Manta Ray Snorkel in Kailua-Kona with Hot Cocoa

Highlights

• Enjoy a family-friendly experience ideal for first-time snorkelers of all ages
• Feel safe and relaxed with lifeguard-certified guides
• Join a small-group manta ray tour from Honokohau Harbor in Kailua-Kona
• Enjoy hot cocoa and snacks after your Big Island night snorkel
• Swim in the ocean and snorkel with the manta rays swimming below you

Description

Join Iruka Hawaii for an unforgettable sunset or moonlight snorkel with manta rays! The evening begins at Honokohau Harbor aboard our speedboat KIBOU just before sunset. After a safety briefing, the crew shares fascinating cultural and ecological insights about manta rays as you cruise along the coast.

Once the sun sets, you'll gear up in snorkel masks. A short ride takes you to a secret site only accessible by boat, called "Manta Ray Heaven," rich with plankton, where submerged lights called “campfires” attract the manta rays by drawing in their food source. Guests float on a lighted platform guided by lifeguard-certified staff, watching these gentle giants perform graceful barrel rolls as they feed below. The snorkeling is easy and relaxing, suitable for all skill levels.

New to snorkeling? You’ll get tips for getting comfortable with the gear before entering the water. Once in, simply float face down and enjoy the mesmerizing view of manta rays gliding beneath you, some with wingspans up to 14 feet. They are harmless filter feeders, and seeing them in action is a peaceful, awe-inspiring sight.

After up to 45 minutes in the water, you’ll return to KIBOU for hot cocoa, tea, snacks, and warm conversation as you cruise back under the stars. It is a perfect close to a magical evening. No wonder The Travel Channel named this one of the “Top 10 Things to Do in Your Lifetime.”

This tour is suitable for all ages and is a great experience for families looking to share a unique adventure together. Whether you're a first-time snorkeler or traveling with kids or grandparents, our crew is here to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. If you or anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking sea sickness medication about one hour before your tour begins for the most enjoyable experience on the water. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverage, alcohol is allowed, and we kindly ask for no glass bottles. **Alcohol consumption is allowed only after snorkeling.**

To help provide the safest and most enjoyable experience for everyone, guests are asked to select the ticket that best reflects their swimming ability. Choose the ticket that best matches your comfort level in the water:

Confident Swimmer:
- Comfortable swimming in the open ocean at night.
- Able to remain calm while floating and following crew instructions.
- Suitable for all three nightly departures.
- To ensure our crew can provide the best possible assistance, the Late Night departure is reserved exclusively for confident swimmers.

Beginner Snorkeler:
- For guests with little or no snorkeling experience, or those who are not comfortable swimming in the open ocean at night.
- Available on our Sunset and Twilight departures only, not available for the Late Night option.
- To maintain a safe crew-to-guest ratio, Beginner Snorkeler and Ride-Along tickets are strictly capped at 15 guests total per tour.

Ride Along Ticket - No Snorkel

Beginner Snorkeler

Confident Snorkeler