Imagine this: It’s pitch-black night on the Kona coast. You slip into the warm Pacific, grab onto your glowing light board, and suddenly massive 12–18 ft manta rays come soaring straight toward you, doing graceful dances below your mask. Their wide mouths scoop glowing plankton while their “eyes” lock onto yours in the spotlight. This isn’t a dream – it ONLY happens right here in Kailua-Kona, and it’s hands-down the most mind-blowing wildlife encounter on planet Earth!
Why you’ll be screaming “BEST NIGHT EVER!”
ONE OF THE ONLY PLACES ON EARTH you can snorkel with wild manta rays at night – National Geographic calls it a Top-5 “Thing to Do Before You Die”
Get CRAZY close (safely & respectfully) as these gentle, spot-covered giants feed, flip, and dance in a dazzling underwater light show.
Our custom light boards + monster 300,000-lumen lights turn the ocean into a natural manta ray theater – they literally come to YOU!
Easy, relaxing surface floating – just lie on your stomach, hold the board, float, and let the show unfold beneath you.
Pro guides right beside you the entire time, helping you stay perfectly positioned for the ultimate front-row view.
What to Expect
The mantas arrive for an unforgettable ballet
A quick 3-minute cruise from the harbor drops you at the spot. You’ll swim ~25 feet to our floating “superman” light array, clip on a comfy ankle flotation belt (keeps you flat and effortless on the surface), and then… the mantas arrive for an unforgettable ballet.
HEADS UP – this is the REAL ocean adventure!
You MUST be a confident swimmer and comfortable putting your face in the water (even in the dark). Not for total beginners unless you’re a strong, independent swimmer who loves adventure. If you’re ready for pure magic, this is it!
Join the few who call this “the single coolest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
Spaces are limited – these gentle giants are waiting to meet YOU!
Let’s make memories that will give you goosebumps for years. See you under the stars!
Mahalo and ALOHA!
What’s included
Mask & snorkel
Waist flotation belt
Wetsuit Rental Available (Inquire at check in)
Life Jacket Rental Available (Inquire at check in)
GoPro Rental Available (Inquire at check in)
Prescription Mask Rental (Inquire at check in)
What’s not included
Gratuities for the crew
Item’s for rent are NOT included for free (see included item list)
If your ticket was discounted, when you come on a re-ride you will have to pay the remaining funds for it to be a regular ticket price.
Itinerary
You will check in at the van with the host at expected time
Host will brief at the van and send group down when ready
Group will wait for instruction from the crew who will meet at the light pole by the boat ramps (as said on van or instructions from host)
Group will load and be given a safety briefing on step by step what to do during the 3 minute boat ride (Please listen carefully and respectfully)
Once light board and swim guide are situated, the captain will say when it is time to go into water
In the water you will have approximately 30 minutes with these beautiful ocean butterflies depending on how good the show is (Please keep in mind they are federally and internationally protected, DO NOT TOUCH)
Once tour is over you will be instructed how to board and brought back into the harbor
Check-in & parking
****CHECK IN ADDRESS:
78-7100 Kaleiopapa st. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
The harbor does not provide a parking lot for guest.
DO NOT PARK IN THE TRAILER STALLS - YOU WILL BE TOWED / TICKETED.
FREE PARKING, ON THE SIDE OF THE STREET IS AVAILABLE…!
ALSO LIMITED FREE PARKING SPACES IN THE BEACH PARKING LOT BY THE OUTRIGGER HOTEL.
Highlights
Manta Ray Night Snorkel – Get Ready for the Show of a Lifetime!
Blast off on a heart-pounding 3-minute boat ride straight to the world’s #1 manta ray hotspot!
Night tours = STATISTICALLY EPIC sightings – more giant mantas, more barrel rolls, more magic!
Ultra-exclusive: ONLY 17 adventurers per trip – this is YOUR front-row seat to the ocean’s greatest ballet!
We unleash a jaw-dropping 300,000+ lumens of brilliant white + UV purple light – turning the sea into a glowing underwater stage that draws mantas like moths to a flame!
ZERO RISK, ALL REWARD: No mantas? Come back FREE on us (subject to availability)!
Direct bookers get the legendary Manta Guarantee built right in – at no extra charge!
These graceful, 12-17 foot-wingspan giants will cartwheel inches from your mask – it’s pure ocean adrenaline!
Mahalo… now let’s go dance with the mantas!
Additional information
Check-in details
Please read your ticket confirmation details for all instructions
What to bring
What to Bring:
Arrive wearing your swimsuit
You may bring a camera (underwater action cameras are available for rent upon request at the check in)
Guests are allowed to bring the following onboard:
Underwater camera
Prescription glasses
Small medical devices
Personal mask and snorkel (if you do not have your own, we will provide them free of charge)
Not Permitted Onboard:
Bags
Towels
Change of clothes
Car keys
Any other personal belongings not listed in the permitted items
Storage Option:
All non-permitted items must be left at the wetsuit van before boarding. Our crew will safely store and watch over your belongings for the duration of your tour.
Mahalo
Special requirements
Physical & Ocean Readiness Requirements:
Guests must be physically fit and able to climb a boat ladder unassisted.
This activity is NOT suitable for individuals with back, neck, or mobility issues.
You MUST be able to swim confidently and be prepared for varying ocean conditions—from calm to moderately rough.
Must be able to communicate in English for your safety with all of our instructions on the tour.
Our tours take place in the open ocean, not a controlled environment.
By booking this tour, you acknowledge that you are participating at your own risk, both on the boat and in the water, regardless of weather or ocean conditions.
Please do not book if you are uncomfortable with open water or are unsure of your swimming ability.
Restrictions
Participant Requirements:
Guests must be able to swim confidently, snorkel independently, and climb a boat ladder without assistance
Participants must weigh under 300 lbs. for safety and equipment limitations
Disclaimers
Policies
If Boat capacity policy is not meet you’ll be moved to another time or another day, not Refunded.
Manta guarantee policy, if you don’t see a manta ray, you can come again complementary, no refunds.
Important Notes About Timing & Flexibility
Please understand that our Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour is a wildlife-based experience, and as such, the schedule may vary due to factors beyond our control.
Tour duration and water time are approximate, not guaranteed.
This is not a rigidly timed activity; flexibility is essential for the best experience.
As a wildlife tour, various factors may affect timing, including:
Ocean and weather conditions
Manta ray activity and movement
Boat traffic at the harbor
Seasonal changes in sunset and visibility
Because of this, tours may run late—sometimes by an hour or more. This is normal for this type of experience with any reputable operator.
Additionally, check-in times may be adjusted on rare occasions due to:
Minimum boat capacity not being met
Sudden weather changes
Seasonal sunset shifts
We ask that you keep your evening schedule open and remain available to adjust your check-in time if needed. Please keep your phone on and accessible throughout the day and evening of your tour, as any changes will be communicated directly via text or call.
We appreciate your flexibility and understanding—it helps us provide the safest and most rewarding manta ray experience possible.
****TOUR DURATION & DELAY POLICY:
Up to an hour delay late on RARE situations!
Tour durations are estimates — not exact.
Delays are normal in this industry especially with this particular tour!
Delays can occur due to:
Weather conditions
Boat traffic
Mechanical issues
Wildlife
Other unforeseen circumstances
Your tour may be delayed or moved to an earlier time or later time on rare occasions, sometimes by an hour or more.
We do NOT issue refunds for delays or rescheduling.
Please do not schedule anything within 1 hour before or after your tour.
If your ticket was discounted, when you come on a re-ride you will have to pay the remaining funds for it to be a regular ticket price
By purchasing, you agreed to all of these policies.
“I was a little nervous about the snorkeling part, due to being a fairly inexperienced snorkeler, but the captain and the guides were happy to answer any questions I had.”
TaylerReserve
Pick your night
Early or late departure — the mantas don’t keep office hours, and neither do we.
*Manta rays are wild animals; sightings are guaranteed per our policy & terms. Waivers are required before every tour — mandatory for all tour companies in Hawaii.
