About Moonlight Manta Ray Snorkel Tour
Head out after dark from Keauhou Bay aboard the 50-foot Hoku Nui for a late-night manta ray snorkel at Manta Village. This seasonal departure is generally offered from December through March when the earlier Sunset Manta tours are full, so availability can be limited.
After the short ride to the snorkel site, the crew explains safety procedures and shares information about Kona's resident manta rays and their feeding behavior. In the water, you will hold onto a custom lighted manta board at the surface while the lights attract plankton below. Manta rays may glide, turn and feed beneath you during approximately 45 to 60 minutes of water time.
After snorkeling, return to the catamaran for snacks, drinks and warm hot cocoa before heading back to Keauhou Bay.
Tour Highlights
- Late-night manta ray snorkel from Keauhou Bay
- Travel aboard the spacious 50-foot Hoku Nui
- Float at the surface using a custom lighted manta board
- Watch for manta rays feeding on plankton beneath the lights
- About 45 to 60 minutes of snorkeling time
- Learn about manta ray biology and conservation from the crew
- Seasonal departure offered when earlier Sunset Manta tours are full
Tour Inclusions
- Mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit
- Snacks plus juice, water, soft drinks and hot cocoa
About the Vessel – Hoku Nui
- 50 ft luxury sailing catamaran with 360-degree open floor plan
- Shaded cabin top, sundeck with trampoline seating
- Wide steps and handrail for easy water entry
- Freshwater shower, large marine restrooms and purified drinking water
- Spacious galley for onboard refreshments
Special Instructions
Meeting details, important notes and helpful information for your experience.
Where & When
October - March: Check in at 8:15 pm. Tour time: 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm.
April - September: Check in at 8:45 pm. Tour time: 9:00 pm - 10:30 pm.
Tour departs at Keauhou Bay Harbor, 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 View Map
Return to Keauhou Bay approximately 1.5 hours from departure time.
Check-in instructions:
Meet directly at Keauhou Bay located at the end of Kaleiopapa Street. Please do not check in at any buildings. You will be met by crew at the end of the pier 15 minutes prior to departure and will be fitted for wetsuits before boarding. Be sure to wear swimwear for the wetsuit fitting. Public restrooms are located on the east side of Kaleiopapa Street near the end parking lot. Restrooms are also on board the vessel.
Restrictions
Snorkeling: Minimum age 6 years
Ride along: Minimum age 4 years
All guests must be able to get up and down the ladder by themselves. It is about 3 ft wide with about 9 steps on the ladder.
The use of full-faced snorkel masks are not allowed on this tour.
Wet Suit sizes go up to 5X which usually fits up to 300 lbs depending on body's weight distribution.
Requirements
Wear swimwear for the wetsuit fitting and bring a towel, reef-safe sunscreen if needed before sunset, and a light layer for after the snorkel.
Special Notes
This Moonlight Manta Ray Snorkel Tour is a later tour focusing on guests who are a little more sensitive to motion sickness and prefer a shorter boat tour.
Operation Days
Seasonal - Please call for availability
Duration
1.5 hours
Capacity
36 snorkelers and 4 ride along spots
Equipment
Hoku Nui 50-foot luxury sailing catamaran with shaded cabin-top area, open floor plan, wide steps and handrail for water entry, freshwater shower, marine toilets, galley and purified drinking water. Snorkel gear, wetsuit and manta flotation device included.
Vendor
This activity is operated by Sea Paradise.
Questions about this activity?
We’re happy to help with your choices, booking details or an existing reservation.
