Prices by operator
| Operator | Adult price | Group |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Paradise | $130 plus taxes and fees (ages 13+); $115 ages 6 to 12; $65 ride-along | Up to 49 passengers |
| Torpedo Tours | $129 | Up to 18 guests |
| Kona Ocean Experience | $135 twilight, $145 later night, taxes and fees included | Not stated |
| Big Island Divers | From $129 on its overview; $149 before taxes on its snorkel page | Not stated |
| The Manta & Snorkel Co | From $140 | 6 to 12 guests per boat |
| Anelakai Adventures | $180 per person | Up to 6 per canoe, 12 per tour |
| Hawaii Oceanic | $139 plus taxes and fees | Up to 11 passengers |
| Puako Dive Adventures | $150 snorkel, $180 scuba, plus taxes and fees | Up to 6 guests |
| Manta Ray Advocates | $169 plus taxes and fees | Not stated |
| Kona Ocean Adventures | $265 plus taxes and fees | Not stated |
Prices change, and some operators show different prices on different pages of their own site. Always check the final total at checkout.
What you pay more for
- Smaller groups. Six to twelve guests costs more per person than a boat of eighteen or more.
- A different way out. The motor-free Hawaiian canoe tour costs $180, and a family-focused boat with snorkel, dive and ride-along options costs $265.
- Taxes included. A $135 tour with tax included can cost less than a $130 tour plus tax and fees.
- Combos. Some boats pair a daytime snorkel with the manta trip for a higher price.
What you do not pay more for: better mantas. Every boat watches the same wild rays.
Kids and non-swimmers
Kids’ prices, where offered, are usually a little below adult prices. Some operators, like Sea Paradise, also offer a ride-along option for people who stay on the boat.
Getting your money’s worth
- Book early in your trip so you can use a free return if the mantas do not show.
- Read the no-manta policy before you pay. They range from a free return to 50 percent off another trip to nothing at all.
- Check whether wetsuits and gear are included. Most tours we checked include them.
Questions
How much is the manta ray night snorkel in Kona?
Most tours we checked in November 2026 cost $129 to $180 per adult, and the full range runs up to $265. Most quote before tax, so add tax and fees at checkout unless the operator says they are included.
Why is the canoe tour more expensive?
Paddle-powered canoe tours carry 6 people per canoe and up to 12 per tour, so the cost is spread over fewer guests.
Is a more expensive manta tour worth it?
Not for the mantas themselves. The rays decide how close they come and how long they stay. You pay more for a smaller group, a shorter or quieter ride, or taxes included in the price.