Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure! Small Group

If you’re eyeing a truly memorable night in Hawaii, the Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure offers an unforgettable chance to see these majestic creatures up close. This tour leads you out on a fast Zodiac boat, where you’ll float in the dark with only underwater lights and plankton to attract the gentle manta rays. It’s a mix of thrill, awe, and a touch of adventure—perfect for those who love marine life and aren’t afraid to get their hair wet after sunset.

What we really love about this experience is the small group size—only 13 participants—which means more individual attention from the guides and a safer, more relaxed vibe. Plus, the crew’s enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, making the trip both fun and educational. Also, the boat ride itself, with its lively captain and friendly crew, adds a layer of entertainment that keeps the mood light and enjoyable.

On the flip side, a consideration for travelers is that manta rays are wild animals, so their presence isn’t guaranteed. You’ll want to keep an open mind and enjoy the trip for the experience—rather than just the sighting. This tour suits travelers who are comfortable in the water, have good swimming skills, and are eager for an authentic, intimate encounter with Hawaii’s underwater giants.

If you’re looking for a small-group adventure that combines fun, education, and a touch of magic under the stars, this tour hits the sweet spot.

Key Points

• Small group size (max 13) offers personalized attention and safety
• Includes all gear and wetsuits for comfort
• Experienced guides are knowledgeable and friendly
• The tour combines a lively boat ride with a calm, floating snorkeling experience
• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed but the experience is highly recommended
• Ideal for confident swimmers with good fitness levels

An In-Depth Look at the Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure

The Start: Easy Access and Preparation

The tour kicks off at the address 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, with an initial 40-minute window to gear up and listen to safety instructions. This is crucial because even though the actual snorkeling is only about 20-30 minutes, you want to be prepared—especially since the waters can be chilly. Wetsuits are provided, which many reviewers appreciate, since floating in the water without much movement for half an hour often brings a chill.

It’s worth arriving on time, as this ensures you won’t miss any part of the warm-up or safety briefing. The tour is quite punctual, and being prepared helps maximize your snorkeling time, which most guests agree is fantastic.

The Boat Ride: Fast, Fun, and Entertaining

Once ready, you’ll board a Navy Seal Zodiac speedboat. This isn’t your typical leisurely cruise—it’s quick and lively, adding an element of excitement from the moment you leave the dock. One reviewer mentioned the captain’s karaoke and dancing, which sets a fun tone for the evening. Expect splashes, a bumpy ride at times, and plenty of laughs—this isn’t a sedate experience.

Traveling along the Kona Coast offers glimpses of the shoreline lit by moonlight, adding to the anticipation. The short 4-minute boat ride to the snorkeling site keeps the energy up, ensuring you’re not waiting long before the main event.

Snorkeling with Manta Rays: An Intimate Encounter

When you arrive at the designated site, the guides will position themselves with underwater lights and floating boards. These lights are key—they attract plankton, which in turn draws the manta rays. It’s a carefully orchestrated scene that’s surprisingly peaceful and mesmerizing.

Most guests find the floating experience both relaxing and thrilling. You hold onto the custom light board, which not only keeps you stable but also makes it easier to observe the rays inching close. In fact, one reviewer recounted manta rays swooping within inches of swimmers, their eyes visible and their gentle movements awe-inspiring.

The guides are stationed nearby with their knowledge and safety gear. They’re well-trained, CPR certified, and full of interesting facts — much appreciated by those wanting to learn about these mysterious animals.

Authentic and Personal: What the Reviews Say

Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness and expertise. One reviewer notes, “The crew was a lot of fun and very friendly,” adding that the captain even entertained with karaoke. Another mentions that the guides fixed a booking mix-up with professionalism, emphasizing the staff’s dedication.

Guests consistently remark on how close the manta rays come—some say they’re only inches away, swimming with their eyes visible. The experience is described as “action-packed,” “mesmerizing,” and “breathtaking,” making it clear that seeing manta rays this close is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for many.

Duration and Flexibility

The entire tour lasts about 1 to 2 hours, with snorkeling itself taking up roughly 20-30 minutes. This is perfect for those who want a quick, impactful adventure without spending a whole evening on the water. It’s a relatively short outing but packed with a lot of memorable moments.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your ticket price of $120 covers all snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and the boat ride. Transportation to and from the tour’s meeting point isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own. The tour’s small size means it’s intimate, but it also means you should plan how to get there in advance.

Who It’s Best For

This experience is best suited for confident swimmers and those comfortable in open water. You’ll need to be able to climb a boat ladder independently and have a basic understanding of snorkeling—most reviews confirm that prior experience enhances enjoyment.

It’s also ideal for travelers seeking a personal, small-group adventure with plenty of opportunities for photographs and close-up encounters. The high safety standards, including CPR-certified guides, make it suitable for most people in good physical condition, provided they can handle the water.

Price and Value

At $120 per person, the tour delivers a fair amount of value—especially considering the small group size, the quality of guides, and the unforgettable experience of swimming with manta rays at night. While it doesn’t include transportation, the overall experience, safety, and intimacy make it worth the cost for many.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is a superb choice for curious travelers who want a more personalized experience with marine life. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable in the water and eager to see Hawaii’s famous manta rays up close, especially in such a small-group setting. The knowledgeable guides and lively boat ride add fun and reassurance, especially if you’re new to night snorkeling.

If your travel style leans toward authentic, intimate encounters with nature rather than large-scale tourist spectacles, this adventure will likely tick all your boxes. Just remember, wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the memories of floating among those gentle giants will stay with you long after the tour ends.

This small-group manta ray snorkeling tour offers a blend of adventure, education, and awe, making it a standout nighttime activity on the Big Island.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, most guests should be able to enjoy this experience if they have basic swimming skills and are comfortable snorkeling with guidance. Previous experience is recommended but not mandatory.

What should I wear?
Wetsuits are provided, so you just need to wear your swimsuit underneath. The water can be chilly, so bringing a towel or dry clothes for after is a good idea.

How long is the snorkeling portion?
The actual snorkeling lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, which is enough time to see plenty of manta rays and marine life.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Guests consistently say the guides are friendly, full of interesting facts, and very attentive to safety.

Can I get in the water if I don’t know how to swim?
Basic swimming skills are required. If you can swim and snorkel, you’re good to go.

What’s the group size?
The maximum is 13 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and safety.

What happens if I don’t see manta rays?
Manta rays are wild animals, so sightings aren’t guaranteed. However, most reviews highlight close encounters and mesmerizing moments regardless.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to the meeting point is not included, so plan accordingly.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

This Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure blends excitement, education, and intimacy in a way that makes it a highlight of any Big Island trip. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a curious traveler eager for a unique experience, it’s a chance to connect with marine life in a setting that’s as beautiful as it is exhilarating.