Known for its bustling city life, restaurants, deep sea fishing, and natural beauty, Kona is certainly a top destination for people who love a good adventure.

While it can be hard to fit everything in, you’d be remiss to not attend a manta ray snorkel tour. These gentle, graceful creatures seem to be from another world, and the experiecne of swimming next to them is undescribable.

However, there are a lot of tours out there, which can make it hard to pick those that are worth your time and money. We’ve done the hard work for you in order to bring you the top manta ray night snorkeling in Kona.

We know you’re excited to get started, so let’s jump right in!

Be sure to see our reviews of Big Island helicopter tours, Big Island volcano tours and Big Island snorkel tours.

Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tours

	Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua-Kona	Private Manta Ray Snorkel For Up To 6 Guests	Big Island Night Swim With Manta Rays & Hot Chocolate
	Best Budget Tour	Best Private Tour	Best Small Group Tour
Departure:	78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona	78-7100 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona	78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona
Start:	Between 6:20 PM & 10:20 PM	Between 6:20 PM & 9:40 PM	6:45 PM, 8:15 PM
Duration:	1 hour 20 minutes	1 hour 20 minutes	75 minutes
Includes:	Use of Snorkeling Equipment and Wetsuit, Snacks, Certified In-Water Guide and Lifeguard	Use of Snorkeling equipment, Coffee and/or Tea	Guide, night swim, snorkel gear (including Rx masks), wetsuits and flotation devices, hot chocolate and cookies
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tours For 2024

1. Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua-Kona
2. Private Manta Ray Snorkel, up to 6 guests
3. Big Island: Night Swim with Manta Ray with Hot Chocolate
4. Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed
5. Big Island, Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel- Small Group
6. Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona
7. Manta Magic – Night Manta Ray Snorkel At Manta Village, Kona

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Reviews

1. Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua-Kona

If you’d like to learn about and see these beautiful sea creatures, you’re in the right place. With a knowledgeable, fun crew and high-quality equipment, you can’t go wrong.

The Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua-Kona Tour lasts just an hour but sure packs in a lot of excitement!

There are a few different start time options so you can easily fit it into just about any schedule. Start off by meeting at the tour location where you’ll listen to a briefing by the crew and learn how to use all necessary gear.

Once it’s dark enough, you’ll set sail and keep an eye out for the manta rays that make an appearance to come feed on plankton.

The guides have a custom-designed lightboard which attracts the rays. Don your snorkel and watch these magnificent animals cruise around and chomp on the plankton.

The waters are quite warm and comfortable, even at night time. The boat that you sail on it quite small which lets you get really close to them, even without getting in the water.

However, the guides place special importance in making sure they’re never disturbed or harmed. Once you get back on the boat, the crew greets you with some delicious hot drinks and snacks.

As the maximum group size is a mere 6 people, it’s perfect for small groups or even couples who prefer to travel by themselves.

Overall, this is a fantastic experience that you’re sure to want to repeat every time you visit!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

2. Private Manta Ray Snorkel For Up To 6 Guests

Next up, we have yet another brief tour that you have to see to believe. The Private Manta Ray Snorkel Tour allows for a maximum of 6 guests per boat which means this intimate experience is one-of-a-kind.

If you’re looking for something special to do with the entire family or group of friends, we guarantee this will be one of the highlights of your time in Kona.

Just like with most other tours on our guide, this one also offers various start times to accommodate your schedule. Lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes, it’s a fantastic way to check out the underwater world without committing to a whole day of it.

With all snorkeling gear, wet suits to stay warm, dive lights, and professional instruction provided, you have everything you need for a great experience.

You’ll be cruising on a private charter and your guides will take you to the perfect spot where they know the manta rays like to feed at night.

They have special lights and plenty of talent that will bring these beautiful rays out. The crew is incredibly knowledgeable and provides plenty of interesting anecdotes and fascinating information about the area and the animals.

If you’re not an expert swimmer, you don’t have to worry. You’ll hold onto a modified surfboard fitted with LEDs that attract the plankton the rays feed on.

Sometimes the mantas will get so close they’ll almost touch you! Afterward, hop back on board for some warm drinks and snacks and recount your experience with the rest of your party!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. Big Island Night Swim With Manta Rays & Hot Chocolate

Hawaii is full of special experiences thanks to its rich and diverse culture and environment. The Big Island: Night Swim with Manta Rays Tour is no exception, and is brief enough that it’s easy to fit into even the busiest of schedules!

With a smoothly-ran operation and professional crew, you can expect a safe yet fun-filled evening that everyone is sure to love.

If you’re down to get super close to manta rays, this is the perfect tour for you. This is a very intimate, exclusive experience but you should plan to get well within inches of these guys.

You’re not allowed to touch them, however, as the guides place extreme importance on them not being disturbed in their natural environment.

The staff is wonderfully pleasant and educated on the area and know exactly where to go in order to make the most of the time and find the mantas right away.

It’s a brief boat ride, so most who deal with sea sickness should also be okay. It’s a very safe and professional experience, yet perfect for those who love excitement!

As it is at night, you’ll be using converted surfboards outfitted with special lights that attract the rays while ensuring they go unharmed.

The warm waters are quite comfortable to float around in, and you’ll notice much more sea life than just manta rays as you’ll be close to reefs, as well.

Not to mention, they offer wetsuits if you’d like, to keep in extra heat. Afterward, head back to your boat where you’ll enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Snorkel With Manta Rays Guaranteed

One of the biggest hesitations people seem to have over doing manta ray tours is that they feel there’s a chance they may not see any.

While that’s definitely a valid concern, what if we told you that there’s a tour that makes sure you spot them? Well, that’s now a reality with the Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed Tour!

Lasting just 1 hour and 30 minutes, this excursion is perfect for the entire family while ensuring no one grows bored. Start out by meeting your guide and crew and board a comfortable trimaran to a location known locally as “Manta Ray Village”.

You can probably guess by the name that you should expect plenty of these beautiful sea animals to hang out here! Undergo a safety briefing before putting on your high-quality, clean snorkel gear and spend an hour in the water.

They’ve created unique flotation devices built with blue lights that attract the plankton that they eat, allowing you to perfectly and clearly see them in their natural habitats.

The crew is there to make sure both humans and rays are safe, while offering an educational commentary that’s always fun and fascinating! If you or anyone else in your party is not a strong swimmer, there’s no need to worry.

We found the crew to be very helpful and provided life jackets and pool noodles to those who needed or wanted them. Once you get back on board, you can enjoy various drinks and snacks and simply relax.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. Big Island, Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel- Small Group

Perhaps you’re looking for a tour for a larger party but still something a bit more exclusive. If that sounds up your alley, check out the Big Island, Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel – Small Group Tour.

This 2-hour excursion is a highly educated one full of information and a magical experience one has to see to believe.

From the very beginning, you’ll note that the staff is very friendly and personable. Feel free to ask them any questions you may have with confidence.

However, the safety briefing they offer is very comprehensive and they make sure everyone is safe and aware of what’s going on.

Depending on the time of year you go, you’ll notice the water may be very warm to pretty cold as you won’t be swimming. However, there are wet suits offered that will keep you warm, so we do recommend wearing them.

Hold onto a convenient bar on a big surfboard with the LED blue lights to attract plankton – dinner for the mantas.

Chances of seeing manta rays are extremely high, but along with them you’ll also get to see plankton, different types of fish, small swordfish, and so much more.

With a wingspan of up to 20 feet, it’s absolutely insane to see these guys up close and personal! The crew knows so much about them, that it feels like you’ve jumped right into some kind of NatGeo series.

Hawaii is a land known for its beauty, yet this still remains one of the most beautiful experiences you could possibly have in Kona. That’s saying a lot!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

6. Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

Perhaps all of these tours sound like a blast to you but you’re looking for something a bit more in-depth. If so, do yourself a favor and give the Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona Tour a spin!

This 3.5-hour experience is designed to be as comfortable as possible while still allowing you an authentic time with these incredible animals.

Start out by meeting your crew and the rest of your group at the starting point. Group sizes do vary but are usually less than 20 people to give everyone the best experience possible.

Board their brand-new boat – the Maheli-Heli – and start by cruising up the Kona coast toward the world-famous Manta Ray Village.

As you sail along, enjoy a light snack and juice to keep your energy up while watching out over the gorgeous view.

All snorkel gear (fins, mask, floatation devices, wet suits) are all provided, and the guides will show you how to use it correctly and answer any questions you may have.

You can also choose to use their underwater cameras/Go Pros if you’d like to take photos of the critters!

Enter the water under the moonlight via step ladder or choose to stay onboard and wait for the rest of your group. The crew knows exactly how to get the manta rays to come close with lights for the plankton they feed on.

Enjoy incomparable views of these giants that can reach up to or over 20 feet wide! We highly recommend taking photos or videos if you can!

After heading back on board, you can take advantage of their warm showers for your comfort.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

7. Manta Magic – Night Manta Ray Snorkel At Manta Village, Kona

Last but certainly not least, we have the Manta Magic – Night Manta Ray Snorkel at Manta Village, Kona, Hawaii Tour.

For those who aren’t sure if they’d enjoy a tour like this, it’s perfect due to the short amount of time involved. Here’s a secret though: we know you’re going to absolutely love it!

While this tour is just 1 hour long, they make sure to pack a ton of quality in. Meet up with your guide and crew and head off along the Kona coast with a small group with a maximum of 12 guests.

Along the way, the crew will tell you all about the area and offer educational commentary about the manta rays thanks to an on-board manta ray specialist!

You’ll also have a certified swim guide to accompany you, ensuring everyone is safe and knows what they’re doing.

You’ll then be provided with all snorkel equipment and get ready to get in the warm and pleasant waters, which remain comfortable for the entire time you’re there!

Hold onto a convenient board with special lights attached to attract the plankton and watch the manta rays come your way!

The manta naturalists will offer interesting insight into how they feed and normal behavior, ensuring everyone (including the manta rays) feel comfortable.

Sometimes they literally come within inches of you, so be prepared for that excitement! Snacks and drinks are there for your comfort and souvenir photos are all included so you’ll have mementos to take back with you!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

FAQs About Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tours

Why You Should Take a Night Tour to See the Manta Rays

1. The thrill of swimming with these gentle giants: Manta rays are among the largest creatures in the ocean and swimming around them is an experience you will never forget. These graceful animals are not at all dangerous to people and they will swim around you, giving you an up-close view of them.
2. A truly unique and unforgettable experience: Swimming with manta rays in their natural habitat is an experience that you simply can’t replicate anywhere else. It’s a unique experience that you find many other places.
3. Eco-friendly and responsible tour: The manta ray tour in Kona is carefully managed to minimize any impact on these beautiful creatures and their natural habitat. The tour operators follow strict guidelines to ensure that the manta rays are not harmed or stressed in any way.
4. Educational and informative experience: The tour operators provide a brief educational talk before you get into the water giving you important information about manta rays and how to interact with them. You will come away with a deeper understanding of these magnificent creatures.
5. Fun for the whole family: A manta ray tour is a great activity for families with kids. It’s an opportunity to bond over a shared experience and your kids will love seeing these majestic creatures up close!

Are Manta Rays Dangerous?

Manta rays are not dangerous to humans, they are gentle giants of the ocean. They are known for their graceful swimming. While their large size makes intimidating, they are not dangerous!

Manta rays are filter feeders, which means they feed on plankton and small organisms. They DO NOT have sharp teeth or a stinger like other types of rays.

People seek out these manta ray tours specifically for the opportunity to swim alongside these amazing creatures. Manta ray tours in places like Kona, Hawaii are designed to be safe and eco-friendly. Tour operators follow strict guidelines to ensure that the manta rays are not disturbed or harmed in any way during the tour.

Manta rays are not dangerous to humans. They are peaceful creatures that pose no threat to us. Swimming with them is an amazing experience that allows us to appreciate their beauty and grace.

When is the Best Time to See Manta Rays?

The best time to see manta rays is in the evening when they come to the surface to feed. Which is why all the tours in our travel guide are night tours.

Since they feed on plankton, manta rays are most active during times of high plankton abundance. This happens in the late summer and early fall. This when there is an increase in plankton populations in the waters around Hawaii.

It’s a good idea to plan your trip during these months to have the best chance of seeing these incredible creatures in the wild.

Manta ray tours are offered year round in Kona. No matter when you go, you will have plenty of opportunities to book a tour and see them up close.

While the best time to see the Manta Rays is in the late summer and early fall, with a good tour operator you will have an unforgettable experience no matter when you visit.

What Should I Bring to a Manta Ray Snorkel Tour?

1. Swimsuit: While this may seem like an obvious item, it’s worth mentioning. You’ll be snorkeling in the open ocean.
2. Towel: You’ll want to bring a towel to dry off after your snorkel tour. Some tour operators provide towels but it’s always a good idea to bring your own just in case.
3. Sunscreen: The Hawaiian sun can be intense, even during the evening hours. Make sure to bring sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin.
4. Rash guard: A rash guard is a great item to bring on a manta ray snorkel tour. It will protect you from the sun and also give you a layer of protection against jellyfish or any other stinging creatures.
5. Water: Staying hydrated is important so bring a reusable water bottle so you can stay hydrated through the tour.
6. Camera: Last but not least, bring an underwater camera so you can capture all of the amazing sights and memories from your manta ray snorkel tour.

Do You Need to Take a Tour to See Manta Rays?

The short answer no. You can snorkel with manta rays without a tour, but it’s not recommended.

Manta rays are wild animals and should be treated with respect. If you don’t have experience swimming in open water or interacting with marine wildlife, we would say it’s best to book a manta ray snorkel tour with a tour operator.

Manta ray snorkel tours in Kona are designed to be safe and eco-friendly. Tour operators must follow strict guidelines to ensure that the manta rays are not disturbed or harmed in any way during a tour. They also provide equipment like wetsuits, snorkel gear and flotation devices to so that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Additionally, tour operators are experts at finding the best spots to see manta rays, which increases your odds of having a successful trip. They know where the manta rays like to feed, and they can provide valuable information about the behavior and ecology of these amazing sea creatures.

So while you can see Manta Rays without taking a tour, we would not recommend it for safety and ethical reasons. Book a manta ray snorkel tour with a reputable operator like the ones listed above and you’ll have an unforgettable experience!