Big Island Manta Ray Tours: The Ultimate Night Snorkel Guide
Swimming with manta rays at night is the single most magical experience in Hawaii. These gentle giants—with wingspans up to 12 feet—glide inches from your face as they feed on plankton attracted by underwater lights. It's surreal, peaceful, and completely safe.
The Kona coast of Big Island is one of the few places on Earth where manta ray encounters are nearly guaranteed year-round. Here's everything you need to know to book the right tour.
How It Works
Boats depart at sunset and anchor at one of two main manta sites: Manta Village (near the airport) or Makako Bay. Operators place bright lights in the water that attract plankton, which in turn attracts the mantas.
You'll float face-down at the surface, holding onto a lit surfboard or floating platform. The mantas swoop up from below, mouths open, barrel-rolling through the plankton cloud just feet away. Most encounters last 45-90 minutes in the water.
Best Manta Ray Tours
🌙 Night Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour
Classic manta snorkel experience. Small groups, experienced guides, all gear included. Wetsuits provided—the water's warmer than you'd expect but you'll appreciate it.
Duration: 2.5-3 hours • Departs: Kona
Check Availability →🤿 Manta Ray Night Dive (Certified Divers)
For certified divers: sit on the ocean floor while mantas perform their ballet above you. Even more intimate than snorkeling—the mantas sometimes brush against you.
Duration: 3 hours • Requires: Open Water Certification
Check Availability →🌅 Sunset + Manta Ray Combo
Start with a sunset reef snorkel, then transition to the manta experience. Full evening adventure with dinner included on some tours.
Duration: 4-5 hours • Departs: Kona
Check Availability →Snorkel vs. Dive: Which Should You Choose?
Snorkeling (recommended for most): You'll see the mantas just as well—they come to the surface to feed. No certification needed, great for families, and often better photo angles with the lights behind the mantas.
Diving: More immersive, quieter (no splashing snorkelers), and you're at manta level rather than above them. But requires certification and comfort with night diving.
What to Expect
Before sunset: Board the boat, get fitted for gear, safety briefing, and cruise to the manta site.
In the water: Float holding a light board. Mantas typically arrive 20-30 minutes after dark. You might see 1-2 mantas or a dozen—it varies nightly.
The mantas: They're filter feeders with no teeth—completely harmless. They'll swim within inches but won't touch you. If they do brush against you, it feels like velvet.
Tips for the Best Experience
- Book 3-5 days ahead during peak season (Dec-April)
- Don't wear sunscreen—it can harm the mantas and reef
- GoPro rentals available on most boats if you don't have one
- Motion sickness: Take Dramamine—you're in the water but the boat ride out can be choppy
- Can't swim? You'll wear a wetsuit (buoyant) and hold a flotation device—no swimming required
Book Your Manta Ray Experience
Browse all Big Island manta tours with live availability.
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