WAIMEA SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
Under the Stars with the Gentle Giants: A Small‑Group Manta Night Snorkel off Waimea
A guided, small‑group night snorkel along the Kohala Coast to observe feeding manta rays, with on‑board education, complimentary photos, and warm drinks.
Under the Stars with the Gentle Giants: A Small‑Group Manta Night Snorkel off Waimea.
On the Kohala Coast near Waimea, a quiet nightboat ushers a half dozen guests to a single, uncrowded manta site. Under a canopy of stars you slip into warm ocean water and watch manta rays glide and feed beneath you—an intimate wildlife encounter framed by knowledgeable narration and a calm, small‑group rhythm.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
An intimate, uncrowded manta snorkel
This experience is run as a true small‑group night snorkel—capped at six guests—so you’ll share a peaceful, personal encounter with feeding manta rays away from the busier Kona sites.
Guided talk and in‑water interpretation
Before you enter the water the crew delivers an interactive talk on manta behavior, biology, and conservation, then provides guided interpretation throughout the snorkel.
Complimentary photos and a warm return
The operator captures complimentary photos and video during the snorkel, and once back aboard you can warm up with hot tea or hot chocolate while you take in the night sky.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to go
The tour opens with a shoreside check‑in and an educational briefing; a short five‑minute ride delivers you to a single manta site where you enter the water for a guided ~45‑minute snorkel as mantas glide and feed beneath. The trip is curated as a quiet, small‑group encounter—complemented by in‑water guidance, complimentary imagery of your swim, and hot beverages on the return trip.
THE ENCOUNTER
An intimate, uncrowded manta snorkel
This experience is run as a true small‑group night snorkel—capped at six guests—so you’ll share a peaceful, personal encounter with feeding manta rays away from the busier Kona sites.
THE CREW
Guided talk and in‑water interpretation
Before you enter the water the crew delivers an interactive talk on manta behavior, biology, and conservation, then provides guided interpretation throughout the snorkel.
THE COMFORTS
Complimentary photos and a warm return
The operator captures complimentary photos and video during the snorkel, and once back aboard you can warm up with hot tea or hot chocolate while you take in the night sky.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits best
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Snorkel gear is provided and you will be fitted at check‑in; a safety briefing and overview are given prior to entering the water.
Complimentary photos and video are captured during the snorkel, and hot tea or hot chocolate is served after the swim so you can warm up on the return.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The full outing runs approximately 1 hour 45 minutes total.
Where do I meet the boat?
Meet at Kawaihae Harbor (S Basin) for check‑in and gear fitting; arrive about 20 minutes prior.
How long will I be in the water?
Expect an approximately 45‑minute guided snorkel in the manta viewing area.
How many people are on each tour?
Tours are limited to a maximum of six guests for a small‑group experience.
Are photos or video provided?
Complimentary photos and video are captured during your snorkel so you can relive the encounter.
When do tours depart?
Sunset tours generally depart around 6:45–7:00 PM and late‑night tours around 8:45–9:00 PM; exact timing may vary by season and conditions.
How far is the snorkel site from the harbor?
The boat ride from the harbor to the manta site is a short coastal run of about five minutes.