Kona Hi, Sunset Manta Ray Tour 10 passengers maximum

If you’re seeking a peaceful, awe-inspiring adventure in Hawaii, the Kona Hi Sunset Manta Ray Tour offers just that. It’s a small-group experience limited to only 10 participants, taking you out into the Kona coast’s nocturnal waters to witness the gentle giants of the sea. With glowing floatation devices attracting plankton, this tour allows you to see manta rays gliding gracefully just centimeters from your face—an encounter many travelers say is truly unforgettable.

One of our favorite aspects of this tour is the intimate setting it provides. Unlike larger, more commercialized options, this experience feels personal, thanks to the small group size and knowledgeable guides. However, a potential consideration is that the tour runs only in the evening, so it’s best suited for those comfortable snorkeling after dark. This adventure is perfect for travelers who want to combine natural beauty with a touch of magic, especially those who love marine life and night-time explorations.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Authentic Encounter: Get close to wild manta rays in their natural habitat, floating peacefully under a moonlit sky.
• Eco-Friendly Approach: Use of illuminated floatation devices to attract plankton, drawing the rays without disturbing the environment.
• Expert Guides: Hosts like Brian and Halea are praised for their care, knowledge, and personal touch.
• Value for Money: At $130 per person for a 2.5-hour tour, it offers a memorable, intimate experience.
• Ideal for Night Enthusiasts: Perfect if you enjoy evening adventures and marine wildlife at their most active.

Starting Point and Ease of Access

Your adventure begins at the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, a spot that’s easy to reach from Kailua-Kona via Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Follow signs to the harbor entrance, then turn onto Kealakehe Parkway, heading toward the red-roofed public restrooms. The check-in at Hawaii Marine Life Charters is straightforward, with clear signage, making the start hassle-free. This convenient location means you won’t spend extra time navigating or worrying about transportation logistics.

The Experience of the Tour

Once on board, you’ll be fitted with a wetsuit top and snorkeling gear—both included in the price. The wetsuit top is a thoughtful addition, ensuring you stay warm in the night air and water, especially since the waters can get chilly after sunset. The small boat whisks you out to the snorkeling site, which keeps the transfer short and maximizes your time in the water.

Snorkeling Under the Night Sky

As you slip into the water beneath a shimmering moon, the real magic begins. The illuminated floatation devices are a clever, eco-friendly way to attract plankton—the manta rays’ favorite snack—without harming the environment. Reviewers like Carmela praise guides like Brian and Halea for their attentiveness and warmth, emphasizing how personal and caring the experience feels.

Floating weightlessly, you witness majestic manta rays performing gentle somersaults, sometimes only inches away from your face. The slow, elegant movements of these creatures are captivating, and many describe the experience as one of the most beautiful sights they’ve ever seen. The fact that these rays are wild and in their natural habitat makes the encounter even more authentic.

The Guides and Their Role

Guests consistently highlight the guides’ expertise and friendliness. Carmela mentions how Brian and Halea took very good care of her needs, adding a personal touch that elevates the experience from simply sightseeing to a memorable interaction. Their knowledge about the manta rays and the local marine environment helps create a relaxed, safe atmosphere, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the encounter.

The Itinerary Breakdown

• Start at Honokohau Harbor: Meet your guides, gear up, and get briefed about the evening ahead.
• Head out to the snorkel site: The boat ride is quick, so you won’t spend long in transit, maximizing your time in the water.
• Night snorkeling: Under the moonlight, with plankton attracting the rays, you’ll float alongside these peaceful giants. Reviewers describe the experience as “incredibly beautiful” and “only centimeters away from you,” making it clear how close and personal the sighting can be.
• Return to harbor: After about 2.75 hours of enchantment, you’ll head back content and inspired.

What’s Included & What to Consider

The tour includes everything you’ll need for a successful night snorkel:

• Snorkeling equipment (including options for prescription masks)
• Wetsuit top for warmth
• Floatation devices to safely float while observing the rays
• Guided experience with knowledgeable hosts

A simple item to bring is a towel—something many reviewers mention as handy after the swim. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking prevention measures, as the boat ride can be bumpy for some.

Not included are towels themselves, so it’s worth bringing one along. Also, since the tour runs only at night, it’s best suited for those comfortable with evening activities and open water snorkeling after dark.

The small group size is a remarkable feature that reviewers really appreciate. Carmela notes how the personal care and attention provided by guides like Brian and Halea make a difference — you don’t feel like just another face in a crowd. This intimacy enhances the experience, making it more memorable and less rushed.

The use of illuminated floatation devices is both innovative and eco-friendly, attracting plankton without disrupting the environment. This approach ensures that your encounter with the manta rays is as natural as possible, giving you a genuine chance to observe these creatures in their habitat.

The timing at night is a significant bonus. Manta rays are nocturnal and most active after sunset, so you’ll witness a side of marine life that few daytime snorkelers get to see. Many reviews mention how peaceful and majestic the manta rays appear, doing somersaults and feeding in the calm darkness.

The Cost and Its Value

At $130 per person for a 2.5-hour experience, this tour offers excellent value—especially considering the small group setting, the quality of guides, and the eco-friendly nature of the activity. Compared to larger, more commercial options, this experience feels more exclusive and personal, which many travelers find worthwhile.

This experience is ideal for travelers who love marine wildlife and are comfortable snorkeling at night. It’s perfect if you’re after an intimate, authentic encounter with nature, rather than a crowded tourist spectacle. The calm pace, friendly guides, and stunning visuals make it suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

However, it’s worth noting that because the tour takes place after dark, it’s not suitable for those who are uncomfortable in low-light conditions or with night swimming. If you’re a night owl with a sense of adventure and a love for marine life, this will likely be one of the highlights of your trip.

The Kona Hi Sunset Manta Ray Tour is a wonderfully crafted experience that combines natural beauty, eco-consciousness, and personal service. From the moment you meet at Honokohau Harbor to floating peacefully beneath the stars, every element is designed to create a meaningful connection with Hawaii’s vibrant marine life.

The small-group setup fosters a relaxed and immersive environment, and the guides’ expertise ensures you get the most out of this magical encounter. The use of illuminated floatation devices makes it accessible and safe, while still maintaining an authentic and awe-inspiring vibe.

If you’re looking for a night-time adventure that’s both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, this tour hits the mark. It’s a chance to witness the grace of manta rays in their natural habitat, surrounded by the tranquility of the Hawaiian coast.

What is the starting point for the tour?
The tour begins at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, with check-in at Hawaii Marine Life Charters. The location is easily accessible from Kailua-Kona via Queen Kaahumanu Highway.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 2.5 hours, starting with a quick boat ride to the snorkel site and ending back at the harbor.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the snorkeling tour, a guide, wetsuit top, floatation devices, and use of snorkeling equipment, including options for prescription masks.

Is this tour suitable for children or beginners?
While the tour is designed for a small group with attentive guides, snorkeling at night requires comfort with water and low-light conditions. It’s best suited for those comfortable with night swimming and floating.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring a towel, swimwear, and perhaps motion sickness prevention if you’re prone to seasickness. No towels are provided.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reservations are flexible allowing you to book now and pay later.

In summary, the Kona Hi Sunset Manta Ray Tour offers a rare and personal chance to witness one of nature’s most graceful creatures in a natural, moonlit setting. With friendly guides, eco-minded practices, and a small group, it’s a bucket-list experience for marine enthusiasts and night-time explorers alike.