Ocean Encounters invites guests to experience Kona’s remarkable marine life with knowledgeable local guides and a welcoming crew. From unforgettable manta ray night snorkels and reef adventures to seasonal whale watching and dolph...
Ocean Encounters invites guests to experience Kona’s remarkable marine life with knowledgeable local guides and a welcoming crew. From unforgettable manta ray night snorkels and reef adventures to seasonal whale watching and dolph...
Whale watching and manta ray snorkeling in Kona doesn't get much better than this. Captains like Momi, Rory, and Lena consistently earn praise for finding the wildlife and keeping guests informed, while crew members like Justice, Maddie, and Laura bring genuine enthusiasm to every trip. The manta ray night snorkel stands out as a crowd favorite, with guests describing close encounters that left them speechless. A few practical things worth knowing before you go: bring a towel and a light jacket or sweatshirt, because the boat ride back can feel cold when you're wet. If you're prone to seasickness, taking something like Dramamine beforehand is strongly recommended for the night manta tour. First-timers, including those who consider themselves nervous snorkelers, consistently report feeling well taken care of by the crew, so don't let anxiety hold you back from booking.
An absolutely unforgettable experience! Our family of six had the most incredible time on the sunset manta ray snorkeling excursion with Ocean Encounters! From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. Captain Momi was phenomenal! She made everyone feel safe and comfortable, and watching her expertly back the boat into the harbor in the dark was seriously impressive. Captain Momi is an absolute baddie behind the helm! The crew Lena, Josh, and Madison were beyond amazing. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about sharing everything they knew about manta rays. Their excitement made the experience even more special. We had the pleasure of seeing two baby manta rays one of which they informed us was named Milkyway, it was one of the most magical experiences we've ever had. Watching them gracefully glide beneath us was absolutely mesmerizing, they go so close right up against the light board, doing rolls beneathe us. The crew made sure everyone had an amazing view while teaching us about manta behavior and the importance of protecting them. The crew also thought of every detail. They kept everyone hydrated with water throughout the trip and had snacks waiting for us on the ride back. My husband and father-in-law are both tall, stocky men, and we were pleasantly surprised that they had wetsuit tops that fit them comfortably—a small detail that really shows they cater to all guests. If you're looking for an unforgettable manta ray experience on the Big Island, I can't recommend Ocean Encounters enough. A huge mahalo to Captain Momi, **King** (the best co-captain and sweetest dog ever!), Lena, Josh, and Madison for making this such an incredible evening. This is a memory our family will cherish forever, and we'd book with them again in a heartbeat!
Claire Preston
June 28, 2026
An absolutely unforgettable experience! Our family of six had the most incredible time on the sunset manta ray snorkeling excursion with Ocean Encounters! From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. Captain Momi was phenomenal! She made everyone feel safe and comfortable, and watching her expertly back the boat into the harbor in the dark was seriously impressive. Captain Momi is an absolute baddie behind the helm! The crew Lena, Josh, and Madison were beyond amazing. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about sharing everything they knew about manta rays. Their excitement made the experience even more special. We had the pleasure of seeing two baby manta rays one of which they informed us was named Milkyway, it was one of the most magical experiences we've ever had. Watching them gracefully glide beneath us was absolutely mesmerizing, they go so close right up against the light board, doing rolls beneathe us. The crew made sure everyone had an amazing view while teaching us about manta behavior and the importance of protecting them. The crew also thought of every detail. They kept everyone hydrated with water throughout the trip and had snacks waiting for us on the ride back. My husband and father-in-law are both tall, stocky men, and we were pleasantly surprised that they had wetsuit tops that fit them comfortably—a small detail that really shows they cater to all guests. If you're looking for an unforgettable manta ray experience on the Big Island, I can't recommend Ocean Encounters enough. A huge mahalo to Captain Momi, **King** (the best co-captain and sweetest dog ever!), Lena, Josh, and Madison for making this such an incredible evening. This is a memory our family will cherish forever, and we'd book with them again in a heartbeat!
Claire Preston
June 28, 2026