Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel from Honokōhau Harbor (Iruka Kona)

Overview

The Iruka Kona manta ray night snorkel is a 1.5-hour boat trip from Honokohau Harbor with up to 45 minutes holding a lightboard over feeding mantas, wetsuit and gear included, from $134. It suits proficient snorkelers aged 7–70 who can swim without flotation. Drawbacks: no restroom on board and sightings are not guaranteed.

Highlights

• About 25 minutes by boat from Honokōhau Harbor to the manta site, then up to 45 minutes in the water holding a lightboard (Greetwell listing).
• Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, a professional snorkel guide, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are included for $134.
• Choice of an early sunset departure or a later departure entirely in the dark; exact times are set at booking.
• Ages 7–70, weight limit 270–280 lbs (the listing conflicts), and you must swim without flotation and climb a short ladder unassisted.
• The FareHarbor account (coralreef) shows 4.8 stars from 397 Google reviews under the name Coral Reef Snorkel Adventures, as of October 2026.

What to Expect

1. Arrive at Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor 15 minutes before departure wearing your swimsuit and meet at the pavilion near the restrooms; there is no restroom on the boat.
2. Get fitted with a wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins, and take motion-sickness medication before boarding if you need it.
3. Ride about 25 minutes to the manta site as the light fades.
4. Hold onto a floating lightboard with your group for up to 45 minutes while the guide's lights attract plankton and the mantas feed beneath you; Greetwell's summary of Google reviews reports 7 to 12 rays on typical nights.
5. Climb the ladder back aboard, warm up with a towel and cover-up, and eat snacks on the ride back to the harbor.

What to Bring

• Swimsuit worn to the harbor
• Towel and warm cover-up for after the swim
• Motion-sickness medication taken before boarding
• Your own snorkel gear if you prefer it

Restrictions and Requirements

• Ages 7 to 70; minors must be accompanied by a paying adult
• Weight limit listed as under 270 lbs in one section and 280 lbs in another
• Must swim without a flotation device, be a proficient snorkeler and climb a short ladder unassisted
• Not suitable during pregnancy or with neck, back, heart or other serious medical conditions
• Manta sightings are not guaranteed; do not touch or chase wildlife

Cancellation Policy

Cancel with at least 24 hours' notice for a full refund. If the operator cancels for weather or other unforeseen circumstances you receive a full refund, and no-shows are charged the full price. Checked October 2026 on Greetwell.

Location

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Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Meeting Point

Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor, Kailua-Kona; meet at the pavilion near the restrooms

Check-In

15 minutes before departure

Frequently Asked Questions

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