Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Keauhou Bay 85-95% Sighting

Highlights

• See manta rays at Manta Village, Keauhou Bay, Kona: 85–95% sighting rate
• Use the Manta Guarantee — return free within 7 days if no mantas are seen
• Join the original Manta Village operator since 1985 — Rich Kersten's format
• Meet named residents: Lefty (1979), Big Bertha (1991), Obama Ray and more
• Discover 450+ documented mantas with partner Manta Pacific Research Foundation

Description

Sea Paradise Hawaii has run manta ray tours at Manta Village, off Keauhou Bay, since 1985 — the original operator at this site, before manta ray tourism existed. Sea Paradise owner Rich Kersten, who purchased the company in 2001, pioneered the modern large-group surface-snorkel manta format in 2004, opening what had been limited to small dive groups to non-certified guests.
Lights attract plankton; plankton attracts reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi). Through classical conditioning over 50+ years, the feeding response is so reliable that Sea Paradise Hawaii's sighting rate is 85–95%. Named residents include Lefty (first identified 1979), Big Bertha (first identified 1991), Obama Ray, Koie Ray, Quarantina (2020) and Jolene Ray. More than 450 individual manta rays have been documented on the Kona Coast in partnership with Manta Pacific Research Foundation.
Guests float on the custom Manta Flotation Device, designed by Rich Kersten, on the surface above the feeding mantas, with in-water crew guides throughout. No dive certification is required, but this is an in-water night snorkel: all snorkelers must be experienced, confident swimmers and snorkelers. Non-swimmers may join as ride-along deck observers.
The Hoku Nui, Sea Paradise Hawaii's 50-foot luxury sailing catamaran spaciously designed for 49 guests, departs Keauhou Bay as the sun sets (time varies by season) sailing to Manta Village. Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, Manta Flotation Device, hot cocoa and chocolates included. Approximately 2–2.5 hours. Manta guarantee: Return free within 7 days if no mantas seen (space available).

Sea Paradise's second nightly manta ray tour at Manta Village, Kona — same experience as the 1st tour with a later departure time after full dark, typically with fewer vessels on site. The tour runs approximately 1.5–under 2 hours since the manta floatation device will be set up.

Meeting point is at Keauhou Bay finger pier, end of 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Meet the crew in blue shirts at the end of the finger pier 15 minutes before departure. Check in 1:45 PM. Departs 2:00 PM. Returns approximately 5:00 PM. Free parking along Kaleiopapa St; allow 3–5 minutes to walk to the boat.