About Sunset Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour
Sail from Keauhou Bay at sunset for a manta ray snorkel aboard Hoku Nui, with snorkel gear, wetsuit fitting and light refreshments included.
As the Kona sky begins to glow at sunset, Hoku Nui carries you from Keauhou Bay toward Manta Village, a well-known gathering place for manta rays just offshore near the Outrigger Kona Resort. The 50-foot luxury sailing catamaran offers a comfortable ride and beautiful evening views before the snorkeling adventure begins.
Once at Manta Village, the crew will help you into the water and guide you to the "manta flotation device," which remains on the surface throughout the experience. Hold onto the float, look down through your mask and watch manta rays glide below as they feed on microscopic plankton drawn toward the light attached to the float.
Snorkel time is approximately 45 minutes. Afterward, the crew will assist you back on board, where you can warm up with hot cocoa and enjoy light snacks while returning to Keauhou Bay.
Tour Highlights
- Sail out to Manta Village
- From a float, watch manta rays as they feed on the illuminated microscopic plankton below you
Tour Inclusions
- All snorkel gear and wetsuit provided
- Snacks, juice, water, soft drinks and hot cocoa
About the Vessel "Hoku Nui"
- 50 foot new luxury sailing catamaran
- Open floor plan with 360 degree view
- Shaded area under cabin top
- Wide steps and handrail for water entry
- Sundeck with trampoline seating
- Freshwater shower
- Large marine toilets
- Purified drinking water
- Spacious galley
Activity Notes
Where & When
October - March: Check in at 5:45 pm. Tour time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.
April - September: Check in at 6:15 pm. Tour time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
Tour departs at Keauhou Bay Harbor, 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 View Map
Return to Keauhou Bay approximately 1.5 to 2 hrs 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.
Due to safety concerns, the use of full-face snorkel masks is not allowed on this tour.
Wetsuit sizes go up to 5X which usually fits up to 300 lbs (136 kg) depending on body's weight distribution.
Operation Days
Daily
Duration
2 hours
Capacity
36 snorkelers and 4 ride along spots
Equipment
The Hoku Nui is a brand new 50-foot luxury sailing catamaran featuring a spacious galley, wide steps and a handrail for easy water entry. The vessel is equipped with large marine toilets and a freshwater shower.
Vendor
This activity is operated by Sea Paradise.
