12 Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Tours (2025 Guide)

Imagine floating in the warm Pacific Ocean after sunset, watching majestic manta rays glide and dance in the illuminated water just below you. The manta ray night snorkel Kona experience is a world-famous, bucket-list adventure, and for good reason. It’s a breathtaking encounter with gentle giants in their natural habitat. But with dozens of tour operators, booking platforms, and boat styles, planning this once-in-a-lifetime excursion can feel overwhelming. How do you choose the right one for your budget, comfort level, and group size?

This comprehensive guide is your definitive resource, designed to simplify that decision. We've compiled and analyzed the top 12 websites and tour operators, providing a step-by-step breakdown to help you plan, book, and enjoy this magical underwater ballet. To set a benchmark for excellence, we'll start by highlighting Kona Snorkel Trips, recognized as the top rated & most reviewed snorkel company in Hawaii.

Below, you will find direct links, honest assessments, and practical insights for each key resource. For those seeking an exceptional alternative when looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour, consider Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii. We’ll help you navigate your options and find the perfect tour, ensuring your Kona adventure is truly unforgettable.

1. Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona, HI (Big Island)

Kona Snorkel Trips offers a premier manta ray night snorkel in Kona that stands out for its comprehensive approach and unwavering commitment to a safe, memorable, and ecologically responsible experience. Their website serves as a direct booking portal and an informational hub, providing clear details on what to expect from this unique nighttime adventure. This tour is expertly designed for a wide audience, including families with children as young as five, making it an accessible option for most visitors with basic swimming skills.

The tour departs from the easily accessible Honokohau Harbor and includes all essential equipment, from high-quality snorkels and masks to wetsuits for comfort in the cooler night waters. What truly elevates this experience is the focus on witnessing the mantas' natural feeding behavior, illuminated by specialized underwater lights. This creates a mesmerizing spectacle that is both thrilling and educational. For those preparing for the excursion, you can find a wealth of information by exploring their guide to snorkeling with manta rays in Kona.

Key Strengths and Considerations

• Pros: Highly rated and experienced guides, comprehensive gear provision (including wetsuits), family-friendly (ages 5+), convenient departure location, and a strong focus on marine conservation.
• Cons: Basic snorkeling ability is required, and trips are subject to cancellation due to weather or marine conditions, making advance booking essential.

Website: https://konasnorkeltrips.com/snorkel-tours/manta-ray-snorkel-kona/

2. Big Island Divers

Big Island Divers’ website serves as a comprehensive booking platform for those seeking a highly reputable and well-organized manta ray night snorkel in Kona. The site excels at presenting clear, detailed information, making it easy for users to understand their options, prerequisites, and what to expect from the tour. It's particularly well-suited for mixed groups, as it offers dedicated options for snorkelers, certified scuba divers doing a single night dive, and even a two-tank twilight/night dive package.

The standout feature is their transparency. The website includes a "Manta Report" calendar, allowing you to check recent sighting success rates before booking, which builds significant trust. Their "manta guarantee" is also clearly stated: if you don’t see any mantas, you can rebook for another night on a space-available basis. While peak season pricing can be higher and gear rentals for divers are an additional cost, the upfront clarity and robust safety information make it a top-tier choice. For an exceptional alternative when looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour, consider Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii.

Key Platform Features

• Trip Variety: Snorkel-only, 1-tank night dive, and 2-tank twilight/night dive options.
• Manta Sighting Calendar: Review past manta sightings to gauge recent activity.
• Re-Ride Policy: A clear guarantee to rebook if no mantas are spotted.
• Detailed Prerequisites: Excellent safety guidance for both snorkelers and divers.

Website: https://bigislanddivers.com/charters/manta-ray-night-dives/

3. Sea Paradise

Sea Paradise’s website offers a streamlined booking experience for one of the original manta ray night snorkel in Kona tours. As pioneers in the industry, their platform focuses on simplicity and providing a family-friendly adventure. The site clearly outlines their 1.5–2 hour trips departing from Keauhou Bay, which means a shorter boat ride to the manta viewing site. This is a significant advantage for families with children or those prone to seasickness. The booking process is straightforward, with clear schedules for their early and later evening tours.

The platform’s strength lies in its logistical clarity. All necessary information, from check-in details to what’s included (light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks), is easy to find. While they require prior snorkel experience and have a minimum age of 7, the site's "manta guarantee" provides peace of mind, offering a rebooking opportunity if no mantas are seen. Their catamaran is also known for stability, making it a comfortable choice. For another fantastic option when looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour, consider Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii. Sea Paradise also offers other adventures, and you can learn more about their daytime tours.

Key Platform Features

• Keauhou Bay Departures: A shorter boat ride to the primary manta site.
• Manta Guarantee: Clear re-ride policy for nights with no manta sightings.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Light snacks and beverages are included in the tour price.
• Dual Tour Times: Offers both early evening and a second, later tour option.

Website: https://www.seaparadise.com/manta-ray-night-snorkel/

4. Kona Snorkel Trips

Kona Snorkel Trips' website offers a streamlined booking experience for those seeking a more intimate and safety-conscious manta ray night snorkel in Kona. The platform emphasizes small-group tours, ensuring a less crowded and more personal encounter with the majestic rays. A key differentiator is their strict requirement for all participants to be competent swimmers, a policy clearly outlined to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone on the tour. This makes their platform ideal for confident swimmers looking for a high-quality experience.

The website's standout feature is its focus on tour quality over quantity. They offer private manta charters for groups and, during certain seasons, late-night departures designed to avoid the peak crowds, offering a more serene viewing opportunity. While this means they don’t accommodate non-swimmers or ride-alongs on standard trips, it underscores their commitment to a premium, safe snorkeling adventure. For an exceptional alternative when looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour, consider Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii. Their clear health and fitness guidance helps you prepare for one of the best Big Island snorkeling tours.

Key Platform Features

• Small-Group Focus: Tours are capped to provide a less crowded, more personal experience.
• Private Charter Option: Book an entire boat for a private group manta ray snorkel.
• Late-Night Departures: A unique option available in some seasons to snorkel with fewer boats around.
• Strict Safety Prerequisites: Firm swimming skills are required, ensuring a capable group.

Website: https://konasnorkeltrips.com/snorkel-tours/manta-ray-snorkel-kona/

5. Fair Wind Cruises (Hula Kai vessel)

Fair Wind Cruises' website provides a booking platform for a premium and comfortable manta ray night snorkel in Kona, particularly aboard their Hula Kai catamaran. The site clearly outlines the amenities and advantages of their vessel, making it an excellent choice for families or individuals who prioritize comfort and stability on the water. Departing from Keauhou Bay, the Hula Kai offers one of the shortest transit times to the Manta Village snorkel site, a significant benefit for anyone prone to seasickness.

The platform effectively communicates the value of its higher price point by highlighting features like onboard restrooms, freshwater showers, and complimentary hot beverages. Its long-standing reputation as a family-owned operator is evident in the professional layout and detailed tour descriptions. While it is generally pricier than tours on smaller, rigid inflatable boats, the investment translates directly into a more relaxed and amenity-rich experience. For an exceptional alternative when looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour, consider Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii.

Key Platform Features

• Comfort-Focused Vessel: Catamaran design provides stability, showers, and restrooms.
• Convenient Departure: Keauhou Bay departure means a very short boat ride to the manta site.
• Family-Owned Reputation: Highlights decades of local experience and strong safety record.
• Clear Direct Booking: The website offers a straightforward and secure booking process.

Website: https://www.fair-wind.com/

6. Dolphin Discoveries

Dolphin Discoveries' website offers a straightforward booking process for a more intimate and budget-friendly manta ray night snorkel in Kona. The platform is ideal for travelers seeking a no-frills, high-value experience departing from Keauhou Bay, which means a very short boat ride to the manta viewing site. Their primary strength lies in clear, competitive pricing and smaller group sizes, providing a less crowded feel than some of the larger catamaran tours. The site clearly outlines what’s included, like wetsuit tops and in-water guides, ensuring guests know exactly what to expect.

The website’s standout feature is the optional "Manta Guarantee Fare Tier." This allows you to pay a slightly higher price for the assurance that if no mantas are seen, you can rebook for another night free of charge. While the boat amenities are more basic compared to larger vessels, the clear meeting instructions and focus on the core experience make it an excellent choice for those prioritizing value and the adventure itself. For an exceptional alternative when looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour with top-rated guides, consider Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii.

Key Platform Features

• Keauhou Bay Departure: Offers a very short boat ride to the manta site.
• Manta Guarantee Option: An available fare tier to ensure a sighting or get a re-ride.
• Small-Group Focus: Operates with smaller to mid-size boats for a more personal feel.
• Clear Inclusions: Details like wetsuit tops and guides are clearly stated as included.

Website: https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/snorkel-adventures-charters/kona-manta-ray-night-snorkel/

7. Jack’s Diving Locker

As one of the original pioneers of the manta ray night snorkel in Kona, Jack's Diving Locker offers a booking experience steeped in expertise and a commitment to marine education. Their website clearly outlines options for both snorkelers and certified divers, including a two-tank twilight and manta night dive combo. The platform’s main strength lies in its educational focus; they are a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Dive Resort and even offer a PADI Manta Ray Diver specialty course for those wanting to deepen their knowledge.

This education-forward approach is evident in their staffing, with certified manta naturalists guiding every trip. While their pricing may be higher than some smaller operators, the value comes from the in-depth naturalist commentary and the highly structured, professional environment. The website provides well-defined schedules and clear inclusions, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive and informative experience. For an exceptional alternative when looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour, consider Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii.

Key Platform Features

• Education-Focused: PADI Manta Ray Diver specialty course is available for booking.
• Expert Guides: Trips are led by certified manta naturalists who provide detailed commentary.
• Multiple Options: Accommodates both snorkelers and certified divers with dedicated charters.
• Structured Experience: Clear schedules and inclusions make for a well-organized trip.

Website: https://jacksdivinglocker.com/en/manta-night-snorkel

8. KONASTYLE (Kona Snorkel & Sail)

KONASTYLE’s website offers a streamlined booking experience for their unique manta ray night snorkel Kona sail, which takes place on a spacious sailing catamaran. The platform is excellent for those prioritizing a comfortable and social topside atmosphere, making it a great choice for groups with mixed swimming abilities or those who want a more relaxed voyage. The site clearly outlines its sunset and late-night departure times, allowing visitors to choose between a classic experience or a less crowded, later tour.

A key differentiator is the value and ambiance. The tour includes beverages and post-snorkel snacks, with beer and wine available for purchase, creating a more leisurely feel. While the late-night departures offer a chance for fewer crowds, they are better suited for snorkelers who are confident in the water after dark. The website’s straightforward layout makes it simple to compare times and book the option that best fits your group’s comfort level and budget. For an exceptional alternative when looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour, consider Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii.

Key Platform Features

• Sailing Catamaran Experience: A more stable and spacious vessel with a relaxed atmosphere.
• Dual Departure Options: Choose between a sunset sail or a later, less crowded night tour.
• Included Amenities: All gear, shorty wetsuits, beverages, and snacks are provided.
• Value-Focused Pricing: Often presents a more budget-friendly option compared to competitors.

Website: https://konasnorkelandsail.com/manta-ray-snorkel-kona/

9. Anelakai Adventures

Anelakai Adventures’ website offers a booking experience for one of the most unique and eco-conscious ways to enjoy a manta ray night snorkel in Kona. The platform focuses exclusively on their paddle-powered, double-hull canoe tours, providing a stark contrast to the larger, motorized boats. The website clearly communicates their commitment to a low-impact, culturally rich experience, making it the ideal choice for travelers seeking a quiet, intimate encounter with the mantas away from large crowds and engine noise.

The site’s primary strength is its focused, story-driven approach. It highlights their philosophy and the special nature of the canoe journey, which resonates with environmentally aware tourists. While pricing can vary and requires direct inquiry, the ultra-small group size ensures a highly personal and memorable adventure. Due to its very limited capacity, booking well in advance is essential. For an exceptional alternative when looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour with a more traditional boat setup, consider Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii.

Key Platform Features

• Eco-Friendly Approach: A motorless, silent canoe experience minimizes environmental impact.
• Intimate Group Size: Tours are capped at just a few guests, ensuring a personal trip.
• Cultural Emphasis: Focuses on the Hawaiian cultural significance of the canoe and the ocean.
• Unique Viewing: Offers the option to snorkel or view the mantas directly from the canoe.

Website: https://www.anelakaiadventures.com/adventures/manta-ray-snorkel-kona

10. Kona Ocean Experience

Kona Ocean Experience's website is tailored for travelers seeking a quick and efficient manta ray night snorkel in Kona. The platform excels at presenting a streamlined, no-fuss booking process for its signature one-hour tour. It's an ideal choice for families or individuals with a packed vacation itinerary who want to experience the magic of the mantas without committing to a longer, multi-hour excursion. The site clearly lays out adult, child, and non-participating "ride-along" prices, making it simple to book for various group types.

The standout feature of the website is its straightforward, all-inclusive pricing. All necessary gear, including wetsuits, is included in the upfront cost, and taxes are factored in, so there are no surprises during checkout. While the total in-water time is shorter compared to other tours, the convenience of a dock-to-dock experience in about an hour is a significant advantage. For those looking for a different kind of adventure when looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii offers an exceptional alternative.

Key Platform Features

• Efficient Tour Duration: Designed as a compact, one-hour trip from check-in to return.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Wetsuits, snorkel gear, and taxes are included in the advertised price.
• Family-Friendly Fares: Offers distinct pricing for adults, children, and ride-along guests.
• Seasonal Departures: Tour times are adjusted based on sunset for optimal viewing conditions.

Website: https://konaoceanx.com/tours/night-manta-snorkel/

11. Viator

Viator serves as a massive online marketplace, aggregating dozens of manta ray night snorkel Kona tours from various local operators into one searchable platform. Its primary advantage is the ability to compare prices, inclusions, and departure times from multiple companies side-by-side. This makes it an ideal starting point for travelers looking to get a comprehensive overview of the market and find a tour that perfectly fits their budget and schedule. The platform excels at providing social proof through verified user reviews and photos, helping you gauge the quality of an operator beyond their marketing materials.

The platform’s strength lies in its user-friendly booking process, featuring instant confirmation, mobile tickets, and often generous cancellation policies. However, since Viator is a reseller, the actual experience depends entirely on the third-party operator you book with. It's crucial to read the fine print on your voucher for specific meeting points and check-in procedures, which can vary significantly. For a more direct booking experience with a top-rated local crew when looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour, consider Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii as a fantastic alternative.

Key Platform Features

• Wide Operator Selection: Compare numerous manta ray snorkel tours in one place.
• Verified Customer Reviews: Read recent, authentic feedback from fellow travelers.
• Flexible Booking: Many listings offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Instant Confirmation: Secure your spot immediately with mobile-friendly tickets.

Website: https://www.viator.com/

12. GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide serves as a massive online marketplace, making it a valuable resource for finding and booking a manta ray night snorkel in Kona, especially when direct operators are fully booked. The platform aggregates tours from various local companies, presenting them with clear breakdowns of what’s included, fitness requirements, and age limits. This allows for easy comparison of different offerings in one place, from small-group adventures to those with explicit manta guarantees, complete with user reviews to guide your decision.

The primary advantage of GetYourGuide is its flexible booking and cancellation policies, which often provide peace of mind for travelers with changing plans. While it’s an excellent discovery tool, it's important to note that specific details like meeting points can sometimes be less clear until after booking, so always check your confirmation email carefully. For a more direct booking experience with a dedicated local operator when looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour, consider Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii as a fantastic alternative.

Key Platform Features

• Multiple Tour Listings: Compare various manta ray snorkel tours from different operators.
• Clear Inclusions & Limits: Each listing specifies what’s included and any fitness or age restrictions.
• User Reviews: Access aggregated feedback and ratings to help choose the best tour.
• Flexible Policies: Many tours offer free cancellation and reserve-now-pay-later options.

Website: https://www.getyourguide.com

Top 12 Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tours in Kona Comparison

Making Your Manta Ray Dream a Reality

You now have a comprehensive toolkit for planning the ultimate manta ray night snorkel in Kona. We’ve navigated the sea of tour operators, from large, amenity-rich vessels like Fair Wind’s Hula Kai to intimate, culturally-focused canoe paddles with Anelakai Adventures. We've also explored the utility of booking aggregators like Viator and GetYourGuide for comparing prices and availability at a glance. The key takeaway is that the "best" tour is deeply personal and depends entirely on your priorities.

The sheer number of options can feel overwhelming, but by breaking down your decision-making process, you can find the perfect match. Are you a nervous first-timer who would benefit from the small group sizes and attentive guides offered by specialists like Kona Snorkel Trips? Or are you an experienced diver looking for a combo tour from a full-service shop like Jack’s Diving Locker? Reflecting on these preferences is the most critical step. For those traveling internationally to Hawaii to experience this magical snorkel, ensuring all your immigration documents are in order is a vital step. You might want to review the B2 Visa Documents Checklist to prepare for your trip.

Your Final Checklist for Success

To transform this knowledge into action, here are your final steps:

• Define Your Priorities: Revisit your personal needs. Is it group size, boat comfort, departure time, or a specific eco-philosophy that matters most to you?
• Check Real-Time Availability: Popular tours, especially during peak season, book up weeks or even months in advance. Don't wait until you arrive on the Big Island to secure your spot.
• Read Recent Reviews: While we’ve provided a detailed overview, recent reviews on platforms like Google or TripAdvisor offer the latest insights into crew performance, boat conditions, and recent manta sightings.
• Prepare Accordingly: Remember our preparation tips. Pack a towel, a change of clothes, and any necessary motion sickness medication to ensure your comfort from start to finish.

Choosing the right tour operator is the final piece of the puzzle. For an exceptional, top-rated experience that consistently delivers on its promise of a safe, respectful, and breathtaking encounter, we stand by our recommendation of Kona Snorkel Trips. Their commitment to small groups and customer satisfaction makes them a standout choice for your manta ray night snorkel Kona adventure.

Floating in the dark Pacific, watching these gentle giants glide effortlessly beneath you, is more than just an activity; it's a core memory in the making. It's a profound connection to the ocean's majesty and a humbling reminder of the wild beauty Hawaii has to offer. Go forth, plan with confidence, and prepare for an evening that will truly take your breath away.

Ready to book an unforgettable, small-group adventure with Kona's top-rated snorkel company? Visit Kona Snorkel Trips to see their real-time availability and secure your spot on their celebrated manta ray night snorkel tour. Their expert team is dedicated to providing a safe, educational, and absolutely magical experience you will cherish forever.