Sight guide · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Visiting Manta ray night snorkel
After dark, boats anchor off the Kona coast and shine lights that attract plankton, which in turn draws manta rays with wingspans that can exceed three metres.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · Photo: Hawaii Land Cover Analysis project, NOAA Coastal Services Center, Public domain
Quick answer
Manta ray night snorkel is an experience in Kailua-Kona, Big Island (Hawaiʻi). Allow 2–3 hours; it is expensive. Tours fill up in peak seasons; book a few days ahead.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- Kailua-Kona
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- after dark, nature, couples and active
- Best months
- January–February and November
Plan a trip to Big Island (Hawaiʻi)
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About Manta ray night snorkel
After dark, boats anchor off the Kona coast and shine lights that attract plankton, which in turn draws manta rays with wingspans that can exceed three metres. Snorkellers float holding a lit board while the rays feed beneath them.
Tip: Choose a small-group operator that follows the manta-viewing guidelines, and take seasickness tablets if you are prone to it.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Expensive.
- Book ahead: Tours fill up in peak seasons; book a few days ahead.
- Where: Kailua-Kona, the west side's main town with Aliʻi Drive, snorkel beaches and harbour tours.
Best time to visit Manta ray night snorkel
Manta ray night snorkel is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- January: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- February: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- November: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi) has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Big Island (Hawaiʻi) itinerary visits Manta ray night snorkel on day 2, together with Hāpuna Beach, Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site and Chain of Craters Road.
- No. 9 of the 19 sights in our Big Island (Hawaiʻi) things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
Near Manta ray night snorkel
Also in Kailua-Kona, so you can walk between them:
- Huliheʻe Palace — 45 minutes, low cost
If you like Manta ray night snorkel
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — Volcano, A full day
- Maunakea — Maunakea, Half a day
- Kīlauea Iki Trail — Volcano, 2–3 hours
- Kealakekua Bay — South Kona, Half a day
Staying near Manta ray night snorkel
Stay in Kailua-Kona ($$) to walk here: the west side's main town with Aliʻi Drive, snorkel beaches and harbour tours. All areas to stay in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Manta ray night snorkel?
Plan 2–3 hours. With Huliheʻe Palace nearby, it fits a half-day in Kailua-Kona.
+Is Manta ray night snorkel free?
No, it is expensive. Booking ahead is advised.
+When is the best time to visit Manta ray night snorkel?
January–February and November for the most comfortable weather. Choose a small-group operator that follows the manta-viewing guidelines, and take seasickness tablets if you are prone to it.
+Do I need to book Manta ray night snorkel in advance?
Tours fill up in peak seasons; book a few days ahead.