Question 1

What should I bring on my tour?

Accepted Answer

Bring a swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. A light jacket is recommended for evening sails. Snorkel gear, flotation devices, and refreshments are provided.

Question 2

Where do tours depart from?

Accepted Answer

All tours depart from Keauhou Bay, about 10 minutes south of Kailua-Kona. Check-in instructions are sent in your confirmation email.

Question 3

Do I need to know how to swim?

Accepted Answer

Yes—guests entering the water must know how to swim. Non-swimmers may join as Ride-Along Guests.

Question 4

Are your tours family-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Children of all ages are welcome on day tours. For manta tours, snorkelers must be 7+ years old; ride-alongs 4+ years with supervision.

Question 5

What safety measures are in place?

Accepted Answer

Tours are operated by USCG-licensed captains with trained crew and in-water guides. Briefings cover snorkeling, ocean safety, and manta etiquette.

Question 6

What if I’ve never snorkeled before?

Accepted Answer

Crew assist beginners on day tours. The manta night snorkel is recommended for confident, experienced snorkelers who are comfortable in open ocean at night.

Question 7

Will we definitely see manta rays?

Accepted Answer

While manta sites are highly reliable, sightings can vary. If no mantas appear, you may rebook for free under our Manta Ray Guarantee.

Question 8

What about ocean conditions or cancellations?

Accepted Answer

Tours may be rescheduled or refunded if conditions are unsafe. Safety always comes first, and our captains make the final call based on real-time ocean conditions.

Question 9

How can I help protect the reef and mantas?

Accepted Answer

Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral, fish, or manta rays. Follow crew guidance on board and in the water, and learn more on our Sustainability page.

Question 10

How can I share my photos or experience?

Accepted Answer

Tag #SeaParadiseHawaii on Instagram or share your photos and stories on Facebook. Selected guest photos may be featured in our gallery or social channels.

Question 11

Do you provide wetsuits for tours?

Accepted Answer

Yes—shortie wetsuits or tops are provided on many tours, especially for manta night snorkels where the water can feel cooler after sunset.

Question 12

Can I join multiple tours during my stay?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many guests book both a daytime snorkel and a manta tour to experience Kona’s reefs and manta rays from different perspectives.

Question 13

What health conditions may prevent snorkeling?

Accepted Answer

Guests with heart, lung, or serious mobility issues, as well as those who are pregnant or under a doctor’s care, should consult their physician before snorkeling. A Ride-Along option is available for those who prefer to stay on board.

Question 14

Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Common dietary preferences such as vegetarian can often be accommodated. Please notify us ahead of time about allergies or restrictions so we can do our best to help.

Question 15

How do I change or cancel my reservation?

Accepted Answer

Change and cancellation policies are outlined in your confirmation email. Contact us as soon as possible with your name, tour date, and booking details if you need to make a change.

Question 16

Will we go fishing on tours?

Accepted Answer

Fishing may occur on some day charters depending on conditions and captain discretion. Regular snorkel and manta tours are focused on wildlife viewing, not fishing.

Question 17

Should I eat before the manta tour?

Accepted Answer

If you choose to eat before the manta tour, we recommend a light meal so you stay comfortable while on the ocean at night.

Question 18

How should international guests stay in contact?

Accepted Answer

International guests may have limited cell service in Hawaiʻi, so we recommend relying on email communication for confirmations and updates.

Question 19

What’s included in the manta night tour?

Accepted Answer

The manta night tour includes custom light boards, snorkel gear, wetsuits, beverages, trained in-water guides, and an educational briefing about manta rays and how to view them respectfully.

Question 20

What equipment is used to attract mantas?

Accepted Answer

Custom floating light boards are used to attract plankton, which in turn draw manta rays to feed. This allows for safe, respectful viewing while the mantas remain wild and free.

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

General / Before You Go

What should I bring on my tour?

Where do tours depart from?

Do I need to know how to swim?

Are your tours family-friendly?

During the Tour

What safety measures are in place?

What if I’ve never snorkeled before?

Will we definitely see manta rays?

What about ocean conditions or cancellations?

After the Tour

How can I help protect the reef and mantas?

How can I share my photos or experience?

Additional FAQs

Do you provide wetsuits for tours?

Can I join multiple tours during my stay?

Health conditions that may prevent snorkeling?

Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?

How do I change or cancel my reservation?

Will we go fishing on tours?

Should I eat before the manta tour?

International phone contact?

What’s included in the manta night tour?

What equipment is used to attract mantas?

SEA PARADISE

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