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FROM
$139
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Snorkel with Manta Rays at night on this iconic Big Island activity. Our lifeguard certified guides will get you up close and personal with Kona's most famous underwater attraction. Gear up and hang on to our snorkel boards as the high-powered lights bring the mantas in for a show like no other!
*Non-swimmers are not permitted on this tour. Swimming Skills REQUIRED, No Exceptions
Our vessel is not suitable for those with limited mobility.
FROM
$1999
Private Manta Ray Snorkel
Looking to avoid the crowds? Want to treat your friends or family to something really special? Charter youself a boat with captain and crew and take command of your own Manta Ray snorkel tour! We bring the snorkel gear and the crew, and you bring the family, friends, & the fun!
Our 28 foot zodiac is coast guard rated for 24 passengers but we limit it to 18 to give everyone enough space to enjoy the ride. Is your group smaller? You will have plenty of room to enjoy the experience together.
UP TO
$259
Manta Ray Dive Kona
Immerse yourself in a world-class aquatic spectacle with Hawaii's highest rated dive company Kona Honu Divers, on an unforgettable 2-tank manta ray night adventure that blends twilight exploration with a breathtaking underwater ballet. Your journey begins aboard Hawaii’s most spacious dive vessel, where you'll enjoy a vibrant afternoon reef dive followed by a serene sunset surface interval complete with a light meal and an expert briefing on manta ray biology. As darkness falls, the true magic begins: you’ll descend into the "campfire" to witness majestic manta rays gliding and somersaulting just inches away in a display of pure, ethereal grace. With premium amenities like hot showers, free Nitrox for certified divers, and a commitment to intimate group sizes, this tour transforms a bucket-list activity into a luxurious, soul-stirring encounter with the ocean’s most gentle giants.
*Proof of certification required
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Manta Ray Night Snorkel & Captain Cook Snorkel Trip Videos
About the Manta Ray Snorkel
Kona, Hawaii, is home to an experience so profound and ethereal that it consistently ranks as one of the top ten dives and snorkels in the world. Imagine floating on the surface of the dark Pacific, a warm tropical breeze fading as you dip your face into the water, only to be met by a silent, illuminated theater of massive, soaring creatures. This is the manta ray night snorkel Kona experience, a bucket-list adventure that transforms a standard vacation into a lifelong memory.
Why You Can't Miss the Manta Ray Night Snorkel
There are plenty of ocean activities in Hawaii, from whale watching to sunset sails, but nothing compares to the intimacy of a Big Island manta ray night snorkel. Unlike many wildlife encounters that happen at a distance, the manta rays of Kona are famous for their curiosity and grace. They are attracted to the microscopic plankton that gather in the glow of high-powered underwater lights, often swooping within inches of snorkelers in a mesmerizing underwater ballet.
These "gentle giants" are unlike the stingrays many travelers are familiar with; they lack stingers, have no teeth, and are entirely harmless to humans. Their wingspans can reach over 12 feet, and seeing them somersault and glide through the water is like watching a spacecraft move through the stars. When you book a manta ray night snorkel Kona tour, you aren't just watching nature; you are becoming a temporary part of a silent, glowing world that feels entirely removed from the stresses of daily life.
The Science of the "Campfire"
The secret to the success of this tour lies in the behavior of the manta rays themselves. Decades ago, hotel lights near the shoreline began attracting plankton, and the local manta ray population quickly learned that these lights provided a nightly feast. Today, professional tour operators use specialized "light boards" or "campfires" to recreate this effect in prime viewing locations like Garden Eel Cove or Manta Village.
As you hold onto the flotation board during your Big Island manta ray night snorkel, the lights shine downward, creating a brilliant stage. You’ll watch as these majestic rays enter the light beams, mouths wide open to filter-feed on the tiny shrimp-like creatures drawn to the glow. It is a spectacle of nature that is both raw and incredibly peaceful.
Who is Eligible for the Tour?
Safety is the top priority for any water-based excursion in Hawaii. To ensure everyone has a safe and magical time, there are specific eligibility requirements for the manta ray night snorkel Kona experience.
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Confident Swimmers: This tour requires you to be in the open ocean at night. While you will be wearing a wetsuit for buoyancy and holding onto a floatation device, you must be a competent swimmer who is comfortable in deep water.
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Ages 5 and Up: Most charters, welcome children as young as 5 years old, provided they are comfortable in the water and accompanied by an adult.
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Good Physical Condition: You will need the strength to climb a boat ladder at the end of the snorkel. If you have moderate physical fitness and no major health issues, you are likely a great candidate for a Big Island manta ray night snorkel.
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Responsible Travelers: Divers and snorkelers must follow the "Manta Ray Green List" guidelines, which include never touching the rays. This protects the delicate coating on their skin and ensures they continue to visit the site for years to come.
Who is Ineligible for the Tour?
While we strive to include as many guests as possible, certain conditions make the tour unsafe for some individuals.
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Non-Swimmers: If you cannot swim or have a significant fear of the ocean, this is not the activity for you. For the safety of the guest and the crew, swimming skills are strictly required.
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Limited Mobility: Because the tour takes place on a boat and requires entering/exiting the water via a ladder, it is generally not suitable for those with significant mobility issues or those who cannot navigate a ladder unaided.
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Recent Surgery or Serious Medical Conditions: Individuals with recent major surgeries, severe back or neck problems, or heart conditions that could be aggravated by the physical exertion of snorkeling or the excitement of the encounter should consult a doctor before booking.
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Children Under 5: Due to the nature of the night ocean and the equipment used, children under the age of five are typically not permitted on the manta ray night snorkel Kona charters.
What to Expect on Your Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Your adventure begins at the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. You’ll meet your lifeguard-certified crew, who will provide an educational briefing on manta ray biology and the history of the Kona rays. You’ll be fitted with a high-quality wetsuit (essential for warmth and buoyancy), a mask, and a snorkel.
The boat ride to the site is often a highlight in itself. If you choose the sunset tour, you may witness the famous Hawaiian "green flash" as the sun dips below the horizon. Once at the site, the crew will deploy the light board, and you’ll slip into the water. For the next 45 minutes, you’ll be a spectator at the best show on earth. On a good night during a Big Island manta ray night snorkel, you might see anywhere from one to ten or more rays performing their acrobatic displays right beneath you.
Why Choose a Professional Operator?
When booking a manta ray night snorkel Kona trip, the operator you choose makes a massive difference. High-quality companies prioritize small group sizes, which allows for a more intimate and less crowded experience. Our expert guides aren't just there for safety; they act as "manta spotters," helping to identify individual rays by the unique spot patterns on their bellies (much like a human fingerprint).
Furthermore, professional charters use the best lighting equipment to maximize your chances of a "manta-heavy" night. While nature is never 100% predictable, the top-rated Big Island manta ray night snorkel tours boast a success rate of over 90%. If the mantas don't show up, we offer a "manta guarantee," allowing you to come back on another night for free on a standby basis.
Preparing for the Night
To make the most of your manta ray night snorkel Kona experience, come prepared. Even in Hawaii, the ocean can feel chilly at night, so take advantage of the provided wetsuit. Bring a towel and a warm jacket for the boat ride back.
Most importantly, bring a sense of wonder. There is something profoundly humbling about being in the presence of such ancient, peaceful creatures. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple on a honeymoon, or a family looking for the ultimate Hawaiian memory, the Big Island manta ray night snorkel is an experience that will stay with you long after the salt water has dried.
Don't wait until you arrive to book; these tours are incredibly popular and often sell out weeks in advance. Secure your spot on a manta ray night snorkel Kona tour today and prepare to see the ocean in a whole new light.
About the Manta Ray Night Dive
There are few underwater experiences in the world that can truly be described as "life-changing," but the manta ray night dive in Kona consistently tops that list. This iconic excursion, set against the backdrop of the ruggedly beautiful Kona Coast, offers a front-row seat to a mesmerizing aquatic ballet performed by some of the ocean’s most graceful and gentle giants. For divers looking to experience the pinnacle of Hawaiian marine life, the manta ray dive Kona provided by Kona Honu Divers represents the gold standard of service, safety, and sheer spectacle.
What is the Manta Ray Night Dive Like?
The journey begins at the Honokohau Harbor, where you board the Honu One, widely regarded as the most spacious and well-appointed dive vessel in the region. Unlike standard charters, this boat is designed for maximum diver comfort, limiting its capacity to ensure you have plenty of room to gear up and relax between dives. The tour is structured as a two-tank adventure, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Kona Coast's diverse underwater ecosystems before the main event.
Your first dive takes place in the late afternoon on a vibrant local reef. Here, you’ll explore intricate lava tubes and encounter a variety of endemic Hawaiian fish. After resurfacing, you'll enjoy a serene surface interval while the sky transforms into a classic Kona sunset. During this time, the expert crew provides a light meal and an educational briefing on the biology and behavior of the rays. Once the sun dips below the horizon, you'll re-enter the water for the legendary manta ray night dive.
Descending into the darkness, you’ll find yourself at the "campfire"—a designated area on the ocean floor where powerful lights are placed. These lights attract clouds of microscopic plankton, which in turn draw the manta rays for a feeding frenzy. Seeing a manta ray dive Kona in person is breathtaking; these creatures, some with wingspans exceeding 12 feet, glide and somersault just inches above your head, their white bellies illuminated by the glow of the underwater lights.
Who is Eligible for the Dive?
Because this is a specialized activity that takes place in a dark, dynamic environment, there are strict eligibility requirements to ensure the safety of all participants and the well-being of the animals.
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Certification: All divers must provide proof of an Open Water certification or higher from a recognized agency. This is not an introductory experience; you must be a certified scuba diver to participate.
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Recent Experience: To join the manta ray night dive, you must have been diving within the last two years. If it has been longer, you may be required to complete a refresher course prior to the charter to ensure your skills are current.
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Age Requirements: Divers must be 12 years of age or older. Additionally, any diver under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the tour.
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Health and Fitness: Participants must be in good health with no heart conditions. Scuba diving is a physically demanding activity, and night conditions require a level of comfort and physical stability.
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Language Proficiency: For safety reasons, you must be able to converse in English. This ensures you can understand the detailed safety briefings and instructions provided by the crew.
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Professional Conduct: You must be a comfortable, responsible diver capable of following group protocols. The manta ray dive Kona is a premium experience, and guests are expected to meet high standards of underwater etiquette to protect the reef and the animals.
Who is Not Eligible?
While the team strives to be as inclusive as possible, certain restrictions apply to maintain safety standards:
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Non-Divers: If you do not have a scuba certification, you cannot participate in the dive. However, you might consider a manta ray night snorkel instead.
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Lapsed Divers: Those who haven't dived in over two years and haven't completed a recent refresher are not eligible for this specific charter.
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Medical Contraindications: Individuals with serious respiratory or heart conditions are restricted from diving for their own safety.
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Young Children: Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on this scuba tour.
Why Kona Honu Divers is the Perfect Choice
Why choose this specific operator for your manta ray night dive? The difference lies in the details. Kona Honu Divers maintains a strict 6:1 diver-to-guide ratio, ensuring personalized attention. They are also the only company in Hawaii to offer free Nitrox to certified divers, enhancing safety for those who use it.
The vessel itself is a major draw. The Honu One features a hot water shower—a luxury after a night in the Pacific—and a marine head. With neutral buoyancy tanks and high-quality rental gear that is regularly serviced, every aspect of your manta ray dive Kona is engineered for excellence.
A Commitment to Conservation
Participating in a manta ray night dive with a responsible operator means more than just a great view; it means supporting sustainable tourism. The crew provides extensive education on how to interact with the rays without touching or disrupting their natural feeding patterns. By visiting "Manta Ray Heaven" exclusively, the tour minimizes environmental impact, ensuring that the manta ray dive Kona remains a viable and magical experience for generations to come.
The success rate for seeing mantas is roughly 80-90%, but even on the rare nights they don't appear, the experience of a manta ray night dive is unparalleled. You still get to experience an "epic night reef dive," seeing nocturnal creatures like eels, lobsters, and sleeping turtles that are rarely visible during the day.
If you're ready to cross this off your bucket list, the manta ray dive Kona is waiting. It is a profound, silent world of light and shadows where you are a guest in the home of some of the most beautiful creatures on Earth.
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