Small Group, Wetsuit Included

2 hours, wetsuit included

Overview

This two hour night snorkel from Honokohau Harbor puts a maximum of 16 travellers on the water with manta rays off the Kona coast. Snorkel gear, flotation devices and wetsuits are all provided, along with island juices, soda, bottled water and light snacks. Guests meet the boat at the north side of Honokohau Harbor by the bathrooms and pavilion, at the parking lot on Kealakehe Pkwy in Kailua-Kona, and the trip ends back at the same spot.

The format is straightforward. Reviewers often mention mantas passing within inches and barrel rolling beneath them, with one counting at least nine rays on their night. Crew coach nervous swimmers, help everyone into the water, and keep an eye on guests who feel unwell.

It suits families with school age kids and teens, since flotation is available and reviewers report crew coaching nervous snorkellers, including children, in the water. It does not suit pregnant travellers, children under 5, anyone over the 265 lb weight limit, or wheelchair users. Bring a towel and something warm for the return ride, which reviewers say gets chilly.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Honokohau HarborMeet in the parking lot at 74 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, on the north side of Honokohau Harbor by the bathrooms and pavilion. Hotel pickup is not included.
2. Gear up on the dockGet fitted with a wetsuit and collect snorkel gear and flotation devices.
3. Boat ride at duskRide out on the boat toward the manta viewing area. One reviewer described the outbound ride as about 20 minutes.
4. Night snorkel with mantasEnter the water with the crew and watch manta rays feed below and around the group. Reviewers report mantas barrel rolling and passing close to snorkellers for the whole time in the water.
5. Snacks and drinksIsland juices, soda, bottled water and light snacks are included on the trip. The listing does not state exactly when they are served.
6. Return to the harborThe trip ends back at the original meeting point on the north side of Honokohau Harbor.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical details make the difference between a smooth night and a rushed one.

• Wear and bring. The listing asks for a swimsuit worn on arrival, plus a towel and warm clothes such as a sweater or windbreaker for after the snorkel. Reviewers say the return ride gets chilly once you are out of the water.
• Wetsuit and gear. Wetsuits, snorkel gear and flotation devices are all included in the price. The listing states these are provided, so there is no need to rent or bring your own.
• Group feel. The trip caps at 16 travellers. Multiple reviewers said the small group made the experience feel personal and more relaxed than larger operations they had tried.
• Fitness and limits. The listing sets a 265 lb weight limit, excludes pregnant travellers and children under 5, and notes the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
• Food and drink. Island juices, soda, bottled water and light snacks are provided. Gratuities are not included, so bring cash if you want to tip the crew.
• Seasickness. The boat ride out and back sits over open water at night. One reviewer mentioned guests getting seasick, and said the crew helped them settle.

Common issues. No hotel pickup or drop off is included, so you need your own transport to Honokohau Harbor, and towels and warm layers are on you. The tour needs a minimum number of travellers and good weather to run; if either forces a cancellation, the operator offers a different date or a full refund. Accessibility is limited, with no wheelchair access and firm restrictions on weight, pregnancy and age. One reviewer reported being unable to enter the water after boarding because they had not read the weight and physical limitation details, so check those carefully before booking. Cut-off times for cancellations are based on the experience's local time.

Choosing A Tour