Big Island Manta Ray Tours
Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays!
Manta Ray Night Snorkeling on the Big Island: What to Expect
How does it work?
You will be taken by boat to a location where manta rays are known to feed. Everyone on the tour holds onto a paddleboard, forming a circle, floating on top of the water looking down. LED lights attached to the paddleboard attract schools of plankton. The plankton then attracts the manta rays. The manta rays swoop in to collect the plankton, which looks like they are doing somersaults beneath you.
Can we touch the manta rays?
No. Manta rays have a protective outer layer of mucous. If this mucous is disturbed it leaves them vulnerable to infection. If you attempt to touch a manta ray you will be immediately sent back to the boat. Some tour companies provide life preservers and pool noodles to help prevent accidental touching as well.
Where do we go? How long are the tours?
Reliable manta ray sightings only occur on the leeward side of the Big Island (Kona and Kohala coasts). Tours leave from the Kona and Waikoloa areas. Departure times vary with the season. The length of the tour and boat ride will vary as well.
Is it safe?
It is not without risk, but not especially dangerous. The Manta Rays themselves have no teeth or barbs and use sonar to avoid contact with humans. They are quite large though (with 12-18 feet wingspans), and sometimes get very close. Being in the water in the dark is very disorienting too, so don’t attempt to do this on your own. Using a reputable Big Island manta ray tour company will ensure your safety and increase the likelihood of sightings.
Keauhou Manta Ray Snorkel (South Kona)
Tour Length
1.5 Hours
Price
$99.00
The Keauhou Manta Ray Snorkel travels only a few hundred yards through calm protected waters, to arrive at the Manta Ray viewing site.
Swim with giant Manta Rays at night!
Short boat ride to diving site (under 5 mins)
Personalized, small group tours
Most affordable way to visit the Manta Rays
Manta Ray Night Snorkel (Kona)
Tour Length
3 Hours
Price
$130.00
Meet the crew at Honokohau Harbor before setting off to find the giant Manta Rays under a starry sky in Kona.
See the Manta Rays up close and personal!
Enjoy a night on the water under a starry sky
Ride to diving spot in comfort
Hot chocolate & snacks served after the dive
Manta Ray Snorkel Big Island (Waikoloa)
Tour Length
1.5 Hours
Price
$175.00
Take a nighttime trip on the water with a small, intimate group to witness Manta Rays up close and personal.
Snorkel with Manta Rays at night!
Watch as they feed on plankton
Located just 10 minutes from Waikoloa Village
Personalized, small group tours
