Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

We’re excited to share an unforgettable opportunity to experience the manta ray night snorkel in Kona, Big Island. This highly-rated excursion promises an intimate encounter with these majestic creatures as they feed under the stars. Suitable for ages 6 and up, the tour requires some swimming skills and physical capability. With a cost starting at $79, it’s a chance to witness the manta rays up-close in their natural habitat. Let’s dive into the details and see why this unique adventure is a must-do on your Big Island itinerary.

Key Points

• Unique opportunity to snorkel with manta rays at night in Keauhou Bay, Big Island.
• Tour includes a guided boat excursion and snorkeling experience for a maximum group size of 28.
• Participants must be at least 6 years old, know how to swim and tread water, and be physically capable of climbing a metal ladder.
• Check-in at Keauhou Shopping Center, with no restroom facilities available on the boat.
• Tour costs $79 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Overview and Experience

Though the Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona is a unique opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up-close, it’s important to understand the logistics and requirements before booking.

Rated with a 94% traveler recommendation, this tour offers a guided boat excursion with snorkeling near the manta rays in Keauhou Bay. Participants must be able to swim, tread water, and climb a metal ladder to reboard the boat.

A short-sleeve wetsuit and snorkeling gear are provided, but guests should note the lack of onboard restroom facilities.

With a maximum group size of 28, this experience is perfect for animal lovers seeking an unforgettable encounter.

Tour Details and Requirements

To participate in the Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, there are several important requirements to keep in mind.

We’ll be provided with a short-sleeve wetsuit and snorkeling equipment, but you’ll need to be at least 6 years old and accompanied by an adult if you’re a minor.

The group size is capped at 28 participants, and you must know how to swim and tread water.

Plus, you’ll need to be physically capable of climbing a metal ladder to reboard the boat, and your weight mustn’t exceed 285 lbs.

Individuals with serious medical conditions or neck/back problems should avoid this activity.

Meeting and Pickup Information

At the Keauhou Shopping Center, located at 78-6831 Ali’i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, we’ll need to check-in before heading to Keauhou Bay for the Manta Ray Night Snorkel.

Arrive by the scheduled check-in time to complete the required equipment and safety briefing. Be aware that restroom facilities aren’t available on the boat, so plan accordingly.

Once checked-in, we’ll head to the launch site at Keauhou Bay for the unforgettable opportunity to snorkel with the majestic manta rays.

Cancellation and Payment Policies

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel tour at Kona costs from $79.00 per person.

We offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. An electronic waiver is required before the tour. Gratuity is appreciated for the in-water guides who provide an up-close encounter with these magnificent creatures.

While the price may seem steep, the unique opportunity to witness manta rays feeding at night in Keauhou Bay is well worth it.

With over 1,200 reviews and a 94% traveler recommendation, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the Big Island.

Unique Opportunity to See Manta Rays

Witnessing manta rays gliding gracefully through the water under the night sky is a truly mesmerizing experience. These massive, gentle creatures gather in Keauhou Bay to feed on plankton, offering a rare opportunity for visitors to observe them up close while snorkeling. The tour provides a guided boat ride and chance to swim alongside the mantas as they perform their mesmerizing underwater ballet. The experience is sure to leave a lasting impression and is a must-do for any nature lover visiting the Big Island.

Why It’s Unique	What You’ll See
Observe mantas feeding at night	Mantas with wingspan up to 14 feet
Swim near the mantas in their natural habitat	Mantas performing backflips and barrel rolls
Guided boat tour and snorkeling experience	Mantas gliding gracefully through the water
Chance to witness a rare natural phenomenon	Bioluminescent plankton lighting up the water
Up-close encounters with these gentle giants	Breathtaking views of the night sky

Guided Boat Tour With Snorkeling

Once aboard the boat, we’ll embark on an exhilarating guided journey to Keauhou Bay.

The tour provides all the necessary equipment, including a short-sleeve wetsuit and snorkeling gear. The maximum group size is 28 participants, ensuring an intimate experience.

We’ll need to be physically capable of climbing a metal ladder to reboard the boat. Safety is paramount, so we’ll receive a thorough briefing before entering the water.

With the expert guidance of the in-water staff, we’ll have the unique opportunity to observe the majestic manta rays up close as they feed at night.

Perfect for Animal Lovers

As animal lovers, we’ll be captivated by the opportunity to witness these gentle giants of the sea up close. The manta ray night snorkel is tailored for those with a deep appreciation for marine life.

Seeing Mantas Up Close	Unique Ecotourism Experience
Observe the manta rays feeding at night	Support conservation efforts
Marvel at their impressive 12-foot wingspan	Sustainably interact with wildlife
Experience their graceful underwater movements	Learn about manta ray biology and behavior
Capture breathtaking photos and videos	Gain a newfound respect for these incredible creatures
Appreciate the rarity of this encounter	Leave with a memorable and impactful experience

This is truly a one-of-a-kind chance to connect with these magnificent marine animals in their natural habitat. Let’s dive in and be captivated by the magic of the mantas.

Guest Reviews and Feedback

Unsurprisingly, the Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an impressive 4.8-star rating based on over 1,200 traveler accounts.

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly staff, the incredible close encounters with the manta rays, and the overall organization of the tour. Many highlight the unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures feeding at night in the tranquil Keauhou Bay.

However, some guests caution those prone to seasickness to take proper precautions. Visitors also suggest clearer instructions on check-in times and parking to improve the experience further.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if I See the Manta Rays From the Boat Instead of in the Water?

If you see the manta rays from the boat instead of in the water, you’ll still have a great experience. We’ll get close views of the rays as they feed, and you can enjoy the experience without getting in the water.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear or Is It Provided?

The tour provides short-sleeve wetsuits and snorkeling equipment, so you don’t need to bring your own. Just come prepared to get in the water and have an amazing up-close encounter with the manta rays!

Is There Any Additional Gear or Equipment I Need to Bring?

We’ve got you covered! The tour provides a short-sleeve wetsuit and all the necessary snorkeling equipment. You just need to bring yourself, swimwear, and any personal items you’d like during the experience.

How Often Do the Manta Rays Appear in the Bay During the Tour?

From the reviews, we’ve found that manta rays are sighted on the vast majority of these night snorkel tours, often appearing frequently throughout the experience. Their appearances seem to be quite reliable and a highlight for most participants.

Can I Opt-Out of the In-Water Snorkeling Portion of the Tour?

While we can’t opt-out of the in-water snorkeling portion, the tour provider offers an alternative boat-based observation option for those unable to snorkel. Let us know if you’d prefer this alternate experience, and they’ll be happy to accommodate your needs.

The Sum Up

This unforgettable Manta Ray Night Snorkel is a must-do activity on the Big Island. We’ll get up close with these majestic creatures in an intimate setting, guided by experts. The cost is reasonable, and the experience is suitable for ages 6 and up. With its high traveler rating, this unique opportunity promises an exhilarating adventure you won’t want to miss.