Welcome — Kona Snorkel & Manta Ray Tours
Sea Paradise Hawaii has operated snorkel and manta ray tours from Keauhou Bay on the Kona Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island since 1985, making it one of the original and longest-running ocean tour companies in Kona. Every tour departs aboard the Hoku Nui — a 50-foot luxury sailing catamaran designed for a spacious and comfortable experience for up to 49 guests — sailing to Kealakekua Bay (day snorkel tours) or Manta Village (manta night snorkel tours). Home to more than 450 identified manta rays, the Kona Coast offers guests an 85%-95% nightly chance of experiencing an unforgettable graceful encounter with some of these gentle giants. Confident swimmers of all levels welcome to join us in the water on select tours. Guests that prefer to relax onboard are welcome to enjoy the sail and scenery from the comfort of our spacious vessel with panoramic views of the ocean and Kona’s lava sculpted coastline.
Choose Your Ocean Adventure
All tours depart from the finger pier at Keauhou Bay, Kailua-Kona. All snorkel gear provided. Marine naturalist crew. Beer, cocktails, and mixed drinks available for purchase onboard all day tours.
Morning Snorkel Tour
8:30 AM daily · ~4.5 hours · Kealakekua Bay
Breakfast and lunch included · All snorkel gear · Marine naturalist
- Adult $165
- Child (6–12) $110
- Toddler (5 & under) $55
Afternoon Snorkel Tour
2:00 PM daily · ~3 hours · Kealakekua Bay
Snacks (pupus) included · Bar onboard · All snorkel gear · Marine naturalist
- Adult $125
- Child (6–12) $75
- Toddler (5 & under) $45
1st Manta Ray Tour
Around sunset · First tour earlier departure · Manta Village
All snorkel gear + Wetsuit · Warm drinks & chocolate · Ride-Along $65
- Adult $130
- Child (6–12) $115
- Ride-Along $65
2nd Manta Ray Tour
After dark · Second tour later departure · Manta Village
All snorkel gear + Wetsuit · Warm drinks & chocolate · Ride-Along $65
- Adult $130
- Child (6–12) $115
- Ride-Along $65
Private charters also available for weddings, vow renewals, corporate events, ash scattering, and any private occasion. Entire Hoku Nui exclusively for your group. Call (808) 322-2500 or email [email protected].
Kona's Original Ocean Tour Company
Sea Paradise Sailing and Snorkeling Tours opened in Hawaii in 1985 as one of Kona Coast’s premier ocean tour operations and has sailed continuously ever since. Sea Paradise was an original tour operator that began snorkeling tours to Manta Village — before manta ray tourism was created — and has built four decades of crew knowledge, marine research partnerships, and eco-certification that newer operators simply cannot replicate.
The Hoku Nui — Hawaiian for “Big Star” — is a 50-foot luxury sailing catamaran designed for a spacious and comfortable experience for up to 49 guests. More deck space, wide staircases for easier water access, and a more relaxed experience than other boats running at capacity. The Hoku Nui carries two onboard exceptionally oversized restrooms/changing rooms, shaded seating under a full bimini top, galley, upscale bar serving local craft beers and island-inspired cocktails during our day tours, and two freshwater shower stations on deck. Trade winds in our sails, vast ocean full of wildlife, and snorkeling in the pristine waters of Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation and the World Famous Captain Cook Monument – a magical Sea Paradise iconic adventure.
Our USCG licensed captains bring years of Kona Coast experience and a genuine aloha spirit to every tour. Our lifeguard certified crew includes marine naturalists who lead reef and manta briefings using the Hawaiian tradition of “talk story” — sharing ecology, cultural history, and conservation knowledge on every tour.
1985
Founded — original Kona operator
50 ft
Hoku Nui sailing catamaran
49 max
Guests (spaciously designed for guest comfort)
450+
Named Kona manta rays
80–90%
Manta sighting rate year-round
Why Sea Paradise
- Since 1985 — one of Kona's original ocean tour operators, decades before newer competitors were founded
- 49 guests - spaciously designed for a comfortable and uncrowed experience
- Full bar onboard — local brews, wine, handcrafted cocktails, and curated mocktails available on all day tours (not offered by most competitors)
- Manta Guarantee — free rebook within 7 days if mantas aren't seen. Backed by captains who log every sighting
- Named mantas — captains recognize Lefty (1979), Big Bertha (1991), Koie Ray, Obama Ray, and others on sight
- 50-foot catamaran — designed for comfort and stability with plenty of room to relax
- Marine naturalist on every tour — educational briefings on reef ecology and Hawaiian cultural history
- Food included — breakfast and Lunch on morning tours, snacks on afternoon, warm drinks & chocolate on manta tours
- Ride-Along option — non-swimmers welcome on both manta tours at $65
- Eco-certified — Hawaii Ecotourism Association member with active conservation partnerships
- Sea Paradise
- Morning Snorkel Tour
- Afternoon Snorkel Tour
- 1st Manta Ray Snorkel Tour
- 2nd Manta Ray Snorkel Tour
- Corporate & Group Charters
- Things To Do in Kona
- Official Gear
Where We Sail
Marine Life Conservation District · 12 miles south of Kailua-Kona · "Pathway of the Gods"
One of the finest snorkel sites in the State of Hawaii — protected since 1969. Home to the Captain Cook Monument, Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), spinner dolphins, spotted eagle rays, and coral gardens in 60+ feet of visibility. Sea Paradise has sailed here since 1985.
Morning & Afternoon Snorkel Tours
Over 450 named manta rays frequent this site, but each night only a select few glide in—drawn by underwater lights that attract plankton—for an intimate, unforgettable experience. This classical conditioning behavior, first observed in the 1970s, delivers 85%–95% sighting rates year-round with Sea Paradise.
1st & 2nd Manta Ray Tours
Kona's Famous Resident Manta Rays
Over 450 reef manta rays have been individually identified along the Kona Coast by Manta Ray Advocates Hawaii and the Manta Pacific Research Foundation using unique belly spot patterns. Sea Paradise captains know the most famous ones on sight. You might meet any of these regulars.
Lefty — first identified 1979
The first manta ever identified in Kona. Recognizable by her damaged left cephalic fin. Has returned to Manta Village for over 45 years
Big Bertha — since 1991
One of the largest females in the population, estimated 14–16 foot wingspan. Documented through several pregnancies. Unmistakable on sight.
Koie Ray — since 2001
Known for swimming directly and closely toward snorkelers — one of the most intimate encounters guests experience at Manta Village.
Obama Ray
Originally named Barack Obama, later confirmed female. One of the most recognized names in the Kona manta catalog.
Quarantina — first seen 2020
First spotted during the COVID-19 pandemic when tourist activity was minimal. Named after the moment of discovery.
Jolene Ray
A petite regular at roughly 5 feet wide — one of the most consistent performers at the nightly feeding sessions.
The crew were professional, kind, knowledgeable and fun.
Extremely clean, with luxury bathroom facilities.
Lots of refreshments and snacks, also a freshwater shower to wash off as you get out of the sea.
One thing I did notice that Sea Paradise was doing that other boats around us weren’t doing. Sea Paradise puts crew members on paddle boards as lifeguards in the areas that you are swimming. That’s a big plus for safe in my eyes and I appreciate that.
Thank you again for the great time and great memories.
Departure Information
All Sea Paradise tours depart from the same location — the finger pier at Keauhou Bay, approximately 5 miles south of central Kailua-Kona.
Location
Keauhou Bay — end of Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Check-in
Meet crew in blue shirts at end of the finger pier, 15 min before departure
Parking
Free parking along Kaleiopapa St · Limited at pier · 3–5 min walk to boat
