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Two mantas swimming in big island

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Join us for a night snorkel with Kona’s manta rays, one of the most unique wildlife experiences on the Big Island.

 

We'll start with a sunset cruise along the Kona Coast on our way to the manta viewing site. Once we arrive, we’ll go over what to expect and make sure everyone feels comfortable before getting in the water.

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Once in the water, you’ll hold onto our custom floating lightboard as its lights attract plankton below. The plankton brings manta rays in to feed, giving you the chance to watch them glide, swoop, and barrel-roll through the illuminates water just beneath you. It’s an incredible experience getting to see these gentle giants feeding up close. 

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We keep our groups small so we can provide personal attention, answer questions, and help everyone feel comfortable throughout the experience. Our goal is to create a memorable evening on the water while giving you the opportunity to observe Kona’s manta rays respectfully in their natural environment.

 

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WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR TOUR

  • Check in with your guide at the harbor to review safety information and get fitted with a wetsuit top, mask, and snorkel. Our small groups (max 12 passengers) allow more space on board and guidance from our crew.

  • Your adventure begins with a scenic sunset cruise along the Kona coastline before arriving at the snorkel site. After a quick briefing, it's time to get in the water!

  • Float comfortably at the surface while holding onto our custom light board. The light attracts plankton which draws the manta rays in to feed, often bringing these gentle giants within inches of you. Everyone will enjoy 30-40 minutes of dedicated in-water snorkeling time.

  • Manta ray sightings in Kona are incredibly consistent year-round, with a success rate of over 95%. However, these are wild animals, and sightings can never be guaranteed. On the rare occasion that manta rays do not appear during your tour, you'll receive a free return voucher with no expiration date.



DEPARTURE LOGISTICS & TRAVEL TIMES 
The tour departs out of Honokohau Harbor, located about 10 minutes North of downtown Kailua-Kona. Parking at the harbor is free. We choose the best manta ray viewing site each evening based on ocean conditions and manta activity. Depending on the site and conditions, the boat ride typically takes around 15–30 minutes each way. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the sunset and take in views of the Kona coastline.



WHAT'S INCLUDED
All necessary equipment is included with your tour:

  • Mask and snorkel

  • Wetsuit tops

  • Waist flotation devices


You are welcome to use your own mask, snorkel, and wetsuit if preferred.


WHAT WE SUGGEST YOUR BRING

  • A reusable water bottle

  • A towel for the ride back to the harbor. Custom towel ponchos are also available for purchase at checkout. 

  • Swimwear: please arrive in something suitable for swimming.

  • Prescription snorkel mask (if needed): We do not provide prescription masks. If you need one, you must bring your own or rent one in advance.

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IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Everyone is welcome to book a seat and enjoy the experience from the boat, even if they prefer not to enter the water. If you would like to snorkel, please review the following requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

 

Participants entering the water must:

  • Be comfortable in the water and have previous swimming experience.

  • Be comfortable using a mask and snorkel.

  • Be able to float at the surface with the assistance of a provided flotation belt.

  • Be able to climb the boat ladder independently to exit the water.

  • Be comfortable in open-ocean conditions, including snorkeling at night.

  • Be able to understand and follow crew instructions throughout the experience.


This tour is not suitable for non-swimmers,  guests with limited mobility, or guests with heart, back, or other medical conditions that may affect their ability to safely participate in an ocean activity. If you are unsure whether this experience is right for you, please contact us before booking. We are happy to help determine if the Kona Night Manta Ray Snorkel is a good fit.

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Duration: 2 hours

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Ages: 5–70

Departure Location: Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in Kona, Hawaii

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Manta Guarantee: In the rare event we don't see any mantas, you'll receive a free return voucher with no expiration date.

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Participation Requirements: Guests must be comfortable in the water and have swimming experience.

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Not Permitted: This tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, guests with limited mobility, those weighing more than 275 lbs, and anyone with back, heart, or other medical conditions that may affect participation.

SMALL GROUP NIGHT MANTA RAY SNORKEL TOURS

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  • "Truly the most magical experience going out to the manta rays after sunset. We saw about 7 and was such a unique way to enjoy the ocean. Brenden and Monet are lovely and create such a safe feeling trip from start to finish. Even saw a shark, which I was worried about seeing and managed to stay in the water with some reassurance from Monet. Perfect amount of time in the water and such a lovely boat trip out. You won’t regret booking with them. Would love to come back and do one of their safaris."

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    - London L.

  • "The manta ray tour was absolutely amazing! Brendan and Monet are great tour guides, very cool and down to earth people. They were very knowledgeable about the island and its wildlife. Monet knew so many fun facts and things about the animals. Over all super smooth and fun trip. We had the best time out there, will definitely be coming back to see them again!"

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    - Karli M.

  • "What an incredible experience! Monet and Brenden were fantastic guides and made the entire evening memorable from start to finish. The sunset ride out was beautiful, and it was such a unique experience getting into the water as the sky went dark. One of the things we loved most was being in a smaller group. The boat was able to get to areas that larger tours couldn't access, which made the experience feel even more special.


    We saw so many manta rays, and Monet and Brenden did an amazing job spotting them and making sure we were in the right place at the right time. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we would recommend it to anyone visiting the area."

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    - Emma C.

  • "We did the night manta ray snorkel tour with Monet and Brenden, and it was amazing! From the beautiful sunset to seeing a huge manta ray the moment we got in the water, the whole experience was unforgettable. We even got lucky and saw a monk seal swimming right next to us before heading back to the boat!

    I really loved that the tour was small and personal. Monet was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about manta rays and what she does. Thank you both for such an incredible experience—I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Kona!"

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    - Carolina B.

  • "First time snorkeler and first time in Hawaii - I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS TOUR ENOUGH! I was so nervous but they were exceptional at making everyone comfortable and ready for the trip. Once in the water our guide made sure we were in just the right spot so we wouldn’t miss anything and she answered all our questions. It was truly amazing. 10/10!! Highly recommend taking an underwater camera case (one specifically for using underwater not just a water resistant one) to capture this experience."

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    - Cheyenne S.

What do others think of Ocean Eco Tours?

TIPS FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCE

  • Book a tour early in your trip: Booking early in your stay gives you a buffer in case weather or ocean conditions force a cancellation. If your tour is canceled, we’ll do our best to reschedule you for another day during your stay, subject to availability.

  • Dress warm: Although Hawaii water is warm (78 - 82F), floating motionlessly on the surface at night can cool you off quickly. Pack a warm towel or a light jacket to wear on the boat.

  • Snorkel responsibly: Manta rays are protected animals and should always be respected in their natural habitat. Remember the golden ecotourism rule: "look but don't touch" to help them continue to visit the Kona coast for years to come.

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WHY IS KONA ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO SNORKEL WITH MANTA RAYS?

Kona is home to a resident population of approximately 300 reef manta rays year-round. The underwater landscape around our viewing sites helps concentrate plankton, their primary food source, giving us a high manta sighting rate of over 95%.

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WHY DO WE SWIM WITH MANTA RAYS AT NIGHT?

Manta rays are filter feeders that feed on tiny drifting organisms called plankton. Our custom floating lightboard illuminates the water, attracting plankton and concentrating their food source just below the surface. This draws manta rays to the light, where they feed by gliding and barrel-rolling through the water. It gives us the opportunity to observe these incredible animals up close in their natural environment.

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ARE MANTA RAYS DANGEROUS?

Manta rays are gentle filter feeders and have no stingers or barbs. Despite reaching wingspans of up to 15 feet, they pose no direct threat to people.

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