Minimum ages by tour
| Operator | Who can go | Leaves from |
|---|---|---|
| The Manta & Snorkel Co | Ages 7 to 70 | Keauhou Bay Pier |
| Anelakai Adventures | Ages 2 and up. Prior snorkel experience. 250 lb limit per person. | Keauhou Bay boat ramp |
| Hawaii Oceanic | Ages 7 to 70 | Keauhou Harbor, near the Outrigger Kona |
| Puako Dive Adventures | Ages 10 and up | Kawaihae Harbor |
| Manta Ray Advocates | Ages 12 to 99. Strong swimmers only. | Mauna Kea Beach (swim from shore, no boat) |
| Kona Ocean Adventures | Ages 3 and up | Honokōhau Harbor |
Sea Paradise lists $115 for ages 6 to 12 and a $65 ride-along for ages 4 and up.
Is your kid ready?
- They have snorkeled in the ocean before, in daylight, and liked it.
- They can float calmly without grabbing at you.
- They can climb a boat ladder.
- They will be up past their usual bedtime, cold and wet, and still OK.
If two of those are a maybe, book them a ride-along seat. Watching the mantas swirl in the lights from the boat is still a highlight for a lot of kids.
Tips for families
- Go early in the evening if the operator offers it, and early in your trip.
- Pack warm layers and a towel for the ride back. Kids get cold faster than adults.
- Practice first with a daytime snorkel at a calm beach.
- Pick Keauhou Bay over Honokōhau if anyone gets seasick.
Questions
What is the minimum age for the Kona manta night snorkel?
It depends on the tour. In our list it ranges from 2 years old on the Anelakai canoe tour (the youngest kids stay in the canoe) to 3 on Kona Ocean Adventures, 7 on several small boats, and 10 or 12 on others.
Can a young child come along without snorkeling?
Often, yes. Several operators sell a ride-along seat so a child can watch from the boat with a guardian. Sea Paradise lists a $65 ride-along for ages 4 and up.
What is the best manta tour for kids?
A short one. Trips from Keauhou Bay to Manta Village spend only minutes on the boat. The Manta & Snorkel Co lists about 50 minutes for the whole trip, for ages 7 to 70.