Free Re-Ride, 1 Hour 20 Minutes

1 hour 20 minutes with My Kona Adventures

Overview

This is a short, focused manta ray night snorkel run by My Kona Adventures in Kailua-Kona. The whole outing lasts 1 hour 20 minutes: about 25 to 30 minutes are spent in the water, and around 50 minutes covers boat travel. Groups are capped at 11 travellers, and the operator runs a rigid inflatable boat rather than a larger vessel.

In the water, snorkellers float with a board that attracts the mantas, using an ankle floaty to keep their legs straight in what one reviewer calls the Superman pose. Multiple reviewers describe rays swimming right up to them and passing close by. Everyone on board must be an experienced swimmer with prior snorkel experience, and children need to be 5 or older to board the boat.

The operator's signature offer is a free re-ride if no manta rays appear, which the listing promises for anyone whose night ends without a sighting. The meeting point is beside the Outrigger Kona Hotel sign at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the harborCheck in at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, right next to the Outrigger Kona Hotel sign. Arrive with time to spare, since one reviewer noted parking near the harbor can be difficult and advised against the diagonal-lined spots near street corners.
2. Boat ride outTravel to the manta ray snorkel site by rigid inflatable boat. Boat time is included in the 1 hour 20 minute total, with roughly 50 minutes covering the round trip on the water.
3. Night snorkel with mantasSpend about 25 to 30 minutes in the water floating while manta rays gather around the light board. Snorkeling is included if that option is selected.
4. Return to harborThe boat returns to the original meeting point, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape whether this tour is a good fit and how the night goes.

• Swimming ability. Everyone in the water needs to be an experienced swimmer with prior snorkel experience, per the listing.
• What to bring. One reviewer reported that snorkels are provided on board. The same reviewer suggested stretching your arms beforehand, since the floating position is held for the whole water session.
• Short and punchy. The 1 hour 20 minute duration is genuinely short. Expect a quick boat ride, a single float session, and a straight return.
• Small group. The boat holds a maximum of 11 travellers, and one reviewer singled out the small group size as a plus for viewing the mantas. Gratuities are not included in the price.
• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup or drop off, so travellers make their own way to the harbor. One reviewer advised arriving early for parking and warned against the diagonal-lined spots near street corners.
• Timing and logistics. The listing states confirmation is received at the time of booking, so check that message for the check-in details. If anyone gets lost at the harbor, the listing says to ask any of the companies there and they will direct you to the boat.

Common issues. The water time is short and one reviewer felt it ran shorter than advertised, which is worth knowing before booking. Mantas are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed, though the listing promises a free re-ride if no manta rays appear. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, service animals cannot board, and the listing advises against the tour for people with back problems or heart conditions. Wet weather cancels trips, and a minimum number of travellers is required, with a different date or a full refund offered when either forces a cancellation.

Choosing A Tour