Manta Ray Night Snorkel — Smaller Group Boat

Not at all. Manta rays have no stingers, barbs, or teeth, and are completely harmless to humans. They feed on microscopic plankton and are simply not interested in people. They are wild, gentle animals that may come remarkably close — some with wingspans exceeding 12 ft (3.6 m) — but they pose zero threat.

No — touching is absolutely prohibited. Human contact can damage the manta ray's protective mucus layer, leaving them vulnerable to infection. Your guides enforce this in the water and will remove guests from the tour if intentional touching is attempted.

The later in the evening, the darker it is — and that's when manta sightings are typically at their best. Darkness draws more plankton to the floating lights, which in turn brings more manta rays. That said, mantas are commonly seen on all tours from sunset onward. If you're bringing young children or feel nervous about being in open ocean after dark, earlier sunset tours offer a more comfortable experience while still providing excellent chances of manta encounters.

Yes, as long as it is in a fully waterproof housing and can be kept close to your body. Selfie sticks and long poles are not permitted — they can be hazardous to the manta rays, whose forward visibility is limited. You will be holding onto the light board at all times, so your camera must not interfere with your ability to float calmly. Your guide may ask you to stow it if it becomes a safety concern.

In the rare event that no manta rays are seen on the Manta Ray Night Snorkel, or no dolphins are spotted on the Morning Reef Snorkel, you are welcome to join another trip at no charge during the same vacation period. This guarantee is based on availability, so it is recommended to book early in your trip for maximum flexibility. Note: this guarantee applies to direct bookings only.

Kona is located on the leeward side of the Big Island. The large volcanic mountains — Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai — block the trade winds that blow from east to west, making the waters off the Kona coast calm and beautiful year-round. Even on windier days up north by Waikoloa, conditions are typically very calm in Kona.

Absolutely! Your guides specialize in first-time snorkelers. Before entering the water, you'll receive a 10-minute gear orientation covering mask fit, breathing through the snorkel, and fin technique. First mates will snorkel alongside you until you feel confident on your own. Flotation devices and noodles are always available.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own mask and snorkel. All necessary equipment is already included in the tour — but if you have a preferred prescription mask or personal gear, feel free to bring it.

Yes! A waterproof camera is strongly encouraged — the crew is not responsible for any damaged or lost items. For the manta ray night snorkel, cameras must be in fully waterproof housing and kept close to your body. Selfie sticks and long poles are not permitted as they can be hazardous to the manta rays.

The OE1 vessel is a 46 ft Delta boat — big, roomy, and dry. It features restrooms, plenty of shaded areas, an inside cabin, upper deck seating for elevated views, a wide swim step, and an extra-sturdy ladder for easy water entry and exit. The Delta design is known for being stable, strong, and seaworthy. The OE2 is a smaller vessel suited to more intimate groups, also equipped with a restroom, shaded area, bow railing, and swim step/ladder.

You can snorkel with a beard or mustache, but facial hair can prevent a tight seal between the mask and your face, which may allow water to leak in. It is often recommended to shave at least your mustache before the tour. If you prefer not to shave, bringing petroleum jelly or chapstick to coat your mustache may help create a better seal.

You cannot wear glasses with a snorkel mask, but contacts are totally fine and often the best option for seeing clearly underwater. If you have a prescription mask, feel free to bring it — rental shops typically do not carry them. Everything appears about 25% larger and closer underwater, which helps visibility, but for the sharpest view, contacts or a custom mask is recommended.

Reef-safe sunscreen is required by Hawaii State Law. Common sunscreens contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens — chemicals that can harm coral reefs. Reef-SAFE sunscreens use non-nano particles too large for corals to absorb. Look for mineral-based formulas labeled "non-nano." Wearing a long-sleeve rash guard is also a great alternative to minimize sunscreen use in the water.

Tours generally run rain or shine, as the Kona Coast is one of the calmest in Hawaii. However, tour locations may change based on sea conditions to ensure guest safety — your guides will always take you to the best conditions available on the day. Tours may be cancelled in the case of severe weather events.