Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Manta ray snorkeling is a must-do for every visit to Hawaii, it's an experience you can only find in a few places around the world. With local experts by your side, each experience is safe, fun, and memorable. The best manta ray night snorkels in Kona depart from Keauhou Bay or Honokohau Harbor, a quick and easy drive from Kailua-Kona, and approximately an hour away from the Waikoloa resort area. There are a number of different options to choose from, and you will be sure to find one that works for you and your group. Whether you decide to depart early and watch the sunset before heading into the evening ocean, sail on a canoe to the manta ray feeding area, or book a private charter, book the top Kona manta ray night dives!

The Hawaii manta rays in Kona are reef manta rays that are the Mobula alfredi species. These manta rays are some of the largest species of manta rays in the world and can have a wingspan that spans up to 18 ft in length. While the manta rays you will see in Kona will normally be around 12 feet in length, they move with a grace and beauty that is absolutely mesmerizing.

Kona manta rays will eat plankton as their main source of food, and since microscopic plankton are found in abundance off of the Kona shores, the manta rays spend their entire lives in these waters. Some of the Big Island manta rays can live to be 50 years old, and University of Hawaii marine life biologists and other researchers have named each and every one of them!

The main areas where the Kona manta rays can be found are called Manta Village and Manta Heaven, both located right off the coast of the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. This area is known for having an almost 100% chance of seeing manta rays, with an average of three to five seen on any given evening. It is no wonder that almost all Big Island manta ray snorkel tours depart from this area, and has become one of the most popular ocean adventures in all of Hawaii.

• Since this tour happens at night, it can be rather chilly once you get out of the water and back on to the boat. You will want to bring a large towel and a hoodie or jacket to wear on the boat ride back to the pier.
• Wear your swimsuit under your clothing since some boats do not have restrooms, and boat restrooms are often quite small and difficult to change in.
• Guests who are prone to motion sickness should plan on taking a motion sickness preventative one hour prior to departure.
• Stay calm and quiet while in the water. Manta rays will come to you since they are attracted to the lights placed in the water, so all you will need to do is wait as they come up and swim beneath you in search of plankton.
• Do not touch the manta rays! They have a protective mucus coating on their skin, and touching the mantas could lead to infections or worse for the manta rays.
• The manta ray swims are all open water ocean tours, and while you do not need to have any prior snorkeling experience, you should be comfortable swimming. Not to worry though, all guests will be provided with flotation devices.
• If you would like to see some of the best Hawaiian sunset views, book a sunset tour with your manta snorkel. These tours depart right before sunset so you can watch the sky come alive in an array of colors before heading into the water.
• Many of the best manta ray night snorkels in Kona book up days or weeks in advance. Book this activity early to make sure you get a spot on a manta ray snorkeling tour.

The majority of manta ray snorkel tours depart directly from Keauhou Bay or Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. Both of these locations are easily accessible by car, and it is approximately a 15 minute drive from Kailua-Kona or an hour drive from Waikoloa.

Parking is available at all check-in locations, and you will need to double check if the parking is paid or free.

Both rideshares and taxis are also available for guests that do not have access to a rental car or other vehicle.

Q: How does manta ray night snorkeling work?
A: Your guides will begin your manta experience with a thorough explanation of everything manta. Floating light boards are used to light up the ocean from the surface to the ocean floor. The lights attract the plankton, and the plankton attracts the mantas. You will float at the surface, holding onto the light board watching as the manta rays come swooping in beneath you. Very minimal snorkeling effort is required.

Q: Do I need to know how to swim to manta ray snorkel?
A: Yes, since this activity is out in open water, all participants should be know how to swim. Snorkeling equipment and flotation devices are provided, but you should still feel comfortable swimming in the water.

Q: Are you guaranteed to see manta rays on a manta ray snorkel?
A: There is a 90 to 95% chance of seeing manta rays on a manta ray snorkeling cruise, and depending on the tour, if you do not see manta rays, you will often get your money back or you can go back on the tour for free.

Q: Where can I see manta rays in Kona?
A: The Big Island manta rays are mostly found in Keauhou Bay at Manta Village and Manta Heaven.