SNORKELLING · WHALE SHARK AND MANTA RAY SNORKELING

Swimming with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays: The 15 Best Trips

59 trips  ·  from $25 per person

Both animals are filter feeders, both move slowly, and both run on seasons. The 15 below say when each site works, what the boats cost and how many people share the water with you.

️Nusa Penida by Private Boat - Snorkeling 4 spots, Swim with Mantas + Land Tour - Crystal Bay and the wait for manta rays
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️Nusa Penida by Private Boat – Snorkeling 4 spots, Swim with Mantas + Land Tour

1.️Nusa Penida by Private Boat – Snorkeling 4 spots, Swim with Mantas + Land Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,424 reviews · from $100Our pick

Spend 10 to 11 hours crossing from Serangan to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan by speedboat. You will snorkel four areas, look for manta rays and turtles, eat beside an infinity pool, and visit Kelingking Cliff by car. Guides such as Ringo, Nemo, Vicky, and Jena are praised for friendly support.

“My husband and I chose the premium shared experience, and it was well worth the price. The boat was comfortable and spacious, everyone’s belongings remained dry, and our tour guides were also great. We were in a small group of 10 excluding the crew, however the snorkeling was in more secluded areas so we didn’t have to worry about getting lost in other tour groups. The day is jam-packed, but the land tour to Kelingkling beach was optional so only my husband and I ended up going while everyone else had extra time to relax at the beautiful lunch spot. The professional photography/go pro footage included in the premium package…”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel - Getting into the water at night
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

2.Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,656 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84

Meet Hang Loose Boat Tours at Keauhou Bay for a sunset boat ride and nighttime snorkel with manta rays. Your crew provides snorkel gear, a flotation device, and a wetsuit top, with snacks and water aboard. The water can be rough, so you need real swimming and snorkeling skills. Guides may include Bryce, Jordan, Vince, or Noah.

“I won’t give a negative review for a tour that couldn’t happen due to weather. We have rebooked another night and pray the weather cooperates.”

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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor - Meeting at Keauhou Harbor and getting ready
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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

3.Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,465 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $25Best value

Meet at Keauhou Harbor, collect your mask and snorkel, then take a three-minute boat ride to a manta feeding site. In the water for up to 30 minutes, you’ll float beside wild rays drawn by a 150,000-lumen light board while guides such as Greg, Jake, Mahina, and Eric provide safety help and facts. Wetsuits cost extra.

“It was a really fun experience, so unique. The crew was excellent. I was thinking while I was out there, this is where the party is every night!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings - What happens at the manta site
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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

4.KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,212 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $49

From Kailua-Kona, you’ll ride a 23-foot RHIB with up to 11 passengers to a manta viewing site. Expect 25 to 30 minutes in the water, guided instruction from crew such as Taco, Peyton, or Mike, and close views of wild rays. Snorkel gear is included, wetsuits are optional, and no-sighting trips qualify for a free re-ride.

“This was the most magical experience ever! We got to see these beautiful gentle giants who come kissing distance to you. I was blessed to be grazed by a mantas fin on my stomach. My boyfriend and I laughed as they came right up under our faces. The guides were amazing and so friendly. Highly recommend if you are comfortable in the ocean and around sea creatures. This is all we talked about for the whole trip! It was our favorite moment. I highly respect the staff as they taught us about the mantas and what to do to keep us and the mantas safe in their natural habitat.”

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Nusa Penida day trip: boat, 4 snorkeling, Manta rays & Land tour - SD Point brings coral and reef fish
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Nusa Penida day trip: boat, 4 snorkeling, Manta rays & Land tour

5.Nusa Penida day trip: boat, 4 snorkeling, Manta rays & Land tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,033 reviews · from $78

Set out from Sanur on a fast boat for four snorkeling stops around Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, with manta rays, turtles, coral gardens, a Kelingking Beach photo stop, and lunch at a sea-view restaurant. Guides such as Fernando, Coral, Ariel, and Vincent lead groups of up to 13. Private trips are also available.

“If you want to see local ocean wildlife with amazing and friendly guides, this is the excursion for you! Each of our 3 snorkeling spots had numerous and colorful reef fish and coral. We saw at least 4 manta rays and 6 sea turtles as well! The stop at a Nusa Penida restaurant with photo op was also excellent along with a stunning view of Kelingking Beach! We had absolutely perfect sunny and relatively calm weather (just be prepared for the scorching heat on the island). All in all, it was a fantastic day with every food, equipment, photo, and travel need met by the company. Huge shout out to…”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island - Check-in at Ali‘i Drive, then a short move to the boat
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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

6.Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,758 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $44

Swim beside wild manta rays after dark off Kona with Dolphin Discoveries. You’ll check in at the Ali‘i Drive shop, receive a mask, snorkel, and short-sleeve wetsuit top, then take a short boat ride to the viewing site. Guides such as Vinny, Brianna, and Bryce have been praised for calm safety help. Swimming skills are required.

“Amazing experience. The water was rough, which made it a little challenging, but totally worth it. The guides were great and the rays were incredible.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Bali/Nusa Penida: Manta Point Snorkeling & West Coast Tour - Meeting at Wonderland Manta Penida or arranging pickup
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Bali/Nusa Penida: Manta Point Snorkeling & West Coast Tour

7.Bali/Nusa Penida: Manta Point Snorkeling & West Coast Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,274 reviews · 3 - 9 hours · from $26

Meet at Wonderland Manta Penida or arrange Nusa Penida pickup for guided snorkeling at Manta Point, Gamat Bay, and The Wall. Add the West Coast option for Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel’s Billabong. Guides such as Budi, Dika, Nyoman, and Mudiana help with safety, photos, and island transport.

“great morning trip, everything was so easy and the staff were on point! the snorkelling itself was a little mad as there's obviously a lot of people doing the same thing so it was a bit of a feeding frenzy when looking at the mantas but still well worth seeing them!! always felt very safe and communication was fantastic from the moment we booked would recommend”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays - From Honokohau Harbor to the open water
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Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

8.Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,254 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $80

From Honokohau Harbor, you ride offshore for a Kona sunset and about 45 minutes beside giant manta rays feeding under bright lights. Bite Me Sportfishing provides wetsuits, snorkel gear, flotation noodles, snacks, and water. You can swim or remain aboard, but swimmers must know how to swim.

“We had a great time with our Captain, Lena, and Deck Hand, Mattie, who were knowledgeable, entertaining, and energetic making this excursion one to remember. We saw fish and had a close encounter with a manta ray that couldn’t stop showing off.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona - Getting ready for the light board
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Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona

9.Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,141 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $145

Meet at Keauhou Harbor for a short sunset boat ride to Kona’s manta site. A small group holds a glowing light board while mantas feed below. Guides such as Sara, Molly, and Justin explain manta behavior and help swimmers stay comfortable. Snorkeling is optional, but all passengers need tickets.

“It was amazing to just float and have these majestic creatures swim so close. The tour was a small group and our guide was very informative A must do!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos - Getting ready at the La Paz Malecon
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La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos

10.La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,066 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $259

Travel from Los Cabos to La Paz, then board a local panga to swim beside whale sharks in their winter feeding area. Guides such as Mario, Joe, and Juan explain the animals and help swimmers in the water. The $259 tour includes transport, wetsuit, snorkel gear, drinks, and Baja-style fish tacos, but plan for a long, weather-dependent day.

“The whole experience was incredible. The staff was helpful and informative. We had Joe as our guide and he made sure every person on the boat got time with these incredible creatures. I can’t wait to come back and do all over again.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure - Preparing for the night snorkel
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Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure

11.Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 843 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $154

You’ll sail the Kona coast aboard a 50-foot catamaran, watch the sunset, then hold a light board while manta rays feed below you. Captain Dan and the crew provide safety guidance, snorkel gear, drinks, hot cocoa, and an in-water escort. The tour lasts about 2 hours 15 minutes and includes a free rebooking if no manta appears.

“Great experience. Saw lots of Manta rays. Great crew. Saw the sunset from the water. Not sure what else to type to meet my 100 character minimum for this review.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona - Leaving Kailua-Kona at 4 p.m.
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Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

12.Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 777 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Leave Kailua-Kona at 4 p.m. aboard Manta Adventures’ Maheli-Heli for a sunset cruise to Garden Eel Cove. You can snorkel from the lighted board with fins, mask, flotation gear, and wetsuit, or stay aboard with snacks and water. Captain Bill, Captain Dan, and crew members such as Drew, Sam, Melissa, and Cal have all led trips, though the exact crew varies.

“Just amazing!!!!! The mantas were extraordinary. Captain and staff were terrific! Highly recommend!!!”

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Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed - Why the night setting works so well
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Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed

13.Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 738 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $141

From Keauhou Bay, Sea Paradise takes you aboard the trimaran Hokulani to Kona’s Manta Ray Village. After a short cruise and safety briefing, you hold a lit flotation raft while manta rays feed below. Wetsuits, masks, snorkels, drinks, and snacks are provided. Plan on about 45 minutes in the water.

“a very incredible night, saw 6 manta rays. staff were fun and friendly and very helpful. It was so majestic seeing the Manta rays swimming and passing by.”

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From Nusa Penida: 3 Spots Snorkeling Tour with Manta Rays - Why the manta stop depends on the sea
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From Nusa Penida: 3 Spots Snorkeling Tour with Manta Rays

14.3 Spots Snorkeling Tour with Manta Rays

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 720 reviews · from $48

Meet at Toyapakeh Harbour for a five-hour sea outing to Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, and Mangrove Point. Guides choose safer water when swells rise, and may travel to Manta Point for better manta sightings. Your package includes gear, lunch, towels, lockers, and a mangrove kayak, paddleboard, or gondola trip.

“The experienced boat driver did manage to get us to see the manta rays and the guides made sure that everyone is able to see the manta rays. When you’re less experienced in swimming the guides will help you very well. With the experience of the crew and the kindness of the crew I would most definitely recommend this tour!”

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Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii - Entering the water beside the lightboard
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Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

15.Manta Ray Snorkeling by Night in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 672 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $127

Join Eka Canoe Adventures in Kailua-Kona for a nighttime manta ray snorkel aboard a historically accurate Hawaiian double-hulled canoe. Groups stay at 12 or fewer, and guides provide wetsuit tops, flotation gear, normal and prescription masks, and safety support. Expect about 45 minutes in the water, weather permitting, with wild rays feeding beneath lightboards.

“Super fun evening! And loved that this tour was just over an hour. Smaller boat. Fewer people. Same amount of water time. Worth the extra cost.”

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New in Whale Shark and Manta Ray Snorkeling

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★ 5.0Sunset Cruise & Manta Night Snorkeling CharterFrom $990 per boat (seats 6)16 reviews
★ 5.0One Tank Manta Night Dive and SnorkelFrom $13556 reviews
★ 5.0Night Manta Ray SnorkelFrom $15033 reviews
★ 4.5Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour from KonaFrom $160250 reviews
★ 5.0Late Night Manta SnorkelFrom $124192 reviews
★ 4.5Manta Ray Snorkel ExperienceFrom $13914 reviews
★ 5.0Kona Night Manta Snorkel TourFrom $14926 reviews
★ 5.0Kona Manta Night Snorkel: Swim with Mantas, Small Group (6 max)From $16014 reviews
★ 5.0Small Group, Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure!From $11564 reviews
★ 5.0Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure! Small GroupFrom $83364 reviews
★ 4.5Snorkel With Giant Manta Rays In Kailua KonaFrom $137124 reviews
★ 4.8From Cabo: Snorkel with Whale Sharks in La PazFrom $25915 reviews
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