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Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel — 85–95% Sighting Rate

744 Reviews 4.82 out of 5 stars Based on 744 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 96% 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 31 (19.5) days in advance.

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

• 85–95% manta ray sighting rate at Manta Village, Kona
• Return free within 7 days if no mantas seen — space available
• Owner Richard Kersten pioneered the large-vessel manta ray snorkel format
• Named resident manta rays: Lefty (1979), Big Bertha (1991), Obama Ray, Koie Ray & more
• 450+ individually identified manta rays on the Kona Coast — MPRF partner

What's Included

  • Snacks Hot cocoa and chocolates,
  • Carbonated beverages Varied Juices
  • Filtered Water
  • Gratuities are not included but greatly appreciated
  • Due to safety concerns we do not allow full face masks on our tours
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Keauhou Bay
Kahaluu-Keauhou, 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

Sea Paradise has been running manta ray night snorkel tours at Manta Village, Keauhou Bay since 1985 — one of the original operators at this site. Owner Richard Kersten pioneered the large-vessel, large-group manta ray snorkel tour format, opening what had previously been an experience limited to small dive groups.
Manta Village is one of the most reliable manta ray encounter sites in the world. Lights attract zooplankton; zooplankton attracts reef manta rays. Through Classical Conditioning over 50+ years, the feeding response is so reliable that Sea Paradise’s sighting rate is 85-95%.

Guests float on Sea Paradise’s custom Manta Flotation Device-also designed by Richard Kersten-horizontally above the feeding manta rays. In-water crew guides are present throughout. No diving certification required.
The Hoku Nui — Sea Paradise’s 50-foot luxury sailing catamaran, spaciously designed for 49 guests — departs Keauhou Bay at sunset (exact time varies by season). Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, the custom Manta Flotation Device, crew-operated underwater lights, hot cocoa and chocolates included.
MANTA GUARANTEE: Return free within 7 days if no mantas seen. Space available, reservation required.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Snorkeling Ages: minimum participant age is 6yrs. old and up with experienced swimming/snorkeling skills
  • Though no one under age 6 is permitted to snorkel on this tour, children ages 4-5 are permitted as ride-along guests only.
  • All snorkelers must know how to swim
  • Manta ray tours require experienced snorkelers.

Frequently Asked Questions (15)

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?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-72709P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.82
744 reviews

Average 4.82 out of 5 stars based on 744 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
667
4 stars
45
3 stars
14
2 stars
9
1 star
9
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 31 (19.5) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • SnacksHot cocoa and chocolates,
  • Carbonated beveragesVaried Juices
  • Filtered Water
  • Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, the custom Manta Flotation Device, crew-operated underwater lights
  • Two tour times to chose from based on availability
  • In-water crew guide
  • Gratuities are not included but greatly appreciated
  • Due to safety concerns we do not allow full face masks on our tours
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Snorkeling Ages: minimum participant age is 6yrs. old and up with experienced swimming/snorkeling skills
  • Non-swimmers may not enter the water
  • Neck lanyards for phones not allowed
  • Shark bands not allowed
  • Flash must be turned off on cameras
  • Though no one under age 6 is permitted to snorkel on this tour, children ages 4-5 are permitted as ride-along guests only.
  • All snorkelers must know how to swim
  • Manta ray tours require experienced snorkelers.
  • The Hoku Nui motor-sails when there is no wind.
  • Swimming and water safety: For the safety of all guests, the captain and crew may reserve the right to remove a guest from the water, if they determine the guest’s swimming ability or current conditions pose a safety risk. All guests must follow Captain and crew instructions while participating in water activities.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers

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