Double Hulled Hawaiian Canoe Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Experience Kona’s Manta Rays On A Traditional Hawaiian Canoe, Without Motors Or Crowds

5/5 (95 Reviews)

Experience the magic of Kona’s manta rays on a Hawaiian double-hull canoe, known as a waʻa kaulua. Departing from Keauhou Bay, this approximately one-hour evening adventure takes you by paddle to a manta ray viewing site, where underwater lights attract plankton and draw manta rays close to the canoe. Choose to snorkel in the water between the canoe’s hulls or remain aboard and watch the rays glide beneath you. With no motors, a maximum of six guests per vessel, and a small-group setting, this experience offers a distinctive way to observe these wild marine animals in their natural environment.

Age
2 yrs+
Duration
1-hour
Location
Keauhou Bay, Big Island, Hawaii

What To Bring
- Towel
- Underwater camera or GoPro (optional)
- Personal valuables, such as phones, keys, and wallets
- Travel light, as large bags should be left behind

BOOK YOUR TOUR

Choose Your Tour Style

1-Hour Manta Ray Night Snorkel In Kona

Guests
Ages 2+ $180^.00 + tax & fees

Double Hulled Hawaiian Canoe Manta Ray Night Snorkel Features

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anelakai adventures manta ray night snorkel double-hull canoe

anelakai adventures manta ray night snorkel aerial view of canoes

anelakai adventures manta ray night snorkel paddle into the sunset

A Unique Hawaiian Canoe Experience

Travel to the manta ray viewing site aboard a traditional Hawaiian double-hull canoe powered entirely by paddling. With no motor, oil, or gas, this approach avoids engine noise and propellers in the water. The short paddle from Keauhou Bay provides time to settle in and enjoy the sunset or night sky before reaching the illuminated viewing area.

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anelakai adventures manta ray night snorkel mantas under the canoe

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anelakai adventures manta ray night snorkel see the manta ray

Up-Close Manta Ray Viewing

At the viewing site, underwater lights attract plankton, which in turn attracts manta rays. The rays swim beneath and between the canoe’s two hulls, allowing guests to observe them from an overhead perspective. Guests who wish to enter the water can snorkel while holding onto the canoe, while those who prefer to stay dry can watch from their seats. Manta rays are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

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anelakai adventures manta ray night snorkel scenic view

anelakai adventures manta ray night snorkel beautiful sunset

anelakai adventures manta ray night snorkel sunset in kona

Small Groups & Flexible Viewing

With a maximum of six guests per canoe, this experience offers a small-group setting with guidance from the crew. Guests can choose whether to enter the water or remain aboard, making the tour suitable for different comfort levels. Children are welcome when they can sit independently in their own canoe seat. Guests with mobility concerns or special needs are encouraged to contact the operator before booking to discuss possible accommodations.

Double Hulled Hawaiian Canoe Manta Ray Night Snorkel Details

Highlights

Observe Manta Rays Beneath An Illuminated Hawaiian Double-hull Canoe
Paddle To The Viewing Site From Keauhou Bay
Choose Between Snorkeling And Viewing From The Canoe

Enjoy A Small Group Of No More Than Six Guests Per Vessel
Experience A Non-motorized, Paddle-powered Tour
Learn About And Observe Manta Rays In Their Natural Environment

Description

The Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel begins at Keauhou Bay, where you meet your guide and board a Hawaiian double-hull canoe. Paddle for a short distance to the manta ray viewing site, where lights attract plankton and manta rays may gather to feed.

At the site, you can enter the water with a mask and snorkel, remain near the canoe while holding its handle, and use the provided ankle floats. Alternatively, stay aboard and look down through the illuminated water as the manta rays swim beneath the hulls. After the viewing experience, paddle back to shore.

The tour lasts approximately one hour in total, with around 30–45 minutes typically spent at the manta site.

Price & Availability

1-Hour Manta Ray Night Snorkel In Kona

GuestsAges 2+

$180^.00

Included

Hawaiian double-hull canoe experience
Masks and snorkels
Wetsuit tops
Ankle floats
Life jackets available for use in the canoe
Dry storage box aboard the canoe
Guidance from the tour crew

Instructions

Please check in at Keauhou Bay Boat Ramp 30 minutes before your scheduled tour
Guests who plan to snorkel must be comfortable swimming, have prior snorkeling experience, and be able to climb a short ladder to reboard the canoe
All guests must be willing and physically able to participate in paddling
Children must be able to sit independently in their own canoe seat
Guests with mobility limitations or special needs should contact the operator before booking to discuss possible accommodations

Restrictions

Minimum age is typically 2 years old
Maximum participant weight is 250 lbs. Guests exceeding this limit cannot participate, and the vendor states that no refund will be issued
Fins and full-face snorkel masks are prohibited
Adults who enter the water must be comfortable swimming without a life jacket. Life jackets are not permitted for adults while snorkeling with manta rays
Children aged 12 and under must wear life jackets during the paddle out and return. At the manta viewing site, parents decide whether their children keep their life jackets on; children are the only guests permitted to snorkel while wearing one
Manta ray sightings are not guaranteed, as they are wild animals
Departure times may vary and will be confirmed at booking

Cancellation

Any request for a refund 72 hours or more prior to the start of the tour or activity is honored with a full refund.

No refunds are issued for any cancellations inside the 72-hour period, prior to the start of your tour. There is no refund for no-shows. There is no charge for date change or tour change based on tour availability outside of the 72-hour cancellation period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to snorkel to see the manta rays?

No. You can remain in the canoe and look down through the illuminated water as manta rays swim beneath the hulls. Snorkeling is optional.
Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome when they can sit in their own canoe seat without assistance. The vendor states that this is typically suitable for children aged 2 and older. Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket during the paddle out and return.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to join the tour if you remain in the canoe. However, guests who plan to enter the water must be comfortable swimming without a life jacket and should have prior snorkel experience.
Are manta ray sightings guaranteed?

Manta rays are wild animals, and their appearance varies from night to night. The vendor reports seeing them on the vast majority of tours but cannot guarantee a sighting.