12 Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Tours for 2025

The Big Island of Hawaii offers a truly magical experience: swimming alongside majestic manta rays as they feed under the stars. Finding the best manta ray night snorkel Kona provides an otherworldly adventure, but choosing the right tour operator can feel overwhelming with so many options available. This guide is designed to solve that problem by providing a comprehensive resource that cuts through the noise. We’ll walk you through the top 12 tour operators, helping you understand what to expect, what to bring, and how to select the perfect trip for an incredible, safe, and memorable encounter with these gentle giants.

As you read our reviews, like those for Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii, you'll see why this is a can't-miss activity.

We’ll cover everything from what makes a tour great, essential safety information, what to pack, and insider tips for booking. Another exceptional alternative for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour or a Captain Cook snorkeling tour is Kona Snorkel Trips. This list, complete with direct links and analysis, is your ultimate resource, ensuring you're fully prepared for one of the most breathtaking wildlife encounters on the planet. Ready to dive in? Let's find the perfect tour for you.

1. Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Hawaii Tours

Best For: Overall Experience & High Success Rate

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Hawaii Tours establishes itself as a premier operator, offering one of the most reliable and well-rounded options for the best manta ray night snorkel in Kona. Their website provides a clear, comprehensive overview of the entire experience, from booking to the in-water encounter. The platform excels at detailing what makes their tours stand out: small group sizes, lifeguard-certified guides, and an impressive 90% success rate in manta sightings, ensuring a high-quality adventure.

The booking process is straightforward, and the site clearly outlines the two nightly departure options. The sunset tour is perfect for those who want to witness a stunning Hawaiian sunset from the water, while the later "after dark" tour offers a more celestial, focused manta experience. This dual-offering approach caters to different preferences, whether you're a family wanting a scenic trip or an adventurer seeking a pure nighttime ocean thrill.

Key Strengths and Features

This tour operator’s commitment to a superior guest experience is evident in its operational details. The use of a spacious, Coast Guard-rated 28-foot zodiac ensures a comfortable and swift journey to the snorkel site. Furthermore, the inclusion of all high-quality gear and an educational briefing on manta biology enriches the trip beyond just a simple viewing.

• High Manta Sighting Probability: With a 90% success rate, guests have an excellent chance of encountering the gentle giants.

• Intimate Group Setting: Small tour sizes prevent overcrowding and allow for personalized attention from guides.

• Expert Guidance: All guides are lifeguard-certified, prioritizing safety and providing valuable insights into manta behavior.

• Flexible Tour Times: Choose between a sunset departure or a later night adventure.

• Private Charters: The option to book a private tour is a significant advantage for families or groups seeking an exclusive experience.

For those planning their trip, booking directly through their website is recommended to secure the best pricing, including an exclusive 7% discount for advanced reservations. Prices start at $139 per person, representing solid value for a top-rated activity.

Website: https://www.mantaraynightsnorkelhawaii.com/

2. Big Island Divers

Big Island Divers’ website is a fantastic resource for planning your adventure, especially for groups with mixed interests. The platform clearly lays out options for both certified divers and snorkelers to experience the manta ray ballet on the same charter, making it ideal for families or friends with varying skill levels. Their "manta guarantee" is a standout feature, offering a re-ride if no mantas appear, which provides excellent peace of mind when booking. This policy showcases their confidence in providing one of the best manta ray night snorkel Kona experiences.

The online booking system is straightforward, with transparent pricing and clearly stated prerequisites, such as the minimum age of 10 and the requirement for confident swimming skills. This upfront information helps you determine if the tour is a good fit before you book. They offer multiple nightly departure times, including a popular sunset tour and a later tour for night owls. While not the cheapest option, their focus on safety, professionalism, and accommodating mixed groups justifies their spot on this list. You can explore a detailed overview in this Big Island Divers Manta Ray Guide.

• Best For: Mixed groups of snorkelers and divers; travelers who want a "manta guarantee."

• Key Feature: Manta guarantee re-ride policy ensures you get a chance to see the mantas.

• Limitation: Strict age (10+) and swimming ability requirements; not suitable for non-swimmers or very young children.

3. Sea Paradise

Sea Paradise’s website highlights their extensive experience as one of Kona’s original manta ray tour operators since 1985. Their platform is particularly well-suited for families, with clear, tiered pricing for adults, children, and even "ride-alongs" who prefer to stay on the boat. This flexibility makes it easier to plan for groups with non-swimmers or younger members. Their manta guarantee, which offers a rebooking within seven days if no mantas are seen, adds a layer of confidence when making a reservation.

The online booking process is straightforward, presenting a good balance of tour duration, price, and inclusions without overwhelming users with too many options. This focus on a streamlined experience makes their website a top choice for those seeking one of the best manta ray night snorkel Kona tours without extensive research. While the ride-along option is a great inclusion, it's important to note that viewing from the vessel itself can be limited. You can find out more by reading this guide on the Sea Paradise night snorkel experience.

• Best For: Families with children; travelers looking for a well-established operator.

• Key Feature: Tiered pricing for adults, children, and ride-alongs, making it family-friendly.

• Limitation: Views for ride-along passengers who don't enter the water may be restricted.

4. Fair Wind Cruises (Hula Kai)

Fair Wind Cruises’ Hula Kai vessel offers a premium, comfortable experience for those seeking a more refined manta ray tour. Their website effectively showcases a polished and well-organized operation, highlighting the stability and comfort of their large catamaran. A significant advantage detailed online is the extremely short, five-minute boat ride to the Manta Village site, which is ideal for anyone prone to seasickness or those who prefer maximizing their time in the water. This focus on guest comfort makes their tour one of the best manta ray night snorkel Kona options for experienced snorkelers.

The platform clearly states what is included, such as wetsuits, prescription masks, hot cocoa, and even vegan soup, adding a thoughtful touch to the post-snorkel experience. Booking online is straightforward, though it’s important to note their restrictions, such as the prohibition of full-face snorkel masks and the vessel not being wheelchair accessible. While they cater specifically to experienced snorkelers rather than beginners, the high-quality service and top-tier amenities justify its position. You can find out more by reading this review of the Fair Wind Cruises Hula Kai adventure.

• Best For: Experienced snorkelers seeking a premium, comfortable, and stable catamaran experience.

• Key Feature: An exceptionally short 5-minute boat ride to the manta site, minimizing travel time.

• Limitation: Not wheelchair accessible and does not permit the use of full-face snorkel masks.

5. Sea Quest Hawaii

Sea Quest Hawaii’s website offers a streamlined booking experience for those seeking a quick and intimate encounter with manta rays. Their platform clearly details their 1.5-hour "Night Manta Experience," which utilizes rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RIBs) departing from the convenient Keauhou Bay, putting you at the manta site in minutes. The focus on small-group tours is a major highlight, ensuring a less crowded and more personal viewing experience, which is a key reason it’s considered one of the best manta ray night snorkel Kona tours.

The website makes it easy to understand the tour’s prerequisites, listing a minimum age of 7 and requiring strong swimming and snorkeling skills. This transparency helps potential guests determine if the adventurous, open-ocean nature of a RIB tour is right for them. While they don't offer a manta guarantee like some competitors, their longstanding reputation and consistently positive reviews speak to their reliability. Private charter options are also prominently displayed, making it a great choice for families or groups wanting an exclusive adventure. You can book their Night Manta Experience directly on their site.

• Best For: Confident swimmers and small groups looking for a fast, intimate, and efficient tour.

• Key Feature: Small-group format on fast RIBs provides a more personal and less crowded experience.

• Limitation: The tour’s adventurous nature and strict swim requirements may not be suitable for beginners or very young children.

6. Kona Snorkel Trips

Kona Snorkel Trips' website is geared toward confident swimmers looking for a more intimate and less crowded experience. The platform specializes in small-group tours, which is a significant advantage for those wanting a more personal interaction with the guides and the marine environment. Their late-night departure option is a standout feature, strategically timed to avoid the peak rush of other tour boats, offering a calmer and more serene viewing of the manta rays. This makes their tour one of the best manta ray night snorkel Kona options for visitors prioritizing a peaceful atmosphere.

The website clearly outlines its strict safety prerequisites, emphasizing that all participants must be strong, confident swimmers. This transparency helps manage expectations and ensures a safer trip for everyone involved. While they don't allow non-swimming riders, they do offer private charters for groups of up to 18 people, providing a fantastic, exclusive adventure. Their booking system is straightforward, with all gear included in the price. For a complete breakdown of their offerings, check out this guide to Kona Snorkel Trips manta ray tours. Kona Snorkel Trips is also an exceptional alternative for a Captain Cook snorkeling tour.

• Best For: Confident swimmers, small groups, and those wanting to avoid peak crowds.

• Key Feature: Late-night departure times for a less crowded manta ray viewing experience.

• Limitation: Strictly for confident swimmers; no non-swimmer or "ride-along" guests are permitted.

7. Dolphin Discoveries

Dolphin Discoveries’ website offers one of the more value-focused options for the best manta ray night snorkel Kona experience, making it a great platform for budget-conscious travelers. The site clearly presents its tours departing from the convenient Keauhou Shopping Center, which means a shorter boat ride to the manta viewing site. A unique feature highlighted on their site is the optional "manta guarantee," which you can add to your booking for a re-ride if no mantas appear, offering a flexible way to manage your investment.

The booking process is straightforward, showing multiple evening departure times and including key gear like wetsuit tops in the price. This transparency helps in planning without unexpected costs. While their pricing is competitive, the platform also indicates group sizes can reach up to 28 guests, which is larger than some more intimate tours. This detail is crucial for travelers to consider when deciding if the group dynamic fits their preference. For those seeking an alternative that often features smaller groups, Kona Snorkel Trips is an exceptional choice.

• Best For: Budget-conscious snorkelers; travelers who prefer a shorter boat ride.

• Key Feature: Optional manta guarantee add-on provides flexibility and peace of mind.

• Limitation: Larger group sizes (up to 28 guests) may feel less personal than smaller charters.

8. Anelakai Adventures

Anelakai Adventures offers a truly unique and intimate approach to the manta ray experience, detailed on a website that emphasizes cultural authenticity and sustainability. Their platform highlights their signature tour on a traditional Hawaiian double-hull canoe, powered only by paddles, which immediately sets them apart from the typical motorized boat tours. This eco-friendly, quiet method provides an unparalleled, up-close encounter with the mantas without the noise and disruption of a boat engine, making it one of the most distinctive options for a manta ray night snorkel in Kona. The website is straightforward, focusing on this singular, high-quality experience.

Booking through their site is simple, but due to the extremely small group size (maximum of 6 guests), availability is limited and tours sell out quickly. The tour’s short duration of about 1.5 hours, including a very brief paddle from Keauhou Bay, is perfect for those who want a focused and efficient adventure. Their website clearly explains that guests can choose to snorkel or simply view the majestic creatures from the stability of the canoe, making it a flexible option. While the price point is higher, the serene, crowd-free, and culturally rich experience justifies the cost for many. You can book your adventure at Anelakai Adventures.

• Best For: Eco-conscious travelers; those seeking a quiet, intimate, and culturally authentic experience.

• Key Feature: The tour is conducted on a traditional, non-motorized double-hull canoe for minimal environmental impact.

• Limitation: Very limited capacity means booking far in advance is essential; higher price point.

9. Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii

Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii presents a highly specialized platform focused exclusively on manta ray encounters. Their website is a one-stop shop that efficiently caters to mixed groups, allowing snorkelers, certified divers, and even non-participating ride-alongs to book the same tour. This specialized approach ensures that every aspect of the trip, from gear to safety briefings, is optimized for the manta ray experience, making them a top choice for one of the best manta ray night snorkel Kona tours.

The booking process is streamlined, featuring a live availability calendar that simplifies planning. They clearly outline what gear is included (wetsuit, snorkel, mask, fins) and offer additional rentals if needed. A key feature is the explicit altitude guidance for divers, an important safety consideration that demonstrates their expertise. While they offer a "ride-along" option for those who don't want to get in the water, it's important to note that viewing mantas from the boat is unlikely. You can get a complete breakdown in this Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii guide.

• Best For: Groups with a mix of snorkelers and divers; travelers who appreciate specialized operators.

• Key Feature: A live online availability calendar and clear altitude guidance for diver safety.

• Limitation: The "ride-along" option offers a boat trip but very limited-to-no chance of seeing mantas.

10. Manta Adventures

Manta Adventures’ website offers a unique twist on the typical tour by combining the experience with a scenic sunset cruise along the Kona coast. Their platform clearly details this extended 3.5-hour adventure, making it an excellent choice for those who want more than just the snorkel portion. A key feature highlighted on their site is the observer option, which allows non-swimmers or hesitant family members to join the trip and watch the mantas from the comfort of their large boat, the Maheli-Heli. This makes it one of the most accessible options for mixed-ability groups.

The site’s booking interface is straightforward, presenting tiered pricing for adults, children, and the aforementioned observers, ensuring transparency. While the combined sunset cruise is a fantastic bonus, it does result in a longer total tour duration, which may not be ideal for visitors on a tight schedule. The observer ticket, while a great addition for accessibility, is a separate fare. Overall, Manta Adventures provides one of the best manta ray night snorkel Kona tours for those seeking a more leisurely, scenic, and inclusive evening on the water. You can find more details at mantaadventures.com.

• Best For: Groups with non-swimmers; visitors wanting a combined sunset cruise and snorkel experience.

• Key Feature: Observer pricing allows non-participants to enjoy the boat ride and watch from above.

• Limitation: The longer tour duration isn't suitable for everyone; observers must pay a separate fare.

11. Kamanu Charters

Kamanu Charters’ website presents a unique option for those wanting to experience the manta ray snorkel from the comfort of a sailing catamaran. The platform clearly details their family-friendly tour, highlighting the relaxing and spacious nature of the vessel, which sets it apart from more crowded powerboat tours. They offer daily departures and include essentials like wetsuits, snacks, and hot drinks, making the booking process simple and transparent. The site is easy to navigate, with a direct booking portal for their signature tour.

The website effectively communicates its value proposition: a more leisurely and comfortable journey to the manta site. It specifies an in-water time of about 45 minutes and a minimum age of seven, making it accessible to more families. Information on kamaʻāina (local resident) discounts and private charter availability is also readily available, catering to different visitor needs. While child pricing is the same as adult fare, the unique catamaran experience and inclusive amenities make it one of the best manta ray night snorkel Kona choices for a relaxed evening on the water. You can find their tour at Kamanu Charters Manta Ray Snorkel.

• Best For: Families with slightly younger children (7+); visitors seeking a relaxing catamaran sailing experience.

• Key Feature: The use of a spacious sailing catamaran provides a more comfortable and scenic journey.

• Limitation: Child tickets are priced the same as adult tickets; popular tours can sell out quickly.

12. Viator

Viator serves as a massive online marketplace, aggregating dozens of manta ray night snorkel Kona tours from various operators in one convenient place. This platform excels at allowing users to quickly compare different companies, prices, departure times, and boat sizes side-by-side. For travelers who value flexibility and user feedback, Viator is invaluable. Its extensive collection of recent traveler reviews and photos provides authentic insight into what you can expect from each specific tour, helping you make a more informed decision.

The instant booking, free cancellation on most listings, and reserve-now-pay-later options make it a go-to for last-minute planners or those whose schedules might change. While direct booking can sometimes be cheaper, Viator’s interface simplifies the search process, especially for those unfamiliar with local operators. You can easily filter tours based on duration, rating, and special features. This aggregation is what earns its place on the list, offering a comprehensive overview of the best manta ray night snorkel Kona has to offer, all under one digital roof.

• Best For: Last-minute bookings and comparing multiple tour operators at once.

• Key Feature: Extensive, sortable customer reviews and photos for dozens of different tours.

• Limitation: Prices can be slightly higher than booking directly with the tour operator due to platform fees.

Top 12 Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tours Comparison

Making Your Final Choice and Booking Your Adventure

You are now equipped with a comprehensive overview of the incredible manta ray night snorkel tours available in Kona. We've navigated through a dozen of the top operators, from large, family-friendly vessels like the Fair Wind's Hula Kai to intimate, culturally-focused experiences with Anelakai Adventures. The key takeaway is that while every tour offers a chance to witness this breathtaking natural ballet, the best tour is the one that aligns perfectly with your personal travel style and priorities.

To make your final decision, distill your needs down to the most critical factors. Are you traveling with young children or non-swimmers who would benefit from the stability and amenities of a larger boat like those offered by Sea Paradise? Or are you an adventurous snorkeler who craves a small-group setting for a more personal encounter, a hallmark of operators like Kona Snorkel Trips? Consider the departure time, the boat's design, and the company's philosophy. Each detail contributes to your overall experience.

Key Factors for Your Final Decision

• Group Size: Do you prefer the energy of a larger group or the intimacy of a tour with just a handful of other guests? Companies like Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii Tours and Kona Snorkel Trips specialize in smaller, more personalized outings.

• Vessel Type: From swift zodiac-style rafts to spacious catamarans with onboard restrooms, the boat itself shapes the journey. Consider your comfort level and what amenities are important to you.

• Eco-Consciousness: Many operators are committed to Manta Ray Green Listed practices. If sustainability is a priority for you, look for companies that explicitly state their commitment to protecting these gentle giants.

• Trip Inclusions: Check what is included in the price. Most tours provide all necessary snorkel gear, wetsuits, and light refreshments, but it's always wise to confirm the specifics before booking.

For those looking for an exceptional alternative for either a Manta Ray night snorkel or a world-class daytime adventure to Kealakekua Bay, Kona Snorkel Trips is another premier choice renowned for its expert guides and small-group focus. You can explore their highly-rated snorkel tours here: https://konasnorkeltrips.com/snorkel-tours/.

Your Next Steps to an Unforgettable Night

Once you've weighed your options, the most crucial step is to book in advance. The manta ray night snorkel is one of the most popular activities on the Big Island, and spots fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking ahead not only secures your place but often locks in better pricing.

You are on the verge of experiencing one of the planet's most magical marine encounters. Floating in the dark waters of the Pacific, watching these magnificent creatures glide and barrel roll just inches below you, is a memory that will last a lifetime. Choose the tour that feels right, prepare for an awe-inspiring evening, and get ready to connect with the ocean in a profound new way.

Ready to book the adventure of a lifetime? For a top-rated experience that consistently delivers personalized service and incredible manta sightings, look no further than Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Hawaii Tours. They are dedicated to providing one of the best manta ray night snorkel Kona experiences, focusing on safety, education, and creating unforgettable memories. Visit Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Hawaii Tours to secure your spot today