MANTA RAY NIGHT TOUR-2ND DEPARTURE

Sea Paradise has been running manta ray night snorkel tours at Manta Village, Keauhou Bay since 1985 — one of the original operators at this site. Owner Richard Kersten pioneered the large-vessel, large-group manta ray snorkel tour format, opening what had previously been an experience limited to small dive groups.

Manta Village is one of the most reliable manta ray encounter sites in the world. Lights attract zooplankton; zooplankton attracts reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi). Through Classical Conditioning over 50+ years, the feeding response is so reliable that Sea Paradise’s sighting rate is 85-95%.

Guests float on Sea Paradise’s custom Manta Flotation Device — also designed by Richard Kersten — horizontally above the feeding manta rays. In-water crew guides are present throughout. No diving certification required. Named resident manta rays include Lefty (first identified 1979), Big Bertha (first identified 1991), Obama Ray, Koie Ray, Quarantina (2020), and Jolene Ray. Over 450 individual manta rays have been documented on the Kona Coast in partnership with Manta Pacific Research Foundation.

The Hoku Nui — Sea Paradise’s 50-foot luxury sailing catamaran, spaciously designed for 49 guests — departs Keauhou Bay at sunset (exact time varies by season). Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, the custom Manta Flotation Device, crew-operated underwater lights, hot cocoa and chocolates included.

MANTA GUARANTEE: Return free within 7 days if no mantas seen. Space available, reservation required.