Manta lights flicker as the night settles. This Kona experience takes you offshore for a sunset cruise, then sends you into the glow to watch giant manta rays feed near the surface. I love the close, calm nature of the interaction, because the rules are about staying respectful and letting the animals do their thing.

I also love how the crew uses a bright light board plus buoyancy gear, so you can focus on floating and watching instead of figuring out what is happening. One thing to consider: the water can feel cold, especially outside summer, and you will be in it long enough to notice it.

Quick hits before you go

• Guaranteed mantas, or you get a voucher for an additional tour
• Small group size (max 30), which helps the whole flow stay under control
• Sunset from the top deck before you gear up for the swim
• A custom light setup that makes manta feeding passes easier to see
• All the core gear provided, including wetsuit and flotation support

Why Kona’s Night Manta Swim Feels So Different

This is not a random snorkel in open water. You are timed to the day-to-night shift when manta rays cruise closer to the surface, and the crew’s lighting is aimed at making those feeding moments visible. You spend the night watching what giant “gentle giants” look like when they are simply doing their job.

Manta rays are huge, but they are not aggressive. They have no barbs or teeth, and they feed on microscopic plankton. In the water, you are usually around 30 to 35 feet deep, within sight of shore, with guides supervising your comfort and safety.

And yes, the whole thing can feel like a living light show. The lights and bubbles become part of the spectacle, and the mantas often circle through the illuminated area as they search for food. It is one of those experiences where the ocean suddenly turns into a stage.

Honokohau Harbor Check-In and the Boat You Ride All Night

You start at Bite Me Sportfishing, at 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy #1 in Kailua-Kona. From there, you head to the water with a crew that keeps the night schedule moving.

The boat setup matters more than you might think. Yours has a top observation deck for the sunset view, a large cabin for getting out of wind when you need to, and an onboard bathroom. That is a real quality-of-life detail when you are out for roughly 2 hours 30 minutes total.

Then there is the ride itself. One review noted it is about a 20-minute drive from the shore to the manta area. This is not long, but it is long enough that motion sensitivity is worth planning for (more on that later).

In the crew area, you can also expect gear fitting right away. You will get wetsuit gear and snorkel equipment, plus flotation support so you are not spending your energy wrestling with buoyancy.

Sunset Cruise to Two Snorkel Shifts: How Timing Works

Departure time changes with the season because it is tied to sunset. In winter, you may see departures around 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM (Jan 1 to Mar 31). In spring through summer, options shift to about 6 PM and 9 PM (Apr 1 to Sep 31). In fall (Oct 1 to Dec 31), departures are around 5 PM and 8 PM.

Either way, the pattern is the same. You reach the destination in time to watch the Kona sunset from the top deck. Then you swap from “watching” mode to “gearing up and floating” mode.

You also have an important option: you can swim or you can ride along from the boat. If you do not want to enter the water, this is one of the rare animal encounters where you can still enjoy the scene without committing to a full snorkel.

One practical note: departure times can vary through the year, so call about 24 hours ahead to confirm the exact start time for your date. That keeps you from guessing based on posted hours.

The Light Board Snorkeling: What You Actually Do in the Water

This is the main event, and it is built for visibility. After you slip into the wetsuit, you don the snorkel, and you float with a flotation device. Guides stay close and set up lights so the mantas can be seen clearly in the water.

You typically spend about 45 minutes snorkeling. You are not free-swimming across the ocean. The guides keep you positioned around the illuminated area, and the lighting setup helps mantas show up in front of you as they move through the water.

Because you are working within a known zone, you can watch behaviors that would be hard to spot on your own. You might see mantas come in very close, sometimes even in a belly-to-belly pass. You may also notice loop-like feeding movements or dramatic rolls as they change direction while searching for plankton.

The mantas are attracted to the bright light, which is the trick behind the whole experience. Instead of chasing them, you let them come to the feeding zone. The interaction is meant to be passive and respectful, and manta rays are supervised with you in mind.

If you are nervous, you are not alone. A couple of guides and crew members in recent outings included Captain Lena and deckhand Mattie on some departures, and other host combos like Allie, Rory, and Justice have been part of guest experiences. Crew presence is not just for safety, it is also for reassurance while you figure out floating, breathing, and what you are looking at.

And for peace of mind: manta sightings are guaranteed. If you do not see mantas, you receive a voucher for an additional tour.

Staying Warm, Sane, and Motion-Safe in the Night Ocean

Even in Hawaii, night snorkeling can be chilly. January is the big warning flag. You are in the water for about 45 minutes, and many people feel cold once they are floating, not actively moving.

The good news: wetsuits are provided, and a wetsuit jacket is also part of what you get. Still, I recommend dressing like you are going to step out of a cold pool, not a warm beach. Bring a sweatshirt, jacket, or a snuggle towel for after, so your ride back does not feel like an ice-cube punishment.

Video tips help too. One guest suggested bringing a waterproof case for your phone so you can film. That is smart, because once you are suited up, your hands can feel committed to snorkel gear, and you do not want to risk your phone when you finally see mantas up close.

Now, motion sickness. The ocean can be smooth on some nights, and other nights can be bumpy enough to ruin your vibe fast. If you are prone to seasickness, plan ahead. The operator sells prevention items in their shop, including options like Dramamine for adults and kids, motion sickness patches, and pressure point wrist bands.

A simple habit helps: take preventative medication before boarding, not after you already feel queasy. It gives you a chance to enjoy the sunset and the snorkel without the whole trip turning into a battle with your stomach.

Is This Tour Right for Kids, Non-Swimmers, and Nervous Swimmers?

You do not need to be a professional swimmer, but you do need to be comfortable in the water. The basic rule is that you must know how to swim to participate. That said, the experience also includes a ride-along option, so you can stay on the boat and still enjoy the show.

This is especially helpful for people who get nervous or are not confident entering the water. If you are with family, this is one of the reasons the experience works well. It gives you a way to bring kids along while still giving adults a path that matches their comfort level.

There are also child-specific safety rules. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 must provide their own life vests. For kids who are smaller or have trouble with fit, your best move is bringing or renting properly fitting snorkel vests, since kids come in lots of sizes and the provided gear might not feel perfect to every child.

If you want extra comfort for kids and non-swimmers who still want to feel secure, consider bringing your own snorkel vest. It is a small extra piece that can make a big difference in confidence once the lights come on and you are floating.

And for the adults who do plan to swim: set expectations. You are supervised, but you are also participating in a water activity at night. Show up rested, take motion-sickness precautions if you need them, and you will do better than you think.

Value for $80: What You Get and What You Should Expect

At $80 per person for about 2 hours 30 minutes, you are paying for a guided night encounter with manta rays plus the equipment to do it safely. The value lands because several key costs are baked in.

You get wetsuit and snorkel equipment, flotation support (including a swimming noodle), bottled water, and snacks. The snacks are not a full meal. Some guests have called out that the snack selection can be simple, which is fair. Think of it as small fuel for the ride, not dinner.

You also get a guided setup designed for visibility. The custom light board and supervision are the difference between “cool story I heard” and “I can see mantas coming into the light.”

Most importantly, you get the guarantee. If you do not see mantas, you get a voucher for an additional tour. That turns the night snorkeling gamble into something more fair.

One more value detail: the group max is 30 travelers. When you are floating close to a lighted zone, fewer people means less chaos and more time watching rather than constantly adjusting to traffic.

Finally, there is strong demand. The experience is booked about 22 days in advance on average, so if your dates are fixed, booking earlier helps.

Should You Book Glow of the Deep Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays?

Book it if you want a genuine night wildlife experience with mantas, guided lighting, and gear provided. If you are comfortable swimming a bit and staying buoyant, the whole thing becomes a calm, float-and-watch evening rather than an active workout.

I would also book if you hate the uncertainty of animal tours. The manta sighting guarantee is a big deal, and the “ride along” option is a smart backup for less-confident swimmers.

Skip or reconsider if cold water and motion make you miserable. You can fix a lot of that with the right clothing and preventative meds, but if you know you struggle badly, choose the boat-view option if available and bring warm layers.

If you do book, come prepared like a night swimmer. Bring warm clothes for after, plan for motion sickness if you need it, and consider a waterproof case for filming. Then relax into the lighting zone, because the mantas do most of the performance for you.

FAQ

How much does Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays cost?

The price is $80.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

Plan for about 2 hours 30 minutes total.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Bite Me Sport Fishing, 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy #1, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

Snorkel equipment, wetsuits, flotation devices, and a swimming noodle are provided.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. You must know how to swim to participate in the water. There is also an option to enjoy the ride without entering the water from the boat.

How deep is the snorkeling area?

You will snorkel in about 30 to 35 feet (9 to 10 meters) of water.

Are manta rays sightings guaranteed?

Yes. Manta sightings are guaranteed, or you receive a voucher for an additional tour.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.