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The Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel
4.9 ⭐ (769 reviews)
Introduction
Experience one of Hawaii's most unforgettable wildlife encounters as you sail along the Kona Coast at sunset before snorkeling with majestic manta rays beneath the stars. No diving certification is required, making this the perfect way for anyone to experience these gentle giants up close.
Highlights
- Sunset sail along the Kona Coast
- Snorkel with wild manta rays at Manta Ray Village
- No diving certification required
- Snorkeling equipment and wetsuits included
- Hot cocoa and tea served after snorkeling
- Manta sighting guarantee (subject to operator terms)
Overview
Begin your evening with a scenic sunset cruise along the beautiful Kona coastline before arriving at the world-famous Manta Ray Village. After a full safety briefing, enter the water with experienced guides and watch graceful manta rays glide effortlessly beneath you as they feed in the illuminated waters.
Unlike manta ray dive tours, this experience requires no scuba certification, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors, families, and anyone who wants to enjoy this incredible marine encounter without diving. If you're a certified diver looking for a more immersive experience, we also offer a dedicated Manta Ray Night Dive tour.
Following your snorkel, warm up onboard with complimentary hot cocoa and tea as you cruise back to Kona under the evening sky, reflecting on one of the Big Island's most iconic adventures.
Key Notes
- Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
- No diving certification required
- Sunset sail followed by manta ray snorkeling
- Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and non-alcoholic beverages included
- Beer, wine, and spirits available for purchase onboard
- Manta ray sightings are not guaranteed, though a complimentary rebooking is offered if no manta rays are seen (subject to operator availability and terms)





I had an AMAZING time on this tour! It was my 30th birthday, trip to Hawaii for the 1st time and this tour was a shining moment I will never forget. 🙂 Amazing staff who provided a ton of fun, knowledge and beautiful scenery.
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$75
✓ Free cancellation
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✓ Same price as booking direct
*Cancellation terms vary by tour. Full details will be shown during checkout before you confirm your booking.
Why Choose This Manta Ray Night Snorkel?
Few wildlife experiences compare to swimming alongside giant manta rays after sunset. This unforgettable night snorkel takes you into the calm waters of Kona, where powerful underwater lights attract plankton and create the perfect opportunity to observe graceful manta rays feeding just beneath the surface.
Recognized as one of Hawaii's most iconic ocean adventures, this experience allows you to witness these gentle giants up close in their natural environment. With experienced guides, high-quality equipment, and no scuba certification required, it's an accessible adventure for both first-time snorkelers and experienced ocean enthusiasts.
If you're looking for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience on the Big Island, this tour belongs at the top of your list.
Witness the Magic of Manta Rays After Dark
Your adventure begins with an evening boat ride to one of Kona's famous manta ray viewing locations. After a thorough safety briefing, you'll enter the water and hold onto a specially designed floating light board while looking down into the illuminated ocean below.
The lights attract microscopic plankton, which in turn draw manta rays to the area. As they perform graceful barrel rolls and glide effortlessly through the water, you'll have an incredible opportunity to observe these magnificent animals from just a few feet away.
Along the way, your guides share fascinating information about manta ray behavior, marine conservation, and why Kona is considered one of the best places in the world for this unique wildlife encounter.
Why Visitors Love This Tour
Guests consistently describe the manta ray night snorkel as one of the most unforgettable experiences of their Hawaii vacation. Watching these enormous yet gentle animals glide silently beneath you is both thrilling and surprisingly peaceful.
The experience is suitable for a wide range of participants since no scuba certification is required. The knowledgeable crew provides excellent support throughout the tour, ensuring guests feel comfortable while learning more about one of Hawaii's most remarkable marine species.
For many visitors, it's a rare opportunity to connect with wildlife in a way that's both exciting and deeply memorable.
Is It Worth Booking?
Absolutely. The Big Island's manta ray night snorkel is considered one of the world's premier wildlife experiences for good reason.
The combination of predictable manta ray sightings, expert guides, and the unique nighttime setting creates an adventure unlike anything else you'll find in Hawaii. It's ideal for couples, families with older children, photographers, and anyone looking to experience the ocean from a completely different perspective.
If you're scuba certified and want an even more immersive encounter, dedicated manta ray night dives are also available. However, for most visitors, this snorkeling experience offers an incredible way to witness these majestic creatures up close.
Before You Go
The tour lasts approximately two hours and departs after sunset from Kona.
All snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, flotation devices, and safety instruction are provided. Wear swimwear beneath your clothing and bring a towel and a light jacket for the boat ride back.
As this is a wildlife experience, manta ray sightings can never be guaranteed, although Kona is one of the most reliable locations in the world for observing them in their natural habitat.
Experience One of Hawaii's Most Incredible Wildlife Encounters
Floating beneath the stars while giant manta rays glide gracefully below is an experience you'll never forget. Combining expert guides, fascinating marine education, and one of the world's most unique nighttime wildlife encounters, this manta ray night snorkel is a true highlight of any visit to the Big Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a scuba diving certification?
No. This is a snorkeling tour, so no scuba certification is required. If you're a certified diver looking for a more immersive experience, we also offer a dedicated Manta Ray Night Dive.
Will I definitely see manta rays?
Manta ray sightings are very common, but as these are wild animals, they cannot be guaranteed. If no manta rays are seen, the operator offers a complimentary rebooking, subject to availability and their terms.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. All snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and flotation gear are provided, along with a full safety briefing before entering the water.
What happens after the snorkel?
After your manta ray encounter, you'll return to the boat for complimentary hot cocoa and tea while cruising back to Kona under the evening sky.
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes. This experience is designed for both first-time and experienced snorkelers, with guides in the water to assist throughout the adventure.
How does booking work?
You can book any tour directly on the site in just a few clicks. Once payment is complete, you’ll get an instant confirmation with all the details and instructions sent to your email.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Most tours offer free cancellation within a specific time window. You’ll see the exact policy before booking, and changes or cancellations are simple to request if your plans change.
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Yes. We only list quality tours run by experienced operators. All of these tours are on popular booking platforms with thousands of reviews, booking directly simply gets you a better deal.
Why book through your website?
You'll pay the same price as booking directly with the tour operator. Because we charge lower commissions than many large travel platforms, local businesses keep more of every booking. You get the same experience, the same confirmation, and the same cancellation policy, while supporting Hawaii's local economy.
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