Early: leave around sunset
Watch the Kona sunset on the ride out. More boats at the site, home at a respectable hour.
Leaves around sunset
Swim with Kona's manta rays tonight
The Big Island manta ray night snorkel, from Honokohau Harbor. About 2 hours, ages 5+.
5.0- Orca, a retired Navy SEAL boat
- 60,000-lumen light board
- Mantas more than 80% of nights
- Manta Guarantee: no mantas, come back free
What guests say on Google
5.03,803 Google reviewsAI-generated summarybased on 3,803 Google reviews
- Guests call it a once-in-a-lifetime experience: the mantas come remarkably close to the light boards, some doing flips right beneath them.
- Reviewers name the captain and crew as friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining, full of manta facts. They even know the regular mantas by name.
- Many saw four, five or more mantas, and some got bonus sightings like a monk seal or a shark, plus a beautiful sunset on the ride out.
- Good to know: expect spray on the boat ride and tired shoulders from holding the light board. Full wetsuits keep you warm, and restrooms and a rinse station wait back at the harbor.
One of the coolest things I've experienced. Be prepared to get splashed a lot on the ride out to the site. It's dark and the stars were incredible. Shoulders bit sore…
My partner and I went on a snorkeling tour here, with both of us having gone with a different tour group a few years ago. The staff here were all friendly and had a…
Incredible experience! I can’t believe how close the mantas got to the light boards. This is once in a life time!
We had soo much fun on this trip!! Captain Amy was amazing as were mates Tori and Sophia. Tons of great information, super energetic and entertaining. Even had a bonus…
Amazing experience! Tori and Adam were fantastic guides - friendly, knowledgeable, and full of enthusiasm. The captain also made sure we got to enjoy a beautiful sunset…
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Select a Tour
Every tour shows its price, length and who can join before you hit Book.
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Lifeguard-certified guides take you out on Orca. Hold on to our lit snorkel board for about 30 minutes while mantas loop and somersault beneath you.
Private Manta Ray Snorkel
Charter the boat with captain and crew. Coast Guard rated for 24, limited to 18 so your group has room. We bring the gear; you bring the people.
Manta Ray Night Dive
Two tanks with Kona Honu Divers: an afternoon reef dive, a sunset meal and manta briefing, then the campfire after dark. Hot showers on board.
Prices vary with demand. Plus tax and fees. Learn how to get the best price. Wildlife often appears, but isn't guaranteed.
Early boat or late boat?
Two departures every night from Honokohau Harbor.
Late: leave under the stars
Depart after dark. Fewer boats and people in the water; home late, especially in summer.
Leaves after darkBoth trips take about two hours and visit the same site with the same chance of mantas.
Manta FAQ's
Read these before you book. Your health and swimming ability decide whether this tour is safe for you.
All FAQ'sDo I have to know how to swim?
Yes. You should be able to swim 50 yards without additional flotation and consider yourself an intermediate snorkeler. A life vest is not a replacement for swimming skills; non-swimmers can't join.
Need to practise first? Join a daytime snorkel to dial in your skills.
Who can't join the snorkel?
Children under 5, pregnant guests, anyone with recurring back, neck or shoulder problems, and anyone whose injuries limit their mobility. You lie face-down with your arms out for 30 to 40 minutes and need to climb a ladder unassisted.
It isn't recommended for heart conditions, high blood pressure, severe asthma or right after a long-haul flight. Everyone needs to understand the safety briefing in English. Full-face masks aren't permitted.
How long are we in the water?
About 30 minutes, enough to see the mantas and still stay warm. The ride out takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on which of the two sites the mantas favor that night.
What equipment is included?
Mask (prescription available), snorkel, wetsuit (kids to adult 3XL) and a float belt for extra flotation. You still have to know how to swim.
How do I get the best price?
Book ahead: the first 12 seats on each boat are priced lowest. Kama'aina get 15% off with a free membership, and booking the manta snorkel together with a Captain Cook snorkel saves 10% on the Captain Cook trip. Discounts can't be combined.
What's the cancellation policy?
Refundable tickets: full refund or free rebooking up to 48 hours before the trip. Non-refundable tickets can be rebooked up to 48 hours before. Requests must be in writing, and bookings made within 48 hours of the trip aren't refundable.
We may cancel for ocean conditions or too few guests; we'll reschedule you or refund in full.
Contact Us
Questions about the tours, a private charter or a group? Send us a message and the crew will get back to you.