Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona

1,137 Reviews 4.91 out of 5 stars Based on 1,137 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Big Island of Hawaii, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 10 (0.83) days in advance.

1 hour (approx.)
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Overview

Avoid the crowds of the other "cattle boats" in Kona, and enjoy a small-group manta ray snorkeling experience with a maximum of 12 passengers.

This tour departs from Keahou Harbor in South Kona and enjoys a short 5-minute boat ride to our snorkeling site, Manta Village.

Your Captain and snorkel guide will educate you on Kona's famous manta rays and will discuss our safe and humane approach to engaging with the gentle giants.

After entering the water, you'll hold onto our lightboard, with your feet propped up by floatation devices, as the manta rays perform a graceful ballet beneath you. The manta rays filter feed on plankton that naturally gathers at the surface just before sunset, then accumulates underneath our lights. This is an opportunity to enjoy an evening on the water and watch in amazement as the manta rays glide around and dance for you.

We are proud to be a Green Listed company, and we take an environmentally cautious approach to our interactions with the manta rays.

What's Included

  • Use of Snorkelling equipment
  • Wetsuit (optional)
  • Local taxes
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Towel
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

78-7130 Kaleiopapa Street
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Come aboard the Pueo Kai 2, and enjoy a small-group manta ray snorkeling experience with up to 12 passengers. Snorkeling with Kona's famous manta rays is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that The Travel Channel called "one of the top 10 things to do in your lifetime."

After a quick 5-minute boat ride, we'll arrive at the aptly named "Manta Village."

You'll enter the water as Kona's famous manta rays feed on plankton accumulating under our light boards. The manta rays may fly by our light boards as they feast on plankton, and they may even hang around and do "barrel rolls" beneath us, as they come back for more and more plankton. Every night is different.

After 30-45 minutes in the water, depending on sea conditions and manta ray feeding behavior, you will be guided back to the boat.

We see manta rays about 92% of the time. While we expect to see them every night, manta rays are wild animals and they do take nights off from Manta Village about 8% of the time. If this happens, we will offer you a free trip on any available charter. Since our tours typically sell out several days in advance, we recommend you book this tour as early as possible during your stay on Hawaii Island.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • A ticket is required for all passengers, regardless of age or whether they are entering the water.
  • Maximum weight of 280 pounds per traveler.
  • For safety purposes, if you can not comfortably swim 25 yards in the ocean, we ask that you purchase a ticket to ride along on the boat, but not enter the water.

Frequently Asked Questions (13)

Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?

A: Yes, we allow pregnant women to go on snorkeling. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so to assess your individual health and pregnancy stage. Read more Jan 2022

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-40277P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.91
1,137 reviews

Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 1,137 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,078
4 stars
35
3 stars
9
2 stars
8
1 star
7
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 10 (0.83) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Use of Snorkelling equipment
  • Wetsuit (optional)
  • Local taxes
  • Beverages
  • Professional guide
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Towel

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for travelers with neck problems.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Must be able to swim without the assistance of a floatation device.
  • A ticket is required for all passengers, regardless of age or whether they are entering the water.
  • Maximum weight of 280 pounds per traveler.
  • For safety purposes, if you can not comfortably swim 25 yards in the ocean, we ask that you purchase a ticket to ride along on the boat, but not enter the water.
  • Children 7 and older are welcome on the tour if they can comfortably swim 25 yards in the ocean.
  • Our boat is certified by the US Coast Guard for 12 passengers, and we can not exceed this limit.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers

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