Kona's Magical Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Small-Group Eco-Tour
Overview
Avoid the crowds of the other "cattle boats" in Kona, and enjoy a small-group manta ray snorkeling experience with a maximum of 12 passengers.
This tour departs from Keahou Harbor in South Kona and enjoys a short 5-minute boat ride to our snorkeling site, Manta Village.
Your Captain and snorkel guide will educate you on Kona's famous manta rays and will discuss our safe and humane approach to engaging with the gentle giants.
After entering the water, you'll hold onto our lightboard, with your feet propped up by floatation devices, as the manta rays perform a graceful ballet beneath you. The manta rays filter feed on plankton that naturally gathers at the surface just before sunset, then accumulates underneath our lights. This is an opportunity to enjoy an evening on the water and watch in amazement as the manta rays glide around and dance for you.
We are proud to be a Green Listed company, and we take an environmentally cautious approach to our interactions with the manta rays.
What's Included
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Wetsuit (optional)
- Local taxes
- Beverages
- Professional guide
- Gratuities
- Transportation to/from attractions
Meeting Location
Kaleiopapa Street
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Come aboard the Pueo Kai 2, and enjoy a small-group manta ray snorkeling experience with up to 12 passengers. Snorkeling with Kona's famous manta rays is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that The Travel Channel called "one of the top 10 things to do in your lifetime."
After a quick 5-minute boat ride, we'll arrive at the aptly named "Manta Village."
You'll enter the water as Kona's famous manta rays feed on plankton accumulating under our light boards. The manta rays may fly by our light boards as they feast on plankton, and they may even hang around and do "barrel rolls" beneath us, as they come back for more and more plankton. Every night is different.
After 30-45 minutes in the water, depending on sea conditions and manta ray feeding behavior, you will be guided back to the boat.
We see manta rays about 92% of the time. While we expect to see them every night, manta rays are wild animals and they do take nights off from Manta Village about 8% of the time. If this happens, we will offer you a free trip on any available charter. Since our tours typically sell out several days in advance, we recommend you book this tour as early as possible during your stay on Hawaii Island.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers with neck problems.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Must be able to swim without the assistance of a floatation device.
- A ticket is required for all passengers, regardless of age or whether they are entering the water.
- Maximum weight of 280 pounds per traveler.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(12)Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-40277P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.90 out of 5 stars based on 1,041 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
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Yes, we allow pregnant women to go on snorkeling. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so to assess your individual health and pregnancy stage.
Jan 2022Yes, this is possible, as long as you are comfortable going into the water. All City Boat Tours snorkeling tours adhere to strict safety regulations and have been designed to be enjoyed by all.
Your safety is our #1 priority, which is why:
- You will be wearing a flotation device at all times.
- On many tours, there is a stairway from the boat into the water so you won’t have to “jump” in!
- There are trained staff in the water and watching from the boat at all times.
For these reasons, we believe that even non-swimmers can have a wonderful time on our snorkeling trips, however, the final judgment call is yours to make. Please note we do not give refunds if you decide not to snorkel on the trip.
Oct 2021The snorkel gear we use on City Boat Tours tours is high quality and for your protection, the equipment is sanitized after each use. However, if you feel more comfortable using your own snorkeling equipment, feel free to bring it on the tour. Please note, there is no discount for providing your own equipment and we can’t be responsible for any lost or damaged items.
May 2023First-time snorkelers can be assured of one-on-one instruction and assistance. We find introducing folks to our world very rewarding!
Oct 2021There are no legal age limits for snorkeling. We have found that age 5 or 6 is a good age to learn the basics of snorkeling, however, it’s entirely up to individuals to make the best choice for their family.
Sep 2021- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (HST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Use of Snorkelling equipment.
- Wetsuit (optional).
- Local taxes.
- Beverages.
- Professional guide.
- Gratuities.
- Transportation to/from attractions.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 7. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Kona's Magical Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Small-Group Eco-Tour is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers with neck problems.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Kona's Magical Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Small-Group Eco-Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Wetsuit (optional)
- Local taxes
- Beverages
- Professional guide
- Gratuities
- Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers with neck problems.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Must be able to swim without the assistance of a floatation device.
- A ticket is required for all passengers, regardless of age or whether they are entering the water.
- Maximum weight of 280 pounds per traveler.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers
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