Eka Canoe Adventures Review: Kona Manta Ray Snorkeling at Night (2025)
Written By Jenny White | The Kai Life • Posted on March 31, 2025
Of all the iconic things to do in Hawaii, Kona manta ray snorkeling is one we’d been curious about for years. It sounded incredible – The Travel Channel even named this one of the most thrilling experiences on Earth!
Snorkelers holding onto a floating device when snorkeling with Manta Rays at night off the Kona Coast in Hawaii.
I’ll be honest, though – I was a little nervous. Getting into the dark ocean at night, surrounded by wild sea life (with wingspans up to 20 feet!) felt completely intimidating. If you’ve thought about doing this, you might be thinking the same thing!
We visit the Hawaiian Islands often and have done our fair share of tours – from sunset sails to ziplining to cultural experiences and everything in between. This was something totally different, though, and from the reviews we’d read, it was supposed to be a highlight.
On our latest trip to the Island of Hawaii during March, my teenage son Kai and I finally decided to step out of our comfort zone and book a nighttime manta ray tour. We chose Eka Canoe Adventures, a locally owned company known for its traditional Hawaiian canoe, small group tours, and deep respect for marine life. What we found was one of the most magical, awe-inspiring experiences we’ve ever had in Hawaii.
If you’re considering night snorkeling with manta rays in Kona (it’s one of the few places in the world you can do this!), here’s everything you need to know before you go.
👉 Book your own experience to swim with manta rays at night!
My Honest Review of Nighttime Kona Manta Ray Snorkeling with Eka Canoe Adventures
This was, without a doubt, one of the most incredible things we’ve ever done in Hawaii. Spoiler: I would do it again in a heartbeat – and I don’t say that lightly.
The Eka Canoe Adventures Wa‘a Kini Kini Canoe. Image Credit : Eka Canoe Adventures
When we finally booked our nighttime manta ray snorkeling tour, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. Kai had gone back and forth about doing it, and frankly, I was nervous too! We’d heard how amazing it was, but getting into the ocean at night felt … super intimidating.
Two dolphins swam about 10 feet under us during our night manta ray tour!
Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
As soon as we met the Eka Canoe Adventures crew, though, we started to feel more excited than nervous. They were kind, calm, professional, and fun – exactly the energy you want when you’re about to try something new.
We were fitted with wetsuit tops and given a quick safety overview, along with what to expect. Before we knew it, we were climbing into the beautiful, historically-accurate Hawaiian canoe and heading out to sea.
Keauhou Bay, Hawaii – just before sunset. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
The sun had just set over Keauhou Bay before we launched. By the time we hopped into the water and saw our first manta ray, all the nerves were gone. It was completely calm, and even more magical than we could have expected!
We must have had twenty manta rays swim directly beneath us. We even saw two dolphins swimming together about ten feet below! The whole experience was unlike anything we’d ever done, and it truly brought tears to my eyes.
What Makes Eka Canoe Adventures Unique?
There are a few different tour companies offering nighttime manta ray snorkeling in Kona, but Eka Canoe Adventures stands out.
The Island of Hawaii is one of the few places in the world that you can night swim with manta rays.
This is a locally owned and operated business rooted in Hawaiian culture – and you can feel that from the moment you arrive. The crew is warm, professional, and genuinely passionate – not just about the manta rays, but about ocean preservation and the experience as a whole.
They keep group sizes small, which makes everything feel more personal and less chaotic. And unlike most companies using standard boats, Eka Canoe Adventures launches from a 40-foot Hawaiian double-hulled sailing canoe—which adds something really special.
👉 This is the exact tour that we took with Eka Canoe Adventures!
Wa’a Kini Kini : The 40 ft Hawaiian double-hulled sailing canoe
The Wa‘a Kini Kini is a stunning canoe modeled after traditional Hawaiian sailing vessels. Being on this kind of canoe immediately elevated the experience. It felt more meaningful, like we were connecting to the history of the islands.
The Eka Canoe Adventures Wa‘a Kini Kini Canoe and a Hawaiian Rainbow. Image Credit : Eka Canoe Adventures.
It’s also incredibly stable. Kai tends to get seasick out at sea, but he felt great the entire time.
What To Expect on a Nighttime Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour
If you’ve never snorkeled at night, you might be wondering what it actually feels like to hop into the dark ocean and wait for giant sea creatures to appear. Here’s everything to expect, from the lighting to the wildlife.
What Is Snorkeling At Night Like?
I was definitely nervous to jump in – but honestly, as soon as we got out there, I realized everything was so well lit that it almost felt like daytime. I wasn’t scared at all once I saw how bright the lights were beneath the surface.
Manta rays can reach up to a twenty foot wingspan.
There was also this really comforting sense of calm and community – everyone was in it together, floating side by side, and the energy shifted from nervous to peaceful pretty quickly.
Is the Water Cold?
We visited in March, and while the water in Hawaii usually stays warm year-round, I assumed it would feel pretty chilly after the sun set. It was surprisingly tolerable! I’m someone who does not love cold water, and I made it through the full 30 minutes in the water just fine.
Eka Canoe Adventures provides wetsuit tops, which definitely helped. If I owned a full-body wetsuit, I probably would’ve worn it – but I truly didn’t need it.
Is It Safe?
I felt safe the entire time. Before jumping in, the crew gave us a quick overview of how it all works and handed out pool noodles.
They do require that you can swim a short distance. The swim to the floating platform was super short – maybe ten seconds max – and once you’re there, you hold onto the floating device with your hands while the noodle keeps your legs up, so your body stays horizontal in the water.
Our guide and captain stayed right next to us the whole time. The only thing I’ll note is that my shoulders and triceps got a little sore from holding on – but it wasn’t a big deal.
Can You Take Photos or Videos?
Yes – and you should! I brought my iPhone in a waterproof pouch and it got some pretty good shots. A few people had GoPros, and honestly, if I had one with me, I would’ve used it and think I would have gotten much clearer captures.
My best tip: bring a waterproof camera or phone case. This is definitely an experience you’ll want to capture.
Will You Actually See Manta Rays? (+ Other Wildlife)
Of course, with wildlife, nothing is guaranteed – but we saw our first manta ray within five minutes of getting in the water, and it was unreal. It came right up underneath us, just inches away.
Manta rays are considered harmless to humans.
It was wild to listen back to the audio on our videos – there was so much excitement every time one swam by!
All in all, we probably saw around 20 rays. We also spotted tons of fish … and then the craziest part – two dolphins swam directly beneath us! It was such a magical moment, and so unexpected. The guides told us that was super rare, and we felt so lucky to catch that moment.
👉 This is the tour we saw manta rays and dolphins on in Hawaii!
Pricing & Booking Info
At the time of our tour, Eka Canoe Adventures priced their Night Manta Ray Snorkel experience at $118 per person (plus tax and fees). The price includes your wetsuit top, flotation device, and snorkel gear.
The manta rays came within inches of us during our tour. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
I recommend booking early, especially if you’re visiting during a busy season or around a holiday. This tour fills up quickly due to the small group sizes and high demand.
We found the online booking process super easy and appreciated the helpful email reminders before the tour.
Who Is This Manta Ray Tour Best For?
If you’re even slightly curious about night snorkeling with manta rays, this tour is absolutely worth considering.
It’s great for:
- Families with older kids or teens (Eka Canoe Adventures books ages 5+ and we had kids on our tour as young as 10)
- Couples looking for a once-in-a-lifetime date night
- Solo travelers who want a meaningful, guided experience
- Anyone who loves the ocean and wants to see wildlife up close
You don’t need to be a strong swimmer (you’ll float the majority of the time, but do need to be able to swim the short distance from the boat to the light board). And you’ll never be far from the boat or crew.
We saw dozens of manta rays during our tour in March. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life.
That said, if you’re very uncomfortable in the ocean or have major fears about dark water, this may not be the best fit.
If you’re open to stepping slightly outside your comfort zone? This tour might just be the highlight of your trip like it was for ours!
Where Does the Tour Leave From?
The Eka Canoe Adventures tour departs from Keauhou Bay, located on the Kona side of the Island of Hawaii.
It’s a calm, beautiful bay that makes for an easy launch spot – and it’s close to plenty of restaurants and resorts if you’re staying nearby.
Keauhou Bay Location Info
You’ll meet the crew right at the small dock in Keauhou Bay. It’s an easy spot to find, and Eka sends clear directions and details after booking. There’s no huge marina or confusing signage, it’s really clear to find where you’re going.
Sunset At Keauhou Bay
We arrived a little early and walked over to the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa next door to catch the sunset – and wow, was it worth it!
Sunset at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
The resort grounds on the north side are open to the public and absolutely beautiful. Follow the paved floral pathway linked with white railings, and you’ll get to the perfect sunset spot amongst a lava rock garden.
It’s a great pre-tour moment to take in golden hour, snap some photos, and settle into the fun evening ahead.
Parking
Parking was super easy for us. We found a spot right near the dock, and there’s also free parking available along the surrounding roads if the main lot fills up.
Just be sure to give yourself a little time to find a spot, especially if you’re hoping to catch sunset beforehand.
What to Bring on a Nighttime Snorkeling Tour
You really don’t need much for this tour, but a few things will make your experience a lot more comfortable:
- Swimsuit – Wear it under your clothes so you’re ready to go.
- Full-body Wetsuit (optional) – Eka Canoe Adventures provides a wetsuit top, but if you tend to get cold easily, a full wetsuit can make the experience even cozier.
- Waterproof phone case or GoPro – You will want to capture this, so bring something waterproof to film or snap photos.
- Towel – The crew will keep your towel dry on the boat while you’re in the water. We had ours in a small beach bag, and it was able to be kept safe on the deck of the canoe.
- Change of clothes – Leave dry clothes in the car to warm up after the tour.
The guides will safely store your keys while you’re out on the water.
Being Mindful Around Marine Life
One of the reasons we chose Eka Canoe Adventures was because of their small-group approach and respect for the ocean. The manta rays aren’t baited or fed – they come naturally to the glow of the lights, which attract plankton (their food source). That made the experience feel aligned with nature, not disruptive.
That said, it’s worth knowing: you should never intentionally touch the manta rays.
The crew was so respectful and clearly passionate about ocean life. If you go, just bring that same sense of care, curiosity and intention. A little awareness goes a long way.
For more information on responsible wildlife interactions, you can refer to the NOAA Fisheries Marine Life Viewing Guidelines.
FAQs
Still deciding if this is the right experience for you? After doing this experience ourselves, and as frequent Hawaii travelers, these are some of the questions that we’re asked.
Where Can You Night Snorkel With Manta Rays?
Night snorkeling with manta rays is an incredibly rare experience that’s only available in a few places in the world! The Island of Hawaii is one of the best-known spots to do it. The plankton-rich waters off Kona’s coast create the perfect conditions for manta rays to feed at night.
Is night snorkeling with manta rays worth it?
Absolutely! As someone who’s visited the Hawaiian Islands often and done a lot of incredible activities, this one stands out. It’s not just beautiful – it’s emotional, awe-inspiring, and totally unforgettable.
How much does it cost to swim with manta rays in Hawaii?
Prices vary depending on the company, but Eka Canoe Adventures is $118 per person, which included wetsuit tops, snorkel gear, flotation support, and expert guides on their unique traditionally-inspired Hawaiian canoe.
Considering the small group experience and how unique it is, it felt like a really solid value.
Final Thoughts: Kona Manta Ray Snorkeling with Eka Canoe Adventures
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience on the Big Island, night snorkeling with manta rays is one I can’t recommend enough. It’s peaceful, awe-inspiring, and unlike anything else we’ve done in Hawaii. With Eka Canoe Adventures, the small group vibe and cultural connection made it all the more special.
As frequent travelers to Hawaii, we’ve done our fair share of incredible tours over the years – but this one truly stood out. From the respectful, locally owned and operated crew to the once-in-a-lifetime marine life encounter, it was a beautiful reminder of how powerful and emotional travel can be when done intentionally.
If you decide to book this tour, I hope it’s just as magical for you. Enjoy every second, you’ll never forget it!
