Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its array of captivating marine life. One of the most remarkable experiences visitors can enjoy is the Manta Ray Night Snorkel. This 80-minute excursion allows adventurous travelers to witness these majestic creatures up close as they feed on plankton, illuminated by custom-made light boards. With professional guides to ensure safety and a seamless experience, participants can don provided wetsuits and snorkel gear for an unforgettable encounter in the waters off Kailua-Kona. What awaits those who embark on this aquatic adventure is a truly mesmerizing display of nature’s wonder.
Key Points
- A 80-minute manta ray night snorkel excursion in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, with approximately 30 minutes of in-water snorkel time.
- Customized light boards enhance visibility of the manta rays, which can have wingspans up to 18 feet.
- Complimentary snorkel gear and wetsuits provided, with a professional, CPR-certified guide ensuring participant safety.
- Flexible booking and cancellation policies, with a 24-hour free cancellation policy for full refunds.
- Overall customer satisfaction of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with praise for the crew’s expertise and the memorable manta ray encounter.
Activity Overview
The Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua-Kona offers an exhilarating opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat. Priced from $114.14 per person, this 80-minute excursion allows you to snorkel alongside manta rays that can reach impressive wingspans of up to 18 feet.
You’ll have the chance to swim with these gentle giants, which typically average 8 to 12 feet in width. The tour features custom-made light boards to optimize manta ray viewing during the approximately 30 minutes of in-water snorkel time, weather permitting.
With a short 3-minute boat ride to the viewing site, this thrilling experience is led by professional guides and includes essential equipment like snorkels, masks, and clean, dry wetsuits.
Booking Information
Booking this thrilling Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua-Kona is likely to sell out, so guests are encouraged to reserve their spots in advance.
Visitors can book their spot with no upfront payment, thanks to the reserve now & pay later option.
Plus, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for full refunds if plans change.
Interested individuals should check the availability of starting times to secure their desired timeslot.
Given the popularity of this experience, it’s wise to plan ahead and secure a spot as soon as possible.
With flexible booking and cancellation policies, guests can easily adjust their plans to ensure they don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with majestic manta rays.
Experience Highlights
Guests can look forward to a thrilling night snorkeling experience with professional guides leading the way during this Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua-Kona. The custom-made light boards create optimal viewing conditions for spotting the majestic manta rays, which can range from 5 to 18 feet wide with an average wingspan of 8 to 12 feet. After a brief 3-minute boat ride to the viewing site, guests will have approximately 30 minutes of in-water snorkel time to swim alongside these gentle giants, weather permitting.
| Experience Highlights | ||
|---|---|---|
| Thrilling night snorkel | Custom-made lights | 30-minute snorkel |
| Professional guides | 3-minute boat ride | Weather permitting |
| Optimal manta viewing |
Safety and Equipment
Participants receive a snorkel and mask as part of the package, and the crew provides clean, dry wetsuits to keep them warm during the experience. A CPR-certified lifeguard is on board to ensure everyone’s safety. The activity isn’t recommended for pregnant women or individuals over 250 lbs (113 kg).
The safety features of this tour include:
- All necessary snorkel and safety gear provided
- Qualified, trained staff to assist and supervise
- CPR and first-aid trained lifeguard on board
- Strict weight and medical restrictions for participants
These precautions ensure a thrilling, yet safe, encounter with the magnificent manta rays in their natural habitat.
Customer Feedback
The tour boasts an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 4 customer reviews, with positive remarks highlighting the crew’s humor and experience guiding the thrilling manta ray snorkel adventure.
Reviewers praised the guides for their expertise in ensuring a safe and memorable experience, with one guest noting the crew’s ability to engage participants throughout the check-in process.
However, some criticism was directed at the check-in process and changing facilities, which a few customers found lacking.
Manta Ray Encounter
Typically, the night snorkel experience offers a thrilling opportunity to witness the graceful movements of the manta rays as they glide through the water, their wingspans reaching up to 18 feet across.
Guests can expect to observe these majestic creatures feeding on plankton, performing acrobatic somersaults, and occasionally approaching the snorkelers for a closer look.
The encounter is further enhanced by the custom-made light boards, which create an enchanting underwater display and attract the manta rays to the viewing area.
The average snorkel time is 30 minutes, weather permitting, allowing ample time to observe and appreciate the unique behavior of these gentle giants.
Here are 4 key highlights of the manta ray encounter:
- Observe manta rays feeding on plankton
- Witness their impressive acrobatic movements
- Enjoy the enchanting display created by the light boards
- Spend up to 30 minutes in the water observing the manta rays
Professional Guides
What sets the night snorkel experience apart is the expertise and knowledge of the professional guides leading the excursion. These seasoned experts not only possess in-depth understanding of manta ray behavior and ecology, but they also employ advanced techniques to ensure the safety and enjoyment of each participant.
Equipped with certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Red Cross Lifesaving, the guides meticulously monitor weather conditions and water visibility to provide the optimal viewing opportunities.
With years of experience guiding these captivating night snorkel tours, the crew’s humor and engaging personalities add to the overall thrilling experience of swimming alongside the majestic manta rays in their natural habitat.
Getting to the Site
A short 3-minute boat ride transports participants from the Kailua-Kona harbor to the designated viewing site, where the captivating manta rays make their nightly appearances. The journey to the snorkeling location is part of the experience, allowing guests to build anticipation and excitement.
Once at the site, the crew:
- Provides detailed safety briefings and instructions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable snorkeling encounter.
- Assists participants in donning the provided snorkel gear and wetsuits for optimal comfort and warmth.
- Helps participants enter the water, guiding them to the best viewing areas.
- Remains attentive and vigilant, ensuring the safety and comfort of all guests throughout the snorkeling activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Deep Will I Be Swimming During the Snorkel?
During the snorkel, participants typically swim in shallow water depths ranging from 10 to 30 feet. The aim is to observe the manta rays in their natural habitat without venturing into deep water, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?
Guests are typically not allowed to bring their own snorkel gear for the activity. The tour provides all necessary equipment, including snorkel and mask, to ensure proper fit and optimal performance during the snorkel experience.
Are Photos and Videos Permitted During the Snorkel?
Photos and videos are generally permitted during the snorkel, though you’ll need to take care not to disturb the manta rays. The operator will provide guidance on appropriate ways to capture the experience without causing any disruption.
What Is the Cancellation Policy if the Weather Is Bad?
According to the booking information, if the weather is bad, customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy ensures customers aren’t penalized for conditions outside their control.
Is Transportation Provided to the Snorkel Site?
Transportation is not provided to the snorkel site. Customers must make their own way to the departure location, which is a short 3-minute boat ride to the manta ray viewing area. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation.
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Recap
The Kailua-Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel is a must-try experience for nature lovers.
Visitors can witness these majestic creatures up close, illuminated by custom-made light boards.
With professional guides, clean wetsuits, and all necessary equipment provided, this 30-minute snorkel adventure offers an unforgettable opportunity to marvel at the impressive manta rays as they feed on plankton.
Don’t miss this breathtaking aquatic adventure in Kailua-Kona.
