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Our Night Manta Experience is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hawaii for good reason. Mantas are gentle giants of the sea and snorkeling with them is a truly unique and singular experience. The best part is that this is the only place on the entire planet you can do it at night. Our guides are experienced and knowledgeable about Mantas and will ensure that you have a safe and fun experience. So come on down and check it out for yourself!
As night falls on the Kona Coast, a new adventure begins. Come join us for an up-close encounter with one of the most graceful creatures of the sea, the manta ray. We provide wetsuits and snorkel gear, and our expert guides will talk with you about the mantas, their significance to the Islands, and some knowledge about their behavior. Our crew will guide you onto our state-of-the-art “manta floatation device.” You’ll watch in amazement as these majestic manta rays glide and loop, feeding on microscopic plankton attracted to the light sources attached to the float.
Participate in a feeding frenzy in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, in the darkness of night, with creatures as large as 16 ft. across and weighing 1,000 lbs. Manta rays have existed for around 5 million years, and they’re closely related to other rays you may find in the ocean. Their body is flattened, but they no longer live along the bottom of the sea. Instead, they move within the water column as if they are flying, elegantly using their modified, wing-like pectoral fins. Mantas are plankton feeders, so instead of teeth, they use their gills in order to filter the microscopic food from the water. It’s thought that they can live between 40 and 50 years!
After our snorkel, take some time to enjoy the night sky on the way back. The stars seem so close you could reach out and touch them. And on a clear night, you can see the Milky Way stretching across the sky like a river of light. Viewing the night sky from a boat is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. Thanks to the Big Island’s dark-sky friendly lighting regulations, you can see more stars and planets than almost anywhere else.
A safe way to see manta rays in their natural environment
Stargazing on the way back
All gear included
Experienced guides
Few things in life are as exhilarating as swimming with mantas. These gentle giants of the sea are truly a sight to behold, and Kona is the only place on Earth where you can do it at night. That’s right – you’ll be snorkeling in the water with these magnificent creatures as they glide through the water, their huge wingspan illuminated by our bright spotlights. The lights attract plankton that the mantas feed on, so it doesn’t take long for them to show up.
Our point of departure is just a few minutes boat ride from the Big Island’s most successful and consistent manta ray viewing location. After a short (and fun) ride out to the location, we will get into the water approximately 30-40 minutes into the trip. Our outstanding Coast Guard-certified Captains and crew will assist you as you simply float above these graceful and glorious gentle giants right outside the mouth of Keauhou Bay. After your snorkel time, come back aboard for cookies and hot chocolate while you enjoy the incredible night sky. It’s an experience you’ll never forget and one that we think everyone should have at least once in their lifetime.
Please Note: For the safety of our guests, staff, and the manta rays, we require that all participating guests know how to swim without the assistance of a floatation device and have previous snorkeling experience. No exceptions to the rule. Mahalo!
GoPro Add On $35
Don’t risk damaging your own camera – capture memories of a lifetime with one of our GoPro waterproof cameras! Keep the high quality SD card with your stunning videos after your trip!
Two Evening departures daily
Passengers 7+ – 118
Private charter options available
78-7138 Kaleiopapa St., Kailua Kona, HI 96740 – street parking available
Check-in: 6:45 pm
Departure: 7:15 pm
Return: 8:15 pm
Check-in: 8:15 pm
Departure: 8:45 pm
Return: 9:45 pm
Any request for a refund 72 hours or more prior to the start of the tour or activity is honored with a full cash 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.
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