Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Swim alongside gentle giant manta rays during the Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona, Big Island of Hawaii. For $130 per person, this 2 hours 30 minutes adventure offers an unforgettable chance to observe these majestic creatures in their natural nighttime habitat. Departing from Honokohau Harbor, the tour combines a scenic boat ride with a mesmerizing underwater spectacle, all led by experienced guides.

What makes this trip stand out is the guaranteed manta sighting—if no rays are seen, you receive a voucher for a future tour. The tour’s popularity is reflected in its booking cycle, with most reservations made about 20 days in advance. While the experience is suitable for most, it’s important to note that participants must know how to swim and be comfortable in open water.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $130, the 2.5-hour tour includes boat ride, snorkeling, and sunset views.
• Guaranteed Manta Sighting: The tour offers a guarantee of sightings, or a voucher for a future trip.
• Inclusive Equipment: All snorkel gear, wetsuits, and flotation devices are provided, making it accessible for most.
• Ideal for Water Enthusiasts: Participants should know how to swim and be comfortable in open water.
• Guided Experience: The guides are experienced, friendly, and help ensure safety and comfort during the snorkel.
• Popular Booking Times: The tour sees high demand, with most bookings 20 days ahead.

Starting Point at Honokohau Harbor

The adventure begins at Bite Me Sportfishing, located at 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy #1, Kailua-Kona. This facility offers a smooth check-in process, and the boat departs from this point for the nighttime voyage. The boat is spacious, equipped with an observation deck, a large cabin, and an onboard bathroom for comfort during the trip.

The designated meeting point provides easy access to the harbor, where the crew prepares the boat for a scenic ride out into the Kona waters. The boat’s size and amenities make for a relaxed journey to the manta habitat, and most trips are capped at 30 participants to maintain a personalized experience.

Sunset Views from the Boat Deck

One of the most cherished moments of this tour is the view of the Kona sunset from the deck of the boat. As the vessel cruises out towards the manta feeding grounds, guests enjoy vibrant colors filling the sky, creating a perfect backdrop for the upcoming underwater adventure.

The timing of the departure varies throughout the year, aligning with sunset times, which range from 5 PM to 9 PM depending on the season. This allows guests to catch the changing sky and observe the transition from daylight to night in a peaceful, tranquil setting.

The Snorkeling Setup and Equipment

Once at the designated spot, the guides assist with putting on wetsuits, snorkel masks, and flotation devices. All equipment is included in the tour price, ensuring convenience for participants. For those who wear glasses, it’s suggested to switch to contacts, as the masks are designed for comfort and ease of use.

Guests are buoyed with floatation devices to help them stay above the water, easing the experience of swimming in deeper waters—about 30 to 35 feet (9 to 10 meters)—where manta rays are feeding. The guides set up powerful lights to attract microscopic plankton, which in turn draws the manta rays to the surface, providing a spectacular display.

The Manta Ray Feeding Scene

During the 45-minute snorkeling session, guests watch large manta rays glide effortlessly through the water, sometimes coming very close—within inches—to the snorkelers. The rays are docile and gentle, with wingspans ranging from 4 to 12 feet and weights between 400 and 1,200 pounds.

The underwater lighting creates a “manta rave”, illuminating the rays and bubbles as they perform their feeding dance. This passive interaction occurs in an environment of mutual respect, emphasizing the creatures’ non-aggressive nature. The guides actively supervise to ensure both the safety and the respectful treatment of these magnificent animals.

What Makes the Guides Stand Out

Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their professionalism, knowledge, and friendliness. Guides like Momi and Josh stand out for their ability to assist less experienced swimmers, helping them feel more comfortable in the water. They set up the snorkeling gear and ensure everyone understands safety protocols, making the experience accessible and enjoyable.

The crew’s attentiveness extends to providing educational commentary about manta rays’ biology and behavior, enriching the experience beyond just observing these animals. Their ability to coordinate the boat and snorkeling moments results in a smooth, memorable outing.

Family-Friendly Aspects and Accessibility

This tour is popular among families, especially since children over 5 can participate when accompanied by an adult. However, children under 5 are required to provide their own life vests. The experience is suitable for most water enthusiasts but requires participants to be able to swim confidently.

The boat’s amenities and the inclusiveness of equipment make it a practical choice for a broad range of travelers. Despite the adventure’s excitement, the guides prioritize safety and comfort for all levels.

The Weather and Sea Conditions

The tour operates weather permitting and can be canceled if conditions are unsafe. Some reviews mention choppy waters, especially during storms, which can make the experience less comfortable for those prone to motion sickness. Guests are advised to consider their comfort with open water before booking.

If the tour gets canceled due to weather, a full refund or rebooking options are available. As the departure times adjust based on sunset, travelers are encouraged to confirm their schedule 24 hours in advance.

Booking and Cancellations

Most bookings are made about 20 days in advance, reflecting high popularity. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, ensuring flexibility. Once booked, a full refund is available if canceled more than 24 hours beforehand, but cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

The maximum group size of 30 participants ensures an intimate experience, and the mobile ticket format simplifies the check-in process.

Customer Feedback and Highlights

The tour maintains an impressive 4.6 out of 5 rating from over 1,186 reviews. Many highlight the guides’ professionalism, the spectacle of the manta rays, and the beautiful sunset. Visitors often mention the close proximity of the mantas, with some reporting rays swimming inches from their face.

Reviewers describe the experience as “breathtaking”, “magical”, and “unforgettable”. The crew’s fun and attentive attitude helps maintain a relaxed atmosphere, even for first-time snorkelers.

Summary of Advantages and Considerations

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel offers a unique opportunity to see large manta rays in their natural habitat with guaranteed sightings or a voucher. The tour is well-organized, with equipment provided and knowledgeable guides leading the way. The scenic boat ride and sunset views add to the overall appeal.

However, the experience requires good swimming ability and comfort in open water, with some reviews noting rough seas at times. Booking well in advance is recommended due to high demand, especially during peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 5 years old can participate when accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 need to provide their own life vests.

Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, participants should know how to swim confidently to enjoy the snorkeling experience safely.

What happens if no manta rays are seen?
The tour offers a guaranteed sighting, or you will receive a voucher for a future tour.

What is included in the price?
All snorkel gear, wetsuits, flotation devices, and snacks and water are included.

How long is the snorkeling session?
The snorkeling lasts approximately 45 minutes, in waters about 30 to 35 feet deep.

What should I wear and bring?
Wearing a wetsuit is included, but bringing additional layers or dry clothes for after the tour is advisable.

Can I cancel or reschedule the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the trip. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

What is the best season for this tour?
The tour timetable adjusts seasonally to sunset times, with departures from 5 PM to 9 PM based on the time of year.

How many people are on each tour?
The maximum number of participants is 30, ensuring an intimate experience.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Guests enjoy scenic sunset views, close manta encounters, and learning about mantas’ biology and behavior from experienced guides.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Bite Me Sportfishing at Honokohau Harbor.