Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Big Island, Hawaii
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Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona Big Island, Hawaii
By Hang Loose Boat Tours
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About
Snorkel over manta rays on this guided snorkeling experience off the coast of Big Island. Take a short cruise to the snorkel site as the sun begins to set and pause to watch a spectacular sundown before jumping in to swim among massive manta rays in their natural setting. Back onboard, enjoy snacks, drinks, and use of the onboard washrooms. Round-trip transport and equipment included.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 1-75, max of 48 per group
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Snorkel with manta rays in their natural environment
- Guided, half-day tour with equipment and refreshments included
- Boat cruise to take in a Hawaiian off the coast of Big Island
- Book with confidence. If you don't spot any rays, book another excursion at no charge
Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024
- Live commentary on board
- Professional guide
- For snorkeling option: Snorkeling gear, jacket style wetsuit top, floatation device
- Light refreshments including snacks and bottled water
What's not included- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- GoPro rental (upon availability -call to reserve)
- Arrive at the Honokohau Marina’s north side to meet your guide, choose your snorkel gear, and get a safety briefing. Next, it’s on to the boat for a cruise up the Kona Coast toward the manta ray snorkel site. As the sun sets, find a comfortable spot onboard to watch the vibrant, colors streak the sky as you bob on the waves. Before the sun goes down, gear up and jump into the water to snorkel over manta rays swimming below. Enjoy the warm sea and amazing underwater sights before getting back on the boat for complimentary refreshments as you return to the marina. All equipment included.
- Start:
- Hang Loose Boat Tours, 74-381 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USAAfter turning into the harbor, TAKE the very first road to the RIGHT. Follow the road, pass Gentry's Kona Marine and a small gas station -Sea Store and Deli on the left, then TURN LEFT. As you drive in, you will see a small brown roof building to the right (restrooms). Meet crew under the pavilion.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8571P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- MUST HAVE PREVIOUS SWIMMING AND SNORKELING EXPERIENCE OR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET IN THE WATER!!!
- MUST BE comfortable in the water, be comfortable using floatation if needed (we have Ride Along option available for non-swimmers)
- Must be in good health and fit condition, must be able to climb a short ladder
- Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled by the supplier, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Recommended to bring towel, clothes for change, sweatshirt or light jacket
- Age restriction: minimum age allowed is 2 years old; maximum age allowed is 70 years old (unless approved by the supplier)
- Not recommended for participants with back or neck problems or injuries within the last 3 years
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers in an advanced pregnancy
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 48 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8571P1
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- omida3890 contributionsGreat snorkeling experienceVery fun experience, the snorkeling at Captain Cook is fantastic with a large variety of fish. The crew was great, providing narration about the history of the area and making the trip there and back fun with music and laughs.Written September 4, 2024
- jshbiz0 contributionsFantastic snorkelingGreat snorkeling and great trip guides. I wanna do it again. I’m not a talker but have to give 100 words. So here is the extraWritten August 23, 2024
- Sierra S0 contributionsChill crew & Chill snorkelingCrew was cool. The ride over was fun. We went at 8am and it was too crowded. Pretty good snorkeling saw some eels, reef sharks, and lots of fish. The sea urchins in this spot are massive. If you like to snorkel check out this spot. Better to take a boat than to hike in my opinion.Written August 20, 2024
- Daydream248190667330 contributionsGreat timeIt was so much fun, the crew was great and we saw lots of fish. We enjoyed the stories about the history of Hawaii. Take sunblock for sure … you do not realize how quickly you can get a sunburn on your back and the back of your legs..loloWritten August 19, 2024
- Excursion7763570 contributionsGreat Snorkel Experience!I had a great time with the crew on the boat and an awesome experience I'm the water! I did both the night Manta Ray experience and the Captain Cook's memorial snorkel, and I would highly recommend either one or both.Written August 17, 2024
- 396timothye0 contributionsGreat crew made the tripCaptain Aiden, Leif, and Nawami were super friendly hosts on our snorkeling trip. They were knowledgeable, hospitable, and gave great customer service. The crew made the trip memorable and enjoyable.Written August 16, 2024
- scott i0 contributionsCaptain Cook Snorkel and LunchGreat snorkel adventure with Hang loose Boat Tours. Captain and crew very professional and helpful. The snorkeling was excellent..Written August 14, 2024
- emmanuelmR8882UW0 contributionsBoat change to smaller boat with no notification or change in costWe were disappointed with this trip. This was supposed to be a double decker as the title stated which was the main reason we went with this tour vs the other choices or smaller boats. The boat we ended up getting was much smaller and only a single level with limited seating. We were not told of any changes until we boarded the boat and had no chance to make any adjustments to the tour due to the lack of notice and 24 hour restriction that we had when we booked. They should have notified us of the smaller boat change in advance and given us a choice as well as compensated us for the difference in cost since the boat was smaller with limited seating, but they did not. Be cautious using this company. I will say that the staff of the boat we did get on were great, but the boat was smaller with barely any free space, no slide, and limited seating which forced our family to be separated. Also we disputed the charges with Viator (via tripadvisor) given we were not given the tour we specifically paid for, but no adjustments were made to the charges. Very disappointing with all companies involved in this tour. Bad business practice as we did not get what we were sold. Marketing misleading and dishonest along with poor communication.Written August 10, 2024
- E6805GCkirstenh0 contributionsPerfect Family ExperienceCaptain Nolan and Kiwami took great care of our family and we enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon! The colorful reef, abundance of fish, and guided tour exceeded my expectations. After snorkeling, it was so relaxing to have the delicious lunch they provided for us on the boat!Written July 27, 2024
- VilmaE390 contributionsHawaii 2024 on the double decker catamaran with lunch- was "AMAZING". Every tourist should do this boat trip #1The Hang Loose Boat Tour was "amazing" . I was reflecting on the last time I went on this boat ride with my mother when she was alive in 2015. This time I went with my husband. The crew was extremely friendly and very knowledgeable. My husband James Everette at the age of 65 was diving and jumping off the boat like a little kid. It was the most beautiful Hawaiian trip of 2024 and the captain and crew was amazing. I enjoyed the scenic boat ride.Written July 26, 2024
- michaelg9999690 contributionsVery Good Tour Company and ExcursionWe had a really good time on this excursion. The boat ride to the Bay was not very long, and we had plenty of time to snorkel and jump/slide from the boat. Lunch was simple (sandwiches), but you don't need fancy when you're on a boat and in the water. On the way back we stopped at a popular cave for pictures, and even got to see some dolphins. I highly recommend this tour company.Written July 19, 2024
- Quest419741217890 contributionsGreat tour, lots of fish to see!This was a great trip! We saw so many fish and the water was really clear. The crew was awesome! Jacob gave us the history of the island. The crew was funny and were very helpful to those who were not experienced snorkelers. For those of us that were experienced, they did not hover. This was a great trip and I highly recommend this company. We took two different tours with them and both trips were great! Absolutely no complaints.Written July 17, 2024
- Roving000361087890 contributionsPerfect half day snorkel tripGreat trip! Bryce was captain and the 2 crew were awesome! (young Hawaiian guy and Hawaiian lady whose name starts with a "K"). Slide and diving platform were a hit! Great snacks, snorkeling and service! Perfect half day trip!!Written July 14, 2024
- ElaineM8250 contributionsFamily excursionWe had 16 people in our extended family group so the most economical was the private boat charter. What a great experience. The family, our kids, spouses, and 8 grandchildren had a blast. I would call directly to book. Saving some online fees. Stopped at another snorkel spot on the return trip. Great captain Aiden and first mate. Lots of snacks, drinks and lunch.Written July 8, 2024
- Pioneer396393561200 contributionsGreat way to spend your morning!We had a great time! The captain and his crew were amazing - helpful, funny and made the experience wonderful. The boat had a diving board and slide which added to the snorkeling experience. Sandwiches and fruit were yummy. Would definitely do it again!Written July 5, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Bzuilhof
2 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
The manta ray experience was good. We were very disappointed because the trip description specifically states that we could pause to watch the sunset. We didn’t check the time of Hawaii sunset before heading to vacation. We therefore realized the “sunset” cruise had no sunset when it was too late to change plans or cancel in the 48 hour grace period. To top it off, the captain was a smart ass about it it mentioned something sarcastic on the intercom about folks that didn’t know what time sunset was in Hawaii.
Written November 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric H
San Jose, CA13 contributions
Feb 2021
They are slow to start and the harbor bathrooms got locked luckily just after we used them but many couldn't use them. There is a bathroom on the boat. Left at 730 for our 7 pm cruise. You really feel like flying out in the dark water bouncing on the waves. They are helpful in getting everyone in the water and holding on to the boards. They put pool noodles under your legs to keep them from the rays. You see a lot of rays super up close and they do flips in front of you. They offer a warm shower to most coming back. My wife missed it. I fought off seasickness just after seeing the rays and the whole way back. I think about 20-25% of passengers got sick. The captain said it doesn't happen on the day trips but nighttime makes it tough. Great experience but be prepared.
Written February 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SP from CT
17 contributions
Apr 2021
Absolutely Not Recommended. The snorkeling equipment they first gave me had hair on it - forget sanitized, it wasn't even clean. Then, the tour guide was very rude, did some silly acrobatics under water to keep people entertained. We saw 3 rays in all both the guide and captain (only 2 crew members in all anyway) were too eager to go back so they can take out their next batch of people. Our friends went with a much bigger company who also had a lot of scuba divers. Between the scuba divers' head lights and the snorklers' board lights, there were 20+ rays they saw up close. There are plenty of manta rays in the ocean - plan properly and go with a better company
Written April 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madalene
19 contributions
Mar 2020
This was an amazing part of our trip to the Big Island. While I recommend anyone who has motion sickness to take your meds before you get on the boat, once you solve that problem, this is a remarkable experience. The guides keep everyone safe and are right there to handle whatever you need. And you, as the snorkeler, are a monkey butler holding onto the light that brings the Manta Rays' dinner into their district. Fantastic to see these amazing and powerful creatures up close. It can be disorienting at night, with all the boats and lights, so best to have the minimum snorkeling experience before going on this trip. Once you have that, don't miss it!
Written April 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenni B
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Jacob and Nathan took us out on an awesome boat ride to snorkel with manta rays! They were super nice and funny, spotted a whale for us all fo see, stopped for a beautiful sunset, and then took us to see the manta rays. We saw so many and they were majestic and beautiful. They also gave us drinks and snacks. It was a great time and Nathan and Jacob did an awesome job. Thumbs way up. Totally worth the $!
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
janettR6043YG
2 contributions
Jan 2022
My husband and i excitedly booked this tour. We have had some snorkeling experience and we both admitted we were not strong swimmers at check in and asked for flotation devices. We were given up inflated life vests that we were told would be fitted and gone over on the boat. That never happened. The life vest did not fit my husband. When we got to the destination the water was very choppy. They divides us into experienced snorkelers, moderate experience, and weak swimmers. The guide in the boat jumped in with the experienced swimmers and we were guided to jump off the ladder and swim to the floating device. This was difficult in open choppy water. The in water instructor was overwhelmed with the number of swimmers. There was not enough space on the floaty device for everyone to hold on and fit next to each other. When my husband and i expressed distress - i was told to swim back to the boat. The guide met me half way and yelled at me that everyone knows how to float and that i was exhausting myself and more or less guided me back to the ladder. Meanwhile my husband was also struggling. The guide turned to him and asked if he was okay. ,y husband stated he was struggling and needed help- the guy yelled at him and told him he should have stayed at the float device if he was struggling. Eventually we both got back on the boat. Others had a good time on our tour but there were no safety ropes to guide people to the device and no concern for weak swimmers. I noticed another tour packing up and most the members had waist floaters. The life vests they gave us were self inflate in times of distress. They were not flotation devices. This company is lucky no one has drowned on their tours yet.
Written January 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine M
Clovis, CA23 contributions
Captain Simon and crew did everything to make this an outstanding experience! As a non-athletic 72 year old, I was concerned that this was beyond my abilities, but I was happily wrong. The short swim to the viewing raft was easy and I was accompanied by crew to keep me safe. As soon as the mantas arrived, we were all oblivious to anything but these magnificent creatures, that actually seemed to play with us, swimming in graceful spirals, nearly grazing us as they glided past. There just aren't words to describe the magic of the experience and the attentive professionalism of the crew. I would recommend OTC motion sickness meds if you're inclined to that, but that's just me. Worth every penny.
Written May 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug C.
San Diego, CA2 contributions
The captain and crew of two were outstanding in the boat and in the water. They instructed us, explaining what to expect, and were close at hand every step of the way, making us feel very safe. The boat was clean, comfortable and fast!
There was an assortment of snacks and drink aboard throughout and the crew was highly solicitous of our needs.
A bathroom and a hot shower upon returning to the boat were greatly appreciated.
We must have seen a dozen or more Mantas up close and swimming so close you could feel them (the Mantas touched me, but we are not allowed to touch them).
A bonus was sole bottle nosed dolphins played and fed in the light along with the Mantas.
The location of Hang Loose Boat Tours (where you meet the boat) is a bit more of a distance from the Manta Ray feeding sight (about 20 minutes each way). But it was well worth it.
The water was a warm 81 degrees and swimmers were in the water only 45 minutes to an hour. So it was comfortable.
I’s recommend taking something for motion sickness unless you have your sea legs.
I highly recommend Hang Loose Boat tours and especially the Manta Ray night tour.
It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.
There was an assortment of snacks and drink aboard throughout and the crew was highly solicitous of our needs.
A bathroom and a hot shower upon returning to the boat were greatly appreciated.
We must have seen a dozen or more Mantas up close and swimming so close you could feel them (the Mantas touched me, but we are not allowed to touch them).
A bonus was sole bottle nosed dolphins played and fed in the light along with the Mantas.
The location of Hang Loose Boat Tours (where you meet the boat) is a bit more of a distance from the Manta Ray feeding sight (about 20 minutes each way). But it was well worth it.
The water was a warm 81 degrees and swimmers were in the water only 45 minutes to an hour. So it was comfortable.
I’s recommend taking something for motion sickness unless you have your sea legs.
I highly recommend Hang Loose Boat tours and especially the Manta Ray night tour.
It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kali W
1 contribution
Oct 2021
This is the most amazing experience I could have ever dreamed of. My husband and I went on our honeymoon on Hawaii, Kona and my goodness. This was both of our favorite experiences while we were there. The gentleman that were running this tour were amazing, fun, informative, and great at what they do!
We are already planning our next trip to Kona and This was the very first thing we put on the agenda just because of how incredible this experience was.
There were many people that were not listening to the guide at all and I am very impressed with how he handled the situation. Very professional and informative. Never raised his voice or snapped which to be honest I would have done immediately because of how disrespectful some individuals were being. I would a thousand percent recommend this company to do your manta ray tour experience because they are just phenomenal!!
We are already planning our next trip to Kona and This was the very first thing we put on the agenda just because of how incredible this experience was.
There were many people that were not listening to the guide at all and I am very impressed with how he handled the situation. Very professional and informative. Never raised his voice or snapped which to be honest I would have done immediately because of how disrespectful some individuals were being. I would a thousand percent recommend this company to do your manta ray tour experience because they are just phenomenal!!
Written November 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob M
Colville, WA2 contributions
May 2021
First I would like to say Jacob and Zander were great!
There was a problem when we put in the address given in the email with google maps— The directions given took us away from the boat harbor, but the rest of the written directions were right on. When I tried to sign up for the tour on line the only thing available for our date was a ride- along but when we arrived Jacob said I could get in the water for $30. more which I was glad to do. However on Trip Advisor it advertises the trip for $70. Mine ended up costing $110. My wife did the ride- along which is not described in any ad’s and is a complete waste of time and money—she had zilch chance of seeing any Manta Ray’s and by the time we left the harbor the advertised sun set had already occurred. Ride alongs should be informed that they probably won’t see any Manta rays.
You may want to advise customers that when they return the public restroom will be locked—I saw a few disappointed people by the restrooms.
Jacob is very well informed and gave good directions but some members in the group seemed unable to stay horizontal even with the help of their noodles—one lady ended up kicking at least two Manta rays—maybe you can come up with something that works better.
Overall the trip is fantastic, but if I would have just been a ride-along, I would have been extremely disappointed.
Bob McGregor
There was a problem when we put in the address given in the email with google maps— The directions given took us away from the boat harbor, but the rest of the written directions were right on. When I tried to sign up for the tour on line the only thing available for our date was a ride- along but when we arrived Jacob said I could get in the water for $30. more which I was glad to do. However on Trip Advisor it advertises the trip for $70. Mine ended up costing $110. My wife did the ride- along which is not described in any ad’s and is a complete waste of time and money—she had zilch chance of seeing any Manta Ray’s and by the time we left the harbor the advertised sun set had already occurred. Ride alongs should be informed that they probably won’t see any Manta rays.
You may want to advise customers that when they return the public restroom will be locked—I saw a few disappointed people by the restrooms.
Jacob is very well informed and gave good directions but some members in the group seemed unable to stay horizontal even with the help of their noodles—one lady ended up kicking at least two Manta rays—maybe you can come up with something that works better.
Overall the trip is fantastic, but if I would have just been a ride-along, I would have been extremely disappointed.
Bob McGregor
Written May 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can i book one swimming and one non swim? since my wife doesn't swim?
Written June 27, 2023
Yes you can. Crew are available on the boat to assist anyone not entering the water, in case they need anything. You can still see the Mantas from the boat as they come to the surface.
Written June 28, 2023
what is the best time to take the tour? seems if you go early you catch the sunset, but what about the mantas? if the later tour is better for mantas, you miss out on the sunset, correct? thanks!
Written May 9, 2023
The trip is all about the Mantas and they come out when they see the plankton under the lights. So night time is a must which places the sunset in last place. I would go where you can see the most Mantas! However if you only see one you will be thrilled because one 900 to 1800 Manta will make your day.
Written May 10, 2023
Simon - if you have a cancellation and can accommodate 4 of us we would like to do your tour Saturday the 16th (July). We leave the next day. We did your Captain Cook tour last Sunday where we learned about this life altering experience and the kids are dying to do this. We have traveled around the island and are now in Kamuela and I realized it’s only about 30 minutes away. Hopefully you can find my phone number from your records 7-10-22 tour. Not listing it here since it is public. We are The San Diego Youngs. Thanks- Lyda Young
Written July 16, 2022
Agree with previous answer / there are several tours, all go to the same place, check out some others
Written July 17, 2022
Hello. Does this activity have an option for non-diving travel companions to stay on the boat?
Written June 19, 2022
Yes! When you sign up, there is an option you can select for that. It does cost some money though. Hope that helps!
Written June 19, 2022
What should we bring? A towel? A sweatshirt? Should we just be in swim suits with a coverup?
Written May 29, 2022
What should we bring? A towel? A sweatshirt? Should we just be in swim suits with a coverup?
Written May 29, 2022
Trying to coordinate other stops and need to know about what time the tour leaves the dock.
Written April 5, 2022
Our tour time was 6 pm which was perfect…a bit of daylight before getting in the water. We got our gear then headed out on the water around 6:30 or so. We had 30 minutes of actual water time before heading back to the dock. We docked around 8 pm. This was a once in a lifetime experience … don’t miss it.
Written May 30, 2022
Nope. This one is a snorkel excursion. They provided wet suit tops and masks and snorkels. You hang onto a float with lights. They then come around and put noodles under your feet to keep you afloat so you don't kick the manta rays. Be sure to bring a towel and sweat shirt to put on after because it's chilly!
Written March 9, 2022
The boat was full. I think between 20-22 people. There was a board that was strapped onto the front of the boat. It was pretty crowded. Two people stayed on board the boat.
Written March 2, 2022
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.