Top 15 Manta Ray Snorkeling Tours in Hawaii

1.Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,656 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84Our pick

Meet Hang Loose Boat Tours at Keauhou Bay for a sunset cruise and guided night snorkel with manta rays. Bryce, Jordan, Noah, Vince, and other crew members may lead the trip. Gear, a wetsuit top, flotation aid, snacks, and water are included. Strong swimming skills are required.

“It was perfect and beautiful! a manta ray brushed my stomach! It was a beautiful experience! Our guide was incredible! Bring towels and a coat for after!”

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2.Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,465 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $25Best value

Meet at Keauhou Harbor for a quick nighttime boat ride to Kona’s manta ray viewing area. With a maximum of 17 people, an illuminated plankton board, mask, snorkel, and in-water guides such as Greg and Eric, you can float near wild rays for up to 30 minutes. Wetsuits cost $10 extra.

“I had a great experience from start to finish. They guide you step by step and give very clear instructions. We did the 6:20 and saw many Manta-rays. I was a bit anxious but we were in the best hands and the captain and two guide members were incredible. Im so glad I did it!”

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3.KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,212 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $49

Meet My Kona Adventures near the Outrigger Resort in Kailua-Kona for a short RHIB boat ride and 25 to 30 minutes in the water with wild manta rays. Guides such as Taco, Peyton, Rocky, and Mike explain manta behavior and keep the small group organized. Snorkel gear is included; wetsuits cost extra.

“Boat leaves directly from the little dock next to Outrgger Resort. There were 11 of us and 3 staff … The captain, the guide Peyton and another life guard. I wore a wet suit top( $10) my husband went without. As soon as we entered the water we were greeted by these gentle giants as if they had been waiting for us. They were so big and came so close , probably 10 feet at least… you stay in the water for about 25 minutes which was just right…. Boat ride is only about 3 minutes which was great … Highly recommended”

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4.Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,758 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $44

Join Dolphin Discoveries for a night snorkel off Kona’s Keauhou Bay, where manta rays may glide within inches of you under the boat’s lights. You’ll get a mask, snorkel, short-sleeve wetsuit top, and safety briefing. Guides including Vinny and Bryce have earned praise for calm, clear support.

“Had a great time - check in was very easy (check in at their store front then drive to the harbor; instructions very clear). You get a wet suit top and a snorkel. The guides were awesome, both informative and fun. Boat ride is 3-5 minutes and then you jump in for about 30 minutes. You’re holding onto a lighted board that does take some upper arm strength. Our day was calm but I did get a bit seasick towards the end. You can always go back early (onto the boat) if needed and the guides will help. We only saw one ray but she put on quite the show…”

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5.Kailua Kona: Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,199 reviews · 2h 30m · from $121

Join Hang Loose Boat Tours for a 150-minute night cruise from Kailua-Kona to a manta feeding site. Guides such as Aidan, Gary, Noah, Jordan, and Ula help you use the light boards, floats, and snorkel gear while rays circle beneath you. Ride-along places are available.

“Great experience and lovely crew. A lot of Mantas seen even from up close.”

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6.Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,141 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $145

Meet at Keauhou Harbor for a short boat ride to Kona’s manta site. Guides such as Sarah, Sara, Molly, and Justin explain the rays’ feeding habits, then help you hold a glowing light board as mantas circle below. The group is capped at 11, with gear, drinks, and optional wetsuits included.

“Highly recommend using Hawaiian Oceanic for this excursion! The location we met and departed from was so close to the location for viewing the Mantas that a boat was barely needed (took less than 5 mins until we were in the water. Setup with the floating board and light made ie easy. The staff, from greeter, captain, and in-water guide were fantastic.”

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7.Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 843 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $154

Sail the Kona coast aboard a 50-foot catamaran, watch the sun set, then hold a lighted board while manta rays feed below you. Kona Style provides gear, instruction, drinks, and hot cocoa. Captain Dan and crew focus closely on safety during this two-hour, 15-minute evening trip.

“This is a must do !! It was amazing!! The crew was friendly, knowledgeable and made everyone feel safe and comfortable. We would and plan to do this again”

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8.Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 777 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Meet Manta Adventures at 4 p.m. for a sunset cruise aboard the Maheli-Heli, then snorkel at Garden Eel Cove as manta rays feed beneath custom lights. Captain Bill, Captain Dan, Drew, Sam, Cal, and other crew members may guide the trip. A warm rinse, wetsuit, snacks, and water are included.

“The crew was great, put we didn’t see any Manta Ray. The sea was rough and we floated in the cold water for about an hour. Sam the deck hand offered another trip,but NO vouchers were issued to any participants or refund. The Captain of the boat bragged on how he has the best lights out of any crew(boat) and still saw not even 1 Manta Ray! Several people got sea sick as well. Including my wife.. This was the worst part of our vacation.. Would I do it again?”

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9.Night Manta Ray Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 751 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $146

Board Sea Quest Hawaii in Kona for a 90-minute night snorkel with plankton-feeding manta rays. You float at a lighted board while guides such as Kim, Rick, Em, and Sage explain the action. Gear, wetsuit, flotation aids, and hot chocolate are included. Bring a towel and arrange your own transport.

“The mantas were amazing. The only thing to make it better would have been if they offered pictures of the mantas back at the shop.”

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10.Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 672 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $127

Join Eka Canoe Adventures in Kailua-Kona for a one-hour night snorkel with wild manta rays. Paddle by historically accurate Hawaiian double-hulled canoe to a lighted float, then watch rays sweep through the plankton-rich water. Groups are limited to 12, with gear, flotation aids, and wetsuit tops included.

“This was a great experience! The staff were calm, friendly and very accommodating to everyone’s needs and concerns. Loved that it was a small group. We toured at 6pm and witnessed a gorgeous sunset as well. I highly recommend!”

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11.Manta Ray Night Snorkel from Kona — Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 657 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $123

From Honokohau Harbor, you ride out at sunset with a small group of up to 16. Guides such as Captain Kris, Chris, Ryan, and Tori help you into the water, where lights attract plankton and manta rays glide close beneath you. Wetsuits, flotation gear, snacks, and drinks are included.

“This was one of the best experiences we have ever had. Seeing the manta rays swim below us was breathtaking, especially when they barrel-rolled! Our guide Mark was fantastic, as was Captain Chris! We loved the small group part of this and appreciated how well taken care of and safe we felt.”

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12.Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Adventure in Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 593 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

From Honokohau Harbor, you cruise into Kona’s sunset, then hold a lighted float while giant manta rays feed below. The crew provides snorkel gear, wetsuit tops, flotation, snacks, drinks, and a restroom. Expect a 25-minute boat ride each way and chilly water.

“Well worth it. If you're prone to sea sickness, sit in the back of the boat, as the ride is a little bumpy. And bring a towel!”

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13.Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience of a Lifetime

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 505 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79

From Honokohau Harbor, ride 15 to 20 minutes to Manta Heaven or Manta Village. Float at a custom light board while wild manta rays feed below. Snorkel Big Island supplies gear, wetsuits, and certified in-water guides. Captain Kelly and guides Jay, Elijah, and Jonathan have received strong praise for friendly, careful service.

“We must have seen 12-15 Manta Rays! What an awesome experience! Great job to the Captain and crew! Very organized!”

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14.Kailua-Kona: Manta Ray Watching Nighttime Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 488 reviews · 2 hours · from $75

From Honokohau Harbor, you’ll ride a catamaran into Kona’s dark waters, learn about manta rays from guides such as Kelly, Bryce, and Koa, then choose to watch from the boat or snorkel above the rays. Bring warm clothes for the ride home.

“This was the highlight of our 2 week vacation. I have 4 kids ages 9 to 16 and they all loved it.”

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15.Night Swim with Manta Ray with Hot Chocolate

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 420 reviews · 1h 15m · from $146

From Keauhou Bay, Sea Quest Hawaii takes experienced swimmers into Kona’s nighttime waters for a close look at manta rays feeding beneath blue lights. Guides provide wetsuits, flotation gear, Rx masks, hot chocolate, and cookies. Guides such as Michelle and Kelsie have been praised for clear, friendly help.

“Most unreal experience of my life ! I didn’t realise the Manta’s we’re going to come to close to you. The guides we’re so professional and really added a lot of enjoyment to the tour. Definitely recommend and will be doing again :)”

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