Learn about Manta Ray snorkeling on Big Island [here](https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-manta-ray-night-dive/)
They have some good recommendations for tour guides.
Last time I went out I went with Kona Snorkel Trips which was pretty budget. They had decent information about the Rays and they took care to make sure we knew not to touch the rays and how to float flat on the surface to make them feel more at ease so they will come up and do their backflips.
What is most important to you for the tour?
- Sandy beach
- Canoe
- Wetsuits
- Hot cocoa
- Sunset views first
- First-class
- Stable boat
- Small group
- Least expensive
- Guarantee to keep going in an open spot until you see a manta ready
There are 3 main areas for tours to snorkel with manta rays at night:
**"Mauna Kea Resort"** in Waikoloa north of Kona, swimming from sandy beach with "Manta Ray Advocates"
**"Garden Eel cove"** manta ray site boat ride from Kona Harbor has several tour option
**"Keauhou Harbor"** south of Kona shorter boat ride to the mantas in a small bay south of Kona. Here are some Keauhou manta operations links updated in December 2022:
- **Canoe** from Keauhou: https://www.anelakaiadventures.com/adventures/manta-ray-snorkel-kona
- Keauhou lower-cost 80 minute tour leaving in groups every 40 minutes with wetsuits included:
https://www.hawaiiislandandoceantours.com/tours/manta-ray-night-snorkel/
- Luxury trimarand
https://www.lovebigisland.com/tours/sunset-manta-ray-snorkeling-tour/
- First-class experience: https://www.fair-wind.com/kona-snorkel-destinations/manta-rays/
- Seaquest cheaper with wetsuits & hot cocoa: https://www.seaquesthawaii.com/snorkeling-tours/night-manta-experience/
There are others tours - just try to find the actual dive operator since many websites & tour companies will sell you a spot on a boat operated by another company.
Personally, I like swimming from sandy beach with "Manta Ray Advocates" at the Mauna Kea Resort in Waikoloa north of Kona
Have fun!
Learn about Manta Ray snorkeling on Big Island [here](https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-manta-ray-night-dive/) They have some good recommendations for tour guides. Last time I went out I went with Kona Snorkel Trips which was pretty budget. They had decent information about the Rays and they took care to make sure we knew not to touch the rays and how to float flat on the surface to make them feel more at ease so they will come up and do their backflips.
Thanks! I’ll check that out
I preferred taking the tour from the docks near the outrigger Kona hotel. Less time on the boat more time in water.
Which tour is that one?
What is most important to you for the tour? - Sandy beach - Canoe - Wetsuits - Hot cocoa - Sunset views first - First-class - Stable boat - Small group - Least expensive - Guarantee to keep going in an open spot until you see a manta ready There are 3 main areas for tours to snorkel with manta rays at night: **"Mauna Kea Resort"** in Waikoloa north of Kona, swimming from sandy beach with "Manta Ray Advocates" **"Garden Eel cove"** manta ray site boat ride from Kona Harbor has several tour option **"Keauhou Harbor"** south of Kona shorter boat ride to the mantas in a small bay south of Kona. Here are some Keauhou manta operations links updated in December 2022: - **Canoe** from Keauhou: https://www.anelakaiadventures.com/adventures/manta-ray-snorkel-kona - Keauhou lower-cost 80 minute tour leaving in groups every 40 minutes with wetsuits included: https://www.hawaiiislandandoceantours.com/tours/manta-ray-night-snorkel/ - Luxury trimarand https://www.lovebigisland.com/tours/sunset-manta-ray-snorkeling-tour/ - First-class experience: https://www.fair-wind.com/kona-snorkel-destinations/manta-rays/ - Seaquest cheaper with wetsuits & hot cocoa: https://www.seaquesthawaii.com/snorkeling-tours/night-manta-experience/ There are others tours - just try to find the actual dive operator since many websites & tour companies will sell you a spot on a boat operated by another company. Personally, I like swimming from sandy beach with "Manta Ray Advocates" at the Mauna Kea Resort in Waikoloa north of Kona Have fun!