
Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 269 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona worth booking?
Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona is a 2-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $109 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 269 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (269)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $109 per person
Experience an unforgettable sunset manta ray snorkel tour, consistently ranked among the top lifetime adventures in Hawaiʻi. We specialize in small-group tours, limiting each experience to no more than 10 guests in the water, unlike many operators with 25–50 passengers. The result is a calmer, more personal encounter with these incredible animals. Check in directly at our in-water boat slip (G-8) for fast, easy boarding. After a thorough safety briefing, enjoy a smooth 10–15 minute ride to a prime manta snorkel site, followed by 35–40 minutes in the water with attentive, experienced swim guides. Reboarding is simple with our wide ladder, and the return ride offers comfortable seating. Each tour includes 2 crew members for personalized attention. A minimum of 4 guests is required; if not met, we’ll coordinate a reschedule. All-Inclusive No Hidden Fees. Snorkel gear, wetsuits, bottled water, hot cocoa and tea, snacks, plus all taxes and fees are included.
What you get
About this experience
Experience an unforgettable sunset manta ray snorkel tour, consistently ranked among the top lifetime adventures in Hawaiʻi. We specialize in small-group tours, limiting each experience to no more than 10 guests in the water, unlike many operators with 25–50 passengers. The result is a calmer, more personal encounter with these incredible animals. Check in directly at our in-water boat slip (G-8) for fast, easy boarding. After a thorough safety briefing, enjoy a smooth 10–15 minute ride to a prime manta snorkel site, followed by 35–40 minutes in the water with attentive, experienced swim guides. Reboarding is simple with our wide ladder, and the return ride offers comfortable seating. Each tour includes 2 crew members for personalized attention. A minimum of 4 guests is required; if not met, we’ll coordinate a reschedule. All-Inclusive No Hidden Fees. Snorkel gear, wetsuits, bottled water, hot cocoa and tea, snacks, plus all taxes and fees are included.
What's included
Included
- Hot Cocoa
- Snacks
- Hot Tea
- Bottled water
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- wetsuit
What you'll see and do
Garden Eel Cove / Manta Heaven
Embark on a voyage that transforms the night into a realm of enchantment with our Nightly Manta Ray snorkel experience. Rated as one of the top aquatic adventures in the world, it is truly a “bucket-list” once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our Nightly Manta Ray snorkel is a portal to a realm rarely witnessed by human eyes. With custom-made high-intensity LED light boards, we invite you into the nocturnal playground of these gentle giants. Imagine floating weightlessly as the Manta Rays glide elegantly through the darkness, inches away from your awe-struck gaze. With wingspans of up to 16 feet and weighing up to 1,600 pounds, it’s truly awe-inspiring, but safe as mantas have no teeth, stingers, or barbs. They are filter-feeders and are here strictly to gorge themselves upon microscopic plankton attracted to the lights. Before the adventure begins, you’ll receive a safety and Manta Ray briefing, ensuring you’re prepared for this otherworldly encounter.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
CHECK-IN: Honokohau Harbor Slip, G-8 under the HAWAII MARINE LIFE CHARTERS sign. After exiting Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Hwy 19) at Kealakehe Pkwy, take the 3rd RIGHT(at brown restrooms/red roof). Find our white van and orange tour sign on the right. Please arrive 15 mins early. Mahalo!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
CHECK-IN: Honokohau Harbor Slip, G-8 under the HAWAII MARINE LIFE CHARTERS sign. After exiting Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Hwy 19) at Kealakehe Pkwy, take the 3rd RIGHT(at brown restrooms/red roof). Find our white van and orange tour sign on the right. Please arrive 15 mins early. Mahalo!
Options you can book
Ride Along Option-non Swimming
Drinks, and snacks: Cold water, Hot Cocoa, Hot Tea, Potato chips, Cookies.
Sunset Manta Ray Tour
drinks and snacks: Hot Cocoa, Hot Tea, Potato chips, and cookies Kona Coast 31' Ocean Craft RHIB
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hawaii Marine Life Charters
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
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recomended for anyone over 250 lbs
- All guests must confirm they do not have any pre-existing medical conditions, including neck or back injuries, that could be aggravated by this activity. Guests must be able to climb a vertical boat ladder without assistance. Expecting mothers are not permitted to participate.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 262 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
262 verified traveler reviews for Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing, magical, and spiritual!
AMAZING & MAGICAL!!!! great vibes from the start! Our guides gave some great info and made it a blast! Before we even got in the water the manta rays were doing their thing! We even had a monk seal hang out with us! Overall, great experience and felt safe and cared for!
via Tripadvisor
Good trip for see menta
very good trip, see four menta
via Tripadvisor
Night Mantas
Bobby and Dustin did a great job ! Manta rays showed up quick so got tons of bang for the buck
via Tripadvisor
Best excursion ever!
This was the best excursion of the entire trip. We picked this one because it was a small group and locally owned. Dustin and Bobby were excellent. With it being a small group Bobby was able to move us around to where the Manta Rays were. The larger groups that were there only stayed in one spot. The videos that Bobby took were amazing and downloaded to us as soon as we got back at no additional cost! They provided us with snacks and hot chocolate when we were finished. Much appreciated. Anyone visiting the Big Island must do this. It was so great we booked a day snorkel while we were there with the same charter.
Response from the operator: Aloha, and mahalo for such an incredible review! We’re honored to hear this was the best excursion of your entire trip. It means a lot that you chose us because we’re locally owned and keep our groups small. That smaller setup really does allow our crew to be more flexible in the water, and we’re so glad Bobby was able to move your group around to where the manta action was happening. Thank you also for mentioning the complimentary videos, hot chocolate, and snacks. We love capturing those memories so guests can simply enjoy the moment, then have the footage waiting for them afterward at no extra cost. And the biggest compliment of all was having you book a daytime snorkel with us too. Mahalo for trusting Hawaii Marine Life Charters with more than one adventure during your Big Island trip — we truly appreciate your support of our small local company!
via Tripadvisor
Loved it!!!!
What a great experience!! The water was warm, the ocean was fairly calm, and we got to see mantas VERY close up! We also saw a few sharks, which was cool too. Definitely worth the money and the only way I’d get in the ocean at night.
Response from the operator: Aloha, and mahalo for the great review! We’re so glad the warm water, calm conditions, and up-close manta encounters made for such an unforgettable night. We especially appreciate you saying it felt like the only way you’d want to get in the ocean at night. Creating a safe, comfortable, small-group experience is exactly what we aim for. Mahalo for choosing Hawaii Marine Life Charters — we’re happy the experience felt worth every penny!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $109 to $149
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 94
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Hawaii Marine Life Charters, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.2.
See everything Hawaii Marine Life Charters runsWhy this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona cost?
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Prices start at $109 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 Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 269 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 Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona?
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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 Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona?
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Around 94 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona 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 Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona?
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Included: Hot Cocoa; Snacks; Hot Tea; Bottled water; and Use of snorkeling equipment. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona?
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CHECK-IN: Honokohau Harbor Slip, G-8 under the HAWAII MARINE LIFE CHARTERS sign. After exiting Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Hwy 19) at Kealakehe Pkwy, take the 3rd RIGHT(at brown restrooms/red roof). Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona 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 Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona?
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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 Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona 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 Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona?
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Across 269 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include small groups, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
What booking options are available for Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Ride Along Option-non Swimming, Sunset Manta Ray Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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