Board a private luxury boat from Kailua-Kona for a sunset cruise that turns into a guided night snorkel with manta rays. Expect calm cruising, a short safety briefing, and an unforgettable close encounter with plankton-fed mantas under guided lights.
Board a private luxury boat from Kailua-Kona for a sunset cruise that turns into a guided night snorkel with manta rays. Expect calm cruising, a short safety briefing, and an unforgettable close encounter with plankton-fed mantas under guided lights.
Book with Aloha Kona Tours
Book directly with Aloha Kona Tours for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
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Operated by Aloha Kona Tours · Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
The boat slips away from the west-facing shore as the sun tilts low over Hualālai, the horizon burning slow and orange. You feel the boat’s gentle roll beneath your feet and the ocean breathe around you — a warm, salt-scented exhale that carries the first promises of the night’s main event. After a quiet sunset cruise along Kona’s lava-carved coastline, the crew dims the lights and positions the boat over a known manta cleaning and feeding zone; lights lowered into the water begin to call plankton, and soon the mantas arrive in slow, dancer-like passes.
moderate.
3 hours.
Comfortable for those who can swim short distances and enter/exit the water from a low swim platform; not strenuous but requires basic mobility.
No — mantas are wild animals and sightings are very likely in Kona but cannot be guaranteed; operators choose sites and timing to maximize chances.
Children can join if they are comfortable in the water; flotation devices are provided, but non-swimmers should consult the operator and may need to stay on the boat for safety.
Wear a swimsuit, quick-dry layers, and water shoes for boarding; bring a towel, ID, reef-safe sunscreen, and any personal seasickness medication.
No — touching or feeding marine wildlife is prohibited; keep a respectful distance and follow the guide’s instructions to protect both you and the animals.
This stretch of Kona coast is shaped by recent lava flows and long Hawaiian fishing traditions; many guides also point out cultural sites and stories tied to the shoreline.
Operators emphasize reef-safe sunscreen and no-touch policies; choose licensed local guides who follow best practices to minimize light, noise, and habitat disturbance.
Aloha Kona Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Book with Aloha Kona Tours
Book directly with Aloha Kona Tours for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now