For a truly unique and memorable experience, try snorkeling with giant manta rays at the Big Island. Take a night swim with these iconic ocean dwellers that can frequently be spotted gliding through the waters just off the coast of Hawaii.

Many tour operators offer manta ray snorkeling tours on the Kona coast that give you a chance to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. The manta rays found around the Hawaiian islands are the second-largest species of rays and can have a wingspan of over 5 meters!

To learn more, you can check out our complete guide on manta ray snorkeling, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities on the Big Island.

What are the best manta ray snorkeling tours on Big Island?

Eco-friendly twilight manta ray adventure

Manta ray snorkeling is one of the most popular outdoor and adventure activities around Big Island. On this tour, you will have 75 minutes to observe the manta rays firsthand during the “manta ray ballet.”

The tour package includes all snorkeling gear, but you must bring your own towel and swimsuit. After your snorkeling adventure, you will get back on the boat and warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.

Night manta ray snorkel experience

These guided evening tours will take you out into open waters. From there, you will plunge into the dark ocean to see the manta rays up close as they feed on plankton.

The water will be illuminated with blue lights to provide you with more visibility. The tour lasts for almost three hours, so you have plenty of time to explore the seas with these gentle giants. You will receive light refreshments on board throughout the tour.

Keauhou manta ray night snorkel in Kailua-Kona

The tour is limited to only six people so you can have a semi-private, intimate experience. The smaller boat used on these trips also allows you to get closer to the manta rays without disturbing them.

This tour features a custom lightboard designed to attract plankton, so you have a good chance of seeing the rays feed up close! The in-water guides will lead you through the experience, and you will receive hot drinks and snacks once you return to the shore.

How much do manta ray snorkeling tours on Big Island cost?

Manta ray snorkeling tours on Big Island vary in price based on how long the tour lasts, which operator you select when you take the tour and whether or not you book a private experience. You can expect to pay anywhere from US$70 to US$140 per person. Small group tours cost up to US$520.

The eco-friendly twilight manta ray adventure starts at US$140 per person.
The night manta ray snorkel experience starts at US$80 per person.
The Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua-Kona starts at US$90 per person.

Each of the prices mentioned above may fluctuate based on the number of people in your group and the date you select.

What is included?

Each manta ray snorkeling tour provides you with a unique experience. All of the tours include the use of snorkel equipment and flotation devices. You will also receive a safety demonstration before getting in the water.

Tour guides lead the tours to ensure that you have the best experience possible. The price of the tour includes a professional guide, but please keep in mind that gratuities are not included. Depending on the tour your select, you will also receive complimentary snacks and beverages throughout your manta ray snorkeling tour.

Some tours include round-trip transportation direct from your accommodation on the Big Island. You must provide your pick-up and drop-off information ahead of time to avoid any complications.

If your tour does not include round-trip transportation, you will have to make your way to a designated meeting spot. Select companies also offer GoPro rentals to capture footage of your experience at an additional cost.

Where do manta ray snorkeling tours on Big Island start?

A handful of Big Island manta ray snorkeling tours provide direct transportation to and from your accommodation, but most of them require you to make your way to a designated meeting spot. Many tours depart from a specific location or shop within Honokohau Harbor.

How long do the tours last?

Manta ray tours on Big Island typically last from one to three hours. All of the snorkeling tours take place at night, but many operators give you the option to depart early and watch the sunset during a boat cruise. Your group will then make its way across the water before stopping at the manta ray’s habitat.

Local operators offer a variety of tours so you can book whichever one fits best in your Big Island itinerary.

When is the best time to go manta ray snorkeling on Big Island?

All of the manta ray snorkeling tours take place after dark because that is typically the best time to spot the creatures. They come out to hunt plankton at night, so you will have a much better chance to see the animals up close.

You can book a tour that departs a bit earlier and catch the sunset on the way.

Manta ray sightings are not guaranteed, though the tour operators do everything in their power to help you see them. Many tour operators will provide you with a voucher to book another tour if you don’t spot any manta rays.

Booking your manta ray snorkeling tour at the beginning of your Big Island trip gives you plenty of time to schedule another tour if you want. You will also likely have the option to receive a full refund if you cannot fit another tour in your itinerary.

Are there any combo tours available with manta ray snorkeling on Big Island?

Manta ray snorkeling tours are one of the most unique and fascinating outdoor activities available on Big Island. Most tours offer combination sunset boat cruise and snorkeling tickets.

Since all of the tours take place at night, you will have the option to book a tour that departs a bit before dark so you can catch the Kona sunset along the way. Although these are combination tours, you can expect to pay around the same price as regular manta ray snorkeling tours.

Is it safe to take a manta ray snorkeling tour on Big Island?

Snorkeling requires a significant amount of physical activity in the water. Manta ray snorkeling tours are not recommended for people with back or heart problems, pregnant women or people who cannot swim.

Manta rays are giant gentle creatures, so it is completely safe to be in the water with them. Tour operators do their best to prevent accidents from happening, but they cannot guarantee your safety in the open water. Manta ray snorkeling can be a high-risk activity under uncertain ocean conditions.

Are children allowed on manta ray snorkeling tours on Big Island?

Most manta ray snorkeling tours allow children to participate under the supervision of an adult. The children should either know how to swim, or use some type of flotation device in the water.

Some companies require children to bring their own life jackets if they are under a certain age, regardless of whether or not they know how to swim.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Snorkeling with manta rays requires good weather conditions. If your tour gets canceled, you will most likely be offered a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule your experience for another day.

Travel tips

Read the fine print of each tour! Many of them will give you a voucher for another manta ray snorkeling experience if you don’t spot any animals the first time.
Contact the tour operator ahead of time if you plan to participate with children. Some operators require children to bring their own life jackets.
Bring a jacket for the boat! The evenings can be chilly after the sun sets.
Wear a swimsuit underneath your wetsuit.
Pack a waterproof camera to capture stunning photos and videos of the manta rays.
Check if the tour requires participants to have previous snorkeling or swimming experience.

Manta Ray Snorkeling in Big Island