About Manta Discovery Adventure
After sunset, the waters off Kona turn into the stage for one of the Big Island’s most memorable wildlife experiences. Manta Ray Village near Keauhou Bay is known for nighttime manta viewing, with only a short boat ride separating you from the action.
Once you arrive, the crew helps you get settled with your snorkel gear and an illuminated flotation device. The light draws plankton toward the surface, and that is what brings the manta rays in. From there, you simply float and watch as they glide, turn and feed beneath you.
The mantas can come surprisingly close, often passing just below the surface as they move through the light. You’ll spend about 30 minutes in the water, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the experience without rushing through it.
Tour Highlights
- Short 5-minute boat ride to Keauhou Bay
- Watch manta rays feed on plankton after dark
- Snorkel with an illuminated flotation device
- See manta rays glide and turn beneath the surface
- Approximately 30 minutes in the water
Tour Inclusions
- Wetsuit top, snorkel, mask and flotation devices
Special Instructions
Meeting details, important notes and helpful information for your experience.
Where & When
Tour times:
Check in at 5:00 pm. Tour ends at 7:00 pm (available starting October 1st)
Check in at 6:00 pm. Tour ends at 8:00 pm
Check in at 7:00 pm. Tour ends at 9:00 pm
Check in at the Dolphin Discoveries retail store, located in the Keauhou Shopping Center, 78-6831 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Space F-146. The retail store is located in the courtyard behind Tropics Tap House, KTA and Bianellis Restaurant.
View Map
Additional check-in info:
Check-in is at the retail location to sign waivers and receive items required for the tour. After that, drive to Keauhou Bay harbor from where the boat will depart. Transportation to the retail store and to Keahou Bay is the responsibility of the guests. If you are taking an Uber, please let your driver know to add a first stop and a second stop to your reservation so that the driver will wait for you at the retail location before taking you to Keauhou Bay.
Restrictions
Due to safety restrictions, the maximum weight limit per person is 280 pounds.
Minimum age: 6 yrs old
This is considered an intermediate ocean tour.
Must be comfortable with swimming in the ocean.
Must have some snorkel experience.
Guests can expect to spend approximately 30 minutes in the water.
Short boat ride to snorkel site (5 min).
While we do review basic mask fitting, we cannot teach you how to swim and snorkel on this tour.
Special Notes
Please note: It is not possible to do "free snorkeling" during the tour because the snorkel and fins could harm the manta rays.
Touching the mantas could remove their protective skin coating. Please do NOT touch the animals.
If manta rays are not seen on the date of your tour, Dolphin Discoveries will offer you an opportunity to go out a second time at no additional charge. (Space availability basis)
Operation Days
Daily
Duration
1 hour
Vendor
This activity is operated by Dolphin Discoveries.
Questions about this activity?
We’re happy to help with your choices, booking details or an existing reservation.
