. You'll float while using the provided snorkeling equipment to keep your eyes ready for when these gentle giants swoop in to feed on the microscopic plankton that the flotation lights attract. After approximately 45 minutes, you'll come back onboard for some light snacks and hot cocoa, and giddy from having the underwater experience of a lifetime!

The sunset version is the main tour, and another late night tour is only added if/when the sunset tour sells out, which might not happen until a day or two before, if at all. While there is no sunset on the late night tour, there are usually fewer boats at that time competing for manta rays. The only other difference is that it is $5 cheaper per person. 

• Manta Ray Guarantee -- in the unlikely event mantas are not seen, return for free within 7 days (pending availability)
• Closest departure location to site means only a 5-minute boat ride (versus ~25 min each way for boats leaving North Kona), and it also allows it to be one of the last to leave the site which can help for seeing the most mantas
• All the focus is on the snorkeling experience (no time spent waiting on divers)
• Comfortable and spacious 45' boat (designed for up to 44 passengers but takes only 36 max on this trip)

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.

Friendly staff and good boat

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.

Highly recommended outfitter, including excellent manta-ray trips with friendly, professional crew

• Sustainable Tourism Certified by Hawaii Ecotourism Association
• One of only 4 Preferred Activity Providers by Hawaii Ocean Watch for practicing and promoting the highest ecological standard for the manta ray experience
• Follower of Coral Reef Alliance’s West Hawaii Voluntary Standards for Marine Tourism
• Uses environmentally friendly green certified cleaners to clean gear and equipment
• Implements a recycle program and encourages staff and guests to recycle
• Provides detailed briefings including the cultural significance of each historical site

• Fully refundable until 24 hours prior to activity

• 4.166% Hawaii sales tax (GET)
• 3% Harbor Tax

• Those who cannot swim are not permitted to participate in the water but can usually view the mantas from the boat.