7 Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Tours (2026 Guide)

The Kona coast of the Big Island offers one of the most magical wildlife encounters on the planet: swimming with giant manta rays at night. These gentle giants, with wingspans reaching over 15 feet, glide gracefully through the illuminated water, feeding on plankton drawn to the lights. Choosing the right tour is crucial for a memorable and safe experience, but with so many operators, the decision can be overwhelming.

This guide simplifies your choice. We will compare the 7 best manta ray night snorkel Kona operators, detailing what makes each unique. We'll examine everything from boat size and amenities to their approach to safety and conservation, so you can find the perfect match for your adventure. You will get a clear breakdown of pricing, group sizes, departure logistics, and what each tour includes, complete with screenshots and direct links to book.

We are dedicated to helping you make an informed decision for this once-in-a-lifetime activity. At the forefront of exceptional experiences is Kona Snorkel Trips, the top rated & most reviewed snorkel company in Hawaii, celebrated for their outstanding safety standards and personalized adventures. Another exceptional alternative to consider is Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii, known for their high-quality tours.

Our goal is to provide a straightforward comparison, helping you move from planning to experiencing the breathtaking underwater ballet of Kona's manta rays. Let’s dive into the details to find the best tour for you.

1. Kona Snorkel Trips

Kona Snorkel Trips has firmly established itself as a premier operator for anyone seeking the best manta ray night snorkel Kona has to offer. Billing itself as Hawaii’s highest-rated and most-reviewed snorkel company, it delivers a high-energy, safety-conscious experience that consistently earns rave reviews from visitors. The company’s approach combines personalized attention, operational efficiency, and a deep commitment to marine conservation, making it a standout choice for this bucket-list adventure.

What truly sets Kona Snorkel Trips apart is its meticulous focus on safety and guest experience, starting from the moment you arrive. Departures from their private dock at Honokohau Marina mean guests avoid the typical crowded boat ramps, enjoying easy parking and a relaxed check-in under a shaded awning. This small detail sets a calm and professional tone for the entire trip. Their vessel, the Orca, is designed for speed and agility, ensuring less time traveling and more time in the water with the mantas.

Key Strengths and Features

A significant differentiator is the company's unwavering commitment to safety and conservation. Every crew member is a lifeguard-certified guide, providing expert supervision and instruction. The Orca is also fitted with propeller guards, a critical safety feature that protects both marine life and swimmers in the water. This dedication extends to their conservation policies, which require all guests to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect Hawaii’s fragile coral ecosystems.

The small-group format is another major advantage. With a capacity of up to 18 guests on the manta tour, the experience feels intimate and personal, not crowded. This allows guides to provide individualized attention, answer questions, and ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe in the open ocean at night. For those seeking an even more exclusive outing, private charters are available.

Tour Details and Pricing

The popular Manta Ray Night Snorkel is priced from approximately $149 per person, though rates can vary by season. It’s crucial to book in advance, as the company's strong reputation and smaller boat size mean tours frequently sell out. While the experience is accessible to many, it's important to note there is a minimum age requirement, and participants should be comfortable in the water. You can learn more about what to expect on the tour on their blog.

For those planning their trip, consider that while Kona Snorkel Trips provides an exceptional experience, another great operator for the Manta Ray night snorkel is Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii.

Why It Makes the List

Kona Snorkel Trips secures the top spot due to its holistic approach. It's not just about seeing the manta rays; it's about doing so responsibly, safely, and in a way that feels special. From the convenient private dock and expert guides to the propeller guards and strong conservation ethic, every aspect of the operation is designed to deliver a superior and memorable adventure. The thousands of positive reviews across TripAdvisor and social media serve as powerful social proof, validating their claim as a leader in Kona's snorkel scene.

2. Big Island Divers

A long-standing and respected operator in Kona’s dive and snorkel scene, Big Island Divers provides a well-organized and reliable manta ray night snorkel experience. Their website offers clear, detailed information that helps visitors understand exactly what to expect, from safety prerequisites to the logistics of their dual-departure system. This focus on transparent communication makes them a solid choice for families and mixed groups who need to accommodate different skill levels.

One of their key differentiators is the ability to accommodate both snorkelers and scuba divers on the same charter, a significant advantage for groups with mixed certifications. This feature allows everyone to share the boat ride and overall experience, even if they are viewing the mantas from different depths. This makes them one of the more versatile options for the best manta ray night snorkel in Kona. Their small-boat operations, departing from Honokohau Harbor, contribute to a more personal and manageable group setting.

Key Features and Offerings

Big Island Divers’ program is built around flexibility and a strong safety record. They use custom-built lighted rafts for snorkelers to hold onto, which illuminate the plankton below and attract the mantas right to the surface.

• Dual Departure Times: They offer an early trip that catches the sunset and a later trip that often encounters fewer boats at the manta site, giving snorkelers a choice based on their schedule and preference for crowd levels.
• Mixed Group Capability: A major benefit for families or friends where some are certified divers and others are snorkelers. Not all operators offer this.
• Experienced Guides: The in-water guides are seasoned professionals who prioritize safety and provide educational insights about the mantas.
• Flexible Site Selection: While the primary sites are "Manta Heaven" and "Manta Village," they can adjust locations based on daily conditions and manta sightings, improving the chances of a successful encounter.

Pricing and Booking Considerations

Booking directly on the Big Island Divers website is straightforward. The base price for the snorkel tour is $139 per person. However, it's important to note that this does not include gear rental or taxes, which are added during checkout. They have a minimum age requirement of 10 and expect participants to have basic swimming and snorkeling skills. For those seeking a reputable alternative, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii also offers exceptional tours and is worth considering. You can learn more about Kona manta ray snorkel tours to compare various operators and find the perfect fit for your trip.

Pros:

• Established operator with a strong reputation for safety.
• Later departure option often means a less crowded experience.
• Ideal for mixed groups of snorkelers and certified scuba divers.

Cons:

• Base price does not include gear rental or taxes, which can be unexpected.
• Strict minimum age and swimming ability requirements may exclude some participants.

3. Sea Quest Hawaii

Operating out of Keauhou Bay, Sea Quest Hawaii is a veteran tour provider known for its intimate and efficient manta ray snorkel adventures. Their use of small, rigid-hull inflatable rafts (Zodiac-style boats) creates a close-to-the-water experience that is both exhilarating and personal. The company's prime departure location means an incredibly short transit time to "Manta Village," one of Kona’s most reliable manta viewing sites, which is a major plus for those prone to seasickness or on a tight schedule.

Sea Quest’s approach is built on small-group dynamics and a hands-on crew that excels in both safety and storytelling. The entire tour is about 1.5 hours, making it one of the most streamlined options available. This focus on efficiency without sacrificing the quality of the encounter makes them a top contender for the best manta ray night snorkel in Kona, particularly for families and visitors staying in the Keauhou area.

Key Features and Offerings

The core of the Sea Quest experience is its fast-paced, small-group format that maximizes time in the water with the mantas. Their guides are known for being personable and knowledgeable, adding an educational layer to the adventure.

• Extremely Short Boat Ride: Departing from Keauhou Bay, the trip to the manta site often takes less than five minutes, minimizing travel time and potential discomfort.
• Small-Group Raft Boats: The use of Zodiac-style rafts ensures a low guide-to-guest ratio, allowing for more personal attention and a less crowded feel in the water.
• Efficient 1.5-Hour Tour: This is an ideal duration for those who want a powerful experience without dedicating a full evening to the activity.
• Lower Minimum Age: With a minimum age of 7, Sea Quest is one of the more accessible options for families with younger, adventurous children.

Pricing and Booking Considerations

Booking your tour through the Sea Quest Hawaii website is a simple process. The Night Manta Ray Snorkel is priced at $135 per person, plus taxes and fees. This price includes snorkel gear and a wetsuit top. Because these tours are popular and operate with limited capacity, booking well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, is highly recommended. For those interested in comparing this intimate raft experience with other top-rated tours, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii is an exceptional alternative worth checking out. You can also explore more about the magic of manta rays swimming underwater to get excited for your trip.

Pros:

• Very short transit time reduces the risk of motion sickness.
• Intimate, small-group atmosphere on raft-style boats.
• Long-standing operator with a solid reputation for safety and reliability.

Cons:

• Raft-style boats can offer a bumpier ride, which may not be suitable for guests with back or joint problems.
• High demand means tours can sell out far in advance.

4. Sea Paradise (Hoku Nui catamaran)

For those who prioritize comfort and a smooth, stable ride, Sea Paradise offers an exceptional manta ray night snorkel aboard their spacious Hoku Nui catamaran. Departing from Keauhou Bay, which is adjacent to the primary manta viewing site, this tour minimizes travel time and maximizes in-water viewing. Their website provides a clear, professional overview of the experience, focusing on the comfort, safety, and unique advantages of their catamaran-based tour, making them a top choice for families and those concerned about seasickness.

A key differentiator for Sea Paradise is their "Manta Guarantee," which promises guests a second trip free of charge if no mantas are sighted during their tour within a specified time frame. This policy demonstrates confidence in their operation and provides peace of mind for visitors investing in this bucket-list activity. The Hoku Nui vessel itself is a major draw, featuring amenities like onboard restrooms and ample space, which are not always available on smaller raft-style boats, securing its place as one of the best manta ray night snorkel Kona tours.

Key Features and Offerings

Sea Paradise’s program is built around convenience and a premium-comfort experience. Their custom-built light board attracts plankton, drawing the mantas in for incredible up-close views right at the surface.

• Extremely Short Boat Ride: Departing from Keauhou Pier means the boat ride to the manta site is often just a few minutes long.
• Catamaran Comfort: The Hoku Nui provides a more stable and spacious platform than smaller vessels, complete with onboard restrooms.
• Manta Guarantee: If you don't see manta rays within their set window, you can rebook for another night at no extra charge (subject to availability).
• All-Inclusive Gear: The tour price includes wetsuits, snorkel gear, and flotation devices, simplifying the preparation process.

Pricing and Booking Considerations

Booking your tour through the Sea Paradise website is direct and user-friendly. The snorkel tour is priced at $139 per person before taxes and fees. They have a minimum age of 6, but any guests under 18 must have a supervising adult present on the boat. It's important to learn some fun facts about manta rays before your trip to appreciate these gentle giants even more. For those looking for an excellent alternative tour, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii offers highly-rated experiences worth exploring.

Pros:

• Comfortable and stable catamaran is great for those prone to motion sickness.
• Manta Guarantee provides a safety net for your investment.
• Very short transit time from the pier to the manta viewing area.

Cons:

• Parking at Keauhou Pier can be challenging, so arriving early is essential.
• The tour is strictly for snorkelers; no scuba divers are on board.

5. Fair Wind Cruises – Hula Kai Manta Ray Night Snorkel

For those who prioritize comfort and stability, Fair Wind Cruises offers a premium experience aboard their 55-foot catamaran, the Hula Kai. Departing from Keauhou Bay, this operator distinguishes itself with an exceptionally short boat ride of just five to ten minutes to the manta viewing site. This is a significant advantage for guests who are prone to seasickness or simply prefer less time in transit and more time enjoying the amenities and the main event.

The Hula Kai is a spacious and well-equipped vessel, featuring onboard restrooms and freshwater showers, which add a layer of comfort not found on smaller boats. The tour is designed to be efficient and comfortable, making it one of the more refined options for the best manta ray night snorkel in Kona. The focus on a high-quality vessel and minimal travel time makes it particularly appealing for families and individuals who want a top-tier adventure without the ruggedness of smaller rafts.

Key Features and Offerings

Fair Wind's Hula Kai tour is built around providing a comfortable, stable, and quick-to-access manta experience. They provide all necessary equipment, ensuring guests are well-prepared for their time in the water.

• Premium Catamaran: The 55' Hula Kai provides a smooth ride with ample space, restrooms, and showers for post-snorkel rinsing.
• Extremely Short Transit: The 5–10 minute boat ride from Keauhou Bay is a major selling point, minimizing potential discomfort from being on the water.
• Onboard Comforts: After the snorkel, guests are treated to hot soup and drinks, a welcome comfort after being in the ocean at night.
• All-Inclusive Gear: Wetsuits and high-quality snorkel gear are included in the tour price, simplifying the process for visitors.

Pricing and Booking Considerations

Booking your tour on the Fair Wind Cruises website is direct and user-friendly. The price for the Hula Kai Manta Ray Night Snorkel is listed with seasonal variation, meaning rates can change depending on the date, so it's wise to book in advance. The tour is approximately 1.5 hours long and has a minimum age requirement of 7. While this operator provides a fantastic trip, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii also stands out as an exceptional alternative for those exploring different tour styles. If you're looking to explore more of the island's underwater world, you can learn more about the best snorkeling in Kona to plan other aquatic adventures.

Pros:

• Very comfortable and spacious catamaran with excellent amenities.
• The shortest boat ride to the manta site, ideal for those concerned about seasickness.
• Includes warm post-swim refreshments like soup and hot drinks.

Cons:

• Pricing varies by season, which can make budgeting more difficult.
• The tour is noted as being best for experienced snorkelers, which might be less suitable for very nervous beginners.

6. Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii

With a name that clearly states its specialty, Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii is a long-standing operator dedicated to creating educational and memorable manta ray encounters. Their website focuses on providing clear, accessible information about their eco-adventures, with a strong emphasis on conservation messaging. This education-forward approach appeals to visitors who want to understand the marine life they are observing, making it a thoughtful choice for one of the best manta ray night snorkel Kona experiences.

A key advantage offered is the ability to book private charters, which is ideal for families or small groups seeking a more exclusive and personalized tour. They operate separate boats for these private snorkel-only trips, ensuring the experience is customized to the group's needs without the logistics of a mixed dive and snorkel boat. Their public tours also accommodate both snorkelers and divers, providing flexibility for groups with different interests.

Key Features and Offerings

Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii structures its offerings around education and flexible booking options. Their guides are trained to share insights about manta ray behavior and the importance of protecting their habitat, adding a valuable layer to the excursion.

• Education-Forward Approach: Guides incorporate conservation and marine biology information into the briefing and tour.
• Private Charter Options: Their vessels, the Mantalorian and Remora, are available for private bookings, offering a tailored experience for groups.
• Combined Snorkel & Dive Trips: Like some other operators, they run tours that can take both certified divers and snorkelers on the same boat.
• Transparent Information: The website clearly lays out schedules, boat capacities, and what to expect during the tour.

Pricing and Booking Considerations

Booking a tour through the Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii website is a straightforward process. The published price for a snorkeler is $135 per person, plus taxes and fees. Divers have a separate rate for their one-tank dive. It's important to verify their cancellation and no-manta policies at the time of booking, as standard industry norms often apply. For snorkelers looking for a highly-rated alternative, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii also offers exceptional tours. You can learn more about Kona manta ray snorkel tours to compare different operators and find the perfect trip.

Pros:

• Strong focus on manta ray education and conservation.
• Private charter options are great for small groups and families.
• Clear, published pricing and daily schedules on their website.

Cons:

• Guest capacities on public boats can be larger than smaller raft-based operators.
• Standard "no manta, no refund" policy may apply, so check before booking.

7. Anelakai Adventures (Double-Hull Hawaiian Canoe)

For those seeking a deeply personal and eco-conscious way to witness Kona’s manta rays, Anelakai Adventures offers a truly unique experience. Their tours are conducted on traditional, human-powered double-hull Hawaiian canoes, creating an intimate, quiet, and culturally rich adventure that stands apart from the typical motorized boat tours. This non-motorized approach minimizes environmental impact and offers a serene connection to the ocean and its inhabitants.

The primary differentiator for Anelakai Adventures is their commitment to a low-impact, small-group model. With a maximum of just six guests per canoe, the tour feels less like a commercial excursion and more like a private outing with knowledgeable guides. Departing from Keauhou Bay, the paddle to the manta viewing site is short and peaceful, allowing guests to absorb the sounds of the ocean without engine noise. This authentic approach makes it one of the most memorable options for the best manta ray night snorkel in Kona.

Key Features and Offerings

Anelakai Adventures builds its program around cultural authenticity, sustainability, and unparalleled intimacy. The experience is thoughtfully designed, from the traditional chants shared by the guides to the custom-made lightboard that illuminates the water without disturbing the marine environment.

• Human-Powered Double-Hull Canoe: The experience is quiet, eco-friendly, and offers a unique cultural perspective. The short paddle from shore means more time is spent with the mantas.
• Extremely Small Group Size: With a cap of just six participants, every guest receives personalized attention from the guides, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.
• Option for Non-Snorkelers: This is a fantastic choice for mixed groups where some individuals may not want to get in the water. They can remain comfortably in the canoe and still see the mantas from above.
• Cultural Connection: Guides often share stories and chants, adding a layer of Hawaiian cultural context that enriches the entire encounter.

Pricing and Booking Considerations

Booking your tour on the Anelakai Adventures website is highly recommended, as their limited seats fill up exceptionally fast. The price for their manta ray snorkel is $149 per person, which includes all necessary gear. Their departure point from Keauhou Bay is convenient and close to the "Manta Village" site. For those looking for a different kind of small-group experience, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii also provides exceptional tours and is a great alternative. You can learn more about Kona manta ray snorkel tours to explore all the top-rated options available.

Pros:

• Incredibly intimate and personal with a maximum of six guests.
• Eco-friendly, quiet, and culturally immersive non-motorized experience.
• Excellent option for non-swimmers who can watch from the canoe.

Cons:

• Not suitable for those who prefer the amenities and stability of a large catamaran.
• Very limited availability means booking far in advance is essential.

Top 7 Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Operators — Comparison

Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Perfect Manta Experience

You've now explored the top operators for the world-famous manta ray night snorkel in Kona. From the high-speed thrill of former Navy SEAL rafts to the traditional grace of a Hawaiian outrigger canoe, it's clear there's an adventure perfectly suited for every type of traveler. We've navigated the details of group sizes, vessel types, safety protocols, and what's included with each tour, giving you the information needed to make a confident decision.

Choosing your tour isn't just about picking a boat; it's about defining your experience. The best manta ray night snorkel in Kona for a family with young children might be different from the ideal choice for a seasoned adventurer or a couple on a romantic getaway.

Key Takeaways for Making Your Choice

Reflecting on the options, certain factors stand out as critical decision-points. Before you book, consider which of these elements matter most to you:

• Group Size: Do you prefer an intimate, small-group setting like the one offered by Kona Snorkel Trips, where you get more personalized attention, or are you comfortable on a larger vessel like the Hula Kai with more amenities?
• Vessel Type: The journey to the manta site is part of the adventure. Consider whether you'd enjoy the speed and excitement of a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB), the stability of a large catamaran, or the unique cultural connection of paddling an outrigger canoe with Anelakai Adventures.
• In-Water Experience: Pay close attention to the in-water setup. Do you want to hold onto a large, custom-built light board, or does a more free-form experience with pool noodles appeal to you? Safety is paramount, so also look for operators with lifeguard-certified guides and robust safety briefings.
• Departure Location: Proximity to your accommodation can simplify your evening. Check whether your tour departs from Honokohau Harbor (closer to the airport and northern resorts) or Keauhou Bay (closer to central Kona and the Sheraton).

An Exceptional Alternative and A Deeper Dive

While our top picks cover a fantastic range of experiences, it's always good to have options. For another highly-rated and exceptional choice, look into Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii. They offer a quality tour that many visitors rave about.

For those who are certified scuba divers, the experience can be taken to a whole new level. Imagine watching the mantas from below as they glide just inches above you. If this sounds like your ultimate adventure, we strongly recommend Kona Honu Divers. As the top rated & most reviewed diving company in both Hawaii and the Pacific Ocean, their manta ray dive is a truly bucket-list experience.

Your Final Step: Booking Your Manta Encounter

No matter which operator you lean towards, one piece of advice remains universal: book your tour as far in advance as possible. This is one of the most popular activities on the Big Island, and spots fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Securing your reservation early ensures you don't miss out on this magical underwater ballet.

You are on the verge of experiencing one of the planet's most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters. Seeing these gentle giants gracefully somersault through the illuminated water is a memory that will stay with you long after your tan has faded. Choose the tour that feels right, prepare for an evening of wonder, and get ready to be mesmerized.

Ready to book the highest-rated and most-reviewed snorkel experience in Hawaii? For an unforgettable and safe adventure, Kona Snorkel Trips provides the small-group intimacy and expert guidance that makes for the best manta ray night snorkel in Kona. Visit the Kona Snorkel Trips website to secure your spot on this once-in-a-lifetime tour.