THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Dive into an electrifying night snorkel in Kona to watch majestic manta rays up close. Experience Hawaii’s unique glowing waters and create unforgettable memories.
Dive into an electrifying night snorkel in Kona to watch majestic manta rays up close. Experience Hawaii’s unique glowing waters and create unforgettable memories.
Book with Ocean Encounters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ocean Encounters · Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Embark on an extraordinary nighttime snorkel experience off the coast of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, with Ocean Encounters. The Manta Ray Night Snorkel OE3 invites you to witness one of the ocean’s most captivating spectacles — graceful manta rays gliding and performing impressive acrobatics beneath the shimmering waves. As the sun sets, the water lights up with an electric green glow caused by plankton attracted to underwater lights, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. This carefully guided adventure includes all necessary snorkel gear and refreshments, ensuring your focus stays on the breathtaking interaction with these gentle giants. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a curious beginner, the calm, warm Hawaiian waters make this an accessible and safe experience. The knowledgeable guides from Ocean Encounters provide insights about manta rays and marine life, making the adventure educational as well as unforgettable. Perfect for families, photographers, and adventure seekers alike, this private tour offers an intimate connection with nature, creating memories that will last a lifetime in the heart of Hawaii’s vibrant ocean ecosystem.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic swimming skills are recommended but not required.
Basic swimming skills are recommended, but beginners are welcome since guides provide full support and included gear.
All snorkel gear including masks, fins, and wetsuits are provided as part of the tour.
The tour is family-friendly and suitable for children aged 8 years and older, depending on swimming ability.
Yes, Ocean Encounters offers private tours to make your experience more personal and customized.
Absolutely! Waterproof cameras or GoPros are highly recommended to capture the glowing water and manta rays.
Bring a towel, a change of clothes, a waterproof camera if you have one, and reef-safe sunscreen if you’ll be outdoors before the tour.
The Kona coast has long been a fishing hub for native Hawaiians, who revered manta rays as part of their ocean traditions.
Ocean Encounters actively supports manta ray research and pursues sustainable tour practices to minimize human impact on the delicate marine ecosystem.
Ocean Encounters is a Kailua-Kona, Hawaii boat operator offering a range of snorkeling, manta ray night snorkel, whale watch, and private charter experiences. Operating from Honokohau Harbor and Kona waters, the company runs boats sized and equipped for comfort, stability, and guest safety. Trips include Private Charter OE1 and OE2 on spacious vessels, Morning Reef Snorkel to Makalawena Bay, multiple Manta Ray Night Snorkel departures with a guaranteed-sighting offer on select trips, Whale Watch excursions timed with humpback migration, and guided Ultimate Ocean Encounter snorkeling along the Kona Coast. Most excursions include snorkeling gear, refreshments or light snacks, and knowledgeable captains and crew who provide guidance, historical context, and safety instruction. Specific trip durations vary: Morning Reef Snorkel runs approximately four hours, Ultimate Ocean Encounter is a three-hour snorkeling adventure, and several whale watch and manta night snorkel departures are approximately two and a half hours. Private charters offer customizable snorkeling and fishing options on comfortable vessels with modern gear. Ocean Encounters serves families, first-time snorkelers, and experienced ocean-goers. The company emphasizes guest experience through stable boats, included equipment, and opportunities to see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, colorful reef fish, manta rays, and migrating humpback whales. The manta ray night snorkel includes a guarantee of sightings on some departures or a free return. With local knowledge of Kona waters and curated itineraries, Ocean Encounters delivers reliable, memorable marine adventures in Hawaii. Booking options and schedules are listed on The Adventure Collective and the operator's reservation listings for Kona departures regularly.
Book with Ocean Encounters