Big Island of Hawaii

Night Manta Ray Experience

Badge of ExcellenceBig Island of Hawaii, USA
NIght Manta Ray Snorkel Experience Big Island Hawaii
  • 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Mobile ticket

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Overview

Swim among manta rays in a feeding frenzy during this unique nighttime activity in Kona. Slip into the dark water with your snorkeling guides and watch the 'manta ray ballet' as the giants appear out of the darkness to feast on the abundant plankton. Let chills run down your spine as these gentle, docile creatures, which can weigh up to 1000 lbs (450kg) and measure 16 feet (5 meters) across, swim just an arm's reach away. Use of all snorkel gear, wetsuits, and flotation devices is included.
  • Swim with giant manta rays after dark as they feed on plankton
  • Get up close and personal with these docile creatures
  • Named one of the Travel Channel's 'Top 10 Things To Do in Your Lifetime'
  • Use of all snorkel equipment, wetsuit, and flotation devices is included

What's Included

  • Snorkel Gear Included
  • Wetsuits
  • Hot Chocolate
  • Gratuities
  • Towels (recommended)
  • No transportation provided

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

    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

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • 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.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • 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
  • Near public transportation
  • 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.
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 27 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
David_B
Great guides and experience! Very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the Manta Rays. Thank you!

Reviews

5.0
561 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 561 reviews
Unforgettable and Surreal
jenney_a, Apr 2024
A mind blowing experience 😳 Amanda the Manta Ray was doing barrel rolls up against us as soon we got in the water. To be so close to such a majestic creature, in her habitat, it seemed other worldly. Water was a little choppy so maybe take a Dramamine beforehand. The Captain and crew were knowledgeable, attentive and skilled, and all the gear provided was in great condition. In hindsight I wish we had brought a GoPro with us for photos but then again just living in the moment was almost overwhelming so I’m not sure I could have done anything but stare in amazement anyhow. I’d go again in a heartbeat. Mahalo to everyone at SeaQuest and especially to Amanda Manta Ray 🌺
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Aloha Jenney! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Night Manta Ray Experience! Amanda Ray is one of our favorite girls! She has such a personality! It's an honor to be graced with her presence and for her to choose to swim with us. We hope to see you again in the future. Mahalo nui loa!
Sea Quest for top safety, great crew
Rachel_B, Apr 2024
Sea Quest is a great option, so professional and organized, and a very short ride to the site (5-10 minutes) from the building at the marina. Quality selection of dry wetsuits to wear even by 9pm. Safety of both swimmers and the manta rays was priority. The staff was so active in the water to keep people calm and make sure no one kicked, interfered with, or accidentally injured the mantas. The waves were very big so I started to get nauseous by the end of 40 minute swim, staff was helpful with tips and suggestions, and nobody got sick at all. They have options to return to boat if needed, and hot cocoa at the end which helped! Fantastic overall, Sea Quest was my top pick based on safety.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Aloha Rachel! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Night Manta Ray Snorkel Experience! Our Crew loves what they do and puts the safety of the guest and the Manta rays as their top priority! It is so rewarding to hear that they were able to not only keep safety first and foremost, but to make sure everyone had a fantastic time! We appreciate the opportunity to share our Aloha with you. Mahalo nui loa!
Amazing! Do it!
Margaret_K, Apr 2024
I took the Manta tour with my two sons, ages 10 & 11. They are both confident swimmers and had a wonderful time. The guides shared information about the mantas and also ensured we would be safe. We were lucky and saw 10 rays, all at once even, rolling and eating right under us! It was magical! They are huge and so beautiful! We were wearing the provided wetsuits, however 10 year old became cold so a guide took us back to the boat while my older son stayed through the 30 minutes. We appreciated the cocoa and cookies at the end! We went at 7 pm, and this seemed to be a great time. I would recommend this to anyone, I've taken the same tour with SeaQuest before, and they are always wonderful, however the Manta rays last night blew my mind! It was amazing. Thank you to Capt Nick and the crew on April 4, 2024!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Night Manta Ray Experience! We are honored to be trusted with your ohana! Wow! Ten different rays all at once is truly a magical experience! Mahalo nui loa for spending your vacation with us!
Amazing manta ray snorkel
Anali_S, Mar 2024
Amazing trip. It was so cool to see the manta rays. Great crew took us out, told us plenty of information on the manta rays and made us feel safe the entire time.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Aloha Anali! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Night Manta Ray Snorkel Experience! Snorkeling with the Manta Rays is truly an amazing experience! We are so happy that our Captain and Crew were able to share their love for the Manta Rays and made you feel safe the entire time. Mahalo nui loa!
Spectacular!
Lori_S, Mar 2024
Wonderful crew and staff. They took very good care of us and the Manta Rays put on quite a show!!! This was my second time and highly recommdnt this outfit.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Aloha Lori! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your night Manta ray snorkel experience! We are honored to have you return to snorkel with these spectacular animals on two separate occasions. Mahalo nui loa!
Great guides and...
David_B, Mar 2024
Great guides and experience! Very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the Manta Rays. Thank you!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Aloha David! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Night Manta Ray Experience! We are so happy to be able to share our love and knowledge of the manta rays with you! We hope to see you again. Mahalo nui loa
A must in Kona!
Shaun_W, Feb 2024
Incredible experience. If you had to do one thing on the island, I’d recommend this for sure! Sea Quest was amazing, the staff made the entire experience fun and safe. We were in the water for only a few minutes until the manta rays arrived. I counted 7 or 8 that swam with us the entire time.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Aloha Shaun! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Night Manta Ray Experience! Our Captains and Crew love what they do, and receiving recognition for their hard work is so rewarding. Thank you! What a fabulous experience to have 7 to 8 manta rays swimming with you the entire time! That's Incredible! Mahalo nui loa
Manta Night Viewing
kfeng, Jan 2024
Nice to have a physical location at the harbor for check in. A lot of others had to meet up in vans along side of road. Fitted for wetsuits and then a quick trip to the viewing site right off the coast of the hotel. Easy drop into the water and then waiting for mantas! There were multiple viewings and that experience was unique as they swam and looped right beneath us. Water was choppy this evening and arms did get tired. There was some sea sickness, but handled well by crew, who were always available in the boat and the water. Hot drinks and some packaged cookies upon return. Overall, a great experience!
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Night Manta Ray Snorkel. We know that there are a lot of choices, and we are thankful you not only chose Sea Quest Hawaii but also appreciate the extra things we do to provide our guest with a truly great experience. We loved sharing this experience with you. Mahalo nui loa
Worth it
Emily_W, Dec 2023
Seeing the manta rays swim underneath you; it’s kind of surreal. The staff is attentive and understanding to everyone.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Aloha Emily! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Night Manta Ray Experience! We are so happy to share this surreal experience with you and to hear that our staff was able to spread some aloha during your vacation.
Unforgettable experience!
Sukrutha_S, Dec 2023
An unforgettable experience - highly recommend for anyone visiting Big Island. Sea Quest was so professional and well organized, their crew were so patient with the group and made the experience smooth. Hot chocolate when we got back to shore was icing on the cake :)
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Aloha! Mahalo for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Night Manta Ray Experience! We could not be more happy to hear that you had an unforgettable experience! Snorkeling with the Kona coast manta rays is truly a once in a lifetime experience! We appreciate your kind words about our crew. They work hard to keep our guest and the manta rays safe and to have an organized, enjoyable experience. Mahalo nui loa
Majestic visit to see manta rays
Jennifer_M, Dec 2023
The manta rays were amazing! They really are as graceful and huge as the pictures. They came very close to us so it was easy to see them up close, but it did take a while for them to show up. We went with Sea Quest since they’re one of the few operators with an actual building operating at the bay. Staff was very professional, helpful and attuned to all the guests. They even had hot chocolate ready for us at the end!
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Aloha Jennifer! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Night Manta Ray Experience! We know there are a lot of choices, and it fills us with Aloha that you enjoyed your time with us. The Kona coast manta rays are truly amazing and majestic! We hope to see you again! Mahalo nui loa
Excellent experience
William_H, Dec 2023
Fantastic experience! The Manta Rays are such beautiful and awesome creatures. The crew was friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Aloha William! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Night Manta Ray Experience! We are so happy to hear you had a fantastic experience! We appreciate you coming out and sharing in this fantastic experience! Mahalo nui loa
Amazing!
Wendy_M, Nov 2023
An incredible experience! The whole crew and team were so kind and knowledgeable. They really made you feel safe and gave you so much awesome information about the Rays while you were viewing them.
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Aloha Wendy! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Night Manta Ray Experience! We are so happy to be able to share this amazing and incredible experience with you! We appreciate you coming out with us. Mahalo nui loa
Awesome Experience
Erika_R, Oct 2023
This was a perfect outing! I personally loved the short boat ride (versus a sunset cruise). The staff was super knowledgeable and very fun. Thank you for such a cool experience!
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Aloha Erika! Mahalo for joining Sea Quest Hawaii on our Night Manta Ray Experience! We are so thrilled you came out with us for a once in a life time experience! We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo nui loa
Thanks for a wonderful evening
Sean_S, Sep 2023
When a huge ray glides by 3 inches from your face is literally breathtaking. We are very happy we decided to try this
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Aloha Sean! Mahalo for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Night Manta Ray Snorkel! Having these giant, magnificent creatures glide inches from your face is truly a breathtaking experience! We are so happy you joined us. Mahalo nui loa
Careful and controlled Manta mania
Tomas_D, Aug 2023
Those big, beautiful Manta rays were out there in full force, and they were ready to eat, and we were ready to watch. events took place and there were squeals of joy, squeals of excitement….and constant laughter…. With awe and wonder. Those big, beautiful things would roll up onto the bottom of our float, and come within inches of us. They weren’t necessarily playful, but we were. We were careful not to touch but actually they touched us some all. This was under very much care and protection of staff, and we felt safe and amazed.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Aloha Tomas! Mahalo for joining Sea Quest Hawaii on our Night Manta Experience! It fills our hearts with Aloha to hear all the squeals of joy and excitement! The manta rays are truly spectacular and controlled Manta mania is a perfect way to describe it! Mahalo nui loa
Underwater Cirque du Soleil!
Jess_J, Aug 2023
This was my second time snorkeling with Mantas and BY FAR the most amazing experience. Last time, we only saw 4 and this time it felt as though they were surrounding us! There are strict rules around not touching them and you’re given tips and a floatie to put under your legs to under you don’t damage, but clearly the manta’s guides aren’t given the same tips on how to interact with humans (🤣) as they sometimes come so close THEY touch YOU! It truly felt as though they were putting on an underwater Cirque du Soleil show right under us. Whereas I went earlier in the evening (this time we were on the 8:15 boat) and in the year (February versus August), which are factors that companies can’t control that likely played into fewer mantas being seen, I also remember spending a lot of time trying to either figure out how to take pictures and managing my snorkel, which kept fogging and filling up. One on hand, I do wish I had some photographic evidence of my experience, but I’m glad I focused on staying present instead of getting great footage and have the memories of it all instead of watching it later through the camera. I would have loved the option of being able to purchase some footage later. The snorkels at Sea Quest were the best I’ve ever used… they were clean, clear, and didn’t fog up at all! The guides were all high energy and helped anyone feeling uncomfortable. We also got wetsuits to help stay warm. My husband and I are both in great shape and even our arms were pretty tired by the end, so just know that the warning about having shoulder issues is something to consider for an adventure like this is not to be ignored. Thanks for the magical evening!
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Aloha Jess! Mahalo nui for such an incredible review of our Sea Quest Hawaii's Night Manta Experience! Snorkeling with the manta rays can truly be the most amazing experience! We are also pleased to hear you enjoyed the quality equipment that is provided. It is much more enjoyable to spend your time watching the manta rays perform, instead of messing with your equipment! We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo nui loa
Great crew, high quality gear
DeDe_F, Aug 2023
Amazing must-do experience. We saw more mantas than expected, and very close-up! The crew was awesome. High quality / new snorkeling gear & wetsuits.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Aloha DeDe! Mahalo for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Night Manta Ray Experience! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed the manta rays! It can be such an incredible experience! Your positive feedback also reaffirms our commitment to maintaining the best equipment for our customers to enhance their experience and make it as comfortable for you as possible. Mahalo nui loa!
Great Family Memory Under the Sea
Kelly_W, Aug 2023
It was such a great experience my boys will remember forever! The staff was wonderful & very knowledgeable. I would say this is a must do if you are visiting the big island!
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Aloha Kelly! Mahalo for joining Sea Quest Hawaii for your family's Night Manta Experience! It fills our hearts with Aloha to hear that your boys made lasting memories! We appreciate hearing that this is a Must Do on the Big Island! Mahalo nui loa
A Must Do
Nick_G, Jul 2023
Sea Quest's Night Manta Tour was simply amazing. We had no fewer than 7 Mantas around us at a single time. We had some dual manta barrel rolls right under us. 10 out of 10!
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Aloha Nick! Mahalo for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Night Manta Experience. 7 Manta rays around you is a once in a life time experience! We are so thrilled you rate this experience a 10 out of 10! Mahalo nui loa!
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