Kona’s Ocean Adventures: From Day Trips to Night Swims
Whether you want to watch dolphins and whales or swim with manta rays, Kona has an adventure for everyone. These tours depart from Kailua-Kona pier or nearby Honokohau and Keauhou harbors.
Witness a mesmerizing marine ballet under the stars as you snorkel among the manta rays that glide through tropical waters in search of plankton. This is one experience that you will tell your friends and family about for years to come.
Day Trips
Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler looking to add a new element of kona night swimming with manta rays or a first-timer interested in swimming with mantas under the stars, Kona Ocean Adventures has something for you. Their extensive list of day trips includes dolphin tours, reef snorkeling, Kealakekua Bay tours, a discovery scuba program, a sunset cruise or even a private snorkel and dive charter for certified divers.
The company’s top-of-the-line boats are a testament to their commitment to offering world-class experience. All are spacious and well-appointed, offering ample shade and seating, restrooms, onboard music and even a bar! The team’s experienced guides offer insightful knowledge and the perfect blend of fun and safety to make your island adventure one you’ll never forget.
Spend an exhilarating and inspiring day in North Kohala. Zipline high above the forest floor, swim under an exclusive waterfall and explore a unique lava tube. The experience offers a rare glimpse of an ancient volcanic landscape and offers the opportunity to discover Hawaii’s rich culture and history.
Several factors contribute to the Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona’s global recognition as one of the best snorkel tours in the world. Among them are the captivating encounters with manta rays, the thrill of nighttime snorkeling, and the expertise of Kona Snorkel Trip’s knowledgeable guides.
Every evening, as the sun sets over Kailua-Kona and the coastal light turns off, manta rays congregate at feeding stations to feed on plankton that is attracted to the ocean’s surface by the town’s ambient light. This unique underwater experience allows snorkelers to witness the ballet of these gentle giants up close and in their natural environment and is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the Kona area.
The tour operates out of Manta Village, near the wondrous Kona Sheraton. The manta rays are renowned for their friendliness and curiosity, making this one of the most memorable ocean adventures in the world.
Night Swims
The allure of underwater exploration draws countless adventurers to Hawaii’s vibrant marine ecosystems. A particular attraction here that draws enthusiasts from around the world is the Manta Ray Night Snorkel at the renowned “Manta Village” bay in Keauhou (south Kona). This once-in-a-lifetime marine spectacle is a popular excursion that many consider to be the pinnacle of all night snorkels.
During this once-in-a-lifetime experience, participants get up close and personal with these majestic giant disc-shaped creatures. They enter the water to witness this amazing aquatic ballet that’s put on by these intelligent creatures. The water is illuminated by bright lights that attract plankton, the Manta’s main food source. As a result, these gentle giants come within inches of the snorkelers and divers observing them.
Swimming with the mantas is safe and enjoyable when guided by professionals who know the ins and outs of these beautiful creatures. These experts also promote passive interaction to avoid scaring the magnificent beasts. The basic rules include staying on the bottom or surface (scuba divers) and avoiding any free diving.
In addition to the magnificent Mantas, snorkelers and divers can also see a variety of other sea life, including squid, sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, moray eels and flying fish. The experience is truly magical and a must-see when visiting the Big Island of Hawaii.
The Keauhou Bay and Kealakekua Bay area is a world-famous destination for snorkeling and whale watching. It’s also a place of cherished Hawaiian heritage and culture. The pristine coves in this region have a wealth of wildlife and are a must-see for everyone who visits Hawaii.
Whether you’re exploring hidden coves on a kayak tour, swimming among vibrant coral reefs, or gliding across the water on a paddleboard, there’s something for every type of adventurer. Kona Boys’ ocean adventures provide a rich tapestry of water experiences to ensure you make the most of your tropical getaway. With expert guidance and top-notch equipment rentals, there’s no better way to enjoy the Big Island’s captivating waters. Book your next adventure today!
Whale Watching
The months of December through March are when humpback whales (Kohola in Hawaiian) visit the warm and tranquil waters of the Kona Coast, bringing awe to visitors with their spectacular displays. From breaching, where they propel themselves out of the water in magnificent leaps, to tail-slapping, when they repeatedly slap their fins against the ocean’s surface, our whale watching tours are sure to thrill, while also providing educational and informative perspectives on these awe-inspiring creatures.
Our whale watching adventures aboard Orca are a truly unique experience, combining speed, comfort and the majesty of these majestic mammals into one unforgettable journey. Our state-of-the-art vessel, named after Orca the legendary killer whale and Artemis, Greek goddess of hunting and the sea, is purpose built for mission focused wildlife adventures in the unique offshore environment of the Kona coast, with features that make it the best whale watching boat in Hawaii.
With two shaded viewing decks, easy-to-access swim platform with dual swim ladders and forward facing bucket seating, Orca is the ideal whale watch vessel to take you to the heart of the action. Our expert crew are also a wealth of knowledge on the behaviors of these awe-inspiring mammals, sharing with you their passion and expertise in this exciting and engaging field of marine science.
In addition to humpback whales, our tours often encounter spinner dolphins, known for their acrobatic and playful behavior, as well as manta rays gliding gracefully through the water. We also have the good fortune of snorkeling with our own local population of manta rays, which is truly an underwater spectacle to behold.
Whether you are a seasoned snorkeler or first-time adventurer into the underwater realm, our Manta Ray Night Snorkel is a definite must-do on any trip to Kona. Hailed as one of the top night snorkels in the world, this mesmerizing tour offers a kaleidoscope of wonders for all to experience.
This evening experience departs from Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, a short 10 minute drive (3.5 miles) from downtown Kailua-Kona. Upon arrival, you will be fitted with a wetsuit and provided with a mask, snorkel and booties before entering the water to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these graceful giants as they dive in search of food beneath a sky full of stars.
Snorkeling
The tropical waters around the Big Island are home to a myriad of marine species, from sea turtles to sharks and manta rays. Aboard a Kona manta ray night snorkeling tour, participants can witness one of the world’s most exciting marine encounters firsthand. This once in a lifetime marine spectacle is especially mesmerizing at Manta Village, a bay recognized for its high manta ray activity, as these gentle giants feast on hoards of phytoplankton under the glow of the moonlit ocean.
While it is possible to observe these beautiful creatures while snorkeling in the daytime, there is no more magical experience than seeing them at night. The ethereal atmosphere created by the warm Hawaiian waters adds to the awe inspiring scene, making it a truly once in a life time experience.
Snorkeling at night with manta rays is one of the most popular activities in Hawaii, and for good reason. The experience is unlike any other, and it is a must do on every visitor’s bucket list.
This once in a lifetime adventure is perfect for the entire family. There is no age restriction for this activity and it is a great way to introduce kids to the wonders of the sea. You do not have to be an expert swimmer, but it is important that you are comfortable navigating the ocean waters in the dark and swimming with a snorkel in place.
The key to success is to stay calm and hold onto the light raft while you swim in the water and breathe through your snorkel. There is no better way to enjoy Hawaii’s awe inspiring marine life than on a guided evening manta ray snorkeling tour.
Whether you are exploring hidden coves on a kayak tour or snorkeling among the vibrant coral reefs, Kona’s water adventures offer something for everyone. With the help of top-notch equipment rentals and expert guidance, you can take your island vacation to the next level. Book your next adventure in paradise today! CLICK HERE for more information about the best things to do in Kona, including whale watching, kayaking and snorkeling!
