Manta Ray Snorkel Frequently Asked Questions

We provide everything you need for a seamless experience:

• Mask, snorkel, and wetsuit tops for comfortable snorkeling.
• Expert guidance from our crew, ensuring a safe and unforgettable adventure.

We're proud to operate two new premium vessels - each custom-built for comfort, safety, and performance:

• The Ribcraft - our 29-foot Ribcraft, similar to a Zodiac but larger, sturdier, and incredibly stable, with a spacious open layout that handles smoothly in all ocean conditions and is custom-outfitted for snorkeling, manta tours, and private charters.
• The Force - our 27-foot adventure vessel purpose-built for snorkeling and manta ray encounters: fast, maneuverable, and exceptionally stable even in choppier seas, with the same professional-grade safety gear, comfort seating, and smooth ride as The Ribcraft.
• Both boats are meticulously maintained and captained by our experienced local crew - offering the same luxury experience whether you're aboard The Ribcraft or The Force.

No - both tours offer the same amazing manta experience:

• Equal time in the water.
• The same small-group, premium service.
• The same expert crew and safety standards.

Every night is slightly different as these are wild animals, but all of our tour times offer an equal chance of seeing manta rays - we have the most consistent manta sightings on the island:

• Manta rays begin arriving at the site right around sunset and typically stay throughout the evening.
• Our first tour of the night kicks off just as the sun sets, offering a stunning view and an unforgettable start.
• Later tours take place in full darkness, which enhances the glowing underwater lights and creates an equally magical experience.
• No matter which time you choose, you'll be in the most consistent manta ray location on the island - and we'll always ensure conditions are right before heading out.

Absolutely. Manta rays are gentle giants of the ocean:

• They have no teeth, no stingers, and are completely harmless.
• Their wingspan can reach up to 15 feet, but they glide gracefully and are curious, not aggressive.
• Our guides ensure you have a safe, respectful, and memorable encounter.

Our Manta Ray Night Snorkel experience is ~50 minutes from start to finish:

• A quick 3-minute boat ride to Manta Ray Village (the shortest trip on the island).
• ~30-35 minutes in the water, giving you plenty of time to observe the mantas.
• Some guests are ready to come back on the boat before the full time is up, which is of course fine as well.
• Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and water after your swim.

Each guest must meet the following age requirement:

• At least 7 years old and under 70.

We don't have a strict weight requirement, but we do have general guidelines:

• We generally recommend guests be 280 lbs or under.
• Guests should be physically able to get in and out of the boat on their own.
• Boarding involves stepping about 18 inches up or down between the dock and the boat.
• Entering and exiting the water is done via a sturdy ladder with roughly 4 rungs.
• If you're unsure about your ability to participate, feel free to contact us before booking - we're happy to help you decide if this experience is right for you.

Our manta experience is an active ocean adventure, so guests should be comfortable with the following:

• Must be physically fit and capable of swimming 10 yards to the board.
• Climbing a rung ladder from the water back into the boat.
• Stepping up or down 12-18 inches to get on and off the boat.
• No pre-existing conditions that would make snorkeling or boating unsafe.
• If you have any questions, please reach out to us - we're happy to help decide if this tour is right for you.
• For your safety and our crew's safety: if you arrive without disclosing a condition and we determine you aren't capable of participating, we will unfortunately not allow you on board - and that ticket is not eligible for a refund.

We keep every trip small - 6 to 12 guests per vessel, depending on the boat:

• This ensures a more personal, relaxed, and premium experience - more like a private charter than a crowded tour.
• If you have a group larger than 12, please call or email us to discuss utilizing both of our boats together so we can accommodate you.

Manta rays are wild animals and can never be guaranteed. Keauhou Bay has the highest success rate for manta encounters in Hawaii and we do have the most consistent manta sightings on the island. Viewing rates have been recorded around 90%.

• If you don't see mantas on your tour, we want everyone to have this opportunity - so we'll do our best to get you back out on a tour with us and offer a complimentary return ticket to try again on another night during the duration of your trip with availability (Non Transferrable).
• Our guides are experts at finding the best spots, giving you the best chance to witness them.

No - manta rays are a protected species in Hawaii, and for their safety and yours we strictly follow a no-touch policy:

• Our goal is to observe them in their natural behavior without disruption.
• However, they're often so curious they'll come rub up against you on their own.

Manta rays are present year-round in Kona, which means there's never a bad time to join us:

• The warm Hawaiian waters provide the perfect habitat, ensuring sightings throughout every season.
• Our tours book out well in advance, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.

Yes, absolutely:

• You can enjoy the experience from the comfort of the boat with a front-row seat to watch the mantas perform their underwater ballet.
• Yes - it still requires a ticket, as it counts toward our total guest capacity.
• Perfect for family members who want to be part of the adventure without getting wet.

Our adventure begins at Keauhou Bay and heads to the world-famous Manta Ray Village:

• Just a quick 3-minute boat ride from our dock.
• This site is known for its unmatched manta ray activity, making it the best spot on the island for night snorkeling.

Yes! We encourage you to capture the incredible moments:

• Bring a GoPro or underwater camera - you'll want to capture the mantas gliding right beneath you.
• We also offer GoPro rentals if you want professional-quality footage.

Please plan to arrive with time to spare:

• Arrive at least 25 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
• Parking at Keauhou Bay can be limited, so give yourself extra time to find a spot and walk to check-in.
• We begin guest check-in and orientation 15 minutes prior to departure to ensure you're prepared and relaxed before boarding.
• Unfortunately we're unable to delay tours for late arrivals out of respect for our other guests and crew.
• Mahalo for helping us keep everything running smoothly - we want every guest to enjoy the full experience.

Yes - basic swimming ability is required:

• You must feel confident swimming in the ocean.
• Although you're supported and floating the whole time and completely secure, we require this for your safety.
• Our experienced crew is always nearby to assist and ensure everyone's safety.
• You should be able to swim approximately 10 yards unassisted (from the boat to the light board and back).
• During the tour you'll hold onto a custom light board throughout the snorkel and be supported by a flotation noodle under your legs, making it easy to stay afloat.
• Our experienced crew is in the water with you the entire time, ready to assist and ensure you feel safe and supported.
• You do not need to be an advanced swimmer - just comfortable in the water.
• If you're unsure about your ability, feel free to reach out to our team - we're happy to help.

Our tours depart from the Keauhou Bay Pier - not the boat ramp:

• If you're coming down Kaleiopapa St, head toward the building at the pier and you'll find us directly to the front right of the structure.
• You can click our address on Google Maps and it will direct you right to where you need to be.
• Look for a welcome sign in the parking lot for The Manta & Snorkel Co - Kona.
• We're located right by the pier, not at the public boat launch ramp.
• Our crew will be there to greet you, check you in, and get you ready for your adventure.
• If you're unsure or having trouble finding us, feel free to call - we're happy to help guide you in.

Since our tours are in very high demand and book out in advance, to be fair to all of our customers we have the following policies:

• 72-hour cancellation policy for a full refund.
• Since our tours are capped at 12 guests, for groups of 4 or more you must cancel a week before for a full refund so we have time to rebook those spots.
• If you need to reschedule for any reason, please reach out and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.

We require a minimum of 4 guests per tour to cover labor and operating costs:

• Most tours meet this minimum with no issue, as we typically book up.
• In rare cases, we may ask you to shift to another tour time that evening to avoid gaps and run efficiently.
• If fewer than 4 guests are booked and you're unable to move to another time, you'll have two options: receive a full refund, or pay the equivalent of 4 tickets to ensure the tour runs (and enjoy a more private experience).