Charter a roomy 46' boat with shaded seating, snorkel gear, and snacks
4 Hours
Snorkel gear, light snacks
Charter the 46 ft. Ocean Encounter in Kailua-Kona and enjoy a spacious boat with shaded areas, an inside cabin, and viewing from the upper deck. You’ll also have a swim step and sturdy ladder for getting in and out of the water.
If you plan to ocean fish, non-residents 15 or older need a Hawaii fishing license ($20 1-day, $40 7-day, $70 annual), with exemptions for youth under 15 and active-duty military personnel and their families. Crew gratuity is not included unless arranged in advance.
PLEASE NOTE OUR OFFICE HOURS ARE 9am to 6pm Hawaii Standard Time. SHOULD YOU NEED TO CONTACT US FOR ANY REASON PLEASE DO SO DURING OFFICE HOURS.
Yes. Basic swimming experience is required to participate in the snorkeling activities.
No. The boats are not wheelchair accessible, and you need to be able to board and unboard without ramps.
Yes, if you are a non-resident and plan to ocean fish from a boat in Hawaii. Youth under 15 and active-duty military personnel and their families are exempt. Licenses are valid from the date of issue, and use dates cannot be changed and are not refundable.
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