Night Manta Ray Snorkel
ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR BIG ISLAND SNORKELING TOURS!
Kona is home to over 200 named mantas, distinguishable by their beautiful black and white marks. The manta rays come year-round, but their numbers on any given day depend on how much plankton is in the water. These gentle giants lurk just beneath the warm, clear waters and can boast a wingspan up to 16 feet wide. They are some of the largest fish in the ocean. Don’t worry, they’re completely harmless. Unlike stingrays, manta rays do not have stingers or barbs on their tails and have no teeth. Instead, they suck in plankton with their wide, vacuum-like mouths.
The Manta Ray Swim is approximately a two-hour long tour that takes off from Honokohau Harbor to go to Garden Eel Cove or near the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa, depending on where the best manta action was the night before. An experienced tour guide will take you into the water where you surround a custom-built snorkel board with high-powered lights. You will hold onto it, superman style, and watch the large and graceful mantas glide and spin just beneath you. You might be amazed at how close they get!
WHO SHOULD GO ON THE MANTA RAY SWIM
The Manta Ray Swim is open to anyone with a spirit of adventure. Adults and children (ages 5+) are welcome, and no experience is necessary, but basic swimming skills are required. (Children (under 18) must be at least five years of age and demonstrate strong swimming ability and be accompanied by an adult at all times.) Your helpful guide will provide all of the necessary equipment (including Rx masks) and keep you safe and happy on your adventure. A manta ray swim can be the crown jewel of your Kona, Hawaii vacation, a great bucket list conquest, and a safe and fun outing for the whole family.
FREE MANTA GUARANTEE
Please note that the Manta Rays are wild animals and we cannot guarantee their presence. If you do not see a manta on your night out, you can go again on another night on a space-available standby basis. Keep in mind that standby spaces may be extremely limited, especially during the busiest times of the year. This offer never expires, but is non-transferable and has no refund or cash value. We are typically very successful in finding mantas for you; however, if they are not around, the costs involved with setting up the charter and getting all our guests to the location will not allow for us to offer you a refund.
QUICK DETAILS
- Ages: 5+
- Location: Kona, Hawaii
- Duration: 2 hours
- Trip Time: Changes with the setting of the sun
- Not Suitable For: Expectant mothers or those with back or neck issues.
| Kealakekua Bay Snorkel | |
| Per Person 5+ | $139 |
Reservations canceled with at least 48 hours’ notice will be refunded in full. Reservations canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged the full price. KST will refund customers if we have to cancel the trip due to weather, ocean conditions, or mechanical issues.
Tour Includes
Snorkel tips & basic instruction upon arrival. Snacks & non-alcoholic beverages on the boat. Basic swimming skills are required.
Do you provide snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and floatation devices?
Yes! We provide good quality snorkeling gear including masks, snorkels, and fins for our day snorkel trips. Wetsuits are provided for all trips, and we strongly encourage you to use them on our night snorkel trips for buoyancy and warmth! Floatation devices are offered for all of our guests – we provide either a pool noodle or float belt (these are great if swimming is a challenge for you, you’re a first-time snorkeler, or you just want to relax).
What should I bring with me on the boat?
For day trips: hat, sun-protective clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, towel, camera
For evening trips: jacket, towel, camera
A small dry bag is recommended as we have limited dry storage onboard and seaspray is normal
Kindly leave any extra items in your car or in our storage locker on the dock. Key storage is provided as well, so those don’t get lost!
Do I need any swimming or snorkeling experience?
No experience is necessary, but basic swimming skills are required. We provide snorkeling gear, floatation devices (wetsuits, float belts, and pool noodles all help you float) and basic instruction for snorkeling, including some tips for having the best experience possible. You may be surprised by how buoyant you are in salt water compared to freshwater pools or lakes.
Where do I check-in?
We depart from the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. The easiest way to get there is to follow the Google Maps link in your confirmation email or type Kona Snorkel Trips into Google Maps and follow the directions. If you know where the harbor is just turn in and follow the road until you come two the store building with a red roof with a gas station. Park and meet us at the covered picnic tables. If you arrive at check-in and our boat is not there or no one is present to check you in we are either bringing the boat around or coming back from our previous trip. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to check your confirmation email for the correct date.
The address for GPS or smartphone maps is: 74-381 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua, HI 96740 or you can put Kona Snorkel Trips in Google Maps
What do we see on the morning or afternoon snorkel trip?
On our daytime snorkel trips, we are guaranteed to see an abundance of live coral reef rich with thousands of marine creatures big and small and hundreds of varieties of fish, including many endemic species. Often times we are fortunate enough to see the local spinner dolphins from the boat and occasionally they come into our snorkel spots to check out our snorkeling guests!
Should I bring swimwear and a rashguard?
Absolutely! With the exception of our season whale-watching tours, you’re gonna get wet. Arrive at check-in wearing your swimwear, ready to go! We highly recommend a rashguard with sun protection instead of sunscreen. If you do bring sunscreen – kindly make sure it’s reef safe.
Do you provide prescription masks?
We do have a limited selection of prescription masks available. If you plan to snorkel more than just once, it may be worth your while to purchase a mask with your correct prescription.
Can I bring my own gear?
Yes! We want you to be comfortable and have an enjoyable experience. We welcome you to bring your own snorkel gear or use ours – whatever is more comfortable for you.
Do you provide food and drinks?
On our morning snorkel trips, we provide light snacks (chips, cookies, granola bars)
Do you serve alcohol?
No, our license doesn’t allow us to serve alcohol. For your safety and the best experience for all guests, please don’t consume alcohol prior to your snorkel trip. You’re welcome to bring your own and enjoy beverages once you’re done snorkeling and out of the water. Cheers!
Does the boat have shade?
Yes, we have plenty of shade on board.
Does the boat have a restroom?
At check-in there is an opportunity to use the facilities on land, however, we do not have a restroom on board.
How many people will be on the boat?
In most cases, the maximum number of people on board is 16 guests plus 3 crew members. Our coast guard allowed capacity is more, allowing up to 18 guests for a private charter.
What kind of boat will we be on?
Our boat, Orca, is a 27’ rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) with twin Yamaha 200 outboard motors, allowing us to move quickly down the coastline.
