Manta Watch, No Snorkeling

2 hours of mantas off Kona

Overview

This nighttime run out of Kailua-Kona puts you on a catamaran for two hours with one main purpose: watching manta rays in the waters off the Kona coast. You board at Kealakehe Parkway, sail out after dark, and settle in while the guide explains why the mantas gather along these warm shores and how they behave. The rays swim in spirals beneath you, and you are invited to keep your eyes open for fish and other marine life.

The base experience keeps you on the boat. A paid upgrade exists for travellers who want to get in the water with snorkel gear and a wetsuit top, both of which are provided on board either way. Light snacks are handed out during the trip, and the boat returns to the harbor at the end of the night.

It suits anyone who wants the manta experience without needing to swim, including people who would rather stay dry, plus confident swimmers who take the snorkel option. Reviews repeatedly describe the crew as funny and clued up about the species, and several travellers said the guides made the whole night enjoyable. Bring a towel and a warm layer, since the listing recommends something warm for the ride back.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Kealakehe ParkwayCheck in at the harbor address in Kailua-Kona. The operator asks you to confirm which boat you are on, as several boats leave from the same harbor.
2. Board the catamaranClimb aboard a spacious catamaran with your guide. Snorkel gear, a wetsuit top, and life jackets are provided on board.
3. Night sail along the Kona coastThe boat heads out after dark. Along the way the guide talks about the local manta rays and what draws them to these waters.
4. Watch the manta raysStay on board and watch the rays swim in spirals beneath the surface, or, if you selected the snorkel upgrade, enter the water at a safe distance from the animals.
5. Snacks on the waterLight snacks are served while you watch the rays and keep an eye out for fish and other marine life.
6. Return to Kailua-KonaThe boat sails back to the harbor, ending the two hour trip. Something warm for the ride back is recommended.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the night smoother, from what to wear to how the booking confirmation works.

• Call ahead first. The listing asks you to phone the operator 12 hours in advance to confirm your booking and to confirm which boat to board, since several boats operate from the same harbor.
• Pack for cold. Bring a towel and something warm for the return leg, as the listing specifically warns the ride back gets chilly. Swimwear is needed for the snorkel option, and a waterproof camera is the recommended way to capture the rays.
• Stay dry or swim. The default experience is watching from the boat. The in water encounter with mantas is a separate selected option, so check the choice on the booking page before paying.
• Crew carries the trip. Reviewers consistently single out the guides as funny, helpful, and knowledgeable about the species, with several saying the crew made the whole night enjoyable. Expect an informal, upbeat atmosphere on board.
• Water is cold. Some reviewers wished for warmer gear, and the listing's own feedback summary mentions the cold water. A wetsuit top is provided, but anyone sensitive to cold should think twice before choosing the swim option.
• No hotel transport. Pickup and drop-off are not included, so you arrange your own way to and from the Kealakehe Parkway harbor address. Tips for the crew are also not included.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, and you must call 12 hours ahead to confirm the booking and the correct boat, which catches out travellers who skip that step. Some reviewers found the water colder than expected and would have liked warmer gear or clearer instructions before getting in.

Choosing A Tour