Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure in Kailua-Kona

Discover the Unique Night Snorkel with Manta Rays in Kailua-Kona

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure in Kailua-Kona offers an exciting chance to observe graceful manta rays beneath the waves during an evening tour on the Big Island of Hawaii. Priced at $137 per person, this approximately 2-hour experience is ideal for families and swimmers with basic snorkeling skills. Departing from Honokohau Harbor, the tour takes you to ‘Manta Heaven’ where luminous underwater lights attract these gentle giants, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

This tour is guided by certified professionals, ensuring safety and providing fascinating insights about manta rays and their habitat. All necessary snorkeling gear and shorty wetsuits are included, removing the need for extra equipment. Although the experience generally receives positive feedback for its stunning views and knowledgeable guides, it’s important to consider that manta rays are wild animals and their sighting cannot be guaranteed every night.

Key Points

• Price of $137 per person for a 2-hour night snorkeling adventure
• Small group size with a maximum of 18 participants for a more personalized experience
• All snorkeling gear and wetsuits included in the tour package
• Departing from Honokohau Harbor, heading to Manta Heaven or Manta Village
• Nighttime viewing of manta rays feeding on plankton using custom-made light boards
• Guided by certified guides who prioritize safety and share insights about manta rays

Specific Locations for Nighttime Manta Encounters

The tour departs from Honokohau Harbor, a central point on the Big Island. After a 15-20 minute boat ride, you arrive at either Garden Eel Cove (Manta Heaven) or Keauhou (Manta Village). These manta sites are popular for their rich plankton supply, which attracts the rays for feeding.

At Garden Eel Cove, the focus is on up-close viewing of large manta rays gliding effortlessly through the water. Manta Village offers a similar experience further south, with the added chance to see multiple rays and enjoy the starry night sky during the boat ride back. The guides help position everyone for optimal viewing while ensuring safety and comfort.

How the Tour Operates and What to Expect

The check-in process occurs at the Snorkel Big Island meeting point, with instructions to confirm the exact check-in time—which can be up to 40 minutes prior to the tour. Once on board, the boat ride offers a chance to relax, watch the stars, and see city lights as the crew prepares you for the snorkeling session.

During the snorkel, participants hang onto a custom-made light board that illuminates the water below, attracting the manta rays. The guides help find the best viewing positions and explain the behavior of these gentle giants. The entire experience is designed to be safe and enjoyable, with an emphasis on respecting the wildlife.

What Equipment and Inclusions Are Provided

The tour includes all necessary snorkeling gear, such as masks, snorkels, and fins, along with shorty wetsuits to keep comfortable in the cool night water. The presence of certified in-water guides or lifeguards ensures a safe environment for all participants.

It’s worth noting that prescription masks are not included, so guests needing correctional lenses should plan accordingly. The tour also welcomes service animals and is conducted near public transportation options, making it accessible for many.

Group Size and Physical Requirements

This tour keeps the group size limited to 18 participants, enhancing personalized attention. Basic swimming skills are required, and participants must be able to climb up a boat ladder independently. The activity is not recommended for travelers with mobility restrictions or physical limitations, emphasizing the importance of good swimming ability.

Guests should be comfortable in water, as the experience involves floating in the ocean at night. The guides are experienced and assist in positioning everyone for the best chance to observe manta rays in their natural feeding behavior.

The Experience of Seeing Manta Rays at Night

The core attraction of this tour is the chance to see manta rays up close while they feed on plankton attracted by underwater lights. The large, graceful creatures glide silently beneath participants, offering a breathtaking view.

Since manta rays are wild animals, the tour cannot guarantee sighting—a point clearly noted in the policy. If no rays are seen, guests can often try again on a different night or return for free if they purchased tickets directly through the provider’s website. The guides’ experience and the location’s rich plankton generally increase the chances of success.

Logistics: Meeting Point, Departure, and Return

The meeting point is at Snorkel Big Island, located at 74-380 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona. After confirming your check-in time, you’ll board the boat for a short ride to the manta sites. The return is back at the same meeting point, with the option to stargaze during the boat ride home.

Guests should arrive 15-40 minutes prior to their scheduled tour to ensure a smooth check-in process. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is suitable for most visitors with basic swimming skills.

Pricing, Booking, and Cancellation Policies

The $137 price covers all snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and the expert guidance of certified guides. The tour offers a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, but if the tour is canceled due to poor weather, guests are offered a rescheduled date or a full refund.

Guests are encouraged to call the provider in advance to confirm the availability and check-in times, especially during peak seasons when seats may be limited.

The Benefits of a Small-Group Experience

With a maximum of 18 participants, this tour provides a more intimate and personalized environment. Guests benefit from direct interaction with guides, who share insights about manta ray behavior and the local marine ecosystem.

The small group size enhances the chances of up-close viewing and allows guides to adjust positioning for each participant, making the experience more enjoyable and memorable.

Honesty About the Limitations and Potential Issues

While the tour has many strengths, it’s important to note that seeing manta rays depends on wild animal behavior, and sighting cannot be guaranteed. One review highlights the frustration of a missed experience, emphasizing the importance of proper communication and checking in on the night of the tour.

Guests should also be aware that physical mobility can be a limiting factor, as climbing up the boat ladder and floating in open water are involved. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility restrictions or significant physical limitations.

Final Thoughts on the Kailua-Kona Manta Ray Snorkel

This night snorkeling tour offers a unique opportunity to observe majestic manta rays in their natural environment, illuminated by special underwater lights. The certified guides and all-inclusive gear make it a convenient choice for those seeking a safe and personalized experience.

While it’s impossible to guarantee sightings, the location and guides’ expertise generally provide a good chance to experience these gentle creatures. It’s a great choice for families with basic snorkeling skills who want to explore the marine life of the Big Island at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
Yes, basic snorkeling skills are required to participate safely in this tour.

Can I see manta rays every night?
Since manta rays are wild animals, the tour cannot guarantee their presence; sightings depend on animal behavior.

What should I bring?
Guests should wear comfortable swimwear, arrive with confirmation of check-in time, and bring a towel. Prescription masks are not provided.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is best suited for swimmers who can independently climb a boat ladder; younger children should be comfortable in open water and water-safe.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride to the manta sites takes about 15-20 minutes each way.

What is included in the price?
The snorkeling gear, shorty wetsuits, and guidance are included; additional equipment like prescription masks is not.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellations made more than 24 hours before the tour are fully refundable. Cancellations less than 24 hours are not refunded.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

Is the tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not recommended for travelers with mobility restrictions due to the climbing involved.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Snorkel Big Island at 74-380 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona.

This Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure offers a captivating view of one of Hawaii’s most iconic marine animals in their natural habitat. It’s an experience that is memorable for its unique setting and guided safety, perfect for those eager to see manta rays while enjoying the stunning night skies of Kailua-Kona.