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Experience the thrill of swimming alongside giant manta rays under the starlit skies of Kona. Ocean Eco Tour’s Night Manta Ray Snorkel offers an unmatched glimpse into an extraordinary nocturnal oceanic ballet.
Experience the thrill of swimming alongside giant manta rays under the starlit skies of Kona. Ocean Eco Tour’s Night Manta Ray Snorkel offers an unmatched glimpse into an extraordinary nocturnal oceanic ballet.
Book with Ocean Eco Tour
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ocean Eco Tour · Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Located off the rugged Kona Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, Ocean Eco Tour delivers an extraordinary gateway into one of the ocean’s most captivating nocturnal displays—the Night Manta Ray Snorkel. This carefully curated two-hour excursion invites adventurers of all skill levels to slip beneath the shimmering surface after sunset, where a luminous underwater show awaits.
Kailua-Kona’s coastal waters are a rare habitat favored by more than 200 manta rays, some boasting wingspans up to 18 feet. Unlike many ocean giants, these peaceful filter feeders glide effortlessly, drawn by the company’s unique method of attracting plankton—manta rays’ primary food source—using underwater lights. As the plankton swarm, the majestic mantas swoop and barrel roll right before your eyes, skimming the surface in balletic fashion.
Ocean Eco Tour’s commitment to safety, comfort, and environmental stewardship sets it apart in Hawaii’s vibrant outdoor scene. Participants are outfitted with wetsuits and snorkel gear to ensure warm, buoyant, and secure conditions for venturing into cooler, open waters at night. Plus, guests receive professionally captured video footage of their encounter, preserving an unforgettable experience.
The Kona area’s basalt rock formations and clear waters provide excellent visibility, while the absence of teeth or barbs on mantas means encounters are safe and non-intrusive. This immersive wildlife adventure is as much about connection as it is spectacle—offering insight into marine life behaviors seldom witnessed elsewhere.
Whether you’re a visitor seeking a bucket-list dive or a local eager for a new perspective on familiar shores, Ocean Eco Tour’s Night Manta Ray Snorkel is a standout in Hawaii’s rich portfolio of outdoor adventures, blending natural wonder with expert guidance in one of the planet’s most prized marine environments.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for swimmers comfortable in open water, including beginners; good basic swimming skills recommended.
Manta rays have no barbs or teeth and are gentle filter feeders, so they pose no danger to swimmers.
No prior experience is needed; guides provide a safety briefing and assistance to ensure comfort in the water.
Bring a reusable water bottle, swimwear, a towel, and optionally your own dive mask or GoPro if you want personal footage.
Yes, Ocean Eco Tour supplies wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins for all participants.
Absolutely—if you have personal gear you prefer, you are encouraged to bring and use it.
Mantas typically come very close, sometimes within inches; however, maintaining respectful distance is emphasized to protect wildlife.
Kailua-Kona’s coastal waters have long been a significant fishing ground for Native Hawaiians, and today remain a focus for marine conservation.
Ocean Eco Tour operates with a strong commitment to minimizing environmental impact, following strict guidelines to protect manta populations and local marine ecosystems.
Ocean Eco Tour operates guided marine excursions from the Kona Coast of Hawai‘i, offering small-group snorkeling, whale watching, and night manta ray experiences. The company runs a private Kealakekua Bay snorkel that is described as family-friendly, allowing guests to explore the marine sanctuary's coral reefs and diverse sea life with experienced guides. That Kealakekua Bay trip includes free photos and emphasizes safety and enjoyment on the water. Ocean Eco Tour also lists a seasonal whale watch along the Kona Coast, running from December to April when humpback whales migrate through Hawaiian waters. The whale watch experience provides interpretation of whale behavior and includes an underwater hydrophone for listening to whale song as described in the trip listing. A third listed offering is a Night Manta Ray Snorkel. Details for that experience are listed by the business but were not provided in the trip summary; prospective guests should consult the operator for specific itinerary, safety information, and suitability. All marketing information here strictly reflects the trip summaries provided. Ocean Eco Tour presents its excursions as focused on marine wildlife viewing, snorkeling in protected areas such as Kealakekua Bay, and seasonal whale observation. Prospective visitors should verify current schedules, availability, and any requirements directly with Ocean Eco Tour or an authorized booking partner. The business's use of experienced guides, free photos on specific trips, and seasonal whale watch details are included where provided. All statements above are based on the provided trip descriptions and location references only. Please verify details before booking.
Book with Ocean Eco Tour