ARRIVE 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTUREWe are located at Keauhou Bay in Kailua-KonaOur office is located just past the driveway to the Sheraton Keauhou Resort & SpaWe are a white, one-story buildingPark in a spot along the road there where parking is permitted
Description
Snorkel at night with the gentle giants of the South Kona Coast in safety and comfort, and experience what the Travel Channel named one of the top 10 things to do in your lifetime. Our incredibly short boat ride will have you and our highly trained in the water guides snorkeling with the manta rays in minutes. An evening you won't ever forget!
In demand: 123 of the next 180 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Night Manta Experience
Swim among manta rays in a feeding frenzy during this unique nighttime activity in Kona
What's included
Included
Snorkel Gear Included
Wetsuits
Hot Chocolate
Not included
Gratuities
Towels (recommended)
No transportation provided
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
819 reviews
5
770
4
21
3
6
2
8
1
14
How it compares in Big Island of Hawaii
No. 27 by number of reviews among 526 tours in Big Island of Hawaii
Starting price $146 is 17% above the typical $125 for tours of similar length in Big Island of Hawaii
Excurgo comparison of 526 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What if we don’t see any mantas? It is an extremely rare occurrence, but if we do not see ANY manta rays on our Night Manta Experience, you are welcome to come back out with us again during the same vacation, based on availability, totally free of charge. Make sure you call us right away so that we may reschedule you! Non-refundable and non-transferable.
NIGHT MANTA EXPERIENCE:
Everyone in my group can swim
Everyone in my group has snorkeling experience
Everyone in my group can climb a short ladder to re-board the boat
Please read and understand the manta guarantee : Manta Guarantee: If zero manta rays are seen, you are welcome back out again. Itʻs that simple. We are fortunate to see mantas almost every night, but on the rare occasion where none are sighted on your tour, Sea Quest invites you to come back out on another night at no additional cost to you, or on a confirmed afternoon snorkeling adventure at no additional charge. No refunds available.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Night Manta Ray Experience take?
Night Manta Ray Experience lasts about 1h 30min.
How much does Night Manta Ray Experience cost?
Prices start at $146 per person for this Big Island of Hawaii experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Night Manta Ray Experience run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 6:15 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:15 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:30 PM, and 9:00 PM.
Does Night Manta Ray Experience sell out?
It can: 123 of the next 180 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Night Manta Ray Experience for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is ARRIVE 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. We are located at Keauhou Bay in Kailua-Kona. Our office is located just past the driveway to the Sheraton Keauhou Resort & Spa. We are a white, one-story building. Park in a spot along the road there where parking is permitted. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 27 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Night Manta Ray Experience worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 819 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Sea Quest Hawaii.
Reviews(819)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
6
62belyndag
October 5, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An Absolutely Magical Experience!
We did the Sea Quest Night Manta Snorkel in Kona, and it was one of the most amazing experiences of our trip!
Seeing these incredible manta rays up close is almost impossible to describe. They are like giant angels gliding through the water—they seem to appear out of the darkness, gracefully sweep beneath you, and then disappear again just as quickly.
And when I say they come close, I mean CLOSE! One manta actually brushed across my husband’s upper body as it glided past him. It was incredible!
You travel out by boat and then enter the water and hold onto a large illuminated flotation board. The lights attract plankton, and before long the mantas begin appearing beneath you to feed. Watching these enormous, graceful animals glide and turn just inches away is absolutely mesmerizing.
The Sea Quest team was organized, friendly, and very attentive. We noticed that they provided a lot of support and reassurance to several people in our group who were clearly less experienced or uncomfortable in the water. The crew did a great job keeping everyone organized and helping people throughout the experience.
A little advice from our trip: a few people became seasick while we were in the water. If you are prone to motion sickness, be prepared for that. If you start feeling queasy, pop your head up occasionally and look toward the shoreline or another stationary point. The manta viewing area is actually very close to shore, so you can easily see land.
The entire experience felt incredibly special. There is something almost peaceful about floating in the dark ocean and watching these huge, gentle creatures silently glide beneath you.
We would absolutely do this again, and we would LOVE to bring our grandkids someday. What an unforgettable adventure that would be for them!
If you are visiting Kona, put the Night Manta Snorkel on your list. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 🌊🌙🤿❤️
Operator response
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii and mahalo nui loa for sharing such a beautiful review of our Night Manta Ray Experience! We’re thrilled to hear that watching these graceful giants glide beneath you was such a magical highlight of your trip to Kona. There truly is something extraordinary about experiencing manta rays up close in their natural environment.
We’re especially grateful for your kind words about our crew and the care they provided to guests who needed extra support and reassurance in the water. Making sure everyone feels safe, comfortable, and cared for is always our top priority.
Mahalo for sharing your helpful advice about motion sickness as well. We would be delighted to welcome you back someday, especially when you’re ready to share this incredible ocean experience with your grandkids! Creating memories like these is what makes our work so special.
Mahalo and a hui hou,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Ohana
D
DayTrip40966626674
October 2, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended for manta experience
staff there are with great hospitality, trustworthy experience.
Parking slot might not be easy to find, remember to come at least 30mins in advance.
Operator response
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii and mahalo nui loa for your kind words and recommendation! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your Night Manta Ray Experience and felt welcomed and well cared for by our crew. We truly appreciate you sharing the helpful tip about arriving early for parking. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure!
Mahalo and a hui hou,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Team
S
superma723
September 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing manta experience
Went with my 7 year old and neither of us is advanced swimmer or snorkeler, but the staff took good care of us throughout the tour. We spotted mantas two minutes into the water and they stayed around the whole time. The tour was well organized and they provided everything you’d need. Just bring yourself, plus a towel and a waterproof camera, and have a good time!
Operator response
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii and for sharing your wonderful experience! We are so happy to hear we were able to make you and your Ohana feel well cared for throughout the adventure. Seeing mantas just two minutes after getting in the water must have been incredible!
Mahalo nui loa for the kind words and recommendation. We hope to see you both back on the water again soon!
Mahalo and a hui hou,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Team
J
jamiegD7042VA
September 1, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
safety first
while an unexpected issue (hazardous fireworms) prevented us from going on the manta ray excursion - i am impressed by any operator who prioritizes safety over profit. they were straightforward and offered everyone a refund or opportunity to rebook.
Operator response
Aloha Jamie! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and, most of all, for recognizing our commitment to putting guest safety first.
We know it was disappointing to have your Night Manta Ray Experience interrupted by the unexpected presence of hazardous fireworms. While we never want to cancel an adventure, the safety of our guests and crew will always come before anything else. We are grateful for your understanding and for appreciating the difficult decisions our team sometimes has to make on the water.
We are also glad our team was able to provide you with the option to receive a refund or rebook your experience. We hope you will have the opportunity to return and experience the magic of the manta rays with us under safer conditions.
Mahalo nui loa for your understanding, trust, and kind words about our crew. We truly hope to welcome you back to Sea Quest Hawaii on your next visit to the Big Island!
With warmest aloha,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Team
R
riversandcreeks
August 29, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Manta Rays Were Elusive, But We Still Had Fun on This Well-Managed Trip
We had a good time going out to see the manta rays as a parent with one college-age and one high-school-age son. We were on the first trip of the night and had no trouble finding street-side parking, but I could see how things were about to get chaotic with multiple companies running trips from the same dock.
Check-in was straightforward at the SeaQuest business location adjacent to the dock. They had a secure place to store items we didn’t want to take on the boat with us. SeaQuest had several groups going out on different boats at the same time, but everything was well organized. Our guides did a good job checking in with us to make sure we had everything we needed. We had our own masks and wetsuits, but they provide these as well. One of my sons opted to try one of the prescription masks SeaQuest had available at no extra fee, which was a nice opportunity for him.
Our guides provided an overview of the evening and explained the established protocols. After a short 10-minute boat ride, they set up the light panels to attract plankton, and we were in the water with dozens of other people. I brought my GoPro, which is encouraged, and was glad I did. If you bring a camera, make sure you have a good wrist strap and are comfortable operating it with one hand. You need to keep one hand on the light panel and are not allowed to drift free. I was able to get a great video clip of the adult female that came up close to us. Our guides did a great job keeping track of everyone, including families with younger kids. This trip is a carefully and highly managed experience.
Unfortunately, we did not see many manta rays, which is simply the nature of wild animals. We saw one juvenile along the bottom a couple of times, but thankfully an adult female came up to within inches of us just as our guide had announced it was time to leave. Although it was not as spectacular as a previous trip I took where we had dozens of close encounters, the kids still loved it and we had a great time. When we got back to the dock, the team had hot drinks waiting for us.
I would go with this company again. They run a bigger operation than some of the others, but they were very organized. Having a building adjacent to the dock was convenient, and the staff were all very attentive to everyone's needs.
Operator response
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii!
We truly appreciate you taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review of your Night Manta Ray Experience. It means a lot to hear that you and your ohana had a great time and felt well cared for throughout the evening.
We are especially grateful for your kind words about our crew, organization, safety protocols, and check in process. Our team works hard to make sure every guest feels comfortable, informed, and supported from the moment they arrive until they return to the harbor. We are also happy to hear that the prescription mask was appreciated by your son and that you were able to capture some special moments with your GoPro.
While we always hope for those incredible close encounters, manta rays are wild animals and their activity can vary from night to night. We are so glad that the adult female made that memorable appearance just before it was time to head back, giving you a special close encounter to take home for your kids. It sounds like your sons still had a wonderful experience, which is exactly what we hope for.
And of course, we are happy our hot drinks were waiting for you when you returned to the dock. Those little comforts after a night in the ocean are part of what makes the experience special.
Mahalo nui loa for recognizing the care and effort our entire team puts into creating a safe, organized, and enjoyable experience. We would be honored to welcome you back to Sea Quest Hawaii on your next visit to the Big Island, and hopefully the manta rays will put on an even bigger show for you next time!
With aloha,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Team
P
PatStunts
August 22, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Swimming with Manta Rays.
Amazing. Check in Crew was delightful and very helpful. Amazing. The crew on the boat was beyond helpful, kind, and Skyler was excellent with information and welcoming. Amazing. We saw, I don't know how many Manta's but it was a constant parade of the beautiful creatures. The entire night was well above expectations. ... Did I mention it was Amazing? Thank you so much for an unforgetable eveing.
Operator response
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii!
Mahalo nui loa for sharing such a wonderful review! We are so happy to hear that your entire evening was above expectations and that our check in crew and boat crew made you feel so welcomed and well cared for. We will be sure to share your kind words with our Captain and Crew!
It sounds like you experienced an incredible night with our manta ohana! A constant parade of these beautiful creatures is truly something special, and we are so grateful you chose to share the experience with us.
Thank you again for spending your evening with Sea Quest Hawaii and for the kind words about our crew. We hope to welcome you back to the Big Island for another unforgettable ocean adventure!
Mahalo nui loa and aloha!
The Sea Quest Team
A
amypflum
August 20, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Could not have been better!
This was the most magical experience! I was nervous about the idea of snorkeling at night but it could not have been more fun. The guides are so enthusiastic and helpful, sharing knowledge during the experience. We saw 4 different mantas doing barrel rolls underneath us. It was as good as it gets! Some things to know: you will remove your shoes and they store them on the boat. They provide you with wetsuits to keep warm and snorkel gear, including vision correction masks if needed. Strong swimming is not necessary as you are holding on to the light board and have a pool noodle under your feet to help you float. They will keep your bag dry on shore so no need to bring anything with you.
Operator response
Aloha Amy! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii!
Mahalo nui loa for sharing such a wonderful review of your Night Manta Ray Experience! We are so happy to hear that what started as a little nervousness about snorkeling at night turned into such a magical and fun experience. Seeing four different mantas doing barrel rolls beneath you must have been absolutely incredible!
We are especially grateful for your kind words about our guides. Our crew loves sharing their knowledge and helping each guest feel comfortable, confident, and cared for throughout the experience.
Mahalo as well for sharing so many helpful details for future guests. We are glad the wetsuits, prescription masks, flotation noodles, and light board helped make the experience comfortable and accessible.
It was a pleasure having you with us, and we would love to welcome you back for another unforgettable manta adventure!
Mahalo nui loa,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Ohana
A
amelian155
August 20, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Absolutely amazing!
This was an absolutely incredible experience, beyond anything I had imagined, and I will definitely be doing it again! (Beware: it does actually work your triceps to hold onto that raft for 45 minuts - we were sore the day after!)
Operator response
Aloha Amelia! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii!
Mahalo nui loa for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We are so happy to hear that the Night Manta Ray Experience was even more incredible than you imagined and that you are already looking forward to doing it again.
Those manta encounters can be truly unforgettable, and yes, holding onto the float for 45 minutes can definitely give those triceps a little extra workout! We hope the beautiful mantas made the next day soreness completely worth it.
It was a pleasure having you with us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another magical evening on the water!
Mahalo nui loa,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Ohana
5
527shawnf
August 19, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Memorable experience
Great experience seeing the mantas up close. The guides were very knowledgeable and made the trip run smoothly. The boat ride is only about 5 minutes away as the dock is located right by the area where the mantas feed.
Operator response
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii!
Mahalo nui loa for sharing your memorable Night Manta Ray Experience with us! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed seeing the mantas up close and that our guides helped make the experience smooth, informative, and enjoyable.
We are fortunate to have our dock located so close to the manta viewing area, making the boat ride just a few minutes before you are in the water and ready for an incredible encounter with these amazing animals.
It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you and your ohana back for another ocean adventure in the future!
Mahalo nui loa,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Ohana
K
karlabN7972LI
August 16, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Not what we expected
Unfortunately, we didn't see any marine animals; it was cold
Even with the suit, people were throwing up next to us. I hope people have a better experience than we did.
Compare similar tours in Big Island of Hawaii
Lowest price: KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings — $30
Best rated: KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings — 4.9 (2,709 reviews)
Shortest: Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona — 1 hour
