After dark · NIGHT SNORKEL AND MANTA RAY TOURS

Manta Ray Night Snorkel: the 15 Best Tours, Ranked

21 night tours  ·  from $25 a head

Boat lights draw plankton and the plankton draws mantas, mostly off the Kona coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. The 15 night snorkels below are compared on group size, price and what happens when the mantas do not show.

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel - From Keauhou Bay to the sunset boat ride
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

1.Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,656 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84Our pick

Meet Hang Loose Boat Tours at Keauhou Bay for a sunset boat ride and nighttime manta ray snorkel. Guides such as Bryce, Noah, Vince, Aden, and Jordan may lead the trip, with gear, wetsuit tops, flotation, snacks, and water included. You need prior swimming and snorkeling experience.

“Our traveling family group of 11 adults and children had a great time up close with the Manta Rays. Good information from the tour guide and their helpers. Good supervision and safety oversight. This experience left a wonderful, long lasting memory with all of us, particularly the young ones, age 9, 13, and 14.”

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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings - What happens from check-in to the water
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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

2.KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,212 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $49

From Kona, join guides such as Taco, Peyton, or Mike on a small 23-foot RHIB boat for about 25 to 30 minutes in the water with manta rays. The group is limited to 11, gear is provided, and wetsuits are optional. You must be an experienced swimmer with basic snorkel skills.

“This was the most magical experience ever! We got to see these beautiful gentle giants who come kissing distance to you. I was blessed to be grazed by a mantas fin on my stomach. My boyfriend and I laughed as they came right up under our faces. The guides were amazing and so friendly. Highly recommend if you are comfortable in the ocean and around sea creatures. This is all we talked about for the whole trip! It was our favorite moment. I highly respect the staff as they taught us about the mantas and what to do to keep us and the mantas safe in their natural habitat.”

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Krabi 4 Island Sunset Snorkeling Cruise + Bioluminescent Swim - Ko Ya Wa Sam, the best early water stop
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Krabi 4 Island Sunset Snorkeling Cruise + Bioluminescent Swim

3.Krabi 4 Island Sunset Snorkeling Cruise + Bioluminescent Swim

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,861 reviews · from $130

Spend six to seven hours aboard a traditional Thai junk with Michael and his crew, visiting Ko Ya Wa Sam, Chicken Island, and Poda Island. Snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, eat a Thai buffet, watch the sunset, then swim among glowing plankton near Phra Nang Cave Beach. Transfers from Ao Nang and Railay are included.

“DO IT!!! Absolutely amazing day, excellent snorkeling spots, even saw a shark! The boat is big enough, not a big crowd on-board which is a plus. All 4 islands were beautiful, dinner served was of good quality. Very good visibility for snorkeling, can paddle as well if you prefer. The sunset was absolutely breathtaking and is worth everything. Snorkeling with bioluminescent planton was probably a once in a lifetime experience, I highly recommend it. The crew was just amazing, they take care of photos and videos (included in the price) as well. The boat runs with sunflower so it's a greener alternative than any other speedboats departing from Krabi. Don't…”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island - The short ride to Keauhou Bay
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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

4.Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,758 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $44

Meet Dolphin Discoveries in Kailua-Kona, check in, then travel to Keauhou Bay for about 30 minutes in the water with manta rays. You will use a mask, snorkel, short-sleeve wetsuit top, and a lighted float, but no fins. Guides such as Vinny, Bryce, and Brianna have helped nervous swimmers feel secure.

“Me and my woman never saw the rays up close and personal before and they definitely come up and almost touch you! Swim guides and staff know what they are doing, we recommend for friends or family!”

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Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays - From Honokohau Harbor to the sunset
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Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

5.Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,254 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $80

From Honokohau Harbor, you’ll ride offshore, watch the Kona sunset, then spend about 45 minutes floating above a lighted board as manta rays feed below. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, flotation noodles, water, and snacks are included. You may also ride along without entering the water, but swimmers must know how to swim.

“Watching the Manta’s swim at you with their mouths open was other-worldly and a truly outstanding experience! We were all hypnotized by their majestical flips to eat the krill below us that the time just escaped us! We saw Mantas from the moment we hit the water until we left. This was an excellent trip that I would recommend to any family visiting Kona. Our crew took great care of us on and off the boat telling us unique and fun facts about the Manta’s to top off our experience!”

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Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona - Sunset briefing and manta etiquette
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Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona

6.Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,141 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $145

Meet Hawaii Oceanic at Keauhou Harbor for a short sunset boat ride to Kona’s manta site. You’ll hold a glowing light board while mantas feed on plankton below. Snorkeling is optional, and the crew provides gear, beverages, and an optional wetsuit top. Expect about 30 minutes in the water and no more than 11 people aboard.

“It’s a one in a lifetime experience. The activity was well planned, on time, instructive, safe and amazing. Tour guides were very kind, knowledgeable, helpful. Take with you a waterproof case for your phone so you can keep images of this amazing experience”

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Night Bioluminescence Snorkel Tour - From Dock B to Bioluminescent Bay
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Night Bioluminescence Snorkel Tour

7.Night Bioluminescence Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 987 reviews · from $145

Board at Cayman Islands Yacht Club for a 20-minute night boat ride to Bioluminescent Bay. Crew members such as Michael, Thomas, Mike, Alton, Sean, and Elton provide equipment, wetsuits on some trips, water, and soda. Snorkeling is optional, but the glowing plankton is far brighter beneath the surface than from the boat.

“Michael and Thomas were fantastic hosts! The boat is new, spacious, and incredibly comfortable — even featuring an upper deck perfect for stargazing. The bioluminescence was absolutely magical and made for one of the most unforgettable night swims I’ve ever experienced. This is truly a must-do excursion for anyone visiting the area!”

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Krabi: Bioluminescent Plankton, Snorkeling & Sunset Tour - The afternoon begins with pickup and a short island ride
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Krabi: Bioluminescent Plankton, Snorkeling & Sunset Tour

8.Krabi: Bioluminescent Plankton, Snorkeling & Sunset Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 863 reviews · from $40Best value

Spend six to six and a half hours visiting Krabi’s island beaches, snorkeling near Chicken Island, watching sunset at Ko Poda, and swimming with bioluminescent plankton after dark. Hotel transfers, equipment, a Halal BBQ, drinks, snacks, insurance, and an English-speaking guide are included. Guides may include M, Selena, or Hikari.

“This was an incredible experience. The entire trip was amazing and THEN we swam with the bioluminescent plankton. That was a once in a lifetime experience. Lucmon Hakeem (I’m sure I’m messing up his name) was a perfect guide and the boat crew was great. 10 out of 10 would recommend!”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona - The sunset cruise gives the evening a useful beginning
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Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

9.Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 777 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Join Manta Adventures at 4 pm for a sunset cruise from Kailua-Kona to Garden Eel Cove. Captain Bill or Captain Dan and the crew provide gear, wetsuits, floatation help, snacks, drinks, and a warm rinse. Snorkel from a lighted board with manta rays, or stay aboard and watch from the boat.

“The manta rays were magnificent! They swam just inches under us! Beautiful graceful creatures of the ocean! Our staff was great! Extremely knowledgeable of the life of the manta rays , entertaining , and very cautious of everyone’s safety! Highly recommend this amazing tour!”

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Railay and 4-Island Sunset Speedboat Cruise with Night Snorkel - Phra Nang Cave Beach and Railay’s cliffs
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Railay and 4-Island Sunset Speedboat Cruise with Night Snorkel

10.Railay and 4-Island Sunset Speedboat Cruise with Night Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 744 reviews · from $117

Spend an afternoon and evening with Thalassa Tour exploring Phra Nang Cave Beach, Koh Poda, Tup Island, and the famous chicken-shaped island near Krabi. You’ll travel by speedboat, eat lunch and a light beach dinner, snorkel by day, and swim among bioluminescent plankton after dark. The small group is capped at 17 people.

“Don’t miss this fun trip. The tour guides were great and provided a relaxing and fun good time. The snorkeling and swimming locations were great and they even point out some of the wildlife. One of the guides even recorded some of tRead more”

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Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii - The short ride to the manta site
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Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

11.Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 672 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $127

Meet Eka Canoe Adventures in Kailua-Kona for a short ride on a historically accurate Hawaiian double-hulled canoe. At the manta site, you will use a lighted float and snorkel while guides such as Kama, Chris, Kalala, and Ni’Koa help you stay safe and explain the rays’ behavior. Groups are capped at 12.

“Our guides were amazing I forget the lovely woman’s name that was in the water with us but she was so helpful and understanding with my two companions who were struggling and needed help. We went at 8:15pm on May 11th so whoever was working that trip are All Stars Very clear instructions from both guides which made for an easy and fun experience! What an amazing experience!”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel from Kona — Small Group - From Honokohau Harbor to the open sea
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Manta Ray Night Snorkel from Kona — Small Group

12.Manta Ray Night Snorkel from Kona — Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 657 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $123

From Honokohau Harbor, you’ll follow guides such as Kris, Chris, Ryan, or Tori into the warm Kona sea at sunset. Underwater lights draw plankton and manta rays close to your flotation board. Groups are capped at 16, with wetsuits, snorkel gear, snacks, and a free return trip if no mantas appear.

“Very good tour. Really enjoyed the manta rays! Thanks to Ryan and Chris for making the experience so memorable and special!”

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Big Island: Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Adventure in Kailua-Kona - Meeting at Honokohau Harbor and getting ready
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Big Island: Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Adventure in Kailua-Kona

13.Big Island: Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Adventure in Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 593 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Meet at Honokohau Harbor for a sunset boat ride to Kona’s manta feeding site. Captain Kelly, Captain Bryce, and their crews provide snorkel gear, flotation aids, wetsuit tops, snacks, drinks, and guidance. Expect roughly 20 to 30 minutes on the boat each way, a chilly open-ocean swim, and close manta encounters under bright lights.

“This was an amazing experience. The manta rays were so close they touched me multiple times! Definitely an up close and personal experience. Our captain Kelly and crew were great! The boat ride out there was also quite the experience!!! 😅 No regrets!”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience of a Lifetime - From Kealakehe Parkway to Honokohau Harbor
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Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience of a Lifetime

14.Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience of a Lifetime

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 505 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79

From Honokohau Harbor, take a 15 to 20 minute boat ride to Manta Heaven or Manta Village. Float at a light board while wild manta rays feed below. Snorkel Big Island supplies gear, wetsuits, and an in-water guide. Crews may include Captain Kelly, Jay, Elijah, or Jonathan.

“The crew was great, knowledgeable, and friendly. They provided a real amazing experience. The snorkeling was very easy and could even be done by less experienced swimmers.”

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Kailua-Kona: Manta Ray Watching Nighttime Boat Trip - From Honokohau Harbor to the viewing site
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Kailua-Kona: Manta Ray Watching Nighttime Boat Trip

15.Kailua-Kona: Manta Ray Watching Nighttime Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 488 reviews · 2 hours · from $75

Sail from Honokohau Harbor with the Kona Coast Boat Tours crew, hear how manta rays feed, then choose a boat-only view or guided snorkeling. Kelley, Bryce, Koa, Elayo, and other crew members have helped beginners feel calm in the dark water. The two-hour trip includes gear, a wetsuit top, snacks, and life jackets.

“Incredible experience! Being close to these gentle giants and watching them in their natural habitat is a once in a lifetime experience. Kelly (captain) and Elayo (crew) were awesome! Friendly, funny and informative. Our Girl Scout troop fully enjoyed the experience and highly recommend it! Mahalo!!”

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