4.8 (482) · Big Island of Hawaii · By Iruka Hawaii Dolphin ▶ Watch the videoFree cancellation
Embark on a unique adventure to snorkel with Giant Manta Rays in their natural environment on the Big Island!
Please choose the ticket that best suits your swimming abilities.
Confident Swimmer:
- You are comfortable swimming in the open ocean at night.
- You can remain calm while floating and following the crew's instructions.
Beginner Snorkeler:
- Ideal for guests with little to no snorkeling experience, or those who are not comfortable swimming in the open ocean at night.
We offer hotel pick-up for our sunset tour for a small fee. Please contact our office to arrange this. If you are driving yourself, please arrive 30 minutes before the tour time.
Hotel list for pick-up:
Waikoloa Resort-Queens Marketplace, Kohala Suites/Bay Club Hilton Grand Vacations, Shops at Mauna Lani Shopping Center, Fairmont Orchid, Shops at Mauna Lani Shopping Center, Four Seasons Hualalai Resort, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Kings' Land by Hilton Grand Vacations Club, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hapuna Beach Resort
✓ Enjoy hot cocoa as we make our way back towards the harbor✓ Use of Snorkelling equipment✕ Wetsuits are available for rent: $10/adult and $5/child.✕ Complimentary GoPro photos from our crew (trip dependent, no guarantee).✕ Transportation is available upon request.Activity Schedule
2 h
Your adventure begins with a scenic cruise towards the manta ray viewing area. Enjoy the ocean views and keep an eye out for marine life. Dolphins are often spotted, and humpback whales may be seen during whale season (November to March).
Upon arrival, guests will swim to our large, illuminated floating raft and hold on throughout the tour.
The raft's underwater lights attract plankton, the primary food source for manta rays. Watch as they gracefully feed, performing incredible dives and rolls just inches below you.
At Iruka, we do not practice free diving with mantas. Guests enjoy the spectacle while holding onto the raft. Our crew is available to assist and ensure your comfort. If you need to return to the boat during the snorkel, you will remain on board for the remainder of the excursion.
After your underwater experience, warm up with hot cocoa, tea, and a light snack as we cruise back under the starlit sky!
- You are welcome to bring your own beverages after swimming (no glass bottles).
- If you are prone to motion sickness, it is recommended to take medication one hour before departure.
- If manta rays are not sighted during your tour, you are invited to join us again on another night at no extra charge.
- Private manta ray charters are available.
Garden Eel Cove / Manta Heaven Kailua-Kona Island of Hawaii
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.
Iruka Hawaii Dolphin & Manta Tours
Slip A-17 Honokohau Small Boat Harbor
74-380 Kealakehe Pkwy
Kailua-Kona HI 96740 USA
Please meet us at the Iruka Hawaii booth, located at Slip A-17 in the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, for check-in. Check-in begins 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
Iruka Hawaii Dolphin & Manta Tours
Slip A-17 Honokohau Small Boat Harbor
74-380 Kealakehe Pkwy
Kailua-Kona HI 96740 USA
Please meet us at the Iruka Hawaii booth, located at Slip A-17 in the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, for check-in. Check-in begins 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
Please click the link to sign our waiver forms: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/606b3503ed218/web/
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to tour time!
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Infants must sit on an adult’s lap. Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. Not recommended for pregnant travelers. Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Suitable for all physical fitness levels. Sightings of wild animals are natural occurrences and cannot be guaranteed 100%. Confident Swimmer Beginner Snorkeler Book in advance, especially during peak season, as tours can sell out. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication an hour before departure. Bring a waterproof camera to capture the incredible moments (optional). Listen carefully to the crew's instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience. Consider the 'Beginner Snorkeler' option if you have limited experience or are hesitant about night swimming. The tour operates year-round, but whale sightings are seasonal (November - March). For a full refund, please cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 337841P4
Activity offered by Iruka Hawaii Dolphin via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Adventurers Nature lovers Snorkelers Families Couples Experience an unforgettable night snorkel with majestic Manta Rays. Observe Manta Rays feeding in their natural habitat. Enjoy stunning ocean views and potential sightings of dolphins and whales. Suitable for all swimming abilities with options for beginners. Professional crew providing assistance and ensuring comfort. Opportunity for a complimentary repeat tour if Manta Rays are not seen.
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 20° Jan 20° Feb 20° Mar 21° Apr 21° May 22° Jun 22° Jul 23° Aug 23° Sept 22° Oct 22° Nov 21° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour? + The tour lasts for 2 hours.
What is included in the tour? + The tour includes hot cocoa on the return journey and the use of snorkeling equipment.
What is not included in the tour? + Wetsuits are available for rent, and while the crew may offer GoPro photos, they are not guaranteed. Transportation is available upon request.
What should I do if I am prone to motion sickness? + It is recommended to take motion sickness medication an hour before departure.
What happens if Manta Rays are not seen during the tour? + If manta rays are not sighted, you are invited to join the tour again on another night free of charge.
Is there a pick-up service available? + Yes, pick-up is available from select hotels for the sunset tour for a small fee. Please call the office to request it.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Night snorkel with Manta Rays is a must do
kjkoffman, October 2026
Our Manta Ray snorkel was awesome. Captain Mitch, Nick, Leo, and Eric made sure everyone had a great time. This is a must do for anyone in Kona.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Manta Rays at Night
O5217EQdianac, September 2026
The Iruka Kona Manta Ray excursion was absolutely incredible! Our crew captain, Lena and her team of Trev, Diego, & Makua were friendly, professional, and made the whole experience feel safe and easy. Seeing the manta rays up close in the water was truly unforgettable. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Kona!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Swimmin with the fishes
marccP4148YV, September 2026
A must not miss. The experience is one of a kind. You are inches from the manta rays as they do their thing in the wild. Comfort level is high as you are in a sheltered cove, land visible, depth maybe 10-20 feet. It is something you will never forget. Can't say enough about the crew. Cap't Lena, Trev, Diego, and Makua are safety first, professional, funny, and as nice as can be. They have you covered on the boat and in the water. Right there to make sure everyone is comfortable and safe. Do not pass this up, just do it.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Must-Do in Kona!
khrys71990, September 2026
We went on the 6pm 9/21 tour with Tamae, Nick, Jack, and I think Trevor. They were a fantastic crew for the 2hr tour. We checked in, were offered wetsuits and inflatable life vests, and were quickly organized on the boat for the 15-20min drive to the snorkel location. We were offered refreshments to and from the snorkel spot. The crew got the floating devices situated first and then the more confident swimmers started jumping in. It took a bit for the lights to attract the main attraction, but in the meanwhile it attracted plenty of fish and several harmless sharks. We got to see a few manta ray backflips as they fed right in front of us. It was an amazing experience.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Manta is too close❣️
光文国, September 2026
Since she speaks Japanese, you can join casually. My younger brother, who has leg problems, accompanied us, and thank you to the staff for your consideration. To everyone
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