Sea Paradise Sailing & Snorkeling Tours

Sea Paradise Hawaii has operated ocean tours from Keauhou Bay on the Kona Coast of the Island of Hawaiʻi since 1985. Owner Rich Kersten pioneered the large-vessel, large-group manta ray snorkel tour format —
opening an experience that had previously been limited to small dive groups. He also designed the Manta Flotation Device used on every manta tour.

Five tours depart from Keauhou Bay aboard the Hoku Nui, our 50-foot luxury sailing catamaran, capped at 49 guests: Morning Snorkel Tour (Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District + Red Hill lava arches, breakfast and lunch included), Afternoon Snorkel Tour (Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay, light snacks), 1st Manta Ray Night Tour (Manta Village, sunset departure), 2nd Manta Ray Night Tour (Manta Village, later evening), and our newest experience—Kona Sun, Sip & Sail (no snorkeling, handcrafted cocktails and pūpū, all ages).

Our manta ray sighting rate averages 85–95% year-round at Manta Village. If manta rays are not seen on your tour night, return free within 7 days. Named resident mantas include Lefty (first identified in 1979), Big Bertha (first identified in 1991), Obama Ray, Koie Ray, Quarantina (2020), and Jolene Ray. Over 450 individual manta rays documented on the Kona Coast in partnership with Manta Pacific Research Foundation.

Sea Paradise is Hawaii Ecotourism Association certified and sails to World Famous Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District. They use reef-safe sunscreen on every tour. 4.8 stars across 4,100+ reviews.