Watch for manta rays on an evening catamaran cruise off the Kona Coast
1.5 hours
Snorkel gear, wetsuit, drinks
Cruise the Kona Coast at night and watch for manta rays feeding on illuminated plankton. This open-ocean experience takes place aboard a 50-foot sailing catamaran; manta ray sightings are not guaranteed.
Cancel at least 24 hours before check-in. Private charters, groups of 10 or more, and Pleasant Holidays bookings require 72 hours' notice. No refund is issued for cancellations after the applicable deadline. If COVID-19 symptoms arise within 24 hours of the tour, a full refund requires a physician's note for each person canceling.
Product ID: UZ56FR
Sign the electronic waivers before you arrive, then show up 15 minutes before departure. You’ll get fitted for a wetsuit before boarding.
Wear swimwear for the wetsuit fitting. Bring a towel, cover-up, and sandals or shoes that are easy to remove. Pack a light jacket or sweater for after the water; personal gear and an underwater camera are optional.
No. Full-face snorkeling masks aren’t allowed due to safety concerns.
Keauhou Bay at the end of Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
The crew here is genuinely the heart of this operation. Captains like Troy and Roe, along with crew members like Cher, Kapra, Deon, and others, consistently earn praise for being knowledgeable, safety-conscious, and fun to be around. Multiple reviewers highlighted how crew members are trained lifeguards who stay in the water with guests, point out marine life, and make snorkeling accessible even for nervous first-timers. The cultural touches, like a traditional prayer and tea leaf offering at Kealakekua Bay, give the experience real depth beyond a typical tourist excursion. The morning snorkel tour is the standout offering, with guests regularly spotting turtles, dolphins, reef fish, and dramatic lava landscapes. Food, drinks, and equipment are all well covered, and the option to rent a GoPro is a popular add-on worth considering. The manta ray night snorkel is a different story. On a good night it can be unforgettable, but the experience is entirely dependent on how many rays show up, and some guests have found the physical demands of holding on in the water for 45 minutes disappointing when only a single ray appears briefly. Worth knowing before you book. Overall, the vibe is warm, professional, and genuinely passionate about the ocean and Hawaiian culture. For most visitors, the morning tour alone makes the trip worthwhile.
This is the 3rd time I have enjoyed Sea Paradise tours. My wife, our son, his wife and their 7 yr old daughter went on the Manta Ray swim…OMG! This is a must-do for visitors to Kona. The Sea Paradise staff has always been super helpful and friendly. The boat is beautiful and comfortable. Thank you !! We can’t wait to see you again.
Marty Crowley
September 3, 2026
This is the 3rd time I have enjoyed Sea Paradise tours. My wife, our son, his wife and their 7 yr old daughter went on the Manta Ray swim…OMG! This is a must-do for visitors to Kona. The Sea Paradise staff has always been super helpful and friendly. The boat is beautiful and comfortable. Thank you !! We can’t wait to see you again.
Marty Crowley
September 3, 2026
Open-Ocean Night Snorkel for a Chance to See Manta Rays
Sail the Kona Coast and snorkel Kealakekua Bay's vibrant reef
Sail the Kona Coast with guided reef snorkeling and breakfast
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay Near the Captain James Cook Monument
Night snorkeling with manta rays around an illuminated viewing board
Weekly water gear rental with size options