Quick Details
Guest
Ages 6+
$ 94
This manta ray night snorkel tour in Kona is the most exciting journey you will ever experience!
Discover the Magic of Manta Rays at Night while you Snorkel on the Big Island!
Prepare yourself for an experience like no other as you embark on a Manta Ray night snorkel in Kona. It’s not just a snorkel trip; it’s a thrilling excursion into the incredible world of the ocean’s gentle giants under the starry Hawaiian sky. This experience is nothing short of magical, offering you the rarest opportunity to witness manta rays up close and in their natural habitat; truly the adventure of a lifetime. This is only underlined by the opportunity to learn more about these creatures, witness their stunning ballet, while being escorted by boat and in the water by one of the Big Island’s expert manta ray guides.
MANTA RAY NIGHT SNORKEL IN KONA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Swim with Manta Rays in Kona
Swimming with manta rays in Kona, Hawaii, is an extraordinary experience that offers a mesmerizing and close encounter with magnificent marine creatures, unlike any other in the world. Manta rays, known for their graceful and gentle nature, can be observed gliding through the warm tropical waters of their home Kona. This unique experience is held in the evening, when manta rays are drawn to the area by the presence of plankton, making it an ideal time to witness these fascinating creatures in action.
The most common thing you will see Manta Rays do on this night time snorkel trip is the “barrel roll”. This is where the mantas will do a large flip, skimming the water right under you! The Mantas do this as a way to feed off of the plankton that has gathered at the surface. If you are lucky during our swim with manta rays on the Big Island you may even be gently grazed by one of these amazing animals.
Snorkel in Kona Under The Starry Sky
Unlike traditional snorkeling excursions that take place in the daylight, this nighttime setting adds an entirely new sense of wonder to your swim with manta rays in Kona. As the sun sets against the Pacific Ocean, you’ll set off along tranquil waters with your expert guide, instantly immersing yourself in a world where the marine realm comes alive underneath the billions of stars that shine over Kona.
Kona’s tropical waters offer the perfect backdrop for this extremely captivating experience. With lights illuminating the ocean floor, you’ll bear witness to the mesmerizing dance of the manta rays that only reveals itself after dark, with the aid of the manta’s favorite snack: phytoplankton. This night-time snorkel provides an intimate encounter with these creatures who elude snorkelers during the day.
Manta Ray Night Dive in Kona: Reviews
Here’s what our customers have to say about their manta ray experience Kona with Dolphin Discoveries
🌟 CUSTOMER REVIEWS 🌟
Discover Manta Ray Village, the Best Place to Swim with Manta Rays on the Big Island
Manta Ray Village, nestled off the Kona coast of the Big Island, stands as one of the most extraordinary night dive spots in the world; largely, in part, because of it offering a captivating and unparalleled encounter with manta rays. Located near Kona town, Manta Ray Village has earned its reputation as the ultimate destination for marine enthusiasts seeking to observe and interact with manta rays up close. When the sun dips below the horizon, the magic begins.
As snorkelers and divers hover near the surface, alongside their in-water guide and with the assistance of an illuminated flotation device, they are treated to an awe-inspiring ballet put on by the manta rays. The waters come alive not only due to the dance of the mantas, but the ethereal blue lights, and the gentle buzzing of plankton near the surface. The mantas gracefully glide through the calm waters of Manta Ray Village, often coming within inches of the snorkelers observing them.
Join Our Expert Guides for a Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona!
Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour in Kona: Booking Information
Our Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tours in Kona operate 7 days a week. This hour-long experience allows for ample time in the water (around 30 minutes of snorkeling with the manta rays), as our boat out to the middle of the bay where the hub of manta ray activity is, is only 5 minutes!
You can easily book using the calendar to the right of this page or through our easy booking button that we have linked here! If you have any questions be sure to reach out directly to our Manta Ray night snorkel team– based locally in Kona!
BOOK YOUR MANTA RAY NIGHT SNORKEL IN KONA!
There is so much to look forward to in regards to a Manta Ray night dive with our Dolphin Discoveries crew! These thrilling experiences book up extremely fast, so be sure that you book your spot aboard one of our intimate guided tours TODAY!
It is SUPER EASY, just book through our website using this link, or the Booking Calendar to the right of the page, or reach out to us directly!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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When you book, you’ll receive a booking confirmation email. Within this email, is a button that says “Get Directions”, which will take you to Google Maps. You will first arrive at our retail store located in the Keauhou Shopping Center. 78-6831 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i 96740, Space F-146, the sign on the door says 174. (Located in the courtyard behind Tropics Tap House and KTA Grocery Store). Park near either of these establishments and walk the remainder of the way into the courtyard.
Once you arrive at our retail location, your crew will check you in and outfit you with the gear needed for tour.
From there, you will drive down to Keauhou Bay, 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, where you will meet your crew. They will assist you aboard our vessel and off you go for a fantastic manta snorkel adventure.
Please check your confirmation emails for specific tour times, check in, departure and return times.
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You should not arrive any earlier that 10 minutes before your check-in time. Your check-in time and location can be found in your booking confirmation email.
If you reserved the 5:00pm time slot, (offered seasonally), check-in starts promptly at 5:00pm.
If you reserved the 6:00pm time slot, check-in starts promptly at 6:00pm.
If you reserved the 7:00pm time slot, check-in starts promptly at 7:00pm.
If you reserved the 8:00pm time slot (offered seasonally), check-in starts promptly at 8:00pmWe often get asked which time is better and will it be dark enough on the earlier tours…..
Although we attempt to fill our early trip first (time depends on the time of year) before opening additional tour options, there is no difference in the tours. Considering we allocate time in the tour for check in, equipment fitting and safety briefing, it is already dark by the time we start our very first tour.
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You should sign your waiver as soon as you receive your booking confirmation email. There is a link on the email for our online waiver. Each adult needs to sign their own waiver. Only one adult needs to sign for each minor.
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During this night time manta ray snorkel in Kona, the water can be between 35-40ft in depth. Our brightly lit boards allow us to see all the way to the coral bottom.
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During this manta ray encounter in Kona, you will be in the water however it is not possible to do “free snorkeling” with the manta rays in Hawaii because your snorkel and fins can hurt the manta rays. Additionally, touching them can remove their protective skin coating which can leave them susceptible to infection. Manta rays may come as close as arm’s length during your viewing session, however; if touched the Manta ray will most likely leave the viewing area. Absolutely no touching is allowed.
Manta rays are not dangerous. They are considered harmless and are mostly very curious and swim around divers.
By following the proper guidelines, you will have the best manta night snorkel in Kona.
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We recommend when you join us on the best manta ray night snorkel in Kona that you arrive in swim attire and light cover up and bring a towel to use after your trip. Our boats do have a small dry box aboard for a personal bag. Please try to use a small bag so all guests have room to store their belongings.
If you choose to bring your own snorkel equipment, please leave fins behind. Bring your mask and snorkel only.
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Masks, snorkels, short sleeve wetsuit tops and pool noodles are provided.
Snorkel vest available for rent. However, guests must know how to swim.
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When embarking on a thrilling Manta Ray night snorkel in Kona, there is no question among our staff that safety is the top priority. Our goal is to make this incredible experience as secure as it is exciting, and that is all thanks to the expertise of your captain and guides, who play a pivotal role in every aspect of your close encounter with the rays.
Experienced and knowledgeable guides are the backbone of the Dolphin Discoveries’ Manta Ray night snorkel. They are well-trained local professionals who understand the unique dynamics of Kona’s marine environment.
Throughout the experience, your guides are attentive and focused on your well-being. From the safety briefing before leaving the dock, to the instructions on how to enter the water, the checking of your gear, and the constant guidance provided by your in-water crew member; they offer a well rounded and safe experience for all of our guests.
Ultimately, the dedication of your captain and guides makes your Kona Manta Ray night snorkel something that you can enjoy in full through trust that you are in safe hands.
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All guests that are planning to snorkel, must know how to swim. There will be a short swim from the boat to our floating board. Once holding onto the board, guests will need to lay flat and float on the surface of the water. Pool noodles are provided to assist with keeping flat.
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Our minimum age to participate with in water activity is 6 years old. Due to the nature of this tour, it is difficult for younger children to understand our safety briefing and often times become frightened. Because of this reason, there are no exceptions to our minimum age requirement. An adult must stay with their child at all times.
We do allow younger children to attend as a “ride-along” however a parent or guardian will be required to remain on the vessel at all times. Ride along tickets are a full price ticket, as it is a reserved seat on our small passenger vessel. Additionally, because of the timing of this tour and because our guides are actively swimming for the duration of the tour, we cannot allow “trade offs” of parents.
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If you have a family member that does not want to snorkel, they can most definitely remain on the boat. Because it is a reserved seat on our small passenger vessels, a ticket must be reserved.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
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We take a maximum of 16-28 guests depending on the boat.
When have two separate manta ray boats, the Moana Lou and the Nai’a Nui. Moana Lou holds up to 28 passengers, with 4 crew and 1 Captain. The Nai’a Nui holds up to 16 passengers, 3 crew and 1 Captain.
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We are fortunate to launch out of Keauhou Bay near Manta Ray Village. Our boat ride is only 5 minutes to our snorkel location.
We schedule 2 hour time slots. A portion of the time is spent making sure that your gear is issued and fitted properly and time for our safety briefing. Once in the water, we snorkel for approximately 30 minutes.
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Many manta rays on Big Island can be found at Manta Ray Village all year round. The depth of the water near Manta Ray Village goes from very deep to very shallow quickly creating a short swim for zooplankton to rise to the surface. This creates a rich feeding ground for manta rays in Kona. Additionally, the reef around Manta Ray Village is beautiful reef which is home to a variety of wrasse which remove parasites and dead skin cells from the manta rays at natural cleaning stations. When you swim with manta rays on Big Island, we create an artificial light source through our state of the art “Light Boards” which draws in an abundance of zooplankton, which in return draws in manta rays. During your manta ray night swim on Big Island you’ll see the natural food chain from the smallest of animals to some of the largest.
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Please keep in mind that our manta ray night snorkel on Big Island is a wild and free adventure. There is no guarantee when it comes to wild animals. We do not offer refunds or re-rides if no manta rays are seen.
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