If you are looking to go manta ray snorkeling in Kona then you are in the right place! There are so many great snorkeling tours in Kona but the most popular (for good reason!) is snorkeling with manta rays. Manta rays are the largest type of ray in the world and they can grow to be up to 23 feet long and have a wingspan of up to 25 feet.
There are so many tours when it comes to manta ray snorkeling in Kona that I’ve compiled a list of the ten most highly rated tours out there. Make sure you book one in advance before they sell out!
1. The Big Island’s Night Manta Ray Adventure
Price: $85 per person
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Departs From: Kailua-Kona, United States
Rating: 5/5 (2,170+ reviews) Best Tour
Includes: On this journey, you’ll have an unusual Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays. You will take a short boat ride out to the manta site to watch the gorgeous Hawaiian sunset before submerging into the water to observe the manta rays up close.
All necessary gear will be provided for your excursion, as well as light refreshments and snacks to eat on board. Your trip will come to an end at its starting location. If you don’t see any manta rays during this trip, book another night for free – no charge if you do not see them again.
2. Manta Magic – Snorkeling with Manta Ray Dive at Manta Village Kona, Hawaii
Price: $145 per person
Duration: 1 Hour
Departs From: Kailua-Kona, United States
Rating: 5/5 (800+ reviews)
Includes: With a small group, get up close with Hawaii’s graceful manta rays during this nighttime snorkel excursion along the Kona coast. During their evening feeding, watch these massive animals swoop and dive for plankton just below the surface. An on-board manta ray expert, as well as a certified swim guide, ensure an educational and safe experience.
3. Snorkeling the Keauhou Manta Ray at Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Price: $93 per person
Duration: 1 Hour 20 minutes
Departs From: Kailua-Kona, United States
Rating: 5/5 (780+ reviews)
Includes: On this evening trip, you’ll have the chance to see wild manta rays in their natural environment. After dark, when mantas feed on plankton, set sail and use a bespoke lightboard that attracts the rays.
Float for up to 40 minutes while using your snorkel to observe how the rays move and eat, and discover more about these magnificent creatures from your guide.
4. Manta Ray Snorkeling in Kona: Experience of a Lifetime
Price: $145 per person
Duration: 3 Hours
Departs From: Kailua-Kona, United States
Rating: 5/5 (570+ reviews)
Includes: On this night snorkel excursion in Kona, you may swim with mantas and under the moonlight. A motorized vessel transports you out to your snorkeling destination, where you can enter the water either via a step ladder or stay dry on board. Extra features such as a warm shower, food, and beverages make this journey both pleasant and memorable.
5. Small Group Snorkel on the Big Island of Hawaii (Kona Manta Ray Night Dive)
Price: $139 per person
Duration: 2 Hours
Departs From: Kailua-Kona, United States
Rating: 5/5 (370+ reviews)
Includes: To swim with manta rays, summon your bravery and jump into the Kona Sea. Slip on the provided wet suit and snorkel gear, then follow your professional instructor into the water for this 2-hour tour during sunset or after dark.
Watch as enormous vegetarian animals, some with wingspans of 20 feet (6 meters), circle you in graceful loops taking in clouds of plankton for their evening meal. All equipment (towels, masks, etc), food, and drink are supplied. Choose between sunset and evening snorkeling trips; manta ray sightings are guaranteed or you may do a second trip for free if you like.
6. Experience the Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour: Manta Guarantee!
Price: $127 per person
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Departs From: Kailua-Kona, United States
Rating: 5/5 (360+ reviews)
Includes: During this one-of-a-kind nighttime activity in Kona, you may swim among manta rays during a feeding frenzy. Slip into the dark sea with your snorkeling guides and watch as the ‘manta ray ballet’ kicks off as the monsters emerge from the darkness to devour the plentiful plankton.
Let shivers run down your spine as these docile, passive animals, which can weigh up on 1000 lbs (450kg) and measure 16 feet (5 meters) across, swim just an arm’s reach away. All standard snorkel gear, wetsuits, and floatation devices are included.
7. Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona, Hawaii’s Big Island
Price: $130 per person
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Departs From: Kailua-Kona, United States
Rating: 4.5/5 (330+ reviews)
Includes: Manta rays are commonly seen in the waters of Hawaii at night when they feed on plankton and krill. Make the most of your opportunity by participating in this small-group boat trip.
Snorkel near manta rays as they feed at night. Sail past manta rays feeding after dark for a journey around their world. Manta ray facts are discussed with you by the guides. On board, enjoy a warm tea.
8. Snorkeling with Reef Manta Rays at Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Price: $107 per person
Duration: 1 Hour
Departs From: Kailua-Kona, United States
Rating: 5/5 (310+ reviews)
Includes: This small-group cruise offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see wild manta rays in their natural environment along Hawaii’s Kona Coast.
Set sail at night, when the manta rays are most active and use a lighted floatation device to attract plankton—the rays’ food of choice. With an experienced guide ensuring everyone’s safety, head into the water to float and snorkel as you admire the graceful creatures in action.
9. Manta Heaven: Snorkeling at Night in Hawaii’s Best Place
Price: $102 per person
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Departs From: Kailua-Kona, United States
Rating: 4.9/5 (310+ reviews)
Includes: Snorkeling with manta rays is a must-do while in Hawaii! Feed and interact with other ocean creatures on this cruise trip.
Enjoy this amazing opportunity to see manta rays up close! After a safety briefing, gear up with the snorkel equipment and wet suits provided. Relax and enjoy the cruise with drinks and snacks on board. Bring your underwater camera for photos and capture memories that will last a lifetime.
10. Sunset Manta Ray Snorkel Excursion
Price: $129 per person
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Departs From: Kailua-Kona, United States
Rating: 5/5 (300+ reviews)
Includes: Combine two must-do activities to make your visit to Hawaii even more special. For a spectacular sunset cruise along the Kona coast, board a spacious catamaran. After snorkeling in the ocean with mantas, slip into the water for an afternoon of fun and adventure.
With included snorkel gear, swim noodles, and wetsuits, guides provide instruction and ensure your comfort while you snorkel with manta rays. Enjoy juice or hot cocoa with cookies afterward.
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Dayna Brockbank is a travel and language-learning blogger who has lived around the world but has now settled in Nice, France. She speaks 3 languages at varying levels of fluency: Spanish, Italian, and French, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Spanish Education. She and her husband focus on making travel part of life by living cheaply and traveling on a budget.