Night Diving With Mantas in Kona: Which Tour to Book
Hawaiʻi Island is the only Hawaiian island where you can dive or snorkel with manta rays at night. Kona is most famous for it, but you can also have this experience in Keauhou, just south of Kailua-Kona and in Waikoloa on the Kohala Coast. This page will help you choose which tour to book.
On the Kona coast, boats leave Keauhou Bay or the Kailua-Kona pier at sunset for Manta Village or Manta Heaven. Once the boat has docked, snorkelers will float face-down on the surface of the water holding on to a rail strapped with floating light boards (divers sit on the bottom looking up). The lights attract plankton, which attracts the manta rays, some with wingspans up to about 18 feet. As the manta rays feed on plankton, you are floating just above them to watch.
A manta night snorkel currently runs about $110–165 per person. The dive runs about $149–180 for PADI-certified divers. Total time on the boat can run anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours. Time in the water is usually about 45 minutes. The ocean is generally around 76–80°F, but floating still for that long is colder than swimming, so most tours offer wetsuit rental on board
Booking
Manta ray snorkel or dive?
The snorkel tour is accessible to anyone comfortable in the water. The dive requires PADI Open Water certification and tends to costs more. Snorkelers can see mantas from above looking down while floating on the surface with a light board. Divers will see the mantas from below. To save money, I’d go with the snorkel tour — you’ll be just as close to the mantas as a diver.
Boat or raft?
For a night trip that involves floating still in cool water for about 45 minutes, boats offer more comfort, including a larger deck, restrooms and sometimes warm drinks after. Rafts take smaller groups and it’s a wetter ride, although at night the water is generally pretty calm. Bring a light jacket for either, as it can get chilly, especially after you come out of the water.
How to pick a responsible manta ray tour
Reputable operators publicly cite adherence to the Manta Ray Advocates guidelines. These address lighting practices, no-touch rules and how far to stay away from the manta rays. Learn more about ethical manta snorkel tours and verify the tour’s ethics practices on their site before you book.
What if I don't see mantas?
Sighting rates are high but not guaranteed. Every operator has its own no-manta policy. Some offer a standby seat on a future trip, some offer a partial refund. If your vacation is short, book earlier in the trip so you have a chance to re-book if necessary.
What's the best time of year?
Manta rays visit these sites on Hawaiʻi Island year-round. You may have a bigger chance of a weather related cancellation during the winter months, but other than that you can book any time of year.
Manta Snorkel and Dive Tours
Big Island Divers
Kailua-Kona-based tour operator specializing in the manta night dive for PADI-certified divers. Guests can choose to snorkel or dive. For snorkelers, wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins are provided. For divers, masks, fins, tanks, weights, and dive lights are available to rent. Includes snacks, water and hot chocolate. Tours are 4 hours. $129 for snorkelers, $149 for divers. Reserve here.
- Best for: Certified divers wanting the ocean-floor perspective.
- Skip if: You are staying in Keauhou.
Hawaiʻi Island & Ocean Tours
Known for its ethical practices, this small boat tour out of Keauhou Bay offers a zero risk guarantee. If you don’t see a manta, you can reschedule for free. Tours are 1.5 hours and include mask and snorkel, flotation belt, wetsuit rentals, GoPro rentals and Prescription mask rentals. $110 per person. Reserve here.
Best for: Visitors who want the most ethical experience.
Skip if: You are staying on the Kohala Coast.
Kohala Coast Tours
Small-group night snorkel in Waikoloa on the Kohala Coast. Groups of 6 only. Includes complimentary photos and video and hot tea or hot chocolate. Tours last 1.75 hours. $165 per person. Reserve now.
- Best for: Solo travelers or couples staying in Waikoloa.
- Skip if: You are staying on the Kona Coast.
Kona Style
Check in on Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona and head to Manta Ray Village. Youʻll start with a sunset cruise and after the sun goes down get in the water to see the mantas. Boat is equipped with a staircase down to the water instead of a ladder to climb. Includes snorkel gear, T-top wetsuits, hot tea and hot cocoa. Beer, wine and spirits available for purchase. Tours last 2.25 hours. $89 per person. Reserve now.
- Best for: Easier entry into the water.
- Skip if: You are staying in Keauhou.
Sea Paradise
Luxury 50-foot catamaran snorkel tour departing from Keauhou Bay. Sea Paradise uses a state-of-the-art "manta flotation device." Tours are 2 hours. $65 per person. Reserve here.
Best for: Visitors staying in Keauhou.
Skip if: You are staying on the Kohala Coast.
Tour Comparison
| Operator | Vessel | Snorkel/Dive | Group | Duration | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiʻi Island & Ocean Tours | Small boat | Snorkel | Small | 1.5 hrs | $110 | Ethical tour operator |
| Sea Paradise | Sailing catamaran | Snorkel | Medium | 2 hrs | $65 | Visitors on a budget |
| Kohala Coast Tours | Small boat | Snorkel | Small | 1.75 hrs | $165 | Small-group preference |
| Big Island Divers | Dive boat | Dive (PADI) | Small | 4 hrs | $149 | Certified divers |
| Kona Style | Catamaran | Snorkel | Small | 2.25 hrs | $89 | Sunset + Snorkel |
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Best manta ray tour on the Big Island?
For snorkelers, Hawaiʻi Island & Ocean Tours prides itself on its ethical practices. For PADI-certified divers, go with Big Island Divers. If you want to pair night manta snorkeling with a sunset cocktail cruise, choose Kona Style.
Manta ray snorkel or dive?
Snorkel for anyone who isn't dive-certified. There are generally cheaper and offer the same wildlife encounter from above the water. If you are already a PADI-certified diver, and want to check out the perspective from below, choose the dive.
What if I don't see mantas?
Sighting rates are high but not guaranteed. Every operator has its own no-manta policy, most will offer you a free re-schedule.
Is the manta ray tour ethical?
The manta ray tour has been running commercially for decades and has been studied. Reputable operators cite adherence to the Manta Ray Advocates guidelines. Verify the specific operator's ethics practices before booking. Our article on manta ray tour ethics goes deeper into this topic.
Where can I watch if I donʻt want to get in the water?
If you want to watch the spectacle of boats from afar, instead of getting in the water, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa in Keauhou Bay offers one of the best views. The resort has partnered with the Manta Pacific Research Foundation since 2022 to bring together researchers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, cultural leaders and community members together to deepen public understanding of manta rays and you can find some of this research in the lobby.