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Manta ray gliding under moonlight in Kona
The Signature Trip

Kona's Top-Rated Manta Ray Night Snorkel.

Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Join us for an unforgettable evening on Kona's Most Incredible After-Dark Ocean Experience as you glide among majestic Manta Rays under a starlit sky.

From
$140
per guest · all gear included
Tour
50 min
6-12
Guests per boat
3 min
To site
30-35 min
In water
Reserve Your Night

Small groups, consistent sightings, fill fast. Book direct - no OTA fees.

Named "Top 10 Must-Do" by the Travel Channel

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Float effortlessly under the stars as radiant lights from our custom-designed light boards illuminate the waters below, attracting graceful manta rays that glide just inches from you.

Unlike operators packing 20-50 guests aboard, we cap every trip at 6-12 guests - across two brand-new vessels - so the encounter stays intimate, unhurried, and personal. It’s the difference between a backstage pass and general admission.

Legendary Location

Manta Ray Village, lit for over 60 years, draws these gentle giants back night after night.

Reliable Sightings

Keauhou Bay has the highest success rate for manta encounters in Hawaii, creating the most consistent, up-close manta experience on the island.

6-12 Guests

Among the smallest groups of any local operator. Intimate, unhurried, and personal.

Minutes to the Action

Just 3 minutes from Keauhou Bay to the viewing site. More time with the mantas.

What to Expect

An evening on Kona's coast

Check-In

Arrive at Keauhou Bay Pier

Check in before departure for a full safety briefing and fitting with all gear for your adventure.

Departure

3 minute cruise to Manta Ray Village

A short 3-minute boat ride out to Manta Ray Village. Wetsuits on, cameras ready.

In the Water

Face to Face with these Magnificent Creatures

Spend 30-35 minutes in the water gliding effortlessly on our custom light boards as these gentle giants swim beneath you and perform their patented barrel roll feeding technique.

Return

Warm welcome home

Back at the pier with a memory you won't stop talking about.

Ready to swim with mantas?

6-12 guests per boat

From $140 per person · All gear included

Check Availability

Nightly departures from Keauhou Bay · Book direct, no OTA fees

Testimonials

Hear from our guests.

“Trip was epic!! I've done the mantas on Big Island a few times, but this was a far better manta experience. Short boat ride and vessel and crew was incredibly dialed. We saw more mantas too to be fair.”
Steven Gerry
“Absolutely the BEST manta ray experience on the Big Island because of the 5-min boat ride, just a few snorkelers, and the captain's boat expertise in getting on a mooring. INCREDIBLE!”
Jeff Middleworth
“One of the most amazing experiences of my life. Highly recommend - it is truly magical. The captain and crew are fantastic and very knowledgeable. This tour is way more intimate than some of the other options - more one-on-one time with the mantas.”
Liana Luker
“Trip was epic!! I've done the mantas on Big Island a few times, but this was a far better manta experience. Short boat ride and vessel and crew was incredibly dialed. We saw more mantas too to be fair.”
Steven Gerry
“Absolutely the BEST manta ray experience on the Big Island because of the 5-min boat ride, just a few snorkelers, and the captain's boat expertise in getting on a mooring. INCREDIBLE!”
Jeff Middleworth
“One of the most amazing experiences of my life. Highly recommend - it is truly magical. The captain and crew are fantastic and very knowledgeable. This tour is way more intimate than some of the other options - more one-on-one time with the mantas.”
Liana Luker
From the water

Photographs from the water.

Real photos from real trips off the Kona coast - click to enlarge.

Before you book

Questions guests ask most.

Pack lightly - you don't need to bring much.

  • Come in your swimwear and bring a towel.
  • Have a dry change of clothes in your car for when you return.
  • Cover-up or rash guard for added comfort.
  • Camera or GoPro to capture the magic.
  • Pro Tip: If you have your own snorkel gear that you love, feel free to bring it!

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.

Each guest must meet the following age requirement:

  • At least 7 years old and under 70.

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.

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.

Still have a question? Call us at (808) 427-0665 - or grab your seats now, small groups fill fast.

Check Availability

Tonight's boat leaves from Keauhou Bay.

6-12 seats per boat. The most consistent manta sightings on the island. From $140 - book direct, no OTA fees.