Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Imagine gliding through warm, dark waters under a canopy of stars as graceful giants emerge from the depths below you. Manta ray night snorkeling on Hawaii's Big Island offers one of the world's most extraordinary marine encounters, where these gentle oceanic creatures – with wingspans reaching up to 20 feet – perform an underwater ballet right beneath your mask. The crystal-clear waters off Kona's coast provide the perfect stage for this magical experience that transforms an ordinary evening into an unforgettable adventure.

These nocturnal snorkeling tours take you to specially chosen locations where powerful underwater lights attract plankton, creating a natural feeding station that draws curious manta rays. As you float peacefully on the surface, these magnificent creatures glide mere inches below, their distinctive horn-shaped fins creating mesmerizing patterns in the illuminated water. Many tours combine the manta ray experience with stunning Kona sunsets, dolphin watching at Kealakekua Bay, or stargazing sessions, offering multiple highlights in a single excursion. With over 111 tour options available, you'll find everything from intimate private charters to group adventures that cater to all experience levels.

The best manta ray encounters typically occur year-round, though calmer winter seas often provide optimal conditions. Most tours provide all necessary snorkeling equipment, but bringing an underwater camera will help capture memories of this bucket-list experience that few places on Earth can offer.

Ready to swim with giants? Explore our manta ray night snorkel options and discover why this ranks among the Big Island's most sought-after adventures.