12 Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Tours for 2025

Imagine floating weightlessly in the warm Pacific waters under a blanket of stars as magnificent, gentle giants glide effortlessly beneath you. The Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona is more than just a tour; it's a profound, almost spiritual encounter with nature that has earned its place as one of the world's top underwater experiences. The Kona coast is one of the only places on Earth where you can reliably witness this nightly feeding ballet. But with so many operators, how do you choose the perfect one for your trip?

This guide is your definitive resource, breaking down the 12 best manta ray night snorkel Kona tours. We'll explore what makes each tour unique, from small-group intimacy to educational focus, helping you find the perfect fit for an adventure you'll never forget. Navigating the ocean after dark requires expertise, so understanding the general considerations for boating at night can give you a greater appreciation for the skilled crews leading these expeditions.

At Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii, we are proud to offer one of the top-rated experiences on the island, and we invite you to see why:

1. Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Hawaii Tours

Best For: Overall Excellence and Small Group Intimacy

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Hawaii Tours establishes the benchmark for an exceptional and well-rounded manta ray night snorkel in Kona. This operator distinguishes itself through a commitment to small group sizes, ensuring every participant receives personalized attention from lifeguard-certified guides. This focus on intimacy transforms the excursion from a crowded viewing into a truly personal encounter with these majestic creatures. Their impressive 90% sighting success rate, notably higher than many competitors, provides a strong assurance for one of the most sought-after experiences on the Big Island.

The experience is meticulously structured for both comfort and educational value. Guests are provided with all necessary gear, including wetsuits, and receive a comprehensive briefing on manta ray biology and conservation before entering the water. Offering both a sunset and a later starlit departure provides valuable flexibility to fit different travel itineraries.

Key Features & Booking Insights

• Expert, Certified Guides: Safety and education are paramount, with guides holding lifeguard certifications and offering deep knowledge of marine life.

• High Success Rate: A 90% manta sighting rate offers a high degree of confidence for your investment.

• Flexible Tour Times: Choose between a scenic sunset tour or a tranquil late-night snorkel.

• Private Charter Option: Ideal for families or groups desiring a customized, crowd-free experience.

Booking is straightforward via their website, and with a starting price of $139 per person, it represents strong value given the quality of the tour. Keep in mind that strong swimming skills are a mandatory prerequisite for participation. For those seeking an alternative, [Kona Snorkel Trips](https://konasnorkeltrips.com/snorkel-tours/) is an exceptional choice for both manta ray tours and daytime trips like the Captain Cook snorkeling tour.

Website: https://www.mantaraynightsnorkelhawaii.com

2. Big Island Divers

Big Island Divers has earned its place as a top-tier operator for the best manta ray night snorkel in Kona, particularly for those who appreciate a well-established, safety-conscious company. Their website is a transparent resource, providing clear schedules, pricing, and essential prerequisites directly on the charter pages, which simplifies the booking process significantly. A key feature is their real-time manta sighting calendar, allowing you to gauge recent activity before you book.

Their "manta guarantee" is a major draw: if no mantas are seen on your tour, you can rebook for another night free of charge (standby basis). This policy, combined with their focus on smaller group sizes, reflects a commitment to a quality experience. While their prices can be higher during peak season and spots fill up quickly, the investment secures a professional crew and a high likelihood of a memorable encounter. You can learn more about their manta snorkel and dive options to see if they're the right fit for your adventure.

3. Jack’s Diving Locker

Jack’s Diving Locker is a cornerstone of the Kona dive and snorkel community, bringing decades of experience to their highly regarded manta ray night snorkel. Their website clearly outlines tour details, including precise meeting times and what’s included, such as wetsuits, lights, and snacks. What truly sets them apart is their strong educational focus; trips are often guided by PADI Manta Specialty Instructors and naturalists who emphasize responsible, informative interactions with the rays.

This makes them an excellent choice for mixed groups of divers and snorkelers, as many of their boats accommodate both. While they don’t offer a manta guarantee and dedicated snorkel-only boats can be limited on certain weeks, their long-standing reputation for professional, consistent, and educational tours provides significant peace of mind. For another exceptional alternative, Kona Snorkel Trips also offers fantastic manta ray night snorkel tours renowned for their quality. You can learn more about their manta snorkel options on their official site.

4. Manta Ray Dives of Hawai‘i

Manta Ray Dives of Hawai‘i offers legendary manta ray night snorkel EcoAdventures, making them a strong contender for those seeking daily tour availability. Their website emphasizes their family-friendly approach and experienced crews, showcasing a dedication to a personalized experience. A key logistical advantage is their direct dock check-in at Honokōhau Harbor, which simplifies the pre-tour process considerably and gets you on the water faster.

This daily schedule provides excellent flexibility for fitting the tour into a packed vacation itinerary. While you must click through the booking portal to see exact pricing, the availability of private charters is a significant plus for groups or families wanting an exclusive trip. Their focus on both snorkel and dive options makes them a versatile choice for mixed groups. You can learn more about their manta ray dive tours to explore all the underwater opportunities they provide.

5. Sea Paradise

Sea Paradise offers a streamlined and dependable option for the best manta ray night snorkel in Kona, departing from the highly convenient Keauhou Bay, just minutes from the primary viewing site. Their website clearly outlines tour details, including inclusions like snorkel gear, wetsuits, and light snacks, making it easy for travelers to prepare. They cater well to mixed groups by offering both snorkeler and more affordable ride-along tickets for those who prefer to watch from the boat.

A key advantage is their established "manta guarantee," which provides a second trip on a standby basis if no mantas appear, offering peace of mind with your booking. While their most popular tour times can sell out, the straightforward pricing and consistent schedule make them a reliable choice. If you're looking for an alternative with excellent reviews, Kona Snorkel Trips is an exceptional operator for both manta ray and daytime snorkel tours. You can visit the Sea Paradise website to explore their nightly departure options.

6. Sea Quest Hawai‘i

Sea Quest Hawai‘i stands out for its commitment to small-group tours and environmental stewardship, making it a great choice for those seeking a more intimate and eco-conscious manta ray night snorkel in Kona. Their website details their use of illuminated float systems and the provision of in-water guides, highlighting a strong focus on guest care and safety. With a long operational history, they have cultivated a reputation for delivering high-quality, memorable marine encounters.

While the site provides excellent pre-trip information, one drawback is that pricing is not listed upfront on the main tour pages; you must enter the booking engine to see specific costs. However, their strong positive feedback and dedication to sustainability often justify the extra click. For a truly exceptional alternative, consider Kona Snorkel Trips for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour or a Captain Cook snorkeling tour. You can learn more about Sea Quest’s specific offerings directly on their website.

7. Kona Snorkel Trips

Kona Snorkel Trips is a standout for experienced swimmers seeking the best manta ray night snorkel in Kona with a focus on safety and group suitability. Their website clearly outlines strict prerequisites, including a 50-yard swim test and prior snorkeling experience, ensuring all guests are confident in the water. This upfront transparency creates a more focused and secure environment for everyone aboard. They offer a great alternative for those looking into a Captain Cook snorkeling tour as well.

A key advantage is their dynamic pricing, which rewards those who book in advance, making it a great value option. The small-group format, paired with custom LED light boards, enhances the viewing experience significantly. While their stringent requirements mean they don't accommodate non-swimmers or first-timers, this policy solidifies their commitment to a high-quality, safe encounter for capable snorkelers. You can learn more about their manta ray and other snorkel tours on their website.

8. Kona Ocean Experience

Kona Ocean Experience is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a more concise and budget-friendly manta ray night snorkel in Kona. Their website clearly outlines their tour options, distinguishing between a shorter, one-hour manta-only snorkel and a 1.5-hour sunset and manta combo. This transparency, combined with all-inclusive pricing that bundles taxes, fees, and gear, makes for a straightforward and surprise-free booking process. The shorter tour is perfect for those with packed itineraries.

A major advantage is their value-driven approach; the sunset tour even includes a sushi and fruit platter. While the in-water time might be shorter compared to premium-length tours, it provides a high-quality, efficient encounter with these magnificent creatures. This operator is ideal for visitors who want the full experience without committing to a longer evening on the water. You can discover more about their unique manta tour offerings to see if their efficient approach aligns with your travel plans.

9. My Kona Adventures

My Kona Adventures stands out for offering one of the most budget-friendly manta ray night snorkels in Kona, making this incredible experience accessible to more travelers. Their website clearly outlines their small-boat, intimate tour style, using RHIB-style boats for quick travel to the manta site. This approach is perfect for adventurers who prefer a no-frills, direct-to-the-action experience guided by a lifeguard-certified crew.

With prices starting as low as $99, it's a highly competitive option, though this reflects a shorter time in the water, typically 25–30 minutes. The trade-off is a quicker total tour duration, which may appeal to those on a tight schedule. Due to the small group sizes and excellent value, their tours sell out very quickly, so booking well in advance is essential. You can learn more about their manta snorkel options to see if this fast-paced tour is the right choice for your trip.

10. Kamanu Charters

Kamanu Charters offers one of the best manta ray night snorkel in Kona experiences for those who prefer the stability and comfort of a large catamaran. Their website clearly outlines the tour details, including a 3 to 3.5-hour trip duration with approximately 45 minutes in the water. Booking is straightforward, with transparent pricing for regular tours and private charter options available, making it easy to plan for a family or group outing.

The spacious vessel is a significant advantage over smaller, rigid-hull inflatable boats, providing a smoother ride and more room to move around. Hot drinks and snacks are included, adding a nice touch of comfort after the snorkel. While the experience is excellent, the minimum age requirement of 7 means it’s not suitable for families with very young children. You can learn more about their manta snorkel tours to see if the catamaran experience is right for your group.

11. Viator (Marketplace – multiple Kona operators)

Viator serves as a comprehensive marketplace, aggregating various manta ray night snorkel tours in Kona onto a single platform. This is incredibly useful for comparing prices, departure times, and tour features from multiple operators side-by-side. The website’s strength lies in its consolidated user reviews and photos, providing a broad perspective on what to expect from different companies, which helps in finding the best manta ray night snorkel Kona has to offer when your first choice is booked.

The platform’s "Lowest Price Guarantee" and flexible 24-hour cancellation policy offer peace of mind when booking. However, be aware that platform fees can sometimes slightly increase the final cost, and you must carefully check the specific meeting point details provided by the actual tour supplier. Despite this, its centralized customer support and mobile ticketing simplify logistics, making it a reliable backup. You can learn more about using Viator to find an operator and see how it compares to direct bookings.

12. GetYourGuide (Marketplace – multiple Kona operators)

GetYourGuide serves as an excellent resource for travelers seeking flexibility and a broad overview of the available manta ray night snorkel Kona tours. As a marketplace, it aggregates offerings from various local operators, allowing you to easily compare prices, schedules, and user reviews in one place. Its strength lies in its user-friendly interface and standardized booking policies, which often include free cancellation and "reserve now, pay later" options, making it ideal for planning with peace of mind.

This platform is particularly useful for last-minute bookings when direct operator websites might show limited availability. While you can find great deals, the exact tour operator may sometimes only be revealed after booking, and meeting point details can vary by supplier. For those who prefer a direct booking experience with a consistently top-rated local company, considering an operator like Kona Snorkel Trips is an exceptional alternative for a guaranteed high-quality adventure.

Top 12 Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tours Comparison

Ready to Book Your Manta Ray Encounter?

Choosing the best manta ray night snorkel Kona offers is the first step toward an incredible, lifelong memory. You've navigated the key factors, from understanding the biology of these gentle giants and the importance of eco-friendly practices to comparing tour operators based on vessel size, group intimacy, and unique offerings. The right choice hinges on your personal travel style. Whether you prioritize a small-group setting like those offered by **Kona Snorkel Trips**, an educational focus, or a budget-friendly price, Kona has an operator that's right for you.

Your final decision should balance your comfort level in the water, your group's needs, and the type of experience you're dreaming of. Remember to consider booking in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as these world-renowned tours fill up quickly. By using the insights from this guide, you are now equipped to select a tour that not only meets but exceeds your expectations for this magical underwater ballet.

For a comprehensive and unforgettable experience, we invite you to explore what Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii has to offer by visiting our home page. And if you're looking for another world-class snorkeling adventure, consider our friends at Kona Snorkel Trips, who offer exceptional Manta Ray night snorkels and Captain Cook snorkeling tours. Don't wait to secure your spot for the adventure of a lifetime!

Ready to witness one of nature's most spectacular nighttime events? Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Hawaii Tours provides a premier, eco-conscious excursion that puts you face-to-face with these majestic creatures. Visit Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Hawaii Tours to learn more about our small-group tours and book your front-row seat to the best manta ray night snorkel in Kona.