The Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel is a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Guests can expect a personalized and intimate experience, with a small group size and expert guides leading the way. What makes this tour so captivating is the use of a specialized lightboard that attracts the manta rays, allowing for an up-close encounter as they gracefully glide through the water. While the tour offers a chance to get up close with these magnificent marine animals, there’s more to uncover about the fascinating lives of manta rays and the conservation efforts surrounding them.
Just The Basics
- The Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel tour offers a guided snorkeling experience to observe wild manta rays at night off the Kona coast.
- The tour uses a custom-made lightboard to attract plankton, which draws the manta rays for feeding.
- The tour departs from and returns to the meeting point at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa Street in Kailua-Kona and has a maximum group size of 13 participants.
- The tour provides high-quality snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and experienced, certified in-water guides and lifeguards to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- The tour has over 1,700 positive reviews, making it a must-do activity for visitors to the Big Island, but requires basic swimming skills and English proficiency.
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Tour Details
The Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel is an evening cruise experience that allows visitors to observe wild manta rays feeding on plankton in their natural habitat off the Big Island of Hawaii.
The tour features a custom-made lightboard, snorkeling gear, and wetsuits to help guests get up close with these magnificent creatures. Led by certified guides, the 40-minute snorkeling session takes place on a small boat, providing an intimate marine life encounter limited to just 13 participants.
The tour departs from the meeting point at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St in Kailua-Kona and returns to the same location after the activity.
With over 1,700 positive reviews, this night snorkel is a must-do for anyone visiting the Big Island.
What’s Included
Guests can expect to receive snorkeling equipment and wetsuits, along with the services of a certified in-water guide and lifeguard, and complimentary water during the Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel.
This comprehensive package ensures guests are fully equipped and supported throughout their manta ray viewing adventure.
The tour includes:
- High-quality snorkeling gear and wetsuits
- Experienced, certified in-water guide and lifeguard
- Bottled water to stay hydrated
- Gratuities, so guests don’t have to worry about tipping.
With these amenities provided, guests can focus on the main attraction – the breathtaking encounter with the majestic manta rays in their natural habitat.
What To Expect
Participants can expect a guided snorkeling adventure to observe wild manta rays in their natural habitat off the Kona coast. The tour sets sail after dark, taking guests on a short boat ride to a popular manta ray viewing spot. Once there, the custom-made lightboard will attract plankton, which in turn draws the majestic manta rays to the area for feeding. The intimate group size of up to 13 travelers ensures a personalized experience.
| What to Expect | |
|---|---|
| Guided snorkeling trip | ✓ |
| Manta ray viewing at night | ✓ |
| Custom-made lightboard | ✓ |
| Small group size (max 13) | ✓ |
| Short boat ride to viewing spot | ✓ |
Additional Information
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking for this tour. Participants must possess basic swimming skills and previous snorkeling experience. Access to the boat requires the ability to climb a ladder. English proficiency is necessary, as the tour is conducted in English. A maximum of 13 travelers are accommodated on each excursion. A full refund is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
It isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Wet suits and snorkel gear are included.
An experienced, certified guide and lifeguard will accompany the group.
Gratuities are covered in the tour price.
Reviews
The Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel tour has garnered an impressive 5.0 overall rating from 1,752 reviews. Reviewers mention how the use of the custom-made light board effectively attracts the plankton and the majestic manta rays.
Recent positive reviews highlight the great experiences guests have had with the friendly crew and the amazing manta ray encounters.
However, a recent negative review mentioned some confusion with the briefing and minor equipment issues.
Directions
Where can participants check in for the Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel tour? They’ll need to check-in at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa Street.
Once there, they should look for the Hawaii Island Ocean Tours & Kona Snorkel Tours white van.
Parking is available along the road, not in designated stalls.
After the activity, you will return to the same meeting point.
The directions for this tour include:
- Check-in at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa Street.
- Look for the Hawaii Island Ocean Tours & Kona Snorkel Tours white van.
- Park along the road, not in designated stalls.
- Return to the meeting point after the activity.
Meeting Point
Participants check in for the Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel tour at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa Street. This is the designated meeting point for the activity. Once checked in, guests should look for the Hawaii Island Ocean Tours & Kona Snorkel Tours white van. Parking is available along the road, but not in the designated stalls. After the snorkel tour, you will return to this same meeting point.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check-in at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa Street |
| 2 | Locate the Hawaii Island Ocean Tours & Kona Snorkel Tours white van |
| 3 | Park along the road, not in designated stalls |
| 4 | Board the boat for the snorkel tour |
| 5 | Return to the meeting point after the activity |
End Point
After the manta ray snorkel tour, guests return to the original meeting point at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa Street. The activity ends where it began, allowing participants to easily exit the area.
Guests will disembark the boat and return any snorkeling equipment.
Guides will ensure everyone has their personal belongings before departing.
Participants can take a few minutes to change out of wetsuits and rinse off.
The tour concludes, and guests are free to continue their evening in Kailua-Kona or head back to their accommodations.
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- Big Island Highlights: Coffee, Volcano, Black Sands & Waterfall
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay
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- Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?
Yes, you can bring your own snorkel gear. However, the tour provides high-quality equipment, including wetsuits, to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. Most participants opt to use the gear provided by the tour.
Is There a Weight Limit for the Boat?
The tour company doesn’t specify a weight limit for the boat. However, they do note that basic swimming skills and the ability to climb a boat ladder are required. Guests should contact the company if they have any concerns about accommodations.
Do I Need to Know How to Swim?
You’ll need basic swimming skills to participate in this snorkeling tour. While previous snorkeling experience is recommended, the guides and safety equipment provided make it suitable for beginner swimmers as well. However, being comfortable in the water is essential.
Can I Take Photos During the Activity?
Guests can take photos during the activity, but they should be mindful not to interfere with the wildlife or use flash photography, which could disturb the manta rays. Underwater cameras are allowed, but flash photography is prohibited.
What Should I Wear for the Night Snorkel?
For a night snorkel, wear a wetsuit provided by the tour company to stay warm in the cooler water. Bring a swimsuit to wear underneath and prepare to get wet. Avoid wearing cotton, which won’t insulate when damp.
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Sum Up
The Keauhou Manta Ray Night Snorkel provides an unforgettable opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close.
With high-quality gear, experienced guides, and a personalized group size, the tour ensures a safe and intimate encounter.
Guests can expect to be captivated by the graceful movements of the manta rays as they feed on the plankton attracted by the custom-made lightboard.
An experience not to be missed for nature enthusiasts visiting the Kona coast.
