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Kailua-Kona · Hawaii · United States

Swim with Manta Rays in Kailua-Kona!

Starting From From $129.75 per person Current Project Expedition rate
2 Hours 4.23 / 5 7 reviews Easy activity level Single Day Group Tour Operated by Iruka Hawaii Dolphin - Kona
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The Experience

What your day looks like

Let the KIBOU take you on an aquatic adventure along the western shores of the Big Island of Hawaii. Enjoy the most unbelievable sunsets as we cruise to the Manta destination. Our experienced captain determines the best manta snorkel spot depending on current ocean conditions. Once anchored, our crew will guide you to our floating mat where you can snorkel in Hawaiian waters and get an up close and personal encounter with the enchanting and beautiful Giant Oceanic Manta Rays! Live out what The Travel Channel calls one of the "Top 10 Things to do in your lifetime"! And keep an eye out for whales (during November - March only) To help provide the safest and most enjoyable experience for everyone, guests are asked to select the ticket that best reflects their swimming ability. Choose the ticket that best matches your comfort level in the water: Confident Swimmer: - Comfortable swimming in the open ocean at night. - Able to remain calm while floating and following crew instructions. - Suitable for all three nightly departures. - To ensure our crew can provide the best possible assistance, the Late Night departure is reserved exclusively for confident swimmers. Beginner Snorkeler: - For guests with little or no snorkeling experience, or those who are not comfortable swimming in the open ocean at night. - Available on our Sunset and Twilight departures only, not availble for the Late Night option. - To maintain a safe crew-to-guest ratio, Beginner Snorkeler and Ride-Along tickets are strictly capped at 15 guests total per tour.

At a Glance

The experience, in brief

  • Experience a big island sunset or stary night as you cruise along the coastline
  • Swim with Giant Oceanic Manta Rays in the Wild
  • Enjoy hot cocoa as we make our way back towards the harbor
Detailed Itinerary

The journey, in full

1. North Kona Transportation *IF requested ($50/pp)* (1st tour ONLY) - Pick up at North Kona hotels (See "Pick-up List" for pick-up schedule.) - Tour guide confirms all guests and the bus/van departs North Kona. 2. Check-in at Honokohau Harbor - Arrival at the Honokohau Harbor, Slip A17 - The friendly staff welcomes guests with a warm Aloha - Wetsuit fitting *Optional for additional fee** 3. Depart from Honokohau Harbor - Crew and captain introductions - Tour guide will give an overview of the tour and cover all safety measures 4. Snorkel with the Manta Rays - Snorkel spot is decided upon ocean conditions (15-minute boat ride North or 20-30 minute boat ride South) - Swim with Manta Rays! - 5. Return to Honokohau Harbor/ Self Drive out - A Hui Hou! Self Drive out/ Hotel Drop Off – (1st tour ONLY) Bus will depart from harbor and drop guests off to their hotels

Your Itinerary

Your day, step by step

Day 1

Kailua-Kona

Boating at Hawaii Island.

Continued

Kailua-Kona

Snorkeling.

Continued

Kailua-Kona

Swimming.

Continued

Kailua-Kona

Scuba Diving.

Before You Go

What to know before booking

Not Included

Gratuity Wet suits are not included (extra cost) $5 child $10 adult

What to Bring

Please take your seasick remedy an hour prior to your excursion. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverage, alcohol is allowed after snorkeling, and we kindly ask for no glass bottles.

Restrictions

To ensure the safest and most enjoyable experience for everyone on board, our tickets are now categorized by swimming ability. Please carefully select the option that best matches your comfort level in the water: Ticket Categories: Choose from Confident Swimmer, Beginner Snorkeler, or Ride-Along (boat ride only). Capacity Limits: To maintain a safe crew-to-guest ratio, Beginner Snorkeler and Ride-Along tickets are strictly capped at 15 guests total per tour. Late Night Tour Restriction: Please note that the latest tour is reserved exclusively for Confident Swimmers only (Adults and Children).

Meeting & Pickup

Honokohau Harbor, Kailua-Kona Hawaii. North Kona Transportation *IF requested ($50/pp)* (1st tour ONLY) - Pick up at North Kona hotels (See "Pick-up List" for pick-up schedule.) Pickup available from select hotels: Waikoloa Resort-Queens Marketplace, Kohala Suites/Bay Club Hilton Grand Vacations, Shops at Mauna Lani Shopping Center, Fairmont Orchid, Shops at Mauna Lani Shopping Center, Four Seasons Hualalai Resort, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Kings' Land by Hilton Grand Vacations Club, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hapuna Beach Resort

Languages Offered

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Planning Notes

Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business

Traveler Impressions

What travelers are saying

2026-05-20 4.00 / 5

We had a great time snorkeling and saw over 30 manta rays the night we went. Our daughter went a different night and had the same amazing experience. My only problem was finding the meeting location at the marina. The email mentioned a picture of the location but I did not receive it.

2025-07-14 5.00 / 5

My clients loved this tour!

2024-06-20 5.00 / 5

My clients said this experience was amazing and they loved every moment.

2023-12-26 5.00 / 5

What a wonderful experience! We were a bit apprehensive, but the crew put us at ease. If you have ever thought about doing this don't hesitate. It was truly amazing.

2023-01-08 2.00 / 5

Cool experience but unfriendly crew, and wetsuits are an extra cost which was never mentioned. Not very kid friendly, but hitch is what we did it for. It was too cold for them to just hang in the water not moving, and it actually took a lot of muscle strength to hold on to the raft the whole time.

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