Snorkel or dive with reef mantas on Kona's famous night manta experience on Hawaii's Big Island, where bright lights draw plankton and the rays somersault to feed inches away. Resident mantas make sightings near-nightly, with operators reporting success rates above 95%, and strict guidelines mean no touching to protect the rays' mucus coating. The mantas are here year-round, on nightly tours weather permitting.
Snorkel or dive with reef mantas on Kona's famous night manta experience on Hawaii's Big Island, where bright lights draw plankton and the rays somersault to feed inches away. Resident mantas make sightings near-nightly, with operators reporting success rates above 95%, and strict guidelines mean no touching to protect the rays' mucus coating. The mantas are here year-round, on nightly tours weather permitting.
Up to 92% sighting chance in Kona (Big Island, Hawaii, USA). Best months: June, July, May.
Very reliable, with operators reporting a 95%+ sighting rate year-round, though these are wild animals so no night is guaranteed.
After dark, boats gather at feeding sites where lights attract plankton; snorkellers hold a lit float at the surface while divers kneel on the bottom with lights shining up.
Night manta snorkels run roughly US$100 to US$150, and dives around US$200 to US$230 per person (2026 prices).
Mantas are protected in Hawaii and there is no feeding; follow the Ocean Recreation Council guidelines and never touch them, as it removes their protective mucus.
