Kailua-Kona: Manta Ray Spotting Night Snorkeling Tour

Imagine gliding silently through the water at night, illuminated only by the glow of your dive light, as graceful manta rays glide just inches from you. That’s the core of this Kailua-Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Tour—an experience that many travelers find unforgettable. With a focus on small-group intimacy, superior lighting, and flexible scheduling, this tour offers a well-rounded way to connect with Hawaii’s mesmerizing marine life after dark.

What really caught our eye is the “Manta Rays Guaranteed Policy”—a promise that if you don’t see a manta ray, you can try again later on the same night or even on a future visit. Plus, a quick three-minute boat ride to the site means less time on the water and more time in the water—something that many seasoned snorkelers appreciate. But, as with all wild animal encounters, there’s always an element of luck involved, so patience and flexibility are key.

One potential consideration is that the tour is not suitable for those over 80 years or over 280 lbs, which is worth noting if you or your travel companions fall into those categories. This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking an authentic, high-value night adventure that combines expert guidance, intimate groups, and a real chance to see Hawaii’s famous manta rays.

Key Points

• Small-group experience: Maximum 14 guests for a more personalized encounter
• Short boat ride: Just three minutes to the manta site, saving time and energy
• High-powered lighting: 144,000 lumens to improve sighting chances
• Flexible scheduling: Later tours available for better manta sightings
• Sightings guarantee: Try again later or on a future visit if no manta rays are seen
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides including Chris, Jordan, and Shay ensure safety and fun

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Small Group, Big Experience

One of the key benefits of this tour is its limited group size—just 14 guests maximum. This means a more relaxed, personal vibe and better chances to get close to the manta rays. Larger boats—with 20 to 50 people—can sometimes feel crowded or hurried, potentially disrupting the calm environment these gentle giants prefer. Multiple reviews praise the guides’ attentiveness and their efforts to make everyone feel safe and engaged, emphasizing how personalized attention enhances the overall experience.

Quick and Efficient Transportation

Unlike other tours that require a lengthy 30-minute boat ride from the harbor, this tour offers a swift three-minute trip to the manta site. This not only minimizes travel fatigue but also maximizes your snorkel time. Reviewers have appreciated this for the extra opportunity to spend more time in the water, as well as the convenience of a shorter, less tiring journey.

Power and Equipment

The highlight here is the 144,000 lumens of dive light power—more than what other boats typically provide. This intense lighting is crucial because manta rays are attracted to plankton and other tiny creatures that glow under bright light. The stronger the light, the more plankton and consequently the more mantas you’re likely to see. Multiple reviewers mention that the high-intensity lights really paid off, with Jake noting he saw seven manta rays up close, some very near, which made the experience especially memorable.

Flexible and Trustworthy Scheduling

Another big plus is the later tour times—a rarity among similar excursions. This flexibility allows you to choose a time when manta activity might be more active or simply better suit your plans. The company also offers a “Manta Rays Guaranteed Policy,” which means if no mantas appear during your scheduled trip, you’re entitled to try again later that evening, or even on a future visit—free of charge, based on availability. This shows they’re confident in their ability to help you see these elusive animals.

Authentic Encounters and Safety

Guides like Chris, Jordan, and Shay are frequently praised for their professionalism, friendly attitude, and safety-conscious approach. Natalie mentioned feeling very safe thanks to the guides’ organization and attentiveness. The inclusion of life jackets, masks, snorkels, and a captain and lifeguard in the water means you can relax and enjoy the experience without worries.

What to Expect During the Tour

Check-In and Meeting Point

The tour begins at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa Street, near the Outrigger Resort entrance. Parking is free along the road, but be sure to arrive on time—lateness could mean missing out. Look for the “Hawaii Island and Ocean Tours & Kona Snorkel Tours” white van, which will guide you to the boat.

The Boat Ride

Once aboard, expect a quick three-minute boat ride to the manta ray viewing site. This short trip is a huge advantage—less time on the water means more time in the water, where the magic happens. The boat is equipped with a powerful light setup, setting the stage for an enchanting night snorkel.

The Snorkeling Experience

The core activity involves floating in the water, illuminated by intense lights designed to attract plankton. This attracts the manta rays, which often glide gracefully within inches of snorkelers. Many reviewers like Mariana noted how guides went above and beyond, ensuring safety and comfort while sharing interesting facts about manta behavior.

Duration and Group Size

The total experience lasts approximately 80 minutes, which includes the boat ride and snorkeling time. The small group size enhances the feeling of an intimate adventure, rather than a crowded spectacle. Expect to be in the water for a substantial period, with safety and guidance provided throughout.

The Guarantee and Repeat Options

If no mantas appear during your trip, you can re-try later that night or on a future visit—free of charge. This policy offers reassurance, especially considering that manta sightings depend on wild animal behavior.

Price and Value

At $95 per person, the tour is competitively priced given the high-quality equipment, small group size, expert guides, and the guarantee policy. When you consider the cost of other tours with larger groups, or those without a guaranteed sighting policy, this experience offers strong value. The quick boat ride also means more snorkeling time, which is an important factor for many travelers.

What You’re Paying For

• Expert guides who are attentive and knowledgeable
• High-powered dive lights to increase chances of sightings
• Small group size for a more personal experience
• Flexible scheduling with late runs
• Re-try policy if no mantas are spotted

Additional Costs

The tour price includes all necessary snorkeling equipment—mask, snorkel, and life jackets—and the boat ride. Food or drinks are not included, so if you want to bring a small snack or waterproof camera, plan accordingly.

What Reviewers Say

Jake’s review captures the thrill of close encounters—seeing seven manta rays at once, some very near, made the trip unforgettable. He also appreciated the extra plankton viewing, which adds a fun visual element.

Natalie emphasized how safe and well-organized the tour felt, and loved the chance to spot a baby shark along with the mantas. She felt confident thanks to the guides’ professionalism.

Mariana highlighted the guides’ above-and-beyond efforts, making sure everyone felt comfortable and informed, which truly enhances the experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who value small groups and personal attention. If you’re excited by the idea of night snorkeling and wildlife encounters, you’ll find this tour a worthwhile choice. It’s also suitable for travelers who want a high chance of sightings thanks to the guarantee policy and powerful lighting.

However, it’s important to note that if you or your companions are over 80 years or weigh over 280 lbs, this tour might not be suitable. Also, those who prefer daytime activities or aren’t comfortable in dark water environments might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This Kailua-Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Tour combines the thrill of night swimming with the comfort of guided expertise and a flexible, customer-friendly policy. The small group size and intense lighting significantly boost your chances of a memorable encounter with these majestic creatures.

For travelers seeking an authentic, intimate Hawaiian adventure that balances safety, value, and genuine wildlife sightings, this tour deserves serious consideration. The fact that multiple reviewers mention the guides’ friendliness and professionalism only adds to its appeal. It’s a chance to see Hawaii’s ocean at its most mysterious and graceful, under the cover of night.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 80 minutes, including the boat ride to the site and snorkeling time.

Where do I meet for the tour?
At 78-7138 Kaleiopapa Street, near the Outrigger Resort entrance. Look for the white van labeled “Hawaii Island and Ocean Tours & Kona Snorkel Tours.”

Is transportation provided?
You meet at the designated location; transportation to the boat is part of the experience, with a quick three-minute boat ride to the manta site.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and a camera to capture the moments. No mention of food or drinks is provided, so bring snacks if needed.

What is included in the price?
Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, life jackets), the boat ride, and guide services are included.

Can I get a refund if I don’t see manta rays?
There are no refunds if no mantas are seen, but you can try again later that night or on a future visit free of charge, subject to availability.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While specific age restrictions aren’t listed, the experience is geared toward those comfortable in water and over specific age and weight limits.

What is the maximum group size?
14 guests, ensuring a more personal and relaxed experience.

Are guides experienced?
Yes, guides like Chris, Jordan, and Shay are praised for their professionalism and attentiveness.

What if I want to do the tour again?
The company’s policy makes re-trying easy and free if manta rays aren’t seen during your original trip.

In essence, for adventure seekers eager to see Hawaii’s iconic manta rays in an intimate setting, this tour offers a fantastic blend of safety, flexibility, and a chance at a truly magical night under the stars and waves.