Manta Ray Night Snorkel on the Big Island

Manta Ray Night Snorkel on the Big Island: A Must-Do Adventure

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Manta Ray Night Snorkel is an absolute must. This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows you to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures as they glide gracefully through the water, feeding, doing flips, and more. I have participated in this tour several times, and enjoyed it thoroughly every time, and HIGHLY recommend this as a tour.

Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your manta ray snorkel adventure.

Why the Manta Ray Night Snorkel is Worth It

Swimming with manta rays at night is truly magical. These gentle giants, which can have wingspans of up to 16 feet, perform mesmerizing barrel rolls beneath you as they feed on plankton attracted by underwater lights. Unlike stingrays, mantas have no barbs or teeth, making them completely safe to be around. The experience is peaceful, humbling, and unlike anything else you’ll do in Hawaii.

I have been all over the world, and done a million tours, and this is still one of my absolute favorites.

Plus, there are only a few places in the world you can experience this. So take advantage of it while on you are on the Big Island of Hawaii.

What to Expect on the Tour

Check-in and Briefing: Your tour will start with a check-in at the designated harbor, usually either Honokohau Harbor (near Kona) or Keauhou Bay. After check-in, your guide will provide a safety briefing and basic snorkeling instructions.
Boat Ride to the Snorkeling Site: Depending on the location, the boat ride takes about 10-30 minutes. The most popular spots are Manta Village (Keauhou Bay), Manta Heaven (off the Kona Airport), and Manta Point.
Getting in the Water: You’ll be given a flotation device (usually a lightboard with handles) to hold onto while you float on the surface. The lights attract plankton, which in turn attracts the manta rays.
The Manta Ray Show: Once in the water, get ready to witness an awe-inspiring ballet of mantas swooping and gliding beneath you. Tours typically last about 30-45 minutes in the water. The guides will tell you about each manta, where to find more info, and help you understand more of what you are seeing. You may think that isn’t a lot of time, but you really don’t need more. After a while, you might start to get a little cold, as you won’t be moving and it is at night. 30-45 minutes is plenty, you will love every minute of it.
Return to the Boat: After the snorkel session, you’ll hop back on the boat and head back to the harbor, many tour companies will offer refreshments before heading back to shore.

What to Bring

To have the best experience, make sure you bring:

Swimsuit – Wear it under your clothes for easy transitions.
Towel – You’ll want to dry off quickly after getting out of the water.
Warm Clothes – A light jacket or hoodie will help keep you warm after snorkeling.
Underwater Camera (Optional) – Some tours offer photography, but if you have a GoPro, you may want to capture the magic yourself. I am so glad I brought mine, we have loved looking back at the footage.
Seasickness Medication (If Needed) – The boat ride can be a bit rocky, so take precautions if you’re prone to seasickness.

How to Choose the Best Tour Provider

There are several tour companies offering manta ray night snorkels, and so many of them are awesome. Choosing the right one for you and your preferences can make a big difference in how much you enjoy this tour. Here’s what to consider:

Safety and Reputation: Look for tour operators with excellent reviews and experienced guides. (This Manta Ray tour is the best seller on Viator)
Group Size: Some tours keep groups small for a more intimate experience. (This tour, for example, only allows up to 6 people, so when we did it, it was just our group and felt like a private tour at a fraction of the price). We saw other groups of 20+ and many people complained of not being able to hear the guide well, or dealing with other guests who were obnoxious, etc. We preferred the small group tour.
Location: Different providers visit different manta ray feeding areas; check which one they go to. We loved going with the tour that meets right by the Outrigger hotel, and goes to that feeding spot, because it meant a 5 minute boat ride, and a ton of sightings. We have done it from a different harbor, and had a 30 minute plus ride out to the spot. So depends on your preference.
Eco-Friendly Practices: Choose a company that follows responsible wildlife interaction guidelines, like this Small Group Eco Tour.
Inclusions: Some tours offer extras like wetsuits, snacks, and hot drinks—these small touches can make your experience even better.

Wetsuits were provided, which helped the kids stay warmer.

Tips for an Amazing Experience

Stay Calm and Still: Mantas come closer when you remain relaxed and still in the water.
Don’t Touch the Mantas: Keep hands off! Touching can remove their protective mucous layer. You aren’t allowed to touch them, but they may just brush up against you.
Follow Instructions: Your guides are there to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the mantas.
Go with an Open Mind: Nature is unpredictable, but even if you don’t see mantas (which is rare), the nighttime ocean experience is still incredible. Last time I did this tour, the mantas were more shy because a pod of dolphins was in the area, and dolphins will sometimes pick on the mantas. But being in the water with the dolphins was also amazing, and eventually the mantas came out to play.

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel is one of the most exhilarating and awe-inspiring experiences you can have on the Big Island. It’s an adventure that blends beauty, thrill, and connection with nature in a way that few other activities can. If you love marine life and want to create a memory that will last a lifetime, this is one adventure you won’t want to miss!

If you are looking for more fun on the Big Island, be sure to check out:

Would you take the plunge and swim with these gentle giants? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Manta Ray Night Snorkel on the Big Island