12 Best Manta Ray Snorkel Kona Tours for 2025

The Big Island's Kona coast offers one of the planet's most unique wildlife encounters: swimming with giant manta rays at night. These gentle giants, with wingspans reaching over 15 feet, gather under bright lights to feed on plankton, creating a mesmerizing underwater ballet. This guide breaks down the 12 best resources and tour companies for your manta ray snorkel Kona adventure, helping you find the perfect fit. To help you navigate the many fantastic choices, remember that tour operators often use engaging content, like short-form video, to showcase the magic of their manta ray experiences. We’ll explore everything from intimate excursions to family-friendly catamarans, helping you book this incredible encounter with confidence. You can learn more about the unforgettable manta ray night snorkel on the Big Island.

1. Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Hawaii Tours

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Hawaii Tours presents a premier, small-group experience for one of the world's most captivating marine encounters. This operator’s website serves as a direct booking portal for their highly-rated manta ray snorkel in Kona, emphasizing a commitment to safety and an intimate viewing environment. Their operation is distinguished by the use of lifeguard-certified guides and U.S. Coast Guard-rated vessels, which provides a significant layer of security for participants.

This platform stands out by offering a higher probability of manta ray sightings. The crew’s active maneuvering to optimal feeding spots contributes to a reported 90% success rate, a noticeable advantage over larger, less agile tour operators. The all-inclusive pricing covers essential gear like wetsuits, masks, and flotation devices, simplifying the planning process for travelers.

Key Offerings and Use Cases

• Sunset & After-Dark Tours: Choose between a sunset departure that includes coastal sightseeing or a later trip focused on stargazing and the underwater spectacle. This flexibility suits different travel schedules.

• Private Charters: Ideal for families, corporate groups, or special occasions, private tours offer an exclusive and personalized manta ray encounter.

• Direct Booking Benefits: Booking directly through their website often provides access to promotional pricing and real-time availability.

This tour is best suited for confident swimmers and adventurers seeking a well-managed, up-close wildlife experience. However, it's important to note that the experience is not suitable for non-swimmers or individuals with limited mobility. For those seeking an exceptional alternative for a Manta Ray night snorkel or a Captain Cook snorkeling tour, consider the offerings from Kona Snorkel Trips.

2. Sea Quest Hawaii

Sea Quest Hawaii’s website is the direct booking hub for one of South Kona’s most established tour operators, offering a distinct experience since 1987. The platform focuses on small-group tours using fast, rigid-inflatable boats (RIBs), which sets it apart from the larger vessels common in the area. This approach allows them to reach the manta ray snorkel site near Keauhou Bay quickly, maximizing your time in the water and minimizing travel.

The website is straightforward, enabling users to easily view tour details and book directly. A key advantage is the ability to bundle tours; you can book a daytime snorkel trip to Kealakekua Bay and a manta ray snorkel Kona tour for the evening, creating a full day of adventure with a single operator. Their long history provides a sense of reliability and a commitment to sustainable practices.

Why It Stands Out

Sea Quest offers a more intimate and nimble alternative to larger tour boats. Their emphasis on smaller groups (typically 14-16 passengers) ensures a less crowded and more personal encounter with the mantas.

• Best For: Travelers seeking smaller, faster boats and those looking to combine a manta snorkel with other daytime South Kona tours.

• Pros: Long-standing reputation, smaller group sizes, and quick access to the snorkel site.

• Cons: The ride on a RIB can be bumpy, which may not be suitable for guests with back problems. Popularity means tours can sell out weeks in advance.

• Website: https://www.seaquesthawaii.com/

For those seeking an equally exceptional and highly-rated alternative, Kona Snorkel Trips provides outstanding manta ray and daytime snorkel tours. You can explore more options by visiting the main page for all things manta ray night snorkel.

3. Sea Paradise

Sea Paradise’s website is the booking portal for a classic Kona experience, offering manta ray tours on their spacious 50-foot sailing catamaran, the 'Hoku Nui'. The platform focuses on providing a stable and comfortable ride, making it an excellent choice for families and those new to snorkeling. Operating out of Keauhou Bay, they take guests to the prime viewing area known as "Manta Ray Village," which is conveniently located just a short sail away.

The website clearly lays out the tour details, including amenities like snacks and snorkel gear. A significant feature highlighted on their site is the Manta Guarantee; if you don't see mantas, you can rebook for another night free of charge (within their stated terms). This provides peace of mind when booking your manta ray snorkel Kona adventure. The platform also allows booking of daytime snorkel sails, providing multiple options for on-the-water fun.

Why It Stands Out

Sea Paradise excels by offering a stable, spacious catamaran experience, which is a gentle alternative to the more adventurous RIB boats. The ride-along option for non-swimmers and their explicit manta guarantee make them a very accessible and reassuring choice for a wide range of visitors.

• Best For: Families, first-time snorkelers, and guests who prefer the stability and amenities of a larger catamaran.

• Pros: Very stable ride suitable for all ages, clear manta guarantee policy, and a comfortable viewing experience.

• Cons: Groups are larger compared to smaller boat tours, and the guarantee is for a rebooking only, not a cash refund.

• Website: https://seaparadise.com/

For those seeking an equally exceptional and highly-rated alternative, Kona Snorkel Trips provides outstanding manta ray and daytime snorkel tours. You can explore more options by visiting the main page for all things manta ray night snorkel.

4. Big Island Divers

Big Island Divers' website serves as the direct booking portal for one of Kona's most respected dive and snorkel operators. The platform clearly distinguishes itself by offering both manta ray snorkel Kona tours and dedicated night dives, catering to certified divers and snorkelers alike. Their emphasis on safety is immediately apparent, with detailed information about their USCG-inspected vessels, onboard AED/oxygen systems, and strict adherence to ethical wildlife viewing guidelines.

The website is highly informative, featuring a manta sighting calendar and a comprehensive FAQ section that addresses everything from gear restrictions to what to expect on the tour. A unique feature is their manta guarantee policy; if no mantas are seen, guests can return on a standby basis for free or pay a discounted fee for a guaranteed seat. This transparency builds trust and helps users make an informed decision. For an in-depth look at what the experience entails, you can learn more about night snorkeling with manta rays on mantaraynightsnorkelhawaii.com.

Why It Stands Out

Big Island Divers is an excellent choice for groups with mixed interests (snorkelers and certified divers) and for anyone prioritizing a safety-conscious operation. The platform provides all the necessary details to feel prepared and secure before booking.

• Best For: Divers, safety-conscious travelers, and groups wanting both snorkel and dive options on the same trip.

• Pros: Strong safety culture with well-equipped vessels, reputable operation with clear policies, and options for both divers and snorkelers.

• Cons: The free return policy is standby-based, which may not fit tight travel schedules. Strict age and gear restrictions apply (e.g., no full-face masks).

• Website: https://bigislanddivers.com/

For those seeking an equally exceptional and highly-rated alternative, Kona Snorkel Trips provides outstanding manta ray and daytime snorkel tours. You can explore more options by visiting the main page for all things manta ray night snorkel.

5. Dolphin Discoveries

Dolphin Discoveries is a veteran-owned company whose website provides direct booking for tours departing from Keauhou Bay. The platform clearly lays out its tour options, with a focus on combining daytime adventures like the Captain Cook snorkel with their popular evening manta ray snorkel Kona experience. The site is known for its transparent and unique pricing structure, which gives customers more control over their booking.

The website’s key feature is its tiered pricing for the manta tour. Users can choose a lower base fare or opt for a slightly higher "Manta Guarantee" fare, which allows them to rebook for free if no mantas are sighted. This flexibility is a significant advantage for travelers managing their budgets while still wanting assurance. Their boutique-style check-in and mid-size vessels create a comfortable and well-organized experience from booking to tour completion.

Why It Stands Out

Dolphin Discoveries' unique "Manta Guarantee" pricing model sets it apart, offering a choice that caters to different risk preferences. The convenience of their Keauhou Bay departure and the option to create a full day of adventure with one trusted operator makes planning simple.

• Best For: Budget-conscious snorkelers and those who appreciate the security of a paid guarantee for manta sightings.

• Pros: Transparent, tiered pricing with a "Manta Guarantee" option, and it's easy to pair with their well-regarded daytime tours.

• Cons: The base fare does not include the guarantee, and tours have weight and age restrictions, making them unsuitable for non-swimmers.

• Website: https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/snorkel-adventures-charters/kona-manta-ray-night-snorkel/

For those seeking an equally exceptional and highly-rated alternative, Kona Snorkel Trips provides outstanding manta ray and daytime snorkel tours. You can explore more options by visiting the main page for all things manta ray night snorkel.

6. Kona Style (KONASTYLE) / Kona Snorkel and Sail

Kona Style’s website highlights their comfortable, catamaran-based manta ray snorkel tours. The platform emphasizes a more relaxed and amenity-rich experience, perfect for those who prefer the stability of a larger sailboat over a smaller raft. They offer both sunset and late-night departures, with the later option often providing a less crowded viewing environment at the manta site.

The website clearly lays out their offerings, from standard tours to private charters, making it easy to find an option that fits your group's needs. A key feature promoted on the site is their "manta guarantee," where guests can rebook for free if no mantas are seen. Their listed pricing starts competitively, often from $75, though this varies by season and tour time.

Why It Stands Out

Kona Style provides a stable and comfortable catamaran platform, ideal for guests who may be sensitive to motion or prefer more onboard space. The inclusion of hot beverages and prescription masks adds to the thoughtful experience, making this a great option for a cozy manta ray snorkel Kona adventure.

• Best For: Travelers seeking a comfortable catamaran experience with added amenities and those looking for competitive entry-level pricing.

• Pros: Comfortable and stable catamaran, competitive starting prices, and a "manta guarantee" rebooking policy.

• Cons: All guests must be able to swim without flotation devices and weight restrictions apply. Popular tour times can still be busy at the main snorkel site.

• Website: https://konasnorkelandsail.com/

For those seeking a highly-rated alternative, Kona Snorkel Trips offers exceptional manta ray and daytime Captain Cook tours. You can learn more about the best time to see manta rays in Kona or visit the main page for all things manta ray night snorkel.

7. Sunlight on Water

Sunlight on Water’s website is the booking portal for a family-run tour operator known for its focus on guest comfort and a high-quality experience. Their platform details their manta ray snorkel Kona tour, which departs from Honokohau Harbor. The site highlights amenities designed to make the trip more enjoyable, such as warm freshwater showers after the snorkel and complimentary refreshments onboard. This approach caters well to families and those who might be hesitant about a nighttime ocean swim.

The website provides clear check-in details and showcases strong guest reviews that frequently praise the knowledgeable and safety-conscious crew. Booking is straightforward, though final pricing is often not visible until the checkout stage. Their reputation for high manta ray encounter rates and excellent service makes them a reliable choice for first-timers and experienced snorkelers alike.

Why It Stands Out

Sunlight on Water distinguishes itself with comfort-focused amenities that are not standard on all tours. The warm showers are a significant perk, especially on cooler evenings, enhancing the overall experience.

• Best For: Families, first-time manta snorkelers, and guests who prioritize comfort and crew interaction.

• Pros: Comfort amenities like warm showers, consistent positive reviews, and a strong safety record.

• Cons: Pricing is not always transparent upfront. Tours, especially during holidays, can sell out far in advance.

• Website: https://sunlightonwater.com/

For those seeking an equally exceptional and highly-rated alternative, Kona Snorkel Trips provides outstanding manta ray and daytime snorkel tours. You can explore more options by visiting the main page for all things manta ray night snorkel.

8. Manta Adventures

Manta Adventures offers a combined sunset cruise and manta ray snorkel Kona tour, creating a comprehensive evening experience. Their website transparently lays out the tour structure, a 3.5-hour trip that begins with a scenic coastal cruise as the sun sets before heading to the manta viewing site. This approach is ideal for visitors who want to blend a relaxing boat tour with an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

The platform clearly displays pricing for different participant types, including a specific option for "observers" or "ride-alongs." This makes it an excellent choice for groups where some members may not want to get in the water but still wish to be part of the adventure. The booking process is direct, showing set departure times and check-in details, which simplifies planning.

Why It Stands Out

The combination of a sunset cruise and manta snorkel into a single, well-paced tour makes it a great value. Its transparent pricing and dedicated option for non-swimming observers make it particularly welcoming for mixed groups and families.

• Best For: Groups with both swimmers and non-swimmers, and those who want a sunset cruise included in their manta experience.

• Pros: Transparent, upfront pricing for adults, children, and observers; combines two popular activities into one tour.

• Cons: A fuel surcharge may apply, so confirm the final price at checkout. The fixed schedule might not be ideal on days with marginal weather conditions.

• Website: https://mantaadventures.com/

For those seeking an equally exceptional and highly-rated alternative, Kona Snorkel Trips provides outstanding manta ray and daytime snorkel tours. You can explore more options by visiting the main page for all things manta ray night snorkel. To ensure a fantastic trip, review our top tips for your manta ray snorkel adventure.

9. Anelakai Adventures

Anelakai Adventures offers a booking platform for one of the most unique and eco-conscious manta ray experiences in Kona. Departing from Keauhou Bay, their tours are conducted on traditional, paddle-powered Hawaiian double-hull outrigger canoes. This motorless approach provides an exceptionally quiet and low-impact way to reach the manta viewing site, focusing on cultural stewardship and a tranquil connection with the ocean.

The website is clean and story-driven, effectively communicating their philosophy and making it easy to see tour availability and book directly. A key feature highlighted on the site is the option for guests to either snorkel in the water or remain comfortably dry in the canoe while still enjoying amazing views of the mantas. This makes their manta ray snorkel Kona tour accessible to a wider range of visitors, including non-swimmers.

Why It Stands Out

Anelakai Adventures provides a serene, culturally rich, and motor-free alternative to the typical tour. The very small group size and the quiet glide of the canoe create an intimate and respectful encounter with the manta rays, free from engine noise and large crowds.

• Best For: Eco-conscious travelers, couples, and guests seeking a peaceful, culturally significant experience.

• Pros: Extremely small groups, no engine noise for a tranquil atmosphere, and the unique option to view mantas from the canoe.

• Cons: The paddle-powered journey is subject to weather and sea conditions and lacks the amenities of larger vessels.

• Website: https://www.anelakaiadventures.com/

For those seeking an equally exceptional and highly-rated alternative, Kona Snorkel Trips provides outstanding manta ray and daytime snorkel tours. You can explore more options by visiting the main page for all things manta ray night snorkel.

10. Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii

Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii’s website is a portal for enthusiasts who want to go beyond just seeing the mantas. It's dedicated to both snorkelers and certified divers, offering specialized EcoAdventures that depart from Honokohau Harbor. Their platform emphasizes education, showcasing their extensive history of identifying over 200 individual manta rays along the Kona coast, which adds a layer of depth to their tours.

The site provides detailed pre-trip information and FAQs, ensuring guests feel well-prepared for their manta ray snorkel Kona experience. Users can book night snorkels or more advanced multi-tank dives, including twilight and manta combinations. This focus on preparation and family-style service makes it a welcoming choice for those who appreciate a knowledgeable and supportive crew.

Why It Stands Out

This operator's deep focus on manta ray education and identification distinguishes it from others. The experience is less of a quick tour and more of an immersive lesson in marine biology, guided by a passionate crew.

• Best For: Marine life enthusiasts, families, and certified divers who value an educational component with their tour.

• Pros: Strong educational focus on manta ray conservation and identification, and very clear pre-trip information to prepare guests.

• Cons: Dive options are exclusively for certified divers, and specific pricing is only shown during the booking process.

• Website: https://www.mantaraydiveshawaii.com/

For those seeking an equally exceptional and highly-rated alternative, Kona Snorkel Trips provides outstanding manta ray and daytime snorkel tours. You can explore more options by visiting the main page for all things manta ray night snorkel.

11. Viator

Viator is a massive online marketplace that aggregates tour listings from numerous operators, making it a powerful tool for comparison shopping. Instead of visiting individual company websites, users can browse a wide range of manta ray snorkel Kona tours from providers like My Kona Adventures and Dolphin Discoveries all in one place. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to filter options by price, time, group size, and user ratings, streamlining the research process for travelers.

The website’s interface is built for convenience, featuring verified user reviews, photos, and often "Reserve Now, Pay Later" options that add booking flexibility. You can easily compare what is included in each tour, from snack provisions to gear rentals, ensuring you find the perfect fit. This makes it an excellent starting point for anyone trying to understand the different types of manta experiences available in Kona.

Why It Stands Out

Viator excels as a one-stop-shop, allowing travelers to compare a broad spectrum of manta ray tours side-by-side. The user review system and frequent promotional pricing offer significant value for those looking to make an informed decision and potentially find a good deal.

• Best For: Planners who want to compare multiple tour operators, prices, and reviews in a single location.

• Pros: Easy comparison shopping across providers, flexible cancellation policies on many listings, and frequent promotional pricing.

• Cons: Acts as a third-party layer, so customer support is routed through Viator, not the direct operator. Meeting details can vary, so you must read listings carefully.

• Website: https://www.viator.com/

For those seeking a direct booking experience with a top-rated local operator, Kona Snorkel Trips offers an exceptional alternative for both manta ray and daytime snorkel tours. You can find more tips and insights on our manta ray night snorkel Kona blog.

12. GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide serves as a global marketplace for tours, offering a curated selection of manta ray snorkel Kona experiences from various local operators. This platform is particularly useful for travelers who prefer to manage all their bookings in one place, offering features like instant confirmation, mobile vouchers, and multilingual support. The site clearly outlines what each tour includes, from gear and snacks to group size caps, helping you compare different options side-by-side.

A significant advantage of booking through GetYourGuide is the flexibility; many listings feature a "reserve now, pay later" option and a 24-hour free cancellation policy. This is ideal for planners who want to secure their spot without immediate commitment or for those making last-minute arrangements. The platform’s filters allow you to easily sort by price, rating, and tour duration to find the perfect fit.

Why It Stands Out

GetYourGuide excels at providing transparency and flexibility for international travelers and last-minute planners. Its user-friendly interface and clear display of inclusions, meeting points, and cancellation policies simplify the booking process, making it a reliable aggregator for finding vetted Kona tour operators.

• Best For: International travelers, last-minute bookers, and those who want to compare multiple operators on a single platform with flexible payment options.

• Pros: Flexible booking with free cancellation on many tours, transparent details on inclusions, and helpful filters for easy comparison.

• Cons: As an intermediary, customer support issues may be routed through GetYourGuide first. Some operators may be listed multiple times.

• Website: https://www.getyourguide.com/

For those seeking an equally exceptional and highly-rated alternative, Kona Snorkel Trips provides outstanding manta ray and daytime snorkel tours. You can explore more options by visiting the main page for all things manta ray night snorkel.

Kona Manta Ray Snorkel — Comparison of 12 Tours

Making Your Final Choice for an Unforgettable Night

Choosing the right manta ray snorkel kona tour ultimately comes down to aligning the operator's strengths with your personal adventure style. Whether you prioritize the intimacy of a small group, the amenities of a larger vessel, or the unique perspective of a traditional outrigger canoe, Kona’s diverse tour operators offer something for every marine life enthusiast. The tools and platforms we've explored, from direct booking with specialists like Sea Quest Hawaii to using aggregators like Viator for comparison, are all designed to help you secure a spot for this incredible nighttime spectacle.

Your key takeaway should be to move beyond price and focus on the value of the experience. Consider these factors:

• Group Size: Do you prefer a small, intimate group or a larger, more social setting?

• Boat Comfort: Are you comfortable on a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RIB) or do you need the stability and amenities of a larger catamaran?

• Guide Expertise: Look for companies that emphasize marine biology education and safety.

• Booking Flexibility: Check cancellation policies and the ease of rescheduling if your plans change.

Implementing these tools is straightforward. Use aggregator sites to compare a wide range of options, then visit the websites of your top 2-3 choices for more detailed information and potential direct booking discounts. For an intimate, safety-focused adventure with a high success rate, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Hawaii Tours (https://www.mantaraynightsnorkelhawaii.com/) stands out as a premier choice, ensuring a personal and memorable encounter.

For those seeking other exceptional daytime water activities, consider Kona Snorkel Trips (https://konasnorkeltrips.com/snorkel-tours/) as a fantastic alternative for both Manta Ray night tours and excursions to historic Kealakekua Bay. This makes them a versatile option for exploring Kona's best underwater sights.

No matter which tour you select, booking in advance is crucial. This magical encounter with Kona's gentle giants is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the right preparation ensures it will be nothing short of breathtaking.

Ready to experience the magic firsthand? For a top-rated manta ray snorkel kona experience that prioritizes small groups and personalized attention, book your adventure with Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Hawaii Tours. Secure your spot today for an unforgettable night swimming with these majestic ocean creatures