Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel
About this activity
Highlights
- Swim with majestic manta rays
- Experience night snorkeling in Kona
- Guided tour with expert instructors
- All equipment provided for comfort
- Light refreshments included
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided night snorkel tour
- All necessary snorkeling equipment
- Light refreshments
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
Meeting point
Start Location
Hang Loose Boat Tours, 74-381 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Important information
Know before you book
- Minimum age for participants is 5 years old.
- Not recommended for non-swimmers or those with severe allergies to marine life.
- Cancellation policy: Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable swimwear and bring a towel.
- Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early for check-in.
- Parking is available at the meeting location.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Service Animals Allowed
Good to know
- MUST HAVE PREVIOUS SWIMMING AND SNORKELING EXPERIENCE OR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET IN THE WATER!!!
- MUST BE comfortable in the water, be comfortable using floatation if needed (we have Ride Along option available for non-swimmers)
- Must be in good health and fit condition, must be able to climb a short ladder
- Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled by the supplier, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Recommended to bring towel, clothes for change, sweatshirt or light jacket
- Age restriction: minimum age allowed is 2 years old; maximum age allowed is 70 years old (unless approved by the supplier)
Traveler reviews
Amazing trip!
Incredible experience with Captain Jacob, Vince, and the entire Hang Loose Tours crew! Everyone was friendly, professional, and helpful from the initial welcome through deboarding. Hang Loose was also extremely accommodating when we needed to change our tour date because of forecast bad weather. I was expecting the tour to go to the Keauhou area, but we instead went near the airport—which was arguably even better. There were fewer boats, and we saw 10–12 manta rays continuously throughout our time in the water. Swimmers of all skill levels were welcome, and the guides were available to help weaker swimmers get to and from the boat and the viewing raft. Once you’re there, all you have to do is relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery and these majestic creatures. The boat was also well equipped, with an onboard restroom, light snacks such as chips, water, and soft drinks. An incredible experience and definitely one of the highlights of our trip!
Manta Ray snorkeling
This was a great experience. If you are on the big island this is a must. Would definitely recommend!
Amazing experience
It was an amazing experience. So many manta rays. The crew one and all were attentive, informative and sooo helpful.
Magical
This was such a magical experience!! The guides were fun, lively and knowledgeable. We felt safe the whole time. It’s a must when coming to the island!
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Wildlife Experience — Absolutely Unforgettable
This is a gold-rated experience on TripAdvisor for a reason — it’s truly one of the most memorable wildlife encounters I’ve ever had. The photos and descriptions online don’t come close to capturing what it feels like to be in the water with these giant manta rays. It’s surreal, magical, and honestly something you have to experience to believe. Captain Jacob and his crew — Vincent and Brodie (sorry if I’m slightly off on the name!) — were phenomenal. They were experienced, friendly, and incredibly attentive. They made my family and everyone on the boat feel safe, secure, and fully supported. If anyone needed extra assistance, they were right there without hesitation. Their calm confidence set the tone, especially for someone like me who was nervous about being in open water at night. The playlist on the ride out and back was perfect, setting a fun, relaxed vibe that helped ease any nerves. Once in the water, I was surprised by how shallow the snorkel area actually is — you can clearly see the ocean floor, maybe around 20 feet deep — and thanks to the bright lights mounted beneath the boards, the visibility is incredible. The whole scene is illuminated in a way that makes the manta rays feel almost otherworldly. And then the stars of the night: the giant manta rays. They were so close, gliding and looping right beneath us. It genuinely felt like being inside a National Geographic documentary. Absolutely breathtaking. I highly recommend renting a GoPro from the Hang Loose team. The photos and videos we captured are the only way anyone would believe what we saw. They also provide wetsuits, which help a lot with comfort, and there’s a quick warm rinse on the boat afterward — just a brief rinse since there are about 20 people, but still appreciated. What an experience. If you’re considering it, do it. It’s unforgettable.