Moonlight Manta Snorkel & Ocean Tours with Hawaii Island & Ocean - Kailua-Kona

Moonlight Manta Snorkel & Ocean Tours with Hawaii Island & Ocean

Kailua-Konamoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2–4 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be comfortable swimming in open water and able to manage basic snorkeling gear.

Overview

Dive into Kona’s rare Manta Ray Moonlight Snorkel with Hawaii Island & Ocean Tours. Experience majestic mantas and wild dolphins off Hawaii’s volcanic coast.

Details

Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island offers one of the planet’s most unique nighttime ocean adventures: the Manta Ray Moonlight Snorkel. Operated by Hawaii Island & Ocean Tours, this experience draws visitors to the clear, warm waters off the Keauhou coastline, where giant manta rays glide silently beneath the glow of the full moon. These gentle giants, with their massive wingspans and graceful underwater acrobatics, create an unforgettable spectacle. Beyond the manta snorkel, the company offers compelling combo tours, including wild dolphin watching, sea cave explorations, and reef snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay, creating a diverse oceanic playground for adventurers.

The volcanic coastline itself is a striking backdrop, with black lava flows meeting turquoise Pacific waters, framed by endemic flora like ohia lehua and kiawe trees. Kealakekua Bay is historically significant as the sight where Captain Cook first set foot on the island, now protected as a Marine Life Conservation District. This blend of raw nature and cultural heritage enhances the tours’ appeal.

Hawaii Island & Ocean Tours stands out by combining expert local knowledge with small-group attention, making each snorkel or boat ride more personal and enriching. Their weekly gear rental service keeps visitors well-equipped for independently pursuing the island’s aquatic attractions. Whether you’re ignited by the thrill of snorkeling among majestic mantas under moonlight or savoring pods of wild dolphins in their natural element, these experiences are firmly rooted in authentic Hawaiian ocean adventure.

This company doesn’t just offer tours; it provides gateway moments that deepen your connection to Hawaii’s marine environment, respecting its fragile ecosystems while delivering impactful memories. For travelers based in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island & Ocean Tours offers a standout combination of adventure, education, and nighttime magic rarely found anywhere else in the world.

Adventure Tips

Book Night Tours in Advance

Moonlight manta snorkels fill up quickly—reserve your spot ahead to guarantee availability.

Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect Hawaii’s reefs by using only reef-safe sunscreen during day tours like Kealakekua Bay snorkeling.

Wear a Waterproof Light Source

Night snorkeling requires underwater lights; check if your tour provides them or bring your own.

Arrive Early for Check-In

Arriving 15-20 minutes early helps with smooth gear rental and safety briefing for tours.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Sea cave formations along the Kona coast
  • Hidden snorkeling spots in Kealakekua Bay

Wildlife

  • Wild dolphins
  • Giant manta rays

History

Kealakekua Bay was the landing site of Captain James Cook in 1779 and is now a protected marine conservation area.

Conservation

Tours prioritize reef-safe practices and avoid disturbance to manta ray feeding sites to support long-term ecosystem health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Just after sunset
Moonrise during snorkel
Early morning for dolphin tours

Best Viewpoints

  • Boat deck during manta snorkel
  • Sea caves near Kealakekua Bay
  • Shoreline lookout at Keauhou

What to Photograph

Manta rays underwater
Dolphin pods breaching
Volcanic coastline landscape

Recommended Gear

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Essential

Protects sensitive marine environments during daytime snorkeling and shoreline time.

summer specific

Waterproof Flashlight or Headlamp

Essential

Essential for illuminating mantas and underwater features during the moonlight snorkel.

night specific

Wetsuit or Rash Guard

Keeps you warm during cooler water months or extended time in the ocean.

winter specific

Snorkel Mask and Fins

Essential

Basic gear to comfortably navigate and observe underwater life.