School of yellow tang underwater in big island

ALL IN ONE OCEAN ADVENTURE

KEALAKEKUA BAY & NIGHT MANTA RAY SNORKEL

Kona's Private 2-in-1 Reef Snorkel & Manta Experience

Private Charter

(Up to 12 people)

$2250

TWO OF KONA'S BEST OCEAN ADVENTURES IN ONE TOUR

Embark on an unforgettable private ocean adventure that combines two of Kona’s most incredible experiences into one evening. Departing at 4:00 PM, this private charter takes you to Kealakekua Bay for an afternoon snorkel before cruising along the Kona Coast to watch the sunset from the boat and finishing the night with an unforgettable manta ray snorkel.

If you want to make the most of your time on the Big Island, this tour is the perfect way to experience two iconic Kona activities in a single evening. Explore the clear waters of Kealakekua Bay, look for Hawaiian spinner dolphins along the coastline, enjoy a beautiful Kona Coast sunset, and then experience the magic of swimming alongside manta rays after dark—all without having to book two separate tours.

Escape the large commercial tour boats and step aboard a vessel reserved exclusively for your group. Our private charters offer a comfortable, unhurried atmosphere led by an expert USCG-certified captain and professional in-water guide. Whether you’re traveling with family, celebrating a special occasion, or looking for a romantic evening on the water, this private experience gives you the flexibility to enjoy the Kona Coast at your own pace.

An Added Bonus: The 4:00 PM departure means you’ll visit Kealakekua Bay later in the day, when it can be less crowded than during the busy morning hours. After snorkeling, settle in and watch the sun sink below the Pacific before continuing on to your nighttime manta ray adventure.

PART 1: KEALAKEKUA BAY & DOLPHIN WATCH

Your adventure begins as we cruise along the rugged, lava-sculpted coastline toward Kealakekua Bay. Known for its clear waters, abundant marine life, and protected marine ecosystem, Kealakekua Bay is one of the Big Island’s most spectacular snorkeling destinations.

As we make our way south along the Kona Coast, keep your eyes on the water for Hawaiian spinner dolphins. Our crew will be on the lookout for pods traveling along the coastline, giving you the opportunity to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat from the privacy of your own boat.

Once we reach Kealakekua Bay, it’s time to get in the water and explore. Snorkel alongside vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish in the calm, protected waters of the bay. You’ll also enjoy a beautiful view of the historic Captain Cook Monument while exploring this special marine environment.

After your snorkel, climb back aboard and relax as we cruise along the scenic Kona Coast. Take in the changing colors of the sky and enjoy a spectacular Hawaiian sunset over the Pacific before we transition into the second half of your adventure: the world-famous night manta ray snorkel.

PART 2: THE WORLD FAMOUS NIGHT MANTA RAY SNORKEL

As daylight fades and evening arrives, the adventure continues with Kona’s iconic nighttime manta ray encounter.

Once we arrive at the manta viewing site, our specialized high-lumen marine lightboard illuminates the water, attracting plankton and creating a natural feeding area for the mantas. You’ll float comfortably at the surface around our custom lightboard, providing a secure and intimate viewing experience away from the larger crowds of commercial tours.

Watch as manta rays emerge from the darkness and glide gracefully through the illuminated water below. With wingspans reaching up to 15 feet, these incredible animals may pass remarkably close as they perform graceful barrel rolls while feeding on the plankton drawn to the lights. It’s a breathtaking nighttime encounter with Hawaii’s marine life that you won’t soon forget.

DEPARTURE LOGISTICS & TRAVEL TIMES
The tour departs out of Honokohau Harbor, located about 10 minutes North of downtown Kailua-Kona. Parking at the harbor is free.

The boat ride to Kealakekua Bay takes approximately 45 minutes, followed by a scenic 20-minute cruise to the manta viewing site.

WHAT'S INCLUDED
All necessary equipment is included with your tour:

Snorkeling equipment: wetsuit top, mask, snorkel, and fins. If you have your own mask, snorkel, and fins, you are welcome to use their if preferred.
Light snacks will be provided. You're also welcome to bring your own food and drinks on board.

WHAT WE SUGGEST YOUR BRING

A reusable water bottle: Help us cut down on single-use plastic that pollutes our ocean by bringing your own water bottle to stay hydrated.
Reef safe sunscreen: Protect your skin while helping protect Hawaii’s coral reefs.
Hat & sunglasses: Our boat has shaded seating, but extra sun protection is always recommended.
Swimwear: Please arrive wearing swimwear suitable for snorkeling.
Prescription snorkel mask (if needed): We do not provide prescription masks. If you need one, you must bring your own or rent one in advance.
A towel for after your swim: Custom towel ponchos are also available for purchase at checkout.

OPTIONAL ADD ONS

$5 Wetsuit Top: Add a wetsuit top for extra warmth while snorkeling.
$50 GoPro Video Package: Take home videos of the wildlife encountered during your tour, along with footage of you and your group snorkeling.
$200 Professional Underwater Photo Package: Receive 25–30 professionally edited underwater photos featuring the marine life encountered and your group snorkeling.
$80 Ocean Eco Tours Towel Poncho: Take home a custom Ocean Eco Tours towel poncho, available in teal, sky blue, or black.

Duration: 4 hours

Ages: All ages

Departure Location: Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in Kona, Hawaii

Manta Guarantee: In the rare event we don't see any mantas, you'll receive a free return voucher with no expiration date.

Participation Requirements: Guests must be comfortable in the water and able to float on the surface with the assistance of a waist flotation device. You don't have to be an expert swimmer, but you should feel confident using a mask and snorkel.

Book your 2-in-1 Private Snorkel Tour Today!

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What do others think of Ocean Eco Tours?

"We hired First Mate Monet & Captain Brendan for a private charter and it COMPLETELY BLEW OUR MINDS!!! Not only were they sincerely professional, kind, and bursting with aloha, they somehow magically attracted dozens of mantas sending our group into an unforgettable frenzy we’ll all be talking about for the rest of our lives. Monet captured gorgeous underwater video, Cpt. Brendan navigated us safely and skillfully… we couldn’t possibly be more satisfied. Mahalo nui loa!!!"

- Rich A.
"This was recommended to me by a friend and it was such an incredible experience for me and my boys (11,9,6). We had many close encounters with the manta rays witnessing them in their natural habitat. We also saw plenty of incredible fish and even had a surprise visit from some bottlenose dolphins at the end!

Monet and Brendan were incredible guides. They were accommodating for my family and knowledgeable about the manta rays making it an interesting learning experience. Their tour felt personal and more intimate than many of the others we saw out on the water. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for an adventure that is memorable!"

- Heidi V.
"I live in Kona and have done quite a few manta night dives. But I had the best show last night with Monet and Brenden of Ocean eco tours. We saw SO many Mantas and had a private show that blew my mind. She even took us to several spots in the water to get us the best access which is above and beyond. These two are the real deal and won’t make you feel like a tourist but a friend going out on the boat to have incredible experiences with the knowledge to back it all up and the safety."

- Mary Ann B.
"Easily the Best Tour on the Island! Brenden and Monet are some of the coolest people you’ll ever meet. Originally from the mainland, they now share their passion for Hawaiʻi’s ocean and its incredible creatures. They’re experts at spotting and teaching about manta rays, and as avid travelers, they have amazing stories that make the tour feel personal and inspiring.

Everything was seamless—quality gear, clear instructions, and a fun, welcoming vibe. We learned so much about the manta rays while getting an unforgettable, up-close experience.
Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers. I wouldn’t recommend any other company for my friends and family —this was the highlight of our trip."

- Skie C.
"My wife and I did a tour with Ocean Eco Tours with a group of friends. We had so much fun. Monet and Brenden were knowledgeable about the waters and the creatures in it. The experience was phenomenal. And they provided free photos from the tour! It was our first time in Hawaii, let alone the big island. They made our first experience unforgettable. We even seen some takos, mantas, pilot whales, and dolphins. Monet and Brenden put our safety first. We cannot wait to schedule another trip to Hawaii, and we will definitely be scheduling another tour with them."

- Daniel C.

TIPS FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCE

Book a tour early in your trip: Booking early in your stay gives you a buffer in case weather or ocean conditions force a cancellation. If your tour is canceled, we’ll do our best to reschedule you for another day during your stay, subject to availability.
Dress warm: Although Hawaii water is warm (78 - 82F), floating motionlessly on the surface at night can cool you off quickly. Pack a warm towel, as well as a light jacket to wear on the boat.
Snorkel responsibly: Manta rays are protected animals and should always be respected in their natural habitat. Give them room to swim where they feel comfortable. Remember the golden ecotourism rule: "look but don't touch" to help them continue visit the Kona coast for years to come.

WHY CHOOSE OUR KEALAKEKUA BAY & NIGHT MANTA RAY SNORKEL?

A Personal Experience from Start to Finish: As a small, owner-operated business, we take pride in creating a relaxed, welcoming experience with personal attention throughout your day on the water.
Wildlife on Its Own Terms: We’re passionate about the ocean and believe the best encounters happen naturally. We give marine life space to behave naturally, without chasing, touching, or disturbing the animals we encounter.
Two Adventures, One Unforgettable Day: Explore the coral reefs and history of Kealakekua Bay, then return to the water after dark to experience Kona’s famous manta rays. It’s a chance to see two very different sides of Hawaii’s marine life in one trip.

WHY IS KONA ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO SNORKEL WITH MANTA RAYS?

Kona is home to a resident population of approximately 300 reef manta rays year-round. The underwater landscape around our viewing sites helps concentrate plankton, their primary food source, giving us a high manta sighting rate of over 95%.

WHY DO WE SWIM WITH MANTA RAYS AT NIGHT?

Manta rays are filter feeders that feed on tiny drifting organisms called plankton. Our custom floating lightboard illuminates the water, attracting plankton and concentrating their food source just below the surface. This draws manta rays to the light, where they feed by gliding and barrel-rolling through the water. It gives us the opportunity to observe these incredible animals up close in their natural environment.

ARE MANTA RAYS DANGEROUS?

Manta rays are gentle filter feeders and have no stingers or barbs. Despite reaching wingspans of up to 15 feet, they pose no direct threat to people.