Big Island of Hawaii , United States

Night Manta Ray Experience

Active

(730 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Snorkel at night with the gentle giants of the South Kona Coast in safety and comfort, and experience what the Travel Channel named one of the top 10 things to do in your lifetime. Our incredibly short boat ride will have you and our highly trained in the water guides snorkeling with the manta rays in minutes. An evening you won't ever forget!

Available options

Night Manta Experience

Swim among manta rays in a feeding frenzy during this unique nighttime activity in Kona

What's included

Snorkel Gear Included

Wetsuits

Hot Chocolate

What's not included

Gratuities

Towels (recommended)

No transportation provided

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

100 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

630 reviews

5★

595

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What if we don’t see any mantas? It is an extremely rare occurrence, but if we do not see ANY manta rays on our Night Manta Experience, you are welcome to come back out with us again during the same vacation, based on availability, totally free of charge. Make sure you call us right away so that we may reschedule you! Non-refundable and non-transferable.

NIGHT MANTA EXPERIENCE:

Everyone in my group can swim

Everyone in my group has snorkeling experience

Everyone in my group can climb a short ladder to re-board the boat

Please read and understand the manta guarantee : Manta Guarantee: If zero manta rays are seen, you are welcome back out again. Itʻs that simple. We are fortunate to see mantas almost every night, but on the rare occasion where none are sighted on your tour, Sea Quest invites you to come back out on another night at no additional cost to you, or on a confirmed afternoon snorkeling adventure at no additional charge. No refunds available.

Meeting point

ARRIVE 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
We are located at Keauhou Bay in Kailua-Kona
Our office is located just past the driveway to the Sheraton Keauhou Resort & Spa
We are a white, one-story building
Park in a spot along the road there where parking is permitted

Important notes

• Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
• Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation.
• No-shows will be charged the full price.
• What if we don’t see any mantas? It is an extremely rare occurrence, but if we do not see ANY manta rays on our Night Manta Experience, you are welcome to come back out with us again during the same vacation, based on availability, totally free of charge. Make sure you call us right away so that we may reschedule you!
•

NIGHT MANTA EXPERIENCE:
• Everyone in my group can swim
• Everyone in my group has snorkeling experience
• Everyone in my group can climb a short ladder to re-board the boat
• Please read and understand the manta guarantee : Manta Guarantee: If zero manta rays are seen, you are welcome back out again. Itʻs that simple. We are fortunate to see mantas almost every night, but on the rare occasion where none are sighted on your tour, Sea Quest invites you to come back out on another night at no additional cost to you, or on a confirmed afternoon snorkeling adventure at no additional charge. No refunds available.

About Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, known for its diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes, and lush rainforests. It offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This national park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close.

Nature/Adventure Full day Moderate ($30 per vehicle)

Mauna Kea Summit

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.

Nature/Adventure Half day to full day Free (but requires acclimatization)

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.

Nature/Cultural Half day Free (but parking fee applies)

Hapuna Beach State Park

Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.

Beach Half day Free (but parking fee applies)

Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls is a stunning 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The park offers a scenic loop trail leading to the falls.

Nature 1-2 hours Moderate ($5 per person)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poke

A raw fish salad marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, often served with rice.

Appetizer Contains fish, can be made with various types of seafood

Loco Moco

A hearty dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.

Main Course Contains beef, eggs, and gluten (from the gravy)

Shave Ice

Finely shaved ice flavored with syrups and often topped with sweetened condensed milk or ice cream.

Dessert Vegetarian, can be made with various toppings

Kona Coffee

A premium coffee grown in the Kona region, known for its rich and smooth flavor.

Drink Caffeinated, can be decaffeinated

Popular Activities

Hiking Volcano exploration Water sports Beach lounging Spa treatments Scenic drives Traditional Hawaiian luaus Local markets

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

This is the best time to visit the Big Island, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The ocean is warm, and the weather is generally dry and sunny.

21-30°C 70-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST, GMT-10:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The Big Island is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of natural hazards such as volcanic activity and ocean conditions.

Important Precautions:

• Rent a car with full insurance coverage
• Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs and tours, and research options in advance
• Be aware of ocean conditions and currents when swimming and snorkeling

Getting there

By air

Kona International Airport • 20 km from Kona
Hilo International Airport • 10 km from Hilo

By bus

Hilo, Kona

Getting around

Public transport

The Hele-On Bus is the public bus system on the Big Island. It is affordable but has limited routes and schedules.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kona Hilo Waimea

Day trips

Mauna Kea Summit

30 km from Waimea • Half day to full day

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.

Waipio Valley

60 km from Hilo • Half day

Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.

Hapuna Beach State Park

30 km from Waimea • Half day

Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.

Festivals

Merrie Monarch Festival • April Kona Coffee Cultural Festival • November Ironman World Championship • October

Pro tips

Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace and access remote areas
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park early in the day to avoid crowds and see the best views
Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly depending on the elevation and location
Try local dishes like poke, loco moco, and shave ice for an authentic taste of the Big Island
Respect the environment and local culture, and follow guidelines for visiting protected areas and sacred sites