Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience
Overview
We carry a maximum of 12 passengers so we can offer a more intimate manta ray snorkel experience than the larger "cattle boats" in Kona.
In addition to delivering a more private experience, our small group size allows for a better manta ray show. Your swim guide will tow your party to the most active areas of the snorkel site, as you hold onto a light board and enjoy the show. Larger groups on bigger boats are often required to stay next to the boat, and can't chase the manta ray action as we do. By locating the most active areas of the snorkel site, you'll have a higher chance of seeing more manta rays.
If you book all 12 seats on any trip, you will have your own private charter.
Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snorkel with manta rays, in a private small-group experience. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!
What's Included
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Please bring your own towel.
Meeting Location
74-425 Kealakehe Parkway
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of a marine documentary during your up-close encounter with Kona’s majestic manta rays. Watch from mere inches away as these gentle giants have a feeding frenzy on phytoplankton and zooplankton that’s attracted to our lightboard.
Hawaii Island is the only place in the world that offers nighttime manta ray encounters with more than 90% consistency. Kona’s Manta rays perform a seemingly choreographed nocturnal ballet, conducting barrel rolls at the water’s surface as they return to the same spot each night for dinner. This bucket list item is a must-do for every visitor to Hawaii’s Big Island.
Kona’s wild manta rays have wingspans that can reach 16 ft., which is huge! Don’t worry, they don’t have any teeth, stingers, or barbs, and hundreds of people safely interact with the manta rays every night. Your swim guide will educate you on safely and humanely interacting with the wild manta rays, and you will be escorted to the most active areas of the manta viewing site.
All tours include non-alcoholic refreshments, snacks, and a special treat. Please bring a towel and a coverup to keep warm on the boat ride back to the harbor.
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
- 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.
- Maximum weight of 280 pounds per traveler.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(13)Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-163071P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.86 out of 5 stars based on 382 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (13)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Hawaii customers.
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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.
Jan 2022Yes, this is possible, as long as you are comfortable going into the water. All Cool Hawaii snorkeling tours adhere to strict safety regulations and have been designed to be enjoyed by all.
Your safety is our #1 priority, which is why:
- You will be wearing a flotation device at all times.
- On many tours, there is a stairway from the boat into the water so you won’t have to “jump” in!
- There are trained staff in the water and watching from the boat at all times.
For these reasons, we believe that even non-swimmers can have a wonderful time on our snorkeling trips, however, the final judgment call is yours to make. Please note we do not give refunds if you decide not to snorkel on the trip.
Oct 2021The snorkel gear we use on Cool Hawaii tours is high quality and for your protection, the equipment is sanitized after each use. However, if you feel more comfortable using your own snorkeling equipment, feel free to bring it on the tour. Please note, there is no discount for providing your own equipment and we can’t be responsible for any lost or damaged items.
May 2023First-time snorkelers can be assured of one-on-one instruction and assistance. We find introducing folks to our world very rewarding!
Oct 2021There are no legal age limits for snorkeling. We have found that age 5 or 6 is a good age to learn the basics of snorkeling, however, it’s entirely up to individuals to make the best choice for their family.
Sep 2021If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).
- This activity requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Use of Snorkelling equipment.
- Please bring your own towel.
This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 7. This activity requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience is as follows:
- 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
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Hawaii. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Please bring your own towel.
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
- 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.
- Maximum weight of 280 pounds per traveler.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
