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The Kona Manta Ray Night Experience

An Encounter with Gentle Giants. 

★★★★★ | 5.0 on Tripadvisor | Read our 597 glowing reviews

Tripadvisor

Why Book Direct?

Book directly with Aquatic Life Divers for the best value, flexible scheduling, and priority access to our top charters. No middlemen—just expert service, local support, and exclusive perks you won’t find anywhere else.

Scott Ketterling

Stop considering the other older dive companies, book here. We did 2- tank morning dives and the night manta dive and my partner was certified over the two days. It was hard to decide which dive operator to choose. We read reviews and just went with the vibe of this place. We chose wisely. They were professional, fun and deeply care about the ocean and sharing it with others. The instruction was excellent, thorough, and patient. They are kind, patient, and caring people, all of them. And their boats were great, especially the bean bags! Book with them - they are amazing.

The Kona Manta Ray Night Experience

This is the main event. An encounter that has made the Kona coast world-famous.

Kona is a vital habitat for a resident population of manta rays, and our viewing sites offer a front-row seat to their nightly ballet. While sightings are never guaranteed, the experience of watching these gentle giants glide through the beams of light is a moment that stays with you forever.

Guided by Kona’s most trusted safety divers, our small-group charters ensure a respectful, intimate, and co

mfortable experience.

We are proud to be one of the only operators who can host both snorkelers and divers on the same boat, allowing your entire family to share the wonder together.

Our commitment to small groups means our charters fill up quickly. Reserve your spot to witness the legend for yourself.

Small Group Tours

Only 12 spots available per trip to ensure a personal experience.

Twilight Reef & Manta Expedition

This is our pinnacle night-time adventure. A two-part journey that takes you from the vibrant life of the reef at dusk to the profound, silent ballet of the manta rays in the dark. It is an evening you will never forget.

The Journey

Your expedition unfolds in two magnificent acts:

  1. The Twilight Reef Dive We begin with a dive on one of Kona’s vibrant reefs as the sun sets. You'll witness the incredible transition as the daytime creatures retreat and the unique nocturnal life begins to emerge.

  2. The Manta Ray Encounter After dark, we move to the world-famous manta ray viewing site. Submerged lights illuminate the plankton, creating a natural feeding ground that attracts Kona's gentle giants for a spectacular, up-close spectacle.

Your Safety & Comfort

Your peace of mind is our highest priority. This expedition is led by our most experienced safety divers and PADI professionals. We maintain small groups to ensure personalized attention, comfort, and the most respectful, intimate encounter with the marine life.

Is This Expedition For You?

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone on this advanced charter, we ask that you have:

  • PADI Open Water certification (or equivalent).

  • Dived within the last two years. If it's been longer, we ask that you book our Confidence Dive first to refresh your skills.

  • Junior Divers (10-11) or those with a "Scuba Diver" certification are welcome with a dedicated private Divemaster.

We Provide:

✓ Full Rental Gear Available (Book in advance)

✓ Onboard Snacks & Refreshments

✓ Mask, Snorkel, and Fins

✓ Essential Dive Gear (Tanks, Weights, Dive Light)

What to Bring

✓ Any additional snacks or non-alcoholic drinks

​✓ Reef-Safe Sunscreen (for the boat ride out)

​✓ A Dry Towel and Change of Clothes

✓ Your Certification Card & Logbook

Elevate Your Experience

For a truly personalized adventure or for focused photography, consider hiring a private guide for your group.

This is the ultimate Kona night dive. Spots are limited due to our small-group philosophy.

Book Direct Benefits

✓ Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before your tour

✓ Reserve Your Spot Now - Pay Later

Our Manta Promise

We have one of the highest manta ray sighting success rates in Kona—over 90%. Our goal is to provide a spectacular, authentic wildlife encounter on every single charter.

Because these are wild animals in their natural habitat, we can't script their behavior. But we can make you a promise.

In the rare event the mantas are shy and you do not see them on your trip, you can come again for free.

That's it. No complicated fine print. Just contact us within 48 hours of your trip, and we will get you booked on another Manta Experience anytime within one year, based on availability.

We offer this promise because we are confident in our crew, our sites, and our process. We believe in honest marketing and, most importantly, in making sure you have the unforgettable experience you came for.

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