Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour from Kona
Description
The manta ray night snorkel was voted "One of the Top 10 Things To Do in Your Life" by the Travel Channel! Experience the Kona manta ray snorkel yourself and see what all the fuss is about. You'll journey only five minutes off Hawai'i Island's west coast to reach the snorkeling site. As the vessel's diving lights shine through the crystal-clear water, these gentle giants arrive to feed on plankton. This is an event for those who are 7 years of age and up, have had previous snorkeling experience, and are confident swimming in the dark.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Although you are able to view mantas during daylight hours, they feed most actively at night when many plankton rises towards the water's surface. By using dive lights that are safe for the mantas, you'll be able to attract and get close to the mantas. Unlike sting rays, mantas are very gentle and don't have teeth, stingers or barbs. These big and beautiful animals are truly amazing, boasting wingspans that can exceed 15 feet (4.5 meters) in width! They are completely safe to be around, so hop aboard for the aquatic experience of a lifetime!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Full face snorkel masks are not permitted on our vessels
- Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult
- Not recommended for non-swimmers, beginner swimmers, and those without snorkeling experience
Reviews(257)
This excursion came highly recommended from multiple people. It did not disappoint. The staff was incredible and the experience was awesome!
We had the best time on this bucket list tour! The crew, lead by Dante was fantastic. They were fun, educational and ensured safety protocols were followed. Seeing the manta rays at night was a cool, unforgettable experience!!! An extra they provide is warm, delicious soup and hot beverages after snorkeling. It was an awesome experience and I highly recommend them. Get online and book your excursion now, you won't regret it!!! The best! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The experience of a lifetime. Everyone should see these gentle giants. The crew was very nice, professional, knowledgeable. I would do this again anytime!
We’ve watched the manta rays from shore many times but that’s nothing like seeing them up close. For reference we’re 70 and it was an easy activity for us. We are used to the water and fairly active. We felt safe at all times. The crew made it fun and even took pictures for us. I’m so glad I finally took the plunge and experienced this. What a memory!
I came to Kona specifically for the Mantas so I researched loads of Manta Tours before choosing this one. After booking numerous locals told me I had booked the right one. It was professional and easy to find. They provide all snorkeling gear & wetsuits and all of the staff were cheerful and kind. Theres a private waiting area with a gift shop with plenty of souvenirs. The check in was quick and easy and the boat ride was about 10min. It took longer for the safety briefing than it did to get to the dive spot. They taught us about the Mantas we would see and their individual stories and names and moments after we swam out to the lighted rafts 3 giant Mantas showed up and frolicked with us the entire hour. These curious gentle giants were gliding so close to me they touched me and it was more beautiful than I ever dreamed. I was overwhelmed with emotion and cried. After the magical dive they served us warm soup and hot chocolate on the return trip. The trip was 100% worth it for this 1 magical experience.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful experience. We’re so glad your Fair Wind manta ray night snorkel in Kona lived up to everything you hoped for, from our crew and check-in team to that unforgettable time with the mantas in the water. It means a lot to hear the evening felt so magical, and we truly appreciate you choosing us for such a special Big Island memory.
This was a truly amazing experience. We were well briefed prior to going into the water, the staff were approachable and gracious. Seeing the manta rays was absolutely incredible. Words can’t describe!
Mahalo for the beautiful review! 🌺 We’re so honored your Fair Wind manta ray night snorkel in Kona lived up to its bucket list status. We’re glad you felt well briefed and supported by our crew—that comfort makes all the difference before slipping into the water 🌊. And you’re right… seeing manta rays up close is one of those Big Island moments that’s hard to put into words 🐋✨. Thank you for joining us—we’d love to welcome you back for another unforgettable ocean experience in Kona!
The Manta Rays were fantastic and they get a 5 for being what they are. The crew of the boat gets a 3 for their bored, going through the motions performance. The naturalist gave a presentation on the natural history of Manta Rays which I could not hear at the back of the group as she was soft spoken and did not use the boat's excellent PA system which other crew members did use. Fortunately, there was a naturalist from another company in the water with his group describing what we were seeing in real time and I could hear him, so thanks to that guy. The whole management of the trip was hurry up and get on the boat, hurry up and get in the water, hurry up and get out of the water, hurry up and get off of the boat and go away. Also, the Captain had a quirky personality (wise guy) which was off putting. His final joke was to tell us that the bathroom at the dock was closed, so we were meant to use the bushes I guess. The Manta Rays were great, but at this price, choose another company.
Mahalo for taking the time to share your experience. We’re truly glad the manta rays delivered a five-star encounter—they are remarkable animals, and it’s always special to see them up close in Kona waters 🐋. We’re sorry to hear that other parts of your Fair Wind manta ray night snorkel didn’t feel as engaging or welcoming as they should have. Clear communication and a relaxed, well-paced experience are important to us, and we appreciate you pointing out where we fell short—especially regarding the presentation and how it was heard from the back of the group. That’s helpful feedback for our team. Our goal is always to balance safety, timing, and guest comfort, while keeping the experience warm and personal—not rushed. We’re also sorry if any humor didn’t land as intended. We want every guest to feel comfortable and respected from boarding to disembarking. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. We take feedback seriously and will use it to continue improving the experience we provide here in Kona.
My family and booked with Fair Wind for the manta ray night tour. Captain Mauricio and the rest of the crew were very knowledgeable, attentive, and accommodating and made it such an awesome and unique experience. I highly recommend this tour to anybody!
Mahalo for the wonderful review! We’re so glad your family had an awesome manta ray night snorkel with Fair Wind here in Kona 🌊✨ Captain Mauricio and the crew will be happy to hear your kind words. The manta ray night tour is such a unique Big Island experience, and we’re thrilled it was memorable for you. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another Kona ocean adventure soon! 🐠🤙
The night snorkel was great. Appreciated the large boat compared to other tour companies who parked in same area of water but with much smaller boats. We have snorkeled before so in general not scared as potentially others with no experience may be. Safe experience holding onto a bar with a pool noodle under the feet. We stayed out for the full 45 mins. However if you only wanted to stay for 10 minutes or in general a short amount of time the crew was more than willingly to help bring you back to the boat. Crew very friendly. Hot chocolate post snorkel was great. Highly recommend even if you are scared of the idea of a night snorkel. Mantas come right under you. This crew will take care of you. Amazing!
Mahalo for the amazing review! 🌺 We’re so glad you enjoyed your manta ray night snorkel and appreciated the comfort of our spacious boat, friendly crew, and the incredible close-up views of the mantas. ✨ It’s great to hear you felt safe and cared for throughout the experience — we truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back again soon!
We really enjoyed this experience. The staff was professional and knowledgeable. The boat ride was only about five minutes each direction. It was easy to gear up and swim out along the viewing platform. The Manta Rays put on a spectacular show! It was fabulous!
Mahalo for the wonderful review! 🌺 We’re so glad you had such a great time viewing the manta rays and enjoyed the easy process and knowledgeable crew. 🐋✨ We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
