Kona: Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure

Imagine gliding silently through the darkened waters of Kona, watching graceful manta rays perform their slow, mesmerizing dances just beneath your snorkel mask. While we haven’t personally done this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions reveal that this experience offers a rare chance to connect with one of Hawaii’s most captivating marine creatures. It combines the thrill of night snorkeling with the serenity of star-lit skies, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

What we love most about this adventure is the chance to witness the manta rays’ signature “barrel roll” feeding behavior, the professionalism of the guides, and the overall sense of awe that comes with swimming alongside these gentle giants. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour depends heavily on the manta rays’ presence, which can vary from night to night. So, if you’re looking for guaranteed sightings, keep that in mind.

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy marine life encounters, are comfortable swimming in open water at night, and want an authentic, less commercialized experience. It’s also a fantastic choice for travelers seeking an immersive, memorable adventure with knowledgeable local guides making safety a priority.

Good To Know

• Authentic Night Experience: Swim in Kona’s waters under a starry sky, watching manta rays feed in their natural habitat.
• Educational Guides: Benefit from the expertise of friendly, knowledgeable local guides who prioritize safety and enjoyment.
• Close Encounters: Experience manta rays up close, sometimes just arms’ length away, without touching or harming them.
• Equipment and Comfort: Included masks, snorkels, short wetsuit tops, and pool noodles ensure comfort and buoyancy.
• Variable Sightings: While many reviews highlight close, spectacular encounters, sightings can vary depending on plankton levels and manta activity.
• Transportation: You’ll meet at the retail location in Keauhou Shopping Center before heading to Keauhou Bay, with transportation on your part.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel

This tour typically kicks off in the early evening with a straightforward check-in at the Dolphin Discoveries retail location in Keauhou Shopping Center. From there, guests are driven or driven themselves to Keauhou Bay, a calm, sheltered site famous for manta sightings. It’s worth noting that the transfer to the bay is your responsibility—so plan for transportation if you’re not already in the area.

Once at Keauhou Bay, the crew provides a safety briefing and demonstrates how to use the provided gear. All equipment, including masks, snorkels, and short wetsuit tops, is supplied, along with pool noodles to help with buoyancy. Many reviewers mention the gear being in excellent condition and clean, which enhances comfort and confidence, especially for less experienced swimmers.

As the sun begins to set, the boat departs, and the real magic begins. Under the glow of underwater lights that attract plankton, the manta rays arrive. You’ll float in the water with a guide nearby, marveling as these majestic creatures swirl and barrel roll beneath you. Several reviews note how close the mantas can come—sometimes just a few feet away—and how surreal it feels to see them so effortlessly feeding overhead.

The guides are attentive throughout, checking your gear and offering support. They also keep a watchful eye on manta activity, ensuring everyone remains safe and comfortable. Many guests have expressed that the guides’ knowledge and humor made the experience even more enjoyable. One reviewer mentioned that the boat crew was “awesome,” and another appreciated how smoothly everything ran from check-in to return.

The tour lasts around two hours, giving ample time to enjoy several sightings and take in the peaceful nighttime atmosphere. After returning to the dock, you’ll have a chance to reflect on what many describe as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience—the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.

The Experience in Detail: A Closer Look

The Meeting Point and Transportation

The check-in process is simple—located at the retail shop in Keauhou Shopping Center, which is easy to find near Tropics Tap House. Guests are responsible for their transportation to the bay, adding flexibility but requiring some logistics planning. You might prefer Uber or rental car, but just remember to specify wait times if you’re using a ride-share, so your driver can wait for you at the retail location.

The Safety and Equipment

The inclusion of masks, snorkels, wetsuit tops, and pool noodles really elevates the comfort level. Guests often comment on the equipment’s quality, feeling that it contributed to a relaxed experience in the water. It’s notable that the tour is designed for swimmers who can tread water and are comfortable in open water, with a minimum age of six years old. No snorkel vests are provided, so bringing your own or renting is an option if desired.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Nighttime Ocean Environment

Once in the water, the visual is captivating. Underneath the illuminated plankton, the manta rays arrive, often performing their signature barrel rolls—an elegant display of feeding behavior. Many reviewers remember how close and trusting the mantas got, sometimes swimming just feet beneath them. Hearing the gentle swoosh of their fins and watching their slow, deliberate movements creates a calming, almost spiritual vibe.

Guides and Group Size

With a maximum of 28 guests per booking, the group size balances intimacy with the lively energy of a shared adventure. The guides are described as friendly and knowledgeable, with some reviews highlighting specific team members by name who went above and beyond. They perform safety checks, give clear instructions, and share interesting facts about mantas, making the experience both fun and educational.

The Cost and Value

Priced at $108 per person, the tour offers good value considering the quality of the experience, gear, and the opportunity for a rare encounter. Many reviews highlight how close and memorable the sightings can be, and the professionalism of the guides adds reassurance. While sightings are not guaranteed due to the ocean’s unpredictable nature, the overall experience tends to justify the cost, especially for those seeking something authentic rather than overly commercialized.

Overall Atmosphere and Reflection

Returning to the dock after about two hours, most guests find it difficult to articulate the magic of the night. Many describe feeling a profound connection to the ocean and the gentle giants they watched feed beneath the stars. It’s an experience that often leaves a lasting impression, perfect for travelers craving a genuine encounter with Hawaii’s marine life.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers an engaging, authentic way to see manta rays in their natural environment, guided by attentive professionals. The combination of calm night waters, illuminated plankton, and the grace of the mantas themselves creates a truly special atmosphere. It’s an experience that’s best suited for those comfortable in open water, who appreciate wildlife encounters, and are okay with some unpredictability.

The tour provides excellent value for the price, especially considering the quality of equipment and the expertise of guides like Shelly and others noted in reviews. It’s perfect for eco-conscious travelers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to add a unique highlight to their Hawaii trip.

The only caveat is that sightings can vary, so flexibility and a sense of adventure are recommended. If you’re ready for a peaceful yet exhilarating night swim with Kona’s most renowned marine visitors, this tour could become one of your favorite memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, all guests must be able to swim and tread water to participate safely in the tour.

Is there a minimum age requirement?
The minimum age to attend is 6 years old, making it suitable for families with children who meet the swimming requirements.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and flip-flops. All snorkel gear and wetsuit tops are provided.

Are there any restrictions on who can participate?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 6, people with back or mobility problems, those with heart issues, wheelchairs, non-swimmers, or guests over 287 lbs (130 kg) and over 70 years old.

What if I don’t see any manta rays?
Sightings depend on the manta activity and plankton levels, so no refunds are given if mantas aren’t visible on the night of your tour.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts about 2 hours, usually scheduled in the evening.

Is transportation provided?
Transport to the retail check-in location is your responsibility, and you will need to arrange your transfer to Keauhou Bay.

Do guides speak only English?
Yes, the tour is conducted in English.

Final Verdict

The Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure offers a special chance to witness the elegance of manta rays in their natural habitat at night. Combining expert guides, comfortable gear, and a tranquil setting, it appeals to travelers seeking genuine wildlife encounters. While sightings can vary, many guests leave with unforgettable memories of the peaceful giants gliding beneath a starry Hawaiian sky.

Ideal for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone craving a night-time adventure, this tour balances value with authenticity. Prepare to be amazed, and don’t forget your snorkel gear—this is one experience you’ll want to remember for a lifetime.

You can check if your dates are available here: