Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in Big Island of Hawaii, United States
Big Island of Hawaii, United States

Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Outty Ranking 76 4.8 · 701 traveler reviews1 hoursFrom $127
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Outty Ranking

76/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 701 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii worth booking?

Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii is a 1-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $127 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 701 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 (701)
Duration
1 hours
From
$127 per person

Why choose Eka over the others? Our small group sizes of 12 or less allow us to assist each guest, keep everyone accounted for, and move freely in the water towards the best manta viewing! Big groups stay tethered to their boats. Our 1-hour tour travels just a few minutes to and from the manta ray site. We spend less time loading/unloading and more time doing what matters: snorkeling with the manta rays! Located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, Eka Canoe Adventures specializes in manta ray snorkeling experiences with a cultural touch. One of a few historically accurate Hawaiian double-hulled canoes, Wa'a Kini Kini is your unique gateway to the waters of the Kona coastline. Regarded by the Travel Channel as one of the most thrilling experiences on earth, the manta ray night snorkel experience is an activity that can only be enjoyed in a few locations globally. Manta ray snorkeling will give you an unforgettable, humbling, and awe-inspiring sensation.

What you get

    About this experience

    Why choose Eka over the others? Our small group sizes of 12 or less allow us to assist each guest, keep everyone accounted for, and move freely in the water towards the best manta viewing! Big groups stay tethered to their boats. Our 1-hour tour travels just a few minutes to and from the manta ray site. We spend less time loading/unloading and more time doing what matters: snorkeling with the manta rays! Located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, Eka Canoe Adventures specializes in manta ray snorkeling experiences with a cultural touch. One of a few historically accurate Hawaiian double-hulled canoes, Wa'a Kini Kini is your unique gateway to the waters of the Kona coastline. Regarded by the Travel Channel as one of the most thrilling experiences on earth, the manta ray night snorkel experience is an activity that can only be enjoyed in a few locations globally. Manta ray snorkeling will give you an unforgettable, humbling, and awe-inspiring sensation.

    What's included

    Included

    • Floatation devices
    • Wetsuit top (for warmth)
    • Use of snorkel equipment (Normal & Rx)

    Not included

    • Tea and coffee
    • Snacks
    • Towels
    • Private transportation
    • Crew gratuity
    • Motion sickness medication

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Big Island of Hawaii

    Navigate to the above address in Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. Park along Kaleiopapa St. and walk downhill along the road until you come to a small parking lot and a finger pier. Look for a black & yellow Hawaiian canoe on the pier and check in with one of our crew members!

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Navigate to the above address in Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. Park along Kaleiopapa St. and walk downhill along the road until you come to a small parking lot and a finger pier. Look for a black & yellow Hawaiian canoe on the pier and check in with one of our crew members!

    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
    Eka Canoe Adventures

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Guests must be able to swim and climb a short ladder unassisted
    • Please remember that these manta rays are completely wild animals. They are not fed or trained. Eka Canoe Adventures cannot guarantee their presence. Even if the manta rays take a night off, our operating costs do not. Because of this, we are unable to offer refunds for tours where manta rays were not seen; only another chance to snorkel with them. This is true for any manta ray snorkel provider in Kona. We greatly appreciate your understanding!
    • In the unlikely event that we do not spot a manta ray on your tour, our Manta Ray Guarantee will ensure you have another opportunity to come back for another attempt on a different evening or on a future visit to Kona, Hawai’i (pending available seats)
    • Minimum age allowed onboard is 5 years old
    • We only collect height and weight during booking to calculate the size of your wetsuit top. There's no way to simply ask for your shirt size here
    • Please opt-in to receive text message updates (during booking) regarding this experience. The reminder text message will be sent day-of and include instructions and pictures to help you find parking and the check-in location. We promise not to spam you
    • Not recommended for those who have recently undergone surgery
    • Not recommended for those who may have mobility/physical restrictions

    Photos

    Manta rays often glide within inches of our guests, Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in Big Island of HawaiiBeautiful sunset views at the meet point for check in., Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in Big Island of HawaiiPOV: Mantas and other wildlife gather just below the lights, Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in Big Island of HawaiiPreparing for a beautiful evening of snorkeling, Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in Big Island of HawaiiOur friendly crew assisting with masks and snorkels, Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in Big Island of HawaiiCruise on the unique Hawaiian sailing canoe, Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in Big Island of Hawaii

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 699 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    699 verified traveler reviews for Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    645
    4 star
    26
    3 star
    8
    2 star
    6
    1 star
    14
    Sort
    jennybutler227 · October 2026

    Exceptional experience

    I would highly recommend Eka Canoe Adventures! I had such an amazing experience on their manta ray tour last year that I had to come back again. Paige, Koa, and Chayden really enhanced the experience. Paige was super sweet, ensuring my mask was secure and assisting me with boarding the canoe. Koa was very knowledgeable about the rays. I told him that they were my favourite sea animals, and he went above and beyond to educate me. Koa’s calming demeanour and lifeguarding background were very reassuring. Chayden is a fantastic captain. He did a great job navigating the waves and was very personable and easy to chat with during the boat rides. I had the opportunity to snorkel with many manta rays that swam right up to me. I highly recommend a manta ray snorkelling experience, especially with this company!

    via Tripadvisor

    N500JAmelissas · October 2026

    Amazing!

    Eka Canoe was really great! The canoe we go out with is beautiful, the guides are amazing and the experience itself is out of this world! They do recommend to get motion sickness meds before if you might be prone to it and I would recommend it too. If the sea is a bit agitated that night, you might be glad you took it

    Response from the operator: Aloha, and mahalo for the kind review! We’re so glad you enjoyed our waʻa, our crew, and your manta ray experience. We also appreciate you sharing the helpful tip about motion sickness medication for other guests as ocean conditions can vary from night to night. Mahalo nui for choosing Eka Canoe Adventures, and we hope to welcome you aboard again on your next visit to Kona!

    via Tripadvisor

    Flyer05734966712 · August 2026

    Awesome Experience!!!

    Absolutely awesome! We were lucky enough to have several manta rays show up, and they seemed to love our group because they stayed with us nearly the entire time we were in the water. They swam incredibly close, even brushing against my wife and I over and over again! Truly gentle giants and such amazing creatures. We’ve never experienced anything like it — definitely one of the highlights of our trip! 🌊🤙

    Response from the operator: Aloha! Sounds like the mantas definitely decided your group was the place to be! There’s nothing quite like having these gentle giants repeatedly glide right alongside you, and we’re so glad it became one of the highlights of your trip. Mahalo for sharing the love! Mahalo - The team at Eka.

    via Tripadvisor

    lailak669 · July 2026

    Awesome Birthday Venture!

    Super awesome experience! Guide & Captain was enthusiastic during the tour and very informing on safety and names of the Mantaʻs. Will do this again!

    Response from the operator: Aloha! What a spectacular way to celebrate a birthday! We're so glad our crew helped make the occasion memorable while sharing stories about the manta rays and keeping everyone safe. We can't wait to welcome you back again. Mahalo - The team at Eka.

    via Tripadvisor

    desareyl2026 · July 2026

    Kona Adventure

    So excited to do this. Unfortunately, the mantas were shy on our trip. Did not see any, but the experience was still amazing. My husband and I enjoyed every minute. The canoe ride was amazing and the crew was very helpful and entertaining. They offered us to come back since we didn’t see any. Which I thought was very nice. We were flying back to Oahu the next morning so we couldn’t come back, but they told me they would honor it for our next trip out. Still an amazing experience for us. Loved the smaller boat. There was other companies out there with boats and a lot of people packed on them. So being a smaller boat made it more memorable. We will for sure go back on our next visit to Kona.

    Response from the operator: Aloha! While we wish the manta rays had joined the party that night, we're so glad you still enjoyed your time on the canoe with our crew. The ocean always keeps us guessing, which is why we're happy to honor our manta guarantee whenever you return to Kona. We can't wait to welcome you both back and hopefully introduce you to the mantas next time! Mahalo - The team at Eka.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    1 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
    245
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 76

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)84
    Booking momentum (14% weight)81
    Value for money (12% weight)21
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)56
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.

    How much does Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii cost?

    +

    Prices start at $127 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 Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii take?

    +

    Plan for about 1 hour 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 Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 701 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 Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii?

    +

    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 Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii?

    +

    Around 245 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?

    +

    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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii?

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    Included: Floatation devices; Wetsuit top (for warmth); and Use of snorkel equipment (Normal & Rx). Not included: Tea and coffee; Snacks; Towels; and Private transportation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii?

    +

    Navigate to the above address in Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. Park along Kaleiopapa St. and walk downhill along the road until you come to a small parking lot and a finger pier. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii offered in?

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    It runs in English. 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 Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii?

    +

    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 Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Not recommended for those who may have mobility/physical restrictions. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii?

    +

    Across 701 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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