Kailua Kona: Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island

Kailua Kona: Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island

If you’re visiting Hawaii and craving an experience that combines adventure, awe-inspiring wildlife, and a touch of magic, the Night Manta Ray Tour from Kailua Kona should be at the top of your list. This guided excursion promises the chance to see these gentle giants in their natural feeding habitat, illuminated only by the glow of special underwater lights. It’s one of those activities that transforms a vacation into a collection of stories you’ll tell for years.

From the moment we started exploring what this tour offers, three things caught our attention: the opportunity to snorkel with manta rays at night, the knowledgeable guides, and the sheer beauty of witnessing the ocean’s nightlife. The glowing plankton attracting the mantas creates a surreal scene, perfect for both adventure seekers and those who simply want a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

One thing to consider is that this activity involves being in the water in the dark, so it’s not ideal if you’re prone to seasickness or have mobility issues. Otherwise, it’s a well-organized, highly-rated experience that caters to a range of travelers, from snorkelers to ride-alongs. It’s especially perfect for those who love marine wildlife, night-time adventures, or unique Hawaii activities.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits adventurous travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone keen on experiencing Hawaii’s marine life from a different perspective—at night. It’s suitable for families with older children, couples, or solo travelers looking for a memorable, Instagram-worthy adventure. However, pregnant women, people with back or heart issues, and non-swimmers might find it less suitable.

Good To Know

• Unique Night Experience: Witness manta rays feeding and swimming close in the dark, illuminated by special lights attracting plankton.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable crew like Jordan, Oula, and Simon make safety and fun a priority, ensuring a smooth experience.
• Good Value for Money: At $122 per person, the tour includes all necessary gear, snacks, and beverages—offering a comprehensive adventure.
• Time Efficient: Just 2.5 hours, including boat ride, water time, and safety briefing, making it easy to fit into a busy Hawaii itinerary.
• Highly Rated: Over 1,000 reviews averaging 4.8/5, with travelers describing it as “magical,” “unforgettable,” and “breathtaking.”
• Photographic Opportunity: Bring your underwater camera to capture manta rays swimming inches from you—reviews mention the close proximity is extraordinary.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Meeting and Preparation

Your adventure begins with a safety briefing once you meet the crew, such as DJ or Jacob, who are praised for their helpfulness and enthusiasm. You’ll gear up with provided snorkeling equipment and wetsuit tops, essential for staying warm and comfortable in the cool night waters. Most guests find the wetsuit top helps make the experience more pleasant, especially as water temperatures can feel chilly once submerged.

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The Boat Ride Out

The boat departs with a comfortable group size—reviewers mention fast, smooth rides that take about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the manta sight. The crew keeps the mood light with jokes, local stories, and helpful tips, making the trip fly by. Many reviews emphasize how the quick ride means more time in the water, which is a key factor in the overall value.

Watching the Manta Rays Feed

This is the core moment. Once at the site, the crew sets up the light boards, which you’ll hold as you float in the water. The lights attract plankton, drawing the mantas in for their nightly feast. Reviewers like Yasmine and Diane describe it as “magical” and “remarkable,” with some seeing multiple mantas doing flips or swimming just inches from their faces.

Guides like Jordan and Oula are praised for their friendly, professional demeanor, ensuring everyone feels safe. You’ll often see multiple rays, sometimes up to five at once, gracefully gliding and performing slow rolls, creating perfect photo moments. Many guests mention how close the mantas come, with some describing it as “alien-like” or “otherworldly.”

Snorkeling or Ride-Along Options

While many choose to snorkel, those who prefer to stay dry can opt for the ride-along, watching from the boat. Some reviews note that the water temperature can feel pleasantly warm initially but becomes colder during the longer water sessions. It’s recommended to bring a change of clothes, a towel, and motion sickness medication if needed.

Return and Refresh

After about 45 minutes of water time, the crew helps everyone back onto the boat. Warm showers are available onboard, which many guests appreciate after the chill of night swimming. Snack options like granola bars, fruit snacks, chips, and drinks are provided, making post-swim refreshments easy to enjoy. Reviewers frequently mention the crew’s helpfulness and cheerful attitude during this part of the trip.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

Exceptional Wildlife Encounters

The sheer closeness of the manta rays is what makes this experience stand out. As Inna puts it, “They swim really close to you,” and many describe feeling like they were swimming alongside silent, graceful angels. The opportunity to see multiple mantas perform flips and circle around you is truly unforgettable.

Knowledgeable and Friendly Guides

Guests repeatedly praise guides like Simon, AJ, and Ula for their safety focus, local knowledge, and sense of humor. Their presence transforms the tour from just a boat ride into an engaging, comfortable adventure. As one reviewer mentions, “The guides were warm and made us all feel comfortable,” which is key when you’re in the water with large, mysterious creatures.

Great Value for the Cost

At $122, the tour includes snorkel gear, wetsuits, snacks, and drinks—all in a duration that balances excitement and relaxation. Considering the personalized experience, the chance to see dozens of manta rays, and the photo opportunities, many find it well worth the price. Some reviews highlight how they scheduled additional tours later in their trip, indicating satisfaction with the overall value.

Ease and Convenience

The trip is about 2.5 hours, which fits nicely into an evening plan without feeling overly long. The quick boat ride means more water time, and the setup process is straightforward. Since the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, travelers should plan to meet at the designated point, but many reviews confirm the venue is easy to find and well-organized.

What Could Be Better

While overwhelmingly positive, some guests mention that the water can feel cold after a while, especially if they’re prone to chills. It’s advisable to bring a change of clothes, a warm jacket, and motion sickness medicine if needed. Also, the experience isn’t suited for pregnant women or those with back or heart issues.

Plus, the tour doesn’t include GoPro rentals directly, though they are available for rent at the site—something to plan for if capturing the moment is important. Some guests who experienced seasickness found that the quick ride and steady boat helped, but others recommend taking precautions beforehand.

The Sum Up

This Kailua Kona night manta ray adventure offers an exceptional chance to see one of Hawaii’s most captivating creatures in their natural environment. The combination of expert guides, high safety standards, and the mesmerizing glow of plankton attracting the mantas creates a spectacle that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a marine wildlife fanatic or simply seeking a surreal, beautiful experience, this tour delivers.

It’s especially ideal for those who want a balanced mix of comfort, adventure, and photogenic moments. The relatively short duration and inclusive setup make it accessible, while the overwhelmingly positive reviews highlight how impactful and memorable the trip can be.

If you’re ready for a night filled with wonder, gentle giants, and a good dose of Hawaiian hospitality, this tour is a superb choice. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure, a waterproof camera, and maybe a warm jacket—you’re in for an unforgettable night.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, there is a ride-along option that allows you to enjoy watching the manta rays from the boat without getting in the water.

How long is the boat ride to the manta sight?
The boat ride typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes each way, making the total activity around 2.5 hours including water time and safety briefings.

What’s included in the tour price?
All necessary snorkeling gear, wet suit tops, safety briefing, snacks, and beverages like water, juice, and ginger ale are included.

Are there options to rent cameras or GoPros?
Yes, you can rent a GoPro at the site, subject to availability, to capture your underwater moments.

What should I bring?
Bring a swimwear, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, a jacket, and motion sickness medicine if needed.

Can pregnant women participate?
No, the activity is not recommended for pregnant women, as well as those with back or heart problems.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, older children and teenagers often enjoy it, especially if they can snorkel comfortably. Younger children and those with limited mobility may find it less suitable.

What happens if no manta rays are seen?
If no mantas are spotted during your tour, you’ll receive a complimentary cruise on your next visit, ensuring you don’t leave disappointed.

Overall, the Kailua Kona Night Manta Ray Adventure is a captivating and well-loved activity that offers a rare glimpse into the nighttime life of these majestic creatures. For anyone seeking an authentic, beautiful, and adrenaline-free experience, it’s a must-do on the Big Island.

You can check if your dates are available here: