
Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 280 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure worth booking?
Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure is a 2.5-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $270 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 280 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (280)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $270 per person
For snorkelers, we will be floating on the surface as a group on our custom built board with spotlights pointing down on these creatures swimming below. Watch as these beautiful creatures glide beneath you, performing somersaults and spins. For the certified divers, this is a really easy night dive, we will mostly be kneeling in the sand at the bottom of the ocean no deeper then 30 feet with lights above and around us. This adventure includes all gear (mask, snorkel, fins, wet suit if requested), snacks, beverages and a delicious lunch. Also provided sunscreen and towels.
What you get
About this experience
For snorkelers, we will be floating on the surface as a group on our custom built board with spotlights pointing down on these creatures swimming below. Watch as these beautiful creatures glide beneath you, performing somersaults and spins. For the certified divers, this is a really easy night dive, we will mostly be kneeling in the sand at the bottom of the ocean no deeper then 30 feet with lights above and around us. This adventure includes all gear (mask, snorkel, fins, wet suit if requested), snacks, beverages and a delicious lunch. Also provided sunscreen and towels.
What's included
Included
- 2 Crew ( 1 Captain/ 1 Snorkel guide/ Dive guide)
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- All snorkel gear, wet suits (upon request)
- Lunch: we cater to the discerning traveler; our meals can be vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, Kosher.
- Snacks, fresh local fruits, juices, water, local beer (upon request)
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (4 seasons and pier pick up only)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Four seasons ONLY)
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Kona Ocean Adventures
Sunset Manta Snorkel : If you want to scuba dive, please contact us direct Snorkeling or diving this close to Manta Rays is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Listed as one of the Top ten Dive sites in the world according to National Geographic, the Kona Coast of Hawaii is perhaps the best place on earth to do this amazing activity. Manta Rays are gentle giants and among the most elegant creatures in all of nature. We will take you to a spot where they gather to feed in the evening. Our lights attract the plankton, and in turn the Manta Rays as they feed on these microscopic organisms. Sounds exiting? That’s because it truly is. Manta Rays are completely harmless. For snorkelers, we will be floating on the surface as a group on our custom built board with spotlights pointing down on these creatures swimming below. Watch as these beautiful creatures glide beneath you, performing somersaults and spins
150 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
we are in the big open parking lot next to the boat ramp. Our boats are on trailers
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
we are in the big open parking lot next to the boat ramp. Our boats are on trailers
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kona Ocean Adventures
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 278 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
278 verified traveler reviews for Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Thrilling swimming with manta rays
The excursion was thrilling! I was a little apprehensive beforehand, but the description on their website is spot on, and the guides made us comfortable. It is something anyone can and should experience! They provided great info on manta rays. The snorkel was incredible. We saw four large manta rays that swam right under our bellies! The boat ride during sunset was also beautiful.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re especially glad to hear that our crew helped you feel comfortable and confident before getting in the water. Seeing four manta rays glide directly beneath you is an incredible experience, and we’re thrilled you had such an unforgettable encounter. We also appreciate you highlighting the sunset boat ride and the information our guides shared about these amazing animals. It was a pleasure having you aboard Kona Ocean Adventures, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure on the Kona Coast!
via Tripadvisor
Manta Ray Dive
We had an amazing time with Captain Scott and Meredith seeing the Mantas!
Response from the operator: Right back at ya! Glad you had an amazing time with Captain Scott and Meredith. Mantas in Kona are a bucket list activity, so you can just check that on off of the list! (but come back and bring some friends along)
via Tripadvisor
Kona Ocean Adventures
An Incredible Experience with Kona Ocean Adventures! Kona Ocean Adventures exceeded our expectations from start to finish for our two days of diving! The entire team was fantastic—from booking and pickup to every detail of our adventures. Everyone went above and beyond to make sure we had an amazing experience. Brennan was incredibly helpful and accommodating through our many schedule changes. Nathan was punctual and a great driver. Captain Hana knew exactly where to go and found the perfect spots. Katelyn was a wonderful, patient instructor who helped my wife successfully complete her certification, and Meredith was an excellent dive master who pointed out all the incredible sea life while keeping us safe and comfortable. Captain Scott was amazing and picked a great spot for the Manta dive. The manta ray night dive was truly magical and an experience we will never forget! This is a wonderful team of people who genuinely care about their guests. We highly recommend Kona Ocean Adventures for scuba diving or snorkeling. We can’t wait to come back! 🌊🤿
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review! It means a great deal to our entire team to know that you felt cared for and supported throughout both days of your diving experience. Brennen, Nathan, Captain Hana, Katelyn, Meredith, and Captain Scott will be especially happy to hear your kind words. We’re thrilled that your wife was able to complete her certification and that your manta ray night dive turned into such a memorable highlight of the trip. Those encounters really are something special! Thank you again for trusting Kona Ocean Adventures with such an important part of your Hawaii experience. We truly enjoyed having you both aboard and look forward to welcoming you back to the Kona Coast for another adventure! We'll be waiting :)
via Tripadvisor
Coolest thing on big island
This manta ray tour was easily the coolest thing I’ve done during my time in Hawaii. I went solo, but the entire crew made me feel welcome and safe from start to finish.Our guide, Meredith, was incredible. She was fantastic with the kids from other families on board, explaining all the safety rules and instructions so clearly that everyone could understand easily. She is incredibly knowledgeable and gave us a mini-lesson about the mantas using a book, along with tons of interesting ocean facts. She also made sure no one was intimidated by the size of the mantas, and whenever anyone in the water needed a hand, she was quick to assist. Captain Raj was also great, super friendly, welcoming, and helpful to everyone on board. The actual "show" was mind-blowing; we saw so many massive manta rays swimming right up to us. It’s hard to put into words how majestic they are. To top it all off, the boat ride back under a massive blanket of stars was a sight in itself. Huge mahalo to Raj and Meredith for an unforgettable night!
Response from the operator: We’re thrilled to hear that your manta ray adventure was the coolest experience of your time in Hawaii! It means a lot to hear that you felt welcomed and safe from start to finish, especially traveling with us as a solo guest. Creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable, included, and confident in the water is something our team takes great pride in. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Meredith and Raj. Meredith will be especially happy to know that her safety briefing, manta lesson, and ocean knowledge helped make the experience so enjoyable. And we couldn’t agree more—the mantas have a way of completely taking your breath away when they glide right up alongside you! Ending the night with a boat ride beneath the Hawaiian stars is pretty hard to beat, too. We hope to see you back in Kona for another unforgettable ocean adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Crew and Mantas
Best tour I have been on in a while!! The Mantas were beautiful and so majestic. Meredith and Scott were amazing! I really appreciate how knowledgeable Meredith was, and it was amazing having a real marine biologist giving us the facts. I really enjoyed every minute and hope to come back next year.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your manta ray experience was one of the best tours you’ve been on in a while. There’s truly something magical about watching these incredible animals up close, and we’re so glad you enjoyed every minute. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Meredith and Scott. Meredith will especially appreciate hearing that her knowledge and perspective as a marine biologist added to your experience. We love being able to share not only the excitement of seeing the mantas, but also a deeper understanding of these amazing animals and the ocean they call home. Thank you for choosing Kona Ocean Adventures, and we hope to see you again real soon.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 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
- 98
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kona Ocean Adventures, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.7.
See everything Kona Ocean Adventures runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure cost?
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Prices start at $270 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 Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure take?
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Plan for about 2.5 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 Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 280 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure?
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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 Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure?
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Around 98 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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure 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 Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History. 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.
What is included in Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure?
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Included: 2 Crew ( 1 Captain/ 1 Snorkel guide/ Dive guide); Bottled water; Snacks; All snorkel gear, wet suits (upon request); and Lunch: we cater to the discerning traveler; our meals can be vegan, vegetarian, gluten fre. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off (4 seasons and pier pick up only); Hotel pickup and drop-off (Four seasons ONLY); and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure?
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we are in the big open parking lot next to the boat ramp. Our boats are on trailers Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure offered in?
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It is offered in English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure?
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Across 280 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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