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A Once In a Life Time Adventure
Named a "Top 10 Must-Do Experience" by the Travel Channel, our Manta Ray Night Snorkel is more than just a tour—it's a journey into one of nature's most captivating spectacles.
Float effortlessly under the stars as radiant lights from our custom-designed light boards illuminate the waters below, attracting graceful manta rays that glide just inches from you. This bucket-list adventure provides unmatched proximity to these gentle giants, allowing you to witness their elegant movements and patented barrel roll feeding technique in their natural habitat. With each pass, you'll feel the thrill of being part of something truly magical—an experience you’ll never forget.
Quick Departure + Manta Ray Village Intro
After you board, we cruise out to the world-famous Manta Ray Village—a mere 3-minute ride away. This means you'll be in the water with these gentle giants almost immediately, unlike other providers that take 30+ minutes to reach the action. Plus, after the tour, our quick travel time ensures you'll be back on land fast—keeping you warm and comfortable.
Quick Departure & Manta Ray Village – Dive Into the Experience
Board with us and be in the water with Kona’s majestic manta rays in just minutes.
Our vessel departs directly from Keauhou Bay, cruising to the world-famous Manta Ray Village in just 3 minutes. Unlike other operators that take 30+ minutes to reach the site and spend extra time prepping large groups, our intimate 6-guest tours mean you're geared up and in the water faster—maximizing your time with these gentle giants.
After your unforgettable experience, our short ride back ensures you’re quickly back on land—warm, comfortable, and ready to relive the magic.
Unique Attraction
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Outrigger Hotel Legacy: Lighting the ocean for over 40 years, creating a nightly spectacle.
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Illumination Fuels Plankton Growth: The lights promote plankton blooms in the nearby waters, enriching the marine ecosystem.
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Naturally Attracts Manta Rays: Plankton brings manta rays to feed, supporting their natural behavior and providing incredible viewing opportunities.
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Consistent Sightings
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Most Reliable Manta Ray Encounters: Experience sightings nearly every night (95%+ success rate)—more consistently than anywhere else on the island.
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Globally Renowned Wildlife Experience: Our tours attract visitors from around the world, known for exceptional marine life encounters.
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Unmatched Up-Close Viewing: Get closer than ever to manta rays as they glide gracefully in their natural habitat.
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Immediate Immersion
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Warm Welcome: Our experienced guides greet you upon arrival, setting the tone for an unforgettable Manta Night Snorkel.
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Hassle-Free Gear Setup: We assist with everything you need, ensuring a smooth and easy experience.
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Quick Safety Orientation: A brief but thorough overview before entering the water, so you feel confident and ready.
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In-Water Briefing
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Snorkeling Techniques Made Simple: A quick overview of essential snorkeling skills to ensure you’re comfortable and confident in the water.
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Clear Safety Protocols: We walk you through important safety guidelines, so you can fully enjoy the experience with peace of mind.
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What to Expect: Get insights into typical manta ray behavior and what you might see during your encounter.
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Expert Guidance
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Personalized Small Groups: With a max of just 6 guests—the smallest group size of any local operator—you’ll enjoy a truly intimate and immersive experience that feels like a private tour.
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Individual Attention & Safety Focus: Our expert guides prioritize your safety and comfort, providing one-on-one assistance as needed.
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Deep Ocean Knowledge: Learn about manta ray history, get to know individual rays by name, and discover fascinating insights about Kona’s marine life.
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Close Encounters
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Effortless Floating: Glide comfortably using our advanced light boards designed for optimal viewing.
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Mesmerizing Manta Rays: Watch as these gentle giants gracefully swim beneath you, feeding on plankton just inches away.
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Unique Barrel Roll Technique: Experience their captivating feeding behavior up close during our Night Snorkel—an unforgettable sight unique to Kona.
A Relaxed Pace
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~40 Minutes of In-Water Magic: Enjoy a relaxed, immersive experience during your Manta Night Snorkel, with plenty of time to take it all in.
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Calm & Intimate Setting: Small groups and serene waters allow you to fully appreciate every moment with the manta rays.
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Memorable & Immersive Adventure: Our unhurried pace ensures you can truly connect with the experience—no rushing, just pure wonder.
Amit Sharma
"Outstanding craftsmanship, timely delivery, and top-notch quality!"
gramiyaa.com
Arnab
We onboarded MakkPress for our Shopify website speed optimization & website development services. The representative from MakkPress always responded to our requests on time. will recommend Makkpress for anything related to shopify stores!
Amit Sharma
"Highly durable and stylish—totally worth the price!"
Rajesh Mehta
"Top-notch craftsmanship, reliable service, and timely delivery!"
Rajesh Mehta
"Top-notch craftsmanship, reliable service, and timely delivery!"
Testimonials
– Sean Beddoe
Came here with my family. Had an incredible experience. Highly recommended. Been to a lot of diving and snorkeling tours over the years and this one was truly an amazing experience. I would do it again next time I am on the island for sure.
This is the coolest experience and a MUST-DO on Kona. What’s unique about Kona Manta is that it’s a smaller, highly personalized experience that docks 100 yards away - so you’re not spending an hour each way as happens with many other tours.
– Steven Gerry
Trip was epic!! I've done the mantas on big island a few times, this time was for a cycling trip to Mauna Kea, but this was a far better manta experience. Short boat ride (Levi is the man) and vessel and crew was incredibly dialed. We saw more mantas too to be fair.
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Thank you to Levi and the team! I travel to Hawaii a lot for work trips and this was always on my list of things to try. It was truly an unforgettable experience and very unique to Hawaii. If you get the chance, please book it!
We went with Kona Manta and Snorkeling out to see the Manta Rays twice. Captain Bill and his deck hand were excellent. Its a small boat, so perfect for a family. We had an unforgettable experience and will always come back to this boat/company. Highly recommended!
Awesome experience seeing the manta rays- for sure a top highlight of my life so far! We loved the smaller more intimate experience. The manta's seemed to like it too because we saw a ton! Thanks so much Bill and team!
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The Manta experience was truly awesome. Such beautiful, majestic creatures cycling up from the depths was amazing to experience. The staff was incredible and very helpful, cognizant of the need to lay still in water, and knowledgeable about the marine life off the Kona coast. An adventure not to be missed in any visit to Big Island!
One of the most amazing experiences of my life… Highly recommend it is truly magical, Captain Bill and his crew are fantastic and very knowledgeable. This tour is way more intimate than some of the other options more one on one time with the mantas.
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Amazing experience! The boat ride is so easy so you get right to the fun in the water with the manta rays. Super friendly and accommodating crew and captain. Would recommend to anyone, such a breathtaking time!
My sisters and I went for the snorkel dive and it was amazing. Bill is a great tour guide and it was crazy how the manta came right up to you without touching you. Would recommend it to anyone as a once in a lifetime bucket list trip!!!
– Denise Morrows
Don't miss out people!
This was my first experience on the ocean at night and I was a little nervous. Captain Bill and Levi eased my fears and provided an unforgettable experience! I was very impressed with Levi's knowledge of the Mantas! It was an incredible experience and If I make it back to Kona I will definitely be booking another trip with The Manta & Snorkel Co!
Thank you to Captain Bill and Levi!!
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This is the coolest experience and a MUST-DO on Kona. What’s unique about Kona Manta is that it’s a smaller, highly personalized experience that docks 100 yards away - so you’re not spending an hour each way as happens with many other tours.
– Steven Gerry
Trip was epic!! I've done the mantas on big island a few times, this time was for a cycling trip to Mauna Kea, but this was a far better manta experience. Short boat ride (Levi is the man) and vessel and crew was incredibly dialed. We saw more mantas too to be fair.
Thank you to Levi and the team! I travel to Hawaii a lot for work trips and this was always on my list of things to try. It was truly an unforgettable experience and very unique to Hawaii. If you get the chance, please book it!
We went with Kona Manta and Snorkeling out to see the Manta Rays twice. Captain Bill and his deck hand were excellent. Its a small boat, so perfect for a family. We had an unforgettable experience and will always come back to this boat/company. Highly recommended!
Awesome experience seeing the manta rays- for sure a top highlight of my life so far! We loved the smaller more intimate experience. The manta's seemed to like it too because we saw a ton! Thanks so much Bill and team!
The Manta experience was truly awesome. Such beautiful, majestic creatures cycling up from the depths was amazing to experience. The staff was incredible and very helpful, cognizant of the need to lay still in water, and knowledgeable about the marine life off the Kona coast. An adventure not to be missed in any visit to Big Island!
One of the most amazing experiences of my life… Highly recommend it is truly magical, Captain Bill and his crew are fantastic and very knowledgeable. This tour is way more intimate than some of the other options more one on one time with the mantas.
Amazing experience! The boat ride is so easy so you get right to the fun in the water with the manta rays. Super friendly and accommodating crew and captain. Would recommend to anyone, such a breathtaking time!
My sisters and I went for the snorkel dive and it was amazing. Bill is a great tour guide and it was crazy how the manta came right up to you without touching you. Would recommend it to anyone as a once in a lifetime bucket list trip!!!
– Sean Beddoe
Came here with my family. Had an incredible experience. Highly recommended. Been to a lot of diving and snorkeling tours over the years and this one was truly an amazing experience. I would do it again next time I am on the island for sure.
– R Greens
I had a magical experience during the Manta Ray tour. Captain Bill and his assistant were very helpful in making sure everyone had the correct attire and that we were safe. They were also knowledgeable when explaining the origin of the tours. They even had nicknames for the Manta Rays. The evening of my tour, the Manta Rays didn't come out like they normally do. It just so happened though as we were about to board the boat and call it a night, there was a sighting. A few of us decided to stay in the water a little longer and I am so glad we did! One Manta Ray came directly underneath our floating raft and put on a quick show before going off to the next raft. Kudos to the staff for being patient and telling us stories to keep us occupied in the water while we waited. I would definitely recommend this company! I recommend getting there early to get a good parking spot.
– Christine Hardenberg
Absolutely the BEST manta ray experience on the Big Island bc of the 5 min. boat ride, just a few snorkelers, and Capt. Bill's boat expertise in getting on a mooring. INCREDIBLE!
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– Jeff Middleworth
The best experience of my Hawaiian vacation. We saw so many Manta Rays and it was amazing to be among them and have them brush up against us undisturbed by our presence. Highly recommend.
Testimonials
- Megan Gilbert
Incredible experience! We went on a small-group tour in Kona to see the manta rays, and it was exceptional. Part of that had to do with the tour itself (it was smaller group and our guide was the coolest, most knowledgeable lady — you could tell she really admired / respected these animals) and part of that had to do with the behavior of the mantas the night we were with them. I was nervous to do this tour, but Captain Bill reminded me that if an 80-year-old can do it, I could do it :) I'm glad he was the voice-of-reason because it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I say that without hyperbole. We did this as a family. For moms out there wondering if it's "safe," my kids were 12 at the time and there was a 10-year-old with us, too — they ALL handled it like champs. The overall experience is unforgettable. When we got home, I talked about this tour more than anything else we did on the Big Island. How many times in your life will you get a chance to observe such large animals in their natural environment? Probably not many.
– R Greens
I had a magical experience during the Manta Ray tour. Captain Bill and his assistant were very helpful in making sure everyone had the correct attire and that we were safe. They were also knowledgeable when explaining the origin of the tours. They even had nicknames for the Manta Rays. The evening of my tour, the Manta Rays didn't come out like they normally do. It just so happened though as we were about to board the boat and call it a night, there was a sighting. A few of us decided to stay in the water a little longer and I am so glad we did! One Manta Ray came directly underneath our floating raft and put on a quick show before going off to the next raft. Kudos to the staff for being patient and telling us stories to keep us occupied in the water while we waited. I would definitely recommend this company! I recommend getting there early to get a good parking spot.
– Denise Morrows
Don't miss out people!
This was my first experience on the ocean at night and I was a little nervous. Captain Bill and Levi eased my fears and provided an unforgettable experience! I was very impressed with Levi's knowledge of the Mantas! It was an incredible experience and If I make it back to Kona I will definitely be booking another trip with The Manta & Snorkel Co!
– Christine Hardenberg
Absolutely the BEST manta ray experience on the Big Island bc of the 5 min. boat ride, just a few snorkelers, and Capt. Bill's boat expertise in getting on a mooring. INCREDIBLE!
– Jeff Middleworth
The best experience of my Hawaiian vacation. We saw so many Manta Rays and it was amazing to be among them and have them brush up against us undisturbed by our presence. Highly recommend.
– Ohana Gardeners
My sisters and I went for the snorkel dive and it was amazing. Bill is a great tour guide and it was crazy how the manta came right up to you without touching you. Would recommend it to anyone as a once in a lifetime bucket list trip!!!
– Griffin McCaffery
Amazing experience! The boat ride is so easy so you get right to the fun in the water with the manta rays. Super friendly and accommodating crew and captain. Would recommend to anyone, such a breathtaking time!
– Liana Luker
One of the most amazing experiences of my life… Highly recommend it is truly magical, Captain Bill and his crew are fantastic and very knowledgeable. This tour is way more intimate than some of the other options more one on one time with the mantas.
– Michael McLaughlin
The Manta experience was truly awesome. Such beautiful, majestic creatures cycling up from the depths was amazing to experience. The staff was incredible and very helpful, cognizant of the need to lay still in water, and knowledgeable about the marine life off the Kona coast. An adventure not to be missed in any visit to Big Island!
– Robyn Ayars
Awesome experience seeing the manta rays- for sure a top highlight of my life so far! We loved the smaller more intimate experience. The manta's seemed to like it too because we saw a ton! Thanks so much Bill and team!
– VORL Manager
We went with Kona Manta and Snorkeling out to see the Manta Rays twice. Captain Bill and his deck hand were excellent. Its a small boat, so perfect for a family. We had an unforgettable experience and will always come back to this boat/company. Highly recommended!
– Alexa Luckow
Thank you to Levi and the team! I travel to Hawaii a lot for work trips and this was always on my list of things to try. It was truly an unforgettable experience and very unique to Hawaii. If you get the chance, please book it!
– Steven Gerry
Trip was epic!! I've done the mantas on big island a few times, this time was for a cycling trip to Mauna Kea, but this was a far better manta experience. Short boat ride (Levi is the man) and vessel and crew was incredibly dialed. We saw more mantas too to be fair.
– Hugo Dooner
This is the coolest experience and a MUST-DO on Kona. What’s unique about Kona Manta is that it’s a smaller, highly personalized experience that docks 100 yards away - so you’re not spending an hour each way as happens with many other tours.
– Sean Beddoe
Came here with my family. Had an incredible experience. Highly recommended. Been to a lot of diving and snorkeling tours over the years and this one was truly an amazing experience. I would do it again next time I am on the island for sure.
– Sean Beddoe
Came here with my family. Had an incredible experience. Highly recommended. Been to a lot of diving and snorkeling tours over the years and this one was truly an amazing experience. I would do it again next time I am on the island for sure.
This is the coolest experience and a MUST-DO on Kona. What’s unique about Kona Manta is that it’s a smaller, highly personalized experience that docks 100 yards away - so you’re not spending an hour each way as happens with many other tours.
– Steven Gerry
Trip was epic!! I've done the mantas on big island a few times, this time was for a cycling trip to Mauna Kea, but this was a far better manta experience. Short boat ride (Levi is the man) and vessel and crew was incredibly dialed. We saw more mantas too to be fair.
Thank you to Levi and the team! I travel to Hawaii a lot for work trips and this was always on my list of things to try. It was truly an unforgettable experience and very unique to Hawaii. If you get the chance, please book it!
We went with Kona Manta and Snorkeling out to see the Manta Rays twice. Captain Bill and his deck hand were excellent. Its a small boat, so perfect for a family. We had an unforgettable experience and will always come back to this boat/company. Highly recommended!
Awesome experience seeing the manta rays- for sure a top highlight of my life so far! We loved the smaller more intimate experience. The manta's seemed to like it too because we saw a ton! Thanks so much Bill and team!
The Manta experience was truly awesome. Such beautiful, majestic creatures cycling up from the depths was amazing to experience. The staff was incredible and very helpful, cognizant of the need to lay still in water, and knowledgeable about the marine life off the Kona coast. An adventure not to be missed in any visit to Big Island!
One of the most amazing experiences of my life… Highly recommend it is truly magical, Captain Bill and his crew are fantastic and very knowledgeable. This tour is way more intimate than some of the other options more one on one time with the mantas.
Amazing experience! The boat ride is so easy so you get right to the fun in the water with the manta rays. Super friendly and accommodating crew and captain. Would recommend to anyone, such a breathtaking time!
My sisters and I went for the snorkel dive and it was amazing. Bill is a great tour guide and it was crazy how the manta came right up to you without touching you. Would recommend it to anyone as a once in a lifetime bucket list trip!!!
Amit Sharma
"Outstanding craftsmanship, timely delivery, and top-notch quality!"
gramiyaa.com
Arnab
We onboarded MakkPress for our Shopify website speed optimization & website development services. The representative from MakkPress always responded to our requests on time. will recommend Makkpress for anything related to shopify stores!
Amit Sharma
"Highly durable and stylish—totally worth the price!"
Rajesh Mehta
"Top-notch craftsmanship, reliable service, and timely delivery!"
Rajesh Mehta
"Top-notch craftsmanship, reliable service, and timely delivery!"
Testimonials
Why Our Magical Manta Night Snorkel is the Best Choice
Top-rated by adventurers worldwide
Small group sizes for personalized attention
Eco-conscious practices to protect marine life
Experienced guides
Consistent Manta Encounters
Email us with your inquiry or call directly to discuss your needs and preferences.
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Top-Rated Worldwide by Adventurers
We work with you to create a tailor-made itinerary that fits your group’s interests and schedule.
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Intimate Small Groups for a Personal Touch
Pricing is fully customizable based on your itinerary and specific requirements. We will discuss and tailor the cost to match your unique adventure.
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Eco-Conscious & Marine Safe
On the day of your charter, relax as we take care of everything—from departure to return.
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Expert Guides With Local Knowledge
Enjoy a private, hassle-free adventure that you and your guests will remember for years to come.
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Consistent Manta Encounters
Manta Ray Village:
The Ultimate Experience
Manta Ray Village is recognized as the #1 home to manta rays in the world. Here's why
Why Our Magical Manta Night Snorkel is the Best Choice
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Top-rated by adventurers worldwide
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Small group sizes for personalized attention
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Eco-conscious practices to protect marine life
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Experienced guides
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Consistent Manta Encounters
Our knowledgeable guides ensure you enjoy a safe, enriching, and personalized underwater adventure.
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Expert Local Guides
Enjoy intimate, crowd-free tours that let you fully appreciate the vibrant marine ecosystem of Kona.
Small Group Tours
We provide state-of-the-art snorkeling gear so you can focus on exploring the underwater beauty.
Top-Quality Equipment
Our tours emphasize sustainable practices to help protect and preserve Kona’s delicate marine environment.
Eco-Conscious Practices
Never snorkeled before? No problem — we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Beginner-Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend bringing:
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Swimwear, towel, and a light jacket or sweater for after your adventure.
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Cover-up or rash guard for added comfort.
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Reef-safe sunscreen to protect Hawaii’s beautiful marine life.
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Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
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Camera or GoPro to capture the magic.
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Pro Tip: If you have your own snorkel gear that you love, feel free to bring it!
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We provide everything you need for a seamless experience, including:
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Mask, snorkel, and wetsuit for comfortable snorkeling.
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Complimentary water and hot chocolate after the tour to warm up.
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Safety equipment and flotation devices for peace of mind.
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Expert guidance from our crew, ensuring a safe and unforgettable adventure.
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Absolutely! Manta rays are gentle giants of the ocean.
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They have no teeth, no stingers, and are completely harmless.
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Their wingspan can reach up to 15 feet, but they glide gracefully and are curious, not aggressive.
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Our guides ensure you have a safe, respectful, and memorable encounter.
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Our Manta Ray Night Snorkel experience is ~1 hour from start to finish:
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~40 minutes in the water, giving you plenty of time to observe the mantas.
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Some guests are ready to come back on the boat before the full time in the water is up which is of course fine as well
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A quick 3-minute boat ride to Manta Ray Village—the shortest trip on the island.
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Time to enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and water after your swim.
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Each guest must be at least 8 years old and must feel confident swimming in the ocean.
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Although you’re supported and floating the whole time and completely secure, we do this for your safety.
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Our experienced crew is always nearby to assist and ensure everyone’s safety.
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We limit our tours to just 6 guests, the smallest group size of any local operator. This ensures a more personal, relaxed, and premium experience—more like a private charter than a crowded tour.
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If you have a group that is larger than 6, please call or email us to discuss options of how we can accommodate your group!
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While manta rays are wild animals, and we can not guarantee with 100% certainty, our sighting rate is over 95%.
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If you don’t see mantas on your tour (which is rare), we’re happy to offer you a complimentary return ticket to try again on another night during the duration of your trip with availability (Non Transferrable).
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Our guides are experts at finding the best spots, giving you the best chance to witness them.
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No, manta rays are a protected species in Hawaii, and for their safety and yours, we strictly follow a no-touch policy.
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Our goal is to observe them in their natural behavior without disruption.
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However, they are often so curious, they will come rub up against you!
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Manta rays are present year-round in Kona, which means there’s never a bad time to join us.
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The warm Hawaiian waters provide the perfect habitat for them, ensuring sightings throughout every season.
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Our tours book out well in advance so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.
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Yes, absolutely!
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You can enjoy the experience from the comfort of the boat, with a front-row seat to watch the mantas perform their underwater ballet.
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Perfect for family members who want to be part of the adventure without getting wet.
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Our adventure begins at Keauhou Bay and heads to the world-famous Manta Ray Village—just a quick 3-minute boat ride from our dock.
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This site is known for its unmatched manta ray activity, making it the best spot on the island for night snorkeling.
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Yes! We encourage you to bring a GoPro or underwater camera.
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You’ll want to capture the incredible moments with the mantas gliding right beneath you.
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We also offer GoPro rentals if you want professional-quality footage.
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We kindly ask that you arrive at least 25 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
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Parking at Keauhou Bay can be limited, so give yourself extra time to find a spot and walk to check-in.
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We begin guest check-in and orientation 15 minutes prior to departure to ensure you're prepared and relaxed before boarding.
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Unfortunately, we’re unable to delay tours for late arrivals out of respect for our other guests and crew.
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Mahalo for helping us keep everything running smoothly—we want every guest to enjoy the full experience!
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Yes—basic swimming ability is required. Here's what that means:
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You should be able to swim approximately 10 yards unassisted (from the boat to the light board and back).
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During the tour, you will:
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Hold onto a custom light board throughout the snorkel.
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Be supported by a floatation noodle under your legs, making it easy to stay afloat.
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Our experienced crew is in the water with you the entire time, ready to assist and ensure you feel safe and supported.
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You do not need to be an advanced swimmer—just comfortable in the water.
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If you're unsure about your ability, feel free to reach out to our team—we're happy to help!
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Our tours depart from the Keauhou Bay Pier — not the boat ramp. Here's how to find us:
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If you're coming down Kaleiopapa St, head toward the building at the pier, and you'll find us directly to the front right of the structure.
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You can click our address on Google Maps and it should direct you right to where you need to be
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Look for a welcome sign in the parking lot for The Manta & Snorkel Co – Kona.
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We’re located right by the pier, not at the public boat launch ramp
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Our crew will be there to greet you, check you in, and get you ready for your adventure.
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If you're unsure or having trouble finding us, feel free to call—we're happy to help guide you in.
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