Hang Loose Night Manta, 2.5 Hours

2.5 hours

Overview

Hang Loose Boat Tours runs this night manta ray experience out of Kailua Kona, and it lasts about 2.5 hours. The idea is simple: mantas feed on plankton at night, and floating lights concentrate the plankton, so snorkelers hold onto a light board and watch the rays loop and feed just below them. Trips to the viewing site take roughly 20 to 30 minutes of boat travel each way.

The evening starts with a safety briefing on shore, then everyone gets fitted with snorkel gear and wetsuit tops before boarding. Drinks and simple snacks, things like chips, granola bars and juice, are handed out during the ride out. In the water you float with the group while the crew keeps an eye on everyone, and several reviewers said the crew went out of their way to help hesitant swimmers feel safe. Anyone who would rather not get wet can book the ride-along option and watch from the boat, which one reviewer said gave her mother the best seat in the house.

It suits nervous swimmers and families as well as confident snorkelers, since the experience is built around floating rather than covering distance. Motion sickness is the main thing to plan around: the listing recommends taking medication the night before and again on the day of the tour.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the dockThe meeting point may vary depending on the option selected, so check the booking page for details. Hotel pickup is not included.
2. Safety briefing and gearThe crew runs a short safety briefing and hands out snorkel equipment and wetsuit tops before boarding.
3. Night cruise to the siteThe boat ride to the manta viewing site takes about 20 to 30 minutes from shore, with drinks and light snacks served along the way.
4. Snorkel with the light boardSnorkelers hold onto a floating light board while the glow attracts plankton and draws the mantas in close. Ride-along passengers stay on the boat and watch from there.
5. Return to shoreThe full cruise and snorkel or watch runs 2 to 2.5 hours, then the boat heads back to the dock.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this night goes, from seasickness timing to what the crew provides for weak swimmers.

• Seasickness planning. The ride out can be bumpy, and one reviewer who never usually gets seasick did on this trip. The listing suggests taking motion sickness medicine the night before and again at least an hour before the tour.
• Weak swimmers welcome. Several reviewers said the crew made poor swimmers feel safe with life jackets, noodles and a tow out to the viewing board. One family described crew members repeatedly circling to check on every group. You float rather than swim, so confidence in the water matters less than willingness to get in.
• What to bring. Pack a swimsuit, a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen and a hat. The listing also recommends sunglasses and a long-sleeve jacket or sweatshirt for the night air.
• Food and drink. Snacks such as chips, granola bars, rice krispies and fruit snacks are provided, along with water, juice and ginger ale. Gratuities are covered in the tour price. Alcohol is not allowed.
• Photos. A GoPro rental is available at the site, subject to availability, so it is worth asking early if you want footage. Underwater lights do the work of drawing the mantas in, which makes for close viewing.
• Sightings guarantee. If no manta rays are spotted, the operator offers another cruise free rather than a refund. Reviewers on recent trips reported seeing multiple mantas up close, and one group also saw reef sharks.

Common issues. Hotel pickup is not included, so travellers make their own way to the meeting point, which varies by option. The crossing can be choppy, and one reviewer who rarely gets seasick was sick on this tour, so medication taken in advance is a real consideration. If mantas are not sighted you get a free repeat cruise, not a refund. Non-folding wheelchairs, mobility scooters and strollers are not allowed on board, and the listing prohibits diving, touching marine life and feeding animals.

Choosing A Tour