Kona’s Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Small Group Experience
Description
We carry a maximum of 12 passengers so we can offer a more intimate manta ray snorkel experience than the larger "cattle boats" in Kona. In addition to delivering a more private experience, our small group size allows for a better manta ray show. Your swim guide will tow your party to the most active areas of the snorkel site, as you hold onto a light board and enjoy the show. Larger groups on bigger boats are often required to stay next to the boat, and can't chase the manta ray action as we do. By locating the most active areas of the snorkel site, you'll have a higher chance of seeing more manta rays. If you book all 12 seats on any trip, you will have your own private charter. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snorkel with manta rays, in a private small-group experience. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Must be able to swim without the assistance of a floatation device.
- Maximum weight of 280 pounds per traveler.
- Not recommended for travelers with neck problems
Reviews(396)
A unique experience. Very beautiful and very well organized by an enthusiastic and professional team. Being in a small group is a real plus.
Amazing once in a lifetime experience. Admittedly I was a bit worried about being in a dark ocean at night or getting motion sickness (which I get easily) - but ultimately neither was of any issue. Our tour had just about 10 people, which was wonderful because it wasn't overly large or cumbersome. Our crew were helpful & friendly. We especially enjoyed Cody's knowledge of the rays as we were swimming. Our group was small and chill & Cody took great care to keep her fins out of the water so as not to disturb the rays. For most of our tour we were the only boat where we were & it was peaceful. Other boats showed up and wanted to link up - they were a totally different vibe. Much more loud & party, and their guide kept her fins in the water which deterred the rays from swimming nearby. We very much enjoyed the smaller, more quiet group. If you get motion sickness, take a dramamine beforehand. I did and had zero issues. I was super nervous beforehand, but it all went away once that first ray showed up! Truly magical! Don't skip on this tour!
Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish. Corey, Karen, CJ and Noel were friendly and professional and it was very apparent how much they love these magnificent creatures. They educated passengers about the mantas and how to interact with them respectfully. The boat was spotless and we had dolphins jumping off the bow! Fresh pineapple on the boat was much appreciated and a warm shower rinse after was a great touch. The number and closeness of manatees was something I never would have imagined. An unbelievable memory for me and my daughter. Mahalo!
The trip was rushed. We did not get to see the mantas. Seemed that the guides focus was cranking through back to back tours. They did offer the option to go another time but no trips were available during the rest of our stay. It was pricey for the short excursion. Our group of 8 was very disappointed. I think the 90% chance of seeing Mantas is not accurate.
A fantastic experience using Coral Reef expeditions! A smaller group experience is the way to go. Alexis and Cody were amazing! We got into the group area where the Manta’s were swimming before everyone else. An up close and personal experience. I highly recommend them all the way!
We were in Kona for a business conference with customers and business partners that we all consider friends and family. We had heard this was a good tour to see the Manta Rays and had swam with sting rays and dolphins before. But I can’t express enough how Amazing this was!!! We were the last boat out for the night (strongly recommend that time) and was the soul boat out at midnight. The rays are such a magnificent animal as the grazed across our bodies! Oh and we say a few sharks on the bottom of the ocean too. I’m sorry I can’t remember our 2 crew ladies but they were excellent captain & guide. DO IT!
My son and I attempted to do this tour in October of 2025 but no mantas showed up. We were offered a rebook but we were leaving so that wasn't possible. Upon returning in June of 2026 we were given our rebook. By doing the 8:30 tour it was dark drivring out and back. This time the mantas arrived and put on a show. They swam under us and did several barrel rolls inches from our faces. It was truly a magnificernt experience. The only negative was all the yelling and hollering coming from other boats. Our guide indicated that other tour operators encourage the yelling and hollering by telling their guests that the mantas like the noise. Not sure I believe that. It made a very serene mystical experience sound like a football game. Our tour operator was great and very safety conscious. Cody knew so much about the mantas and shared that with us. A tip for folks who get cold easily buy some dive pants for your bottom half. They go on and off easily and help you stay warmer.
YOU MUST DO THIS if you visit Kona! This experience was truly unbelievable. Cody, Cooper, and Jeff were amazing guides and the small group atmosphere was perfect. There were other groups in the water but Coral Adventures was personal and thoughtful. They knew so much about the Manta Rays and it was without a doubt an experience we will never forget.
This was an incredible experience with wonderful guides. Highly recommend! Make sure you have a dry towel to stay warm on the boat ride back!
Great team working the tour! The Manta Rays are so graceful and beautiful! Fantastic experience and highly recommend!
