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Manta Ray Night Snorkel – tickets, prices, discounts, timings, what to expect, FAQs

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The Manta Ray Night Snorkel is a mesmerizing aquatic adventure that allows you to see the ocean’s darkness in a new way, guided only by the soft glow of underwater lights.

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel is a captivating experience that allows you to observe the magnificent manta rays as they perform their elegant ballet-like dance.

With your snorkel gear on, dive into the water, where the lights illuminate the surrounding darkness, and cast a glow on the underwater realm.

With their wingspans, these manta rays can reach up to 20 feet (6 meters) and glide through the water with their mouths open to filter the plankton-rich water that sustains them.

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel offers a unique opportunity to encounter the ocean in a completely different way. You can see the manta rays in their natural habitat, swimming gracefully through the water.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Manta Ray Hawaii Night Snorkel.

What to expect at Manta Ray Hawaii Night Snorkel

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel is a thrilling experience that promises a unique adventure beneath the moonlit waves. 

As you dive into the ocean after sunset, the dark water and the illumination from underwater lights create a surreal ambiance, setting the stage for an exciting encounter.

Before entering the water, you’ll be provided with snorkeling gear, a mask, a snorkel, and fins. Guides will typically brief you on how to use the equipment and provide safety instructions.

The Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel tours are led by experienced guides knowledgeable about marine life and the behavior of manta rays. 

The night snorkel’s main highlight is the manta rays. With their huge wingspans, these rays glide effortlessly through the water, performing elegant loops and somersaults as they feed on the plankton. 

While the focus is on manta rays, you may also encounter other marine life during your night snorkel. Various fish, crustaceans, and small bioluminescent organisms can add to the magic of the experience.

The tour operators offer the option to take photos or videos during the experience, allowing you to relive the magic of your Manta Ray Night Snorkel.

Activity Price
Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island, Hawaii US$138
Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua-Kona, HI US$110
Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona, Big Island US$138
Manta Ray Night Snorkel US$123
Big Island, Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel- Small Group US$139

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Where to book tickets

Tickets for Manta Ray Night Snorkel can be purchased online or at the operator’s ticket counters.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the counters.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters. 

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because the Sunset Cruise in Waikiki sells a limited number of tickets due to their high demand, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

How do online tickets work

Visit the Manta Ray Night Snorkel ticket booking page, select your preferred date, time slot, and number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.

After making the purchase, you will receive the tickets in your email. 

Ticket printouts are not required. 

You can join the experience by showing the e-ticket on your smartphone.

Manta Ray Night Snorkel ticket prices

Tickets for Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island, Hawaii are priced at US$138 for visitors aged 12 and above.

For children aged between five and 11, the tickets cost US$108. For infants below four, the tickets are priced at US$44.

Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua-Kona, HI tickets are priced at US$110 for visitors aged 13 and above.

For children aged between four and 12, the tickets cost US$102. 

Tickets for Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona, Big Island cost US$138 for all visitors above six years old.

Manta Ray Night Snorkel tickets are priced at US$123 for visitors aged 12 and above.

For children aged between three and 11, the tickets cost US$102. For infants below three, the tickets are priced at US$54.

Tickets for Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel- Small Group are priced at US$139 for visitors aged 13 and above.

For children aged between five and 12, the tickets cost US$129. Infants below the age of five can enter for free.

Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island, Hawaii tickets

Embark on a unique Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays. 

Your cruise will be led by a local guide to the manta site, where you will watch the beautiful Hawaiian sunset before dipping into the water to watch the manta rays up close. 

You’ll be provided with all the necessary equipment for your excursion, and light refreshments and snacks will be available. 

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$138
Child Ticket (5 to 11 years): US$105
Infant Ticket (1 to 4 years): US$44

Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua-Kona tickets

Enjoy an evening cruise that allows you to admire wild manta rays in their natural habitat.

You’ll set sail after sunset, a time when the rays emerge to feed on plankton. The excursion will employ a specially crafted lightboard designed to attract these magnificent creatures.

A small boat allows you to float through the warm waters for up to 40 minutes. You can watch the rays swim and feed, get closer to the rays without disturbing them, and learn more about these creatures from your guide. 

Joining this small group ensures that you will receive more attention from your guide.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$110
Child Ticket (4 to 12 years): US$102

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona, Big Island tickets

Enjoy watching the manta rays after dark when they come to the surface to feed on plankton.

The tour includes snorkeling close to the manta rays, learning about them from your guides, and enjoying hot tea on board to keep you warm and comfortable.

This experience is offered on a small boat, which ensures a more personal experience.

Ticket Price: US$138

Manta Ray Night Snorkel tickets

Join a 2.5-hour activity in Kona where you can swim with giant manta rays during nighttime in their habitat.

You’ll travel out into the seas offshore to watch the colorful Kona sunset and then jump in to swim with the rays as they feed on microscopic plankton. 

Your guides will take you around the manta habitat and you’ll watch as the animals are attracted to the bright lights, creating a rave of rays, bubbles, and mantas.

The guides will provide you with all the necessary information about the biology and behavior of these gentle, graceful giants.

You’ll receive all snorkel equipment, including flotation devices and wetsuits.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$123
Child Ticket (5 to 11 years): US$103
Infant Ticket (1 to 4 years): US$54

Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel- Small Group tickets

Join this 2-hour tour after dark, where you can swim and snorkel with some of the oceans’ graceful manta rays. 

You’ll be provided with a wetsuit and snorkel gear. All you have to do is to follow your expert instructor into the water and enjoy the mesmerizing experience. 

Watch as these enormous vegetarian animals, with wingspans of 20 feet (6 meters), swim in graceful loops around you as they gorge on clouds of plankton for their evening meal.

Light snacks and refreshments are provided to all visitors for a more comfortable experience.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$139
Child Ticket (up to 12 years): US$129

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Meeting point for Manta Ray Hawaii Night Snorkel

The meeting point for the Night Manta Ray Snorkel Kona depends on the tour option you select.

Reach before 30 minutes to get ready for the adventure.

Manta Ray Hawaii Night Snorkel timings

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel tours in Kona operate from 6 pm to 9 pm every day through the year.

How long does the tour take

A Manta Ray Night Snorkel lasts around 1.5 to 2.5 hours. 

This includes the time spent on the boat, the briefing, and the snorkeling activity.

Best time to go for Manta Ray Hawaii Night Snorkel

Evenings are an excellent time to explore the area during your Manta Ray Night Snorkel adventure. 

You can enjoy calm waters and tranquil beaches and catch a glimpse of other marine life. 

The initial part of the tour often coincides with sunset and the following twilight period. This timing slowly transitions from daylight to darkness, improving the overall experience as you prepare to snorkel in the dark.

Manta rays are more active and likely to feed on plankton near the water’s surface during the evening hours. Therefore, tours are scheduled to overlap when these manta rays are most active and visible.

If you prefer a less crowded experience, consider avoiding holidays and summer (May to August) vacation periods, as this is a peak tourist season in Hawaii.

Fall (September to November) and Spring (March to May) is generally a good time to go on a snorkeling experience, offering a more peaceful and less crowded experience.

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona reviews

Here are some reviews for the Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona from Tripadvisor to help you plan your trip.

Sit on the top deck for stargazing

This is a must-do once-in-a-lifetime experience! It’s amazing how many mantas you see. We had an amazing time with Captain Bryce, Hialeo, and Ryan. Try to sit on the top deck for stargazing.

Julia, Tripadvisor

Great crew!

Jonah, Jacob, and Taylor led our amazing trip. What a great crew! We booked the 7.00 tour, and it was quite dark when we got to the Manta site. Perfect for seeing manta rays. Our group was lucky- we saw at least 6-7 mantas on our outing. It was incredible. The crew made sure safety was a priority. I’m so glad we did this tour.

Heather K, Tripadvisor

Free snacks and great music

The whole experience was magnificent. The captain and the crew were amazing. We saw a lot of mantas. Very good service. Very respectful staff and a funny captain. Lots of free snacks and great music were also a plus. I highly recommend it! Thanks a lot!

Malina78, Tripadvisor


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FAQs about the Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Manta Ray Night Snorkel experiences.

What is the Manta Ray Night Snorkel?

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel is a guided aquatic adventure that allows participants to snorkel in the ocean after sunset and observe manta rays as they feed on plankton near the water’s surface. 

The experience often involves using underwater lights to attract plankton and provide a unique opportunity to witness the graceful dance of these gentle giants.

Is swimming/snorkeling experience required for Manta Ray Night Snorkeling?

While prior swimming or snorkeling experience is helpful, many Manta Ray Night Snorkel tours cater to participants of various skill levels, including beginners. Some tours provide flotation devices or life jackets to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.

Is the Manta Ray Snorkel at night safe?

Manta Ray Night Snorkel tours are typically considered safe when conducted by reputable and responsible tour operators. Guides provide safety instructions, equipment orientation, and guidelines for respectful interactions with marine life.

What should I bring for the Manta Ray Night Snorkel tour?

Participants should bring swimwear, a towel, any personal medications or items they might need, and perhaps a change of clothes for after the snorkel. 

Can I wear my contact lenses while snorkeling?

Wearing contact lenses is generally fine during the snorkel. For individuals who wear glasses, certain snorkel masks can be customized to accommodate prescription lenses.

Alternatively, consider wearing disposable contact lenses or prescription snorkel masks.

Will I see manta rays during the snorkel?

Manta Ray Night Snorkel tours are highly likely to encounter manta rays, and their presence is guaranteed. Operators usually choose locations and times based on manta ray activity patterns, increasing the chances of sightings.

Can I take photos or videos during the Manta Ray Night Snorkel?

Tour operators allow participants to bring underwater cameras or provide photography services themselves. Some even offer photo packages for purchase so you can capture memorable moments.

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This article was researched & written by

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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