Hawaii Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Experience one of the Big Island’s most unforgettable adventures with our Manta Ray Night Snorkel. Departing from Kawaihae Harbor, just minutes from the Waikoloa Resort area, this incredible tour offers the opportunity to snorkel alongside Hawaii’s majestic giant manta rays in their natural habitat.

After a scenic 10–15 minute boat ride to the northern manta viewing site, we’ll anchor in a protected bay where our experienced crew will provide a brief safety orientation, explain what to expect in the water, and share fascinating facts about these gentle giants.

Then it’s time for the experience you’ve been waiting for.

Holding onto our custom flotation board illuminated with powerful underwater lights, you’ll watch as plankton gathers beneath you, attracting graceful manta rays that glide effortlessly through the water. As they feed, they perform breathtaking barrel rolls and somersaults—often passing just inches away. It’s a truly magical encounter and one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Manta Ray Sightings

Manta rays are wild animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed. However, we encounter them on over 90% of our tours.

If no manta rays are seen during your trip, you’ll receive a “Come Again Free” ticket, available daily at 3:00 PM on a first-come, first-served standby basis. Because each trip requires significant operational costs, refunds are not available.

Tour Details

• Tour Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours (may run slightly longer depending on manta activity)
• Group Size: Minimum of 8 guests, maximum of 18 guests
• Departure Location: Kawaihae Harbor
• Price: $175 per person, plus tax and gratuities

Earlier departure times are recommended for the most enjoyable experience, although the likelihood of seeing manta rays is generally the same on every tour. When our primary tour sells out, a Late Night Manta Snorkel may be offered on select evenings.

What’s Included

• Premium snorkel gear
• Flotation device
• Wetsuit
• Bottled water
• Hot cocoa
• Light snack

To ensure the best wetsuit fit, we’ll ask for your height and weight before your tour.

Guest Requirements

For everyone’s safety, all guests entering the water must know how to swim.

Guests who choose not to enter the water are welcome to remain aboard the boat after purchasing a regular ticket; however, we do not offer a discounted observer rate. Visibility from the boat is dependent on Manta corroboration.

What to Bring

We recommend bringing:

• Towel
• Swimsuit (wear it under your clothes)
• Light jacket or sweatshirt for after the snorkel
• Motion sickness medication or natural remedies if you are prone to seasickness

If you are susceptible to seasickness, we strongly recommend taking preventative medication. For best results, begin taking it 24 hours before your tour and again 2 hours prior to departure, allowing it time to build up in your system. We do not provide seasickness medication onboard.

Transportation

If you plan to use Uber or a taxi after your tour, we highly recommend arranging transportation in advance, as rideshare services and taxis are often unavailable late in the evening.

Return Cruise

As we cruise back to Kawaihae Harbor, relax beneath Hawaii’s incredible star-filled sky and reflect on an unforgettable night with one of the ocean’s most extraordinary creatures.