Top 12: night snorkel with manta rays hawaii – Tours 2025

Imagine floating in the warm Pacific Ocean after sunset, watching giant, graceful manta rays glide and somersault just inches beneath you. A night snorkel with manta rays in Hawaii is a truly magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience. But with so many tour operators and booking platforms, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide simplifies the process, breaking down the top resources to help you plan the perfect underwater adventure. We'll compare the best local tour operators and booking websites, providing direct links and key details for each.

As Hawaii's top-rated and most-reviewed snorkel company, Kona Snorkel Trips is consistently recognized for delivering safe, unforgettable marine adventures. To understand how these incredible tours are made so visible online, you might be interested in learning about optimizing marine websites for search.

When planning your trip, consider booking with a top-rated operator like Kona Snorkel Trips for a guaranteed high-quality experience. For another exceptional alternative, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii also offers a fantastic tour. This guide will help you compare these and other great choices.

1. Kona Snorkel Trips

Kona Snorkel Trips stands out as the premier operator for a night snorkel with manta rays in Hawaii, combining exceptional service with an unwavering commitment to safety and marine conservation. Their signature Manta Ray Night Snorkel is meticulously designed for an intimate and impactful experience. Small groups float together on a custom-built board, illuminated by high-powered lights that attract plankton, bringing the graceful manta rays astonishingly close for feeding. This approach minimizes disturbance and maximizes viewing time, creating a truly unforgettable encounter.

What truly distinguishes Kona Snorkel Trips is their operational excellence and dedication to responsible tourism. Every guide is lifeguard-certified, and their primary vessel, the Orca, is reportedly the only one in Kona with propeller guards, ensuring a safer environment for both swimmers and marine life. Departures from a private dock at Honokohau Marina streamline the entire process, bypassing crowded public ramps for a quicker, more pleasant start to your adventure. Their reputation is backed by thousands of stellar reviews, cementing their status as the Big Island's top-rated snorkel company. For a deeper dive into what to expect, you can learn more about their comprehensive approach to the Manta Ray Night Snorkel on their blog.

Key Features and Considerations

• Signature Tour: The Manta Ray Night Snorkel (from $139) offers a small-group, board-assisted floating experience. Learn more about booking this specific manta ray snorkel tour.
• Safety Focus: Lifeguard-certified guides, state-of-the-art rescue gear, and propeller guards on the boat.
• Convenience: Private dock departures mean less hassle with parking and faster boarding.
• Proven Reputation: The most-reviewed and highest-rated snorkel operator on the Big Island.
• Eco-Conscious: Enforces a strict reef-safe sunscreen policy to protect the delicate marine ecosystem.

Best For: First-time snorkelers, families (ages 5+ for the manta tour), and eco-conscious travelers who prioritize safety, personalized attention, and responsible practices.

Limitations: Due to their popularity and small-group model, tours sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. Advance booking is highly recommended.

2. Sea Paradise

Sea Paradise stands out as one of Kona's original operators, offering a wealth of experience since 1985. Their website provides a straightforward booking process for their nightly manta ray snorkel tours, which depart conveniently from Keauhou Bay, just a short boat ride from the Manta Village viewing site. This is a key advantage for those prone to seasickness or families with younger participants. The platform clearly outlines their small-group format, emphasizing the personalized experience with in-water guides who assist you at a custom-built, lighted floatation device.

A significant feature highlighted on their site is the "manta guarantee," a re-ride policy that provides peace of mind when booking. The site also details included gear, such as wetsuits and the availability of prescription masks, which is a crucial consideration for snorkelers who wear glasses.

Booking & User Experience

• Best For: Travelers prioritizing a long-standing, reputable operator with a strong safety record.
• Key Feature: The manta re-ride guarantee offers excellent value and confidence.
• Limitation: Tours are popular and require booking well in advance, especially during peak season. Participants must have basic swimming and snorkeling skills.
• Website: https://www.seaparadise.com

3. Big Island Divers

Big Island Divers is a highly-rated, professional dive operation that provides an excellent website experience for booking both night snorkel and dive adventures with manta rays. The site clearly presents options for snorkelers and certified divers, including 1-tank and 2-tank twilight/night combinations. This makes it a great one-stop platform for mixed groups of divers and snorkelers who want to go out on the same trip. Their emphasis on safety is evident, with clear participant prerequisites detailed upfront, which you can review alongside essential snorkeling safety tips.

A standout tool on their website is the live manta sighting calendar, allowing you to check recent activity before booking. They also offer a re-ride policy on a standby basis if no mantas are seen, adding value and confidence to your reservation. This platform is ideal for those seeking a well-organized night snorkel with manta rays in Hawaii. Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii offers an exceptional alternative when looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour.

Booking & User Experience

• Best For: Mixed groups of certified divers and snorkelers looking for a professional, safety-focused operator.
• Key Feature: The live manta sighting calendar provides transparency on recent activity levels.
• Limitation: Tours sell out quickly, especially in peak season, and are not suitable for non-swimmers.
• Website: https://bigislanddivers.com/charters/manta-ray-night-dives/

4. Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii

Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii specializes in tours for both snorkelers and scuba divers, making it an excellent choice for mixed groups. Their website clearly presents options for a night snorkel with manta rays in Hawaii, featuring live calendars for easy booking. The platform is transparent about its operations, highlighting that tours are led by PADI professionals and providing essential safety details like post-dive altitude guidance. This focus reassures visitors that they are in experienced hands.

A key feature on the site is the variety of tour times, including twilight and later evening departures, offering flexibility to fit different schedules. The site also provides distinct information for snorkelers and divers, ensuring everyone finds the right trip. You can learn more about the specifics of the Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii experience to prepare for your adventure.

Booking & User Experience

• Best For: Groups with both certified divers and snorkelers who want to share the same boat.
• Key Feature: Multiple daily departure times and specialized guidance from PADI-certified professionals.
• Limitation: Ride-along passengers are unlikely to see mantas from the boat, and participants need adequate swimming or diving skills for the activity.
• Website: https://www.mantaraydiveshawaii.com

5. Jack’s Diving Locker

As one of Kona's pioneering dive operators, Jack’s Diving Locker provides an education-forward experience rooted in deep local expertise. Their website details a unique offering for a night snorkel with manta rays hawaii: a combined sunset reef snorkel and night manta tour. This two-in-one trip provides two distinct in-water sessions, allowing snorkelers to experience the reef both in daylight and after dark. The platform clearly presents options for both snorkelers and divers, making it ideal for mixed groups.

A standout feature on their site is the ability to book a PADI Manta Ray Diver specialty course, appealing to those who want to deepen their marine knowledge. The site is transparent about its seasonal weekly schedule and higher price point, reflecting the extended two-snorkel trip format.

Booking & User Experience

• Best For: Mixed groups of snorkelers and divers, and travelers seeking an educational, extended tour.
• Key Feature: The combined sunset reef and night manta trip offers two unique snorkel opportunities in one outing.
• Limitation: The tour operates on a fixed weekly schedule and comes at a higher price than single-snorkel trips.
• Website: https://jacksdivinglocker.com/charters/manta-ray-night-dive-and-snorkel

6. Kona Snorkel Trips

Kona Snorkel Trips specializes in creating a premium experience for those serious about snorkeling. Their website clearly communicates a snorkel-first philosophy, focusing on small-group tours that prioritize safety and a high-quality encounter with the manta rays. The platform details their use of custom manta boards with lights, ensuring guests are comfortable and well-positioned in the water. One of their most significant offerings, easily found on the site, is the option to book a private night manta charter, ideal for families or groups seeking an exclusive adventure.

The site is transparent about its requirements, with a dedicated section on the health, fitness, and swimming skills needed, ensuring participants are well-prepared. This pre-trip guidance is a testament to their commitment to a safe and enjoyable night snorkel with manta rays in Hawaii for all guests who are comfortable in the water.

Booking & User Experience

• Best For: Confident swimmers, snorkel enthusiasts, and private groups wanting a focused marine life experience.
• Key Feature: The private charter option provides a personalized and intimate manta ray snorkel.
• Limitation: Strictly for snorkelers; no ride-along or non-swimmer options are available, and basic swimming proficiency is required.
• Website: https://konasnorkeltrips.com/snorkel-tours/manta-ray-snorkel-kona/

7. Manta Adventures

Manta Adventures provides a unique blend of a relaxing sunset cruise with the excitement of a night snorkel with manta rays in Hawaii. Their website clearly presents this combined 3.5-hour experience aboard their larger, comfortable vessel, the Maheli-Heli. This approach is ideal for groups with mixed interests, as it allows non-swimmers to enjoy the spectacle from the boat while others snorkel. The site details the family-friendly nature of the tour, emphasizing onboard amenities that enhance comfort during the longer trip duration.

A key differentiator highlighted is the "observer" option, making it an inclusive choice for families or groups where not everyone wants to get in the water. The booking platform is straightforward, outlining what’s included and what to expect from this combined sunset and manta adventure, departing from Honokohau Harbor.

Booking & User Experience

• Best For: Families and groups with non-swimmers or those wanting a longer, more leisurely cruise experience.
• Key Feature: The option for observers to watch from the comfort of a spacious boat.
• Limitation: The extended trip time may not suit travelers seeking the quickest possible manta viewing experience.
• Website: https://mantaadventures.com/tours/manta-night-snorkel/

8. Sea Quest Hawaii

Sea Quest Hawaii's website highlights its "Night Manta Experience," emphasizing efficiency and close proximity to the action. Departing from Keauhou Harbor, the platform details an incredibly short boat ride of about five minutes, a major selling point for those concerned with seasickness or who prefer less travel time on the water. The site clearly presents a concise 1.5-hour tour, including all necessary wetsuits and snorkel gear, making it easy for visitors to plan their evening.

The booking interface is straightforward, outlining what’s included, like post-snorkel hot chocolate and cookies. A key takeaway from their site is the focus on small-group logistics and a strong in-water guide presence, ensuring a well-supported and intimate night snorkel with manta rays in Hawaii. This focus on a high-quality, efficient experience makes them a compelling choice.

Booking & User Experience

• Best For: Confident swimmers seeking a quick, efficient tour with minimal boat time.
• Key Feature: The exceptionally short 5-minute boat ride is ideal for minimizing transit and potential seasickness.
• Limitation: The tour has strict participation rules requiring experienced swimming skills, which may not suit beginners or non-swimmers.
• Website: https://www.seaquesthawaii.com

9. Kona Ocean Experience (Kona Ocean X)

Kona Ocean Experience caters to travelers seeking an efficient and budget-friendly way to witness manta rays. Their website presents clear, no-frills options for a memorable night snorkel with manta rays in Hawaii. The platform's primary appeal is its shorter, more focused tours departing from Keauhou Bay, including a quick one-hour manta snorkel or a combined 1.5-hour sunset and manta trip. This makes it an excellent choice for those with limited time or who prefer less time on the water.

The site highlights its all-inclusive pricing, covering taxes, fees, gear, and wetsuits, which simplifies the booking process. The longer tour even includes light refreshments, adding a nice touch to the experience. For those looking for an exceptional alternative, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii offers another great option.

Booking & User Experience

• Best For: Budget-conscious travelers or those wanting a shorter, more direct manta ray experience.
• Key Feature: Efficient tour lengths (1 to 1.5 hours) and transparent, all-inclusive pricing.
• Limitation: The shorter duration means less overall time in the water compared to other operators and fewer amenities.
• Website: https://konaoceanx.com

10. Anelakai Adventures

Anelakai Adventures offers a truly unique and eco-conscious way to experience a night snorkel with manta rays in Hawaii. Their website highlights their distinctive motorless approach, using a traditional Hawaiian double-hull outrigger canoe for a quiet, intimate, and culturally rooted tour. This paddle-powered method minimizes environmental impact and engine noise, creating an exceptionally peaceful encounter. The site clearly explains the very small group size, typically around six guests, ensuring a personalized and uncrowded experience just a short paddle from Keauhou Bay.

A key feature detailed on their platform is the flexibility for guests to either snorkel in the water or view the mantas comfortably from the canoe, making it a great option for mixed groups. Their commitment to sustainability has even earned them a feature in National Geographic.

Booking & User Experience

• Best For: Eco-conscious travelers and small groups seeking a quiet, culturally significant, and intimate manta encounter.
• Key Feature: The paddle-powered, motorless outrigger canoe tour creates a serene atmosphere with minimal disturbance to the marine life.
• Limitation: Extremely limited capacity means tours sell out far in advance; pricing may be higher than larger boat tours.
• Website: https://www.anelakaiadventures.com

11. Expedia (activity marketplace)

As a massive travel marketplace, Expedia offers a broad platform for booking your night snorkel with manta rays Hawaii adventure, often aggregating options from operators like Sea Quest. The site excels at providing an at-a-glance view of availability and calendar-based pricing, making it easy to compare dates. Its major advantage is the ability to bundle your snorkel tour with flights and hotels, potentially earning OneKeyCash rewards. The user experience is straightforward with instant confirmation, mobile vouchers, and clearly stated cancellation windows at checkout.

This platform is a convenient one-stop shop for organizing multiple travel components. While Expedia provides detailed meeting point information and a seamless booking process, it's important to note that third-party policies can differ from booking directly with an operator. Operator-specific perks, such as a "manta guarantee" re-ride, may not always apply when booking through the marketplace.

Booking & User Experience

• Best For: Travelers looking to bundle activities with other travel plans like flights or hotels.
• Key Feature: Aggregated availability and calendar pricing allow for easy comparison across different dates.
• Limitation: Operator guarantees, like free re-rides, might not be honored when booking through a third party.
• Website: https://www.expedia.com

12. Viator (Tripadvisor company)

Viator serves as a massive online marketplace for tours, aggregating numerous night snorkel with manta rays Hawaii options from various local Kona operators. Its primary advantage is the ability to compare different companies, prices, and tour specifics side-by-side in a single interface. The platform's strength lies in its extensive user reviews and ratings, which can be filtered to help you gauge the quality and reliability of different providers based on thousands of real customer experiences. This makes it a powerful research tool for finding a tour that fits your budget and preferences.

The website simplifies booking with features like mobile tickets, clear inclusion/exclusion lists, and specified meeting points. Many listings offer flexible cancellation policies and show same-day availability, which is great for last-minute planners. However, it's crucial to read the fine print, as policies like manta guarantees are set by the individual operator and may differ when booked through a third party.

Booking & User Experience

• Best For: Travelers who want to compare multiple operators, read extensive reviews, and find last-minute availability.
• Key Feature: The robust user review system and side-by-side comparison of different local manta ray tours.
• Limitation: As a third-party marketplace, specific terms and operator guarantees can vary; always verify details on the specific listing before purchasing.
• Website: https://www.viator.com

Night Manta Ray Snorkel — Top 12 Operator Comparison

Making Your Manta Ray Dream a Reality

You are now equipped with the essential tools and knowledge to plan an unforgettable night snorkel with manta rays in Hawaii. From selecting the right tour operator that aligns with your travel style to packing the essential gear and understanding the best times to visit, you have a comprehensive roadmap. We’ve explored a range of options, from the intimate, small-group zodiacs of Kona Snorkel Trips to the larger, more traditional vessels and even eco-friendly canoe adventures. The common thread is a profound respect for these gentle giants and the unique marine ecosystem they inhabit.

The most critical takeaway is that preparation is key to transforming a good trip into an extraordinary one. Your choice of operator significantly shapes your experience. Consider factors like group size, boat type, and the company's commitment to conservation. A smaller group often means more personalized attention and a less crowded view of the mantas, while an eco-certified operator ensures your adventure supports the preservation of this natural wonder. As you've seen, operators like Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii offer an exceptional alternative, highlighting the diversity of quality tours available.

Ultimately, your goal is to safely and respectfully witness one of nature's most spectacular ballets. By using this guide to book with a reputable company and preparing for your time in the water, you're setting yourself up for success. The final step is to take the plunge. Choose the tour that excites you most, book your spot, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. This isn't just a snorkel trip; it's a chance to connect with the ocean in a profound and magical way.

Ready to experience the magic for yourself? For an intimate and highly-rated adventure, we recommend booking with Kona Snorkel Trips. Their commitment to small groups and safety ensures a premium and unforgettable night snorkel with manta rays in Hawaii. Secure your spot on one of Kona's most sought-after tours by visiting Kona Snorkel Trips today.