Manta Ray Night Snorkel & Sunset Cruise, Kona, Big Island Hawaii

As the sun dips below the horizon, the sea off the Kona coast of Hawaii’s Big Island comes alive with the graceful movements of manta rays. Gliding effortlessly through the water, these gentle giants draw in curious onlookers, eager to witness their nocturnal dance. The Manta Ray Night Snorkel & Sunset Cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in this captivating spectacle, providing a seamless and personalized experience for adventurous travelers. From the choice to snorkel or observe from the comfort of floating mats, to the warm hospitality and stunning backdrop, this tour promises an enchanting evening that may leave you wondering what other wonders the island has in store.

Key Points

• The tour offers visitors the opportunity to swim alongside manta rays or view them from a floating mat during a night snorkel and sunset cruise in Kona, Big Island.
• Transportation to the meeting point, snorkeling equipment, and gratuities are included, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for the visitors.
• The tour departs from the Iruka Hawaii Dolphin and Manta Tours office in the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, providing a serene setting for the adventure.
• The tour has a maximum capacity of 30 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience, and allows for cancellations up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.
• The tour has received a Badge of Excellence and over 150 positive reviews, praising the remarkable experience, knowledgeable guides, and chance to swim with manta rays.

Overview of the Tour

This group tour from Kailua-Kona allows visitors to swim alongside manta rays, witnessing their graceful movements and feeling the presence of these magnificent marine creatures up close.

For those uncomfortable in the water, the option to view the manta rays from a floating mat is provided, offering a unique vantage point to observe their nighttime feeding behaviors.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and air-conditioned transportation ensures a comfortable journey to the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, the meeting point for the adventure.

After the swim or snorkel, guests can warm up with hot cocoa and snacks, leaving them rejuvenated and with a newfound appreciation for these gentle giants of the sea.

Inclusion Details

The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment, ensuring participants can fully enjoy the underwater world inhabited by the manta rays.

An air-conditioned vehicle transports guests comfortably to the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, the starting point for the adventure.

Gratuities are also covered, allowing visitors to focus on the remarkable experience at hand.

This attention to detail ensures a seamless and enjoyable tour, where guests can simply relax and soak in the beauty of the manta rays as they glide gracefully through the ocean.

With all the necessary equipment and logistics taken care of, travelers can fully enjoy the wonder of this unique encounter.

Meeting Point and Pickup Location

The meeting point for the Manta Ray Night Snorkel & Sunset Cruise is located at Iruka Hawaii Dolphin and Manta Tours, situated within the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

This picturesque harbor provides a serene setting for the tour’s departure, with the vast Pacific Ocean and distant volcanic slopes setting the scene.

Guests will find the tour operator’s office easily accessible, just off the main road at 74-380 Kealakehe Pkwy.

From here, the tour will depart, whisking participants away to the prime manta ray viewing location.

The convenient meeting point ensures a seamless start to this awe-inspiring adventure on the Big Island.

Accessibility and Medical Considerations

While the Manta Ray Night Snorkel & Sunset Cruise offers a unique and thrilling adventure, it’s important to consider the accessibility and medical requirements for participation.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are permitted. Infants must sit on laps, and the experience isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or individuals with serious medical conditions.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 30 travelers, so it’s wise to book in advance. Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours prior to the event for a full refund.

Before signing up, consider the following:

• Ability to comfortably enter and exit the water
• Tolerance for prolonged snorkeling or floating on a mat
• Overall physical fitness and health condition
• Potential risks for those with specific medical concerns

Group Size and Cancellation Policy

This tour has a maximum capacity of 30 travelers, so it’s wise to book in advance. The cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours prior to the event. This ensures flexibility and gives you peace of mind should your plans change. The small group size allows for a more personalized experience, with the guide able to cater to individual needs. It also helps minimize disruption and overcrowding, allowing you to fully learn about the manta ray encounter. The cancellation policy is generous, giving you the option to reschedule or receive a full refund if necessary.

Group Size	Cancellation Policy
Maximum 30 travelers	Full refund up to 24 hours prior
Small group for personalized experience	Flexibility to reschedule or cancel
Minimizes disruption and overcrowding	Gives you peace of mind
Allows guide to cater to individual needs	Generous policy

Reviews and Badge of Excellence

With a Badge of Excellence and over 150 reviews, this manta ray snorkel and sunset cruise captivates adventurers seeking an unforgettable encounter with these majestic creatures. Reviewers rave about the remarkable experience, praising the knowledgeable guides and the chance to swim alongside the gentle giants.

The tour offers:

• Breathtaking views of the sunset over the Pacific
• Warm hospitality with hot cocoa and snacks
• Excellent use of snorkeling equipment
• An intimate group setting for a personalized experience

This unique opportunity to witness manta rays in their natural habitat is a must-do for any visitor to the Big Island, leaving lasting memories of a truly magical evening under the stars.

Manta Ray Viewing Options

Travelers can choose between snorkeling alongside the manta rays or viewing them from the comfort of a floating mat during this captivating tour.

For those uncomfortable in the water, the floating mats allow them to feel the presence of the majestic creatures up close without having to submerge themselves.

Meanwhile, thrill-seekers can don their snorkeling gear and dive into the water, swimming alongside the gentle giants as they glide gracefully through the night.

Whichever option visitors select, they’re guaranteed an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent marine animals.

The tour also provides hot cocoa and snacks to warm participants up after their manta ray experience.

Warm-up After the Swim/Snorkel

After the exhilarating swim or snorkel with the manta rays, participants can look forward to warming up with complimentary hot cocoa and nourishing snacks.

This toasty treat is the perfect way to recharge after immersing oneself in the cool ocean waters. The hot cocoa’s rich, chocolatey goodness paired with the provided snacks helps to:

• Replenish energy levels
• Warm the body from the inside out
• Relax and unwind after the thrilling manta ray encounter
• Share the experience with fellow adventurers

This thoughtful inclusion ensures guests leave the tour feeling satisfied, rejuvenated, and ready to continue exploring the stunning Kona coastline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling equipment. The tour provides the gear, but you’re welcome to use your own if you prefer. Just be sure it’s in good condition and suited for the manta ray viewing experience.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, photography is allowed during the tour. Guests can capture the majestic manta rays up close as they glide through the water. However, the use of flash is not permitted to avoid disturbing the animals.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The minimum age for participants on this manta ray snorkel tour is infants. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and the operator recommends it’s not suitable for those with serious medical conditions.

Are Life Jackets Provided for the Manta Ray Viewing?

Yes, life jackets are provided for participants during the manta ray viewing. The tour operator ensures everyone’s safety by supplying the necessary equipment, allowing visitors to fully enjoy this awe-inspiring underwater encounter.

Can I Join the Tour if I Don’t Know How to Swim?

Yes, you can join the tour even if you don’t know how to swim. The tour provides floating mats for viewing the manta rays from the surface, allowing non-swimmers to still enjoy the experience.

Recap

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel & Sunset Cruise in Kona, Big Island Hawaii is an unforgettable experience.

With personalized service, a maximum of 30 travelers, and options to snorkel or view the manta rays from floating mats, visitors can enjoy a seamless and memorable encounter with these gentle giants under a stunning Pacific sunset.

Whether you’re a nature lover or seeking an adventure, this tour promises an unforgettable evening.