About Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Float after dark off Kona as manta rays feed below ocean lights, with snorkel gear, wetsuit, flotation and boat time from Honokohau Marina.
You leave Honokohau Harbor at dusk, watching the Kona shoreline glow before the sun slips away. While the crew steers toward a shallow reef about 20–30 feet deep, you learn interesting facts about the gentle manta rays that glide through these waters.
After dark the guides switch on powerful dive lights, turning the water an electric green. Plankton swarm to the glow, and soon manta rays arrive to feed, looping graceful somersaults only inches below you. Floating on the surface, you see their silent dance unfold right beneath your mask—a sight found nowhere else on Earth.
Tour Highlights
- Snorkel with manta rays after dark in their natural habitat
- Sunset and coastline views during the short cruise to the site
- Unique nighttime photo opportunities of the underwater world
Tour Inclusions
- Snorkel gear: mask, fins, wet suit (up to size 3X), flotation devices, underwater light
- Dry snacks and bottled water
The Boat
- 46 ft. vessel with lots of deck space
- Restroom on board and shaded seating areas
- Wide swim step and sturdy ladder for easy water access
- Inside cabin seating plus an upstairs viewing deck
Activity Notes
Where & When
Summer (April - August):
Departs at 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Check in 30 minutes prior to departure.
Winter (September - March):
Departs at 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Check in 30 minutes prior to departure.
Tour duration is approximately 2.5 hours with 1 hour spent in the water.
Check in at the Honokohau Marina, 74-425 Kealakehe Parkway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 View Map
(For GPS users please note there is more than one Kealakehe!)
Directions for Honokohau Marina & Check-In:
Check in at the Bite Me Logo Store -
The Marina is 5 miles south of Kona airport and 3 or 4 miles north of Kailua-Kona. At the traffic light intersection, take Kealakehe Parkway from the highway (Hwy 19) towards the ocean. You'll see the sailboat masts from the highway and there's a sign for Honokohau Marina. Take that road lined with coconut palms and go Right at your first opportunity. Immediately on your left is a blue building complex with its own parking lot; our office is right by the flagpole.
Restrictions
There are no specific restrictions for this activity.
Special Notes
Suggested minimum age to get in the water is 5 years old. Depending on the swimming ability of a younger child some younger children have gotten in the water.
It is an extremely rare occurrence, but if we do not see ANY manta rays on our night manta snorkel or dolphins on our dolphin encounter, you are welcome to come back out with our again on the same excursion during the same vacation. This is based on availability and totally free of charge. We recommend you book early in your trip so if you need to take advantage of the Ocean Encounters guarantee you have more flexibility.
Operation Days
Daily
Duration
2.5 hours
Equipment
The Ocean Encounter is a big and roomy 46-foot Delta boat boasting an inside cabin, an upper deck for additional awesome views and a restroom. The vessel features a nice big swim step and an extra sturdy ladder, so you can get into and out of the water easily.
Vendor
This activity is operated by Ocean Encounters.
