Best Kona Manta Ray Tours

The seas around Hawaii are typically known for their abundance of dolphins, sea turtles, and whales. However, another creature is so intriguing that it compels our land-dwelling species to slip into the ocean after dark. That creature? Manta Rays. Manta rays can grow to colossal sizes, and unlike their stingray cousins, manta rays don’t have barbs or stingers on their tails. Harmless and graceful, manta rays can be found in excess off the coast of Kona. In fact, Kona is the only place in Hawaii that hosts manta ray tours.

 

Swimming with manta rays in Hawaii is obviously amazing, but narrowing down which tour company to go with can be difficult. We have made it easy for you by sharing our favorite manta ray tour companies on the Big Island. Here are our top five picks:

2 Hour Manta Ray Swim

Departing from Honokohau Harbor twice nightly, this two-hour tour heads into the heart of manta territory. The 28′ raft dubbed the “Orca” visits one of two popular manta ray sighting areas, Garden Eel Cove, or offshore the Kona Sheraton Resort & Spa- about a 45-minute ride from the harbor. Where you end up depends on where the best manta activity was spotted the night before. Once you arrive, you’ll descend into the warm water and surround a custom-built floatation board outfitted with high-powered lights. The light attracts phytoplankton, the rays’ primary food source, which in turn attracts the rays. You’ll have 30-45 minutes of swim time to marvel at the elegant manta ray dance.

Know Before You Go:

● This tour departs twice nightly, once at 5:15 and again at 7:45.
● This excursion comes with a free manta guarantee. While the success rate for spotting mantas on this tour is high, the rays are wild animals, and their presence isn’t always promised. If no mantas are seen on your tour, you may rebook again free of charge.
● If you’re traveling with adventurous little ones, you came to the right place. Children 5 and up are welcome aboard this tour.

BOOK MANTA TOUR

 

“Manta Ray Village” Snorkel

Climb aboard the beautiful 50′ catamaran, ‘Hoku Nui,’ for an unforgettable manta experience. This tour visits “Manta Ray Village” near Keauhou Bay. Once you reach the village, the friendly crew aboard the Hoku Nui will give you an informative and interesting rundown on all things manta. From there, you’ll be guided onto the “manta flotation device” and spend 45 minutes in the water watching the rays do their thing.

Know Before You Go:

● If you or someone in your party aren’t keen on snorkeling, there is room for “ride-along” guests. Tickets are available at a discounted price.
● This tour runs for two hours, and you can look forward to yummy snacks and non-alcoholic beverages after your snorkel.
● Keep in mind, that the Hoku Nui is a “shoe-less boat,” so wear slippers or sandals to the dock that are easy to remove.

BOOK MANTA RAY TOUR

 

Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Aboard the 36′ Maheli-Heli, you can trust you’re in good hands. Captains Bill and Dan have been traversing the seas around Kona and leading manta tours for twenty years. This tour takes a leisurely cruise up the Kona coast before reaching the famous Manta Ray Village. Here you’ll have some time to enjoy a classic Kona sunset before getting in the water.

Designed with comfort in mind, the Maheli-Heli is outfitted with eco-friendly engines that release a minimal amount of exhaust. The absence of heavy exhaust fumes helps with seasickness. The Maheli-Heli also features a heavy-duty ladder with four submerged steps to make entering and exiting the water much more manageable, especially after dark.

Know Before You Go:

● Wet suits, snorkel gear, and floatation are all provided on this tour.
● Don’t forget to pack an underwater camera! Just be sure to turn the flash off. The floatation board is equipped with lights that will illuminate your photos.
● If you require any additional special needs, be sure to let the crew know when making your reservation, and they will do their best to accommodate you.

BOOK MANTA TOUR

Late Night Manta Snorkel

Got sunset plans? No worries. You can still catch the late-night manta ray show. This tour departs around 9 pm (time changes seasonally) rather than at sunset, which means by the time you reach the snorkeling site, most boats have already headed back for the night. With fewer boats and fewer people, this late-night excursion makes for a much more surreal experience. Before entering the water, you will receive a full safety briefing, and while in the water, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide at all times. However, since this tour operates later at night when there are fewer people in the area, only people with prior snorkeling experience are recommended to book this tour.

Know Before You Go:

● Everything you need for an incredible nighttime snorkel sesh is provided for you, including a custom-built board to hang on to, snorkel gear, and wetsuit tops if the water is chilly.
● Be sure to bring your own camera! Photos are not provided, and you won’t want to miss this.
● It can get a bit chilly at night, particularly if you’re soaking wet post-snorkel. Bring a towel, dry clothes to change into, and a sweater.
● Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are waiting for you after you get back on board, as well as happy hour prices on beer, wine, and spirits.

BOOK MANTA TOUR

Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Combo

Snorkeling, sunset, and happy hour?! This tour offers a triple whammy of goodness. This excursion departs Honokohau Harbor, where you’ll cruise down the coast on board the 50′ “Kona Style” catamaran and catch a fabulous Kona sunset. Then, once the dark starts creeping in, it’s manta time.

All that you need to spectate the manta ray dance is provided for you, including a custom flotation board equipped with lights, snorkels, wetsuit tops, and snorkel equipment. After your time in the water is up, you’ll be treated to complimentary hot cocoa, tea, cookies, and happy hour prices on beer, wine, and spirits.

Know Before You Go:

● If you or someone in your group isn’t a snorkeler, they can still book as a ride-along. The manta show is still visible from the boat!
● It might be hard to believe, but it can get chilly after dark, even in Kona. Be sure to bring a sweater just in case.
● If you experience a rare, no-manta night, you can book again on a different night for free.

Still can’t decide?

Here is some more information on Big Island Activities.