Manta Rays snorkeling tour, what time?

Question

Hi,

I want to book a manta rays night snorkeling tour, but I would like to know what time to book to have the best show 6:30 p.m. or 9:00 p.m.?

Thabks

Answer

Manta ray night snorkeling tours in Hawaii are scheduled to coincide with darkness, which enhances visibility of the manta rays against the lights used by tour operators to attract them. Both 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. departures can be good, but there are some considerations to help you choose the optimal time.

Key points to consider:

Sunset times in Hawaii vary by month, but generally occur around 6:00–6:30 p.m. A 6:30 p.m. tour may still have some residual light, giving you a short period of dusk before full darkness sets in.
Manta rays are most active after dark, so tours departing later, such as 9:00 p.m., guarantee complete darkness. This often results in a more dramatic experience as the lights in the water fully illuminate the manta rays against the black ocean backdrop.
Early evening tours (6:30 p.m.) may be preferable if you have younger participants or prefer a less late-night return, as tours usually last about 2–3 hours including briefing, boat transfer, and snorkeling time.
Later tours (9:00 p.m.) can be less crowded in some cases, though availability may vary depending on the operator and season.

Additional tips:

Check local sunset times for your specific date; if the sun sets later, a 6:30 p.m. tour may already have adequate darkness for great manta viewing.
Book with a reputable operator who uses experienced guides and proper lighting to ensure the best chance of seeing multiple mantas.
Bring a wetsuit or reef-safe swim gear, as ocean temperatures at night can feel cooler, especially on the Big Island.

In summary, for the most dramatic nighttime manta experience, the later 9:00 p.m. tour ensures full darkness and excellent visibility, while the 6:30 p.m. tour offers a slightly earlier start and the possibility of seeing the sunset before snorkeling. Either time will provide a memorable experience.