
Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 397 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience worth booking?
Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience is a 1.5-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $125 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 397 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (397)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $125 per person
We carry a maximum of 12 passengers so we can offer a more intimate manta ray snorkel experience than the larger "cattle boats" in Kona. In addition to delivering a more private experience, our small group size allows f
What you get
About this experience
We carry a maximum of 12 passengers so we can offer a more intimate manta ray snorkel experience than the larger "cattle boats" in Kona. In addition to delivering a more private experience, our small group size allows for a better manta ray show. Your swim guide will tow your party to the most active areas of the snorkel site, as you hold onto a light board and enjoy the show. Larger groups on bigger boats are often required to stay next to the boat, and can't chase the manta ray action as we do. By locating the most active areas of the snorkel site, you'll have a higher chance of seeing more manta rays. If you book all 12 seats on any trip, you will have your own private charter. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snorkel with manta rays, in a private small-group experience. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!
What's included
Included
- Use of snorkeling equipment
Not included
- Please bring your own towel.
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Please arrive 15 minutes early, and meet us at the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, located on Kealakehe Pkwy in Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Follow directions to the Boat Launch ramp area near the restrooms and pavilion. We'll meet you at the pavilion and check you in before escorting you to the vessel.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please arrive 15 minutes early, and meet us at the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, located on Kealakehe Pkwy in Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Follow directions to the Boat Launch ramp area near the restrooms and pavilion. We'll meet you at the pavilion and check you in before escorting you to the vessel.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Coral Reef Snorkel Adventures
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Must be able to swim without the assistance of a floatation device.
- Maximum weight of 280 pounds per traveler.
- Not recommended for travelers with neck problems
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 397 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
397 verified traveler reviews for Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best experience of our trip!!!
It is 100% worth every penny and way better in person than you can even imagine!! The all woman dream team of Christine, Sara, Alexis and Carmelle were amazing, attentive, funny and professional. Loved every second of this experience. Manta Ray's were literally kissing us with 5 seconds of entering the water.
via Viator
Absolute Magic!
Amazing once in a lifetime experience. Admittedly I was a bit worried about being in a dark ocean at night or getting motion sickness (which I get easily) - but ultimately neither was of any issue. Our tour had just about 10 people, which was wonderful because it wasn't overly large or cumbersome. Our crew were helpful & friendly. We especially enjoyed Cody's knowledge of the rays as we were swimming. Our group was small and chill & Cody took great care to keep her fins out of the water so as not to disturb the rays. For most of our tour we were the only boat where we were & it was peaceful. Other boats showed up and wanted to link up - they were a totally different vibe. Much more loud & party, and their guide kept her fins in the water which deterred the rays from swimming nearby. We very much enjoyed the smaller, more quiet group. If you get motion sickness, take a dramamine beforehand. I did and had zero issues. I was super nervous beforehand, but it all went away once that first ray showed up! Truly magical! Don't skip on this tour!
via Tripadvisor
A truly magical experience
Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish. Corey, Karen, CJ and Noel were friendly and professional and it was very apparent how much they love these magnificent creatures. They educated passengers about the mantas and how to interact with them respectfully. The boat was spotless and we had dolphins jumping off the bow! Fresh pineapple on the boat was much appreciated and a warm shower rinse after was a great touch. The number and closeness of manatees was something I never would have imagined. An unbelievable memory for me and my daughter. Mahalo!
via Tripadvisor
Disappointing and expensive
The trip was rushed. We did not get to see the mantas. Seemed that the guides focus was cranking through back to back tours. They did offer the option to go another time but no trips were available during the rest of our stay. It was pricey for the short excursion. Our group of 8 was very disappointed. I think the 90% chance of seeing Mantas is not accurate.
via Viator
Exceptional Experience!
A fantastic experience using Coral Reef expeditions! A smaller group experience is the way to go. Alexis and Cody were amazing! We got into the group area where the Manta’s were swimming before everyone else. An up close and personal experience. I highly recommend them all the way!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 139
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience cost?
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Prices start at $125 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Island of Hawaii usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.
Is Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 397 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience?
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Around 139 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Big Island of Hawaii can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Island of Hawaii and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Island of Hawaii within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Big Island of Hawaii?
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The Big Island is volcano country: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours, Mauna Kea summit stargazing, night manta ray snorkels off Kona, Waipio Valley lookouts and coffee farm visits. Summit tours have real altitude rules, so we weight safety detail. On Outty we rank every Big Island of Hawaii experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History, Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii?
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April to October, though the island runs year round. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Big Island of Hawaii?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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