CHOOSING | KONA MANTAS
Experience the Magic of Kona’s Manta Rays
Embark on an unforgettable night snorkel guided by Kona Mantas — a trusted local operator with over 25 years of manta expertise. Immerse yourself in the ocean’s natural nightlife as these gentle giants glide beneath you in a glowing underwater ballet.
Perfect for families, couples, and first-time snorkelers, our manta tour is designed to feel immersive, educational, and unforgettable — far from the crowded boats ensuring you'll never feel lost in the crowd.
If you’re looking for a unique, intimate manta ray night snorkel on the Big Island, you’ve found it.
WHATS INCLUDED
Reach the manta site faster with a short, scenic ride designed to maximize your ocean time.
Your safety and comfort come first. Our experienced guides provide professional instruction, ocean knowledge, and a fun, friendly atmosphere.
With only 6 guests per tour, you get a relaxed, personalized experience — no crowds, no chaos, just pure manta magic.
Spend up to nearly an hour floating above these majestic creatures, illuminated by our custom lighting system designed by Kona’s first-generation manta captain.
We guarantee fresh, dry gear for every guest — never reused on the same night.
OUR CREW
Captain Lauren
USCG Certified Captain
Lauren is a California native who’s spent the last six years working on the water in Hawaiʻi and beyond, with experience ranging from Oʻahu to Alaska and now Kona. A licensed captain, lifeguard, and freediver, she brings calm confidence, strong safety awareness, and a deep love for ocean exploration to every tour. When she’s not guiding guests, you’ll likely find her freediving, spearfishing, or capturing underwater moments through photography.
Captain Erik
USCG Certified Captain
Erik brings both experience & personality to every tour. Born and raised in New Jersey, he's called Big Island home for over a decade & feels most at peace on the water. On his off time, you'll find him enjoying motocross, surfing, fishing or boating with his two boys. Known for his spunky energy and quick wit, Erik loves cracking jokes & creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere - making guests feel comfortable, safe and genuinely welcomed from the moment they step aboard.
Jenny
Swim Guide
Originally from Iowa, Jenny moved to Hawaiʻi to follow her lifelong dream of working with marine life—and quickly fell in love with manta rays. With years of hands-on experience observing and studying mantas, she’s known for her infectious enthusiasm and impressive knowledge of these gentle giants. Guests love her passion, storytelling, and the way she makes each encounter feel truly magical.
Cassie
Swim Guide
Cassie has been guiding manta tours in Kona for nearly 15 years, beginning not long after the original guides in the harbor and working closely alongside one of the first manta captains. Her deep knowledge of the ocean and manta behavior comes from years on the water, watching many of Kona’s resident mantas grow up right here in the bay. Known for her calming presence and genuine connection to the ocean, Cassie brings a comforting, grounded energy to every tour. When she’s not on the water, she enjoys skating, surfing, hiking, and spending time with her adorable sidekick, Beni.
Eric
Swim Guide / Social Media
Eric brings 14 years of photo and video experience to the ocean, with a deep focus on manta rays. Through continuous study in and out of the water, he work to enhance the guest experience while prioritizing safety, conservation, and respect for these incredible animals. Oceanic lifeguard trained and freedive experienced.
He also built the website 😋
Frequently asked questions
Reach out with any questions!
Someone on our team will get back to you as soon as possible
- Mahalo
