(All Reviews) Page 3) Snorkeling Cruises & Tours, Big Island tours & activities, fun things to do in Big Island | HawaiiActivities.com

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All Reviews for Snorkeling Cruises & Tours in Big Island

Overall Rating

4.58 4.58 / 5

Reviews

1203 reviews

Sea Quest Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour & Rafting Sea Cave Expedition

Worth every penny!

Reviewed by: Michelle , 2023/04/14

We are typically do-it-yourselfers and were initially skeptical about going on a guided tour. This tour turned out to be so worth it! Captain Brendan and crewmember Tuliz were very knowledgeable, competent, and friendly. We happened to see whales at close range along the way, and our guides made the most of it. The snorkeling at Captain Cook is magnificent. A fantastic experience all around!

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/04/12
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Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour at Kealakekua Bay - Fair Wind Cruises

Highly recommended!!

Reviewed by: Or Peretz, 2023/04/13

Great crew, beautiful bay. The cruise ship was super equipped with everything you need to have a great time. The food was delicious, the snorkeling gear was great and the restrooms were clean. We highly recommend this tour!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/04/08
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Afternoon Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument Snorkel Cruise - Sea Paradise

Great morning snorkeling tour on a catamaran

Reviewed by: CGB, 2023/04/12

Delightful crew. Simple food always available. very well organized. Had reef-safe sunscreen available. Even had prescription goggles for me. Captain told great stories. A great morning's adventure.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha,

Mahalo Nui Loa for taking the time to leave us a review. We hope to see you on your next visit to the Big Island!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/04/09
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Once in a lifetime experience..I'd enjoy again and again!

Reviewed by: reneec, 2023/04/01

The crew made the cruise fun and enjoyable for people of all ages.

Snacks were included, but you may not want to est if you get seasick easily.

As part of the experience, they even took some pictures during so we could just enjoy the experience ourselves.


Note: If it's the right season, you may even be able to see other wildlife on the Sunset cruise like we did!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha! Thank you for joining our manta ray tour. We appreciate your kind words and are thrilled to hear that you had a great time. Come back soon, Mahalo

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/03/09
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Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour at Kealakekua Bay - Fair Wind Cruises

Great experience!

Reviewed by: Megan, 2023/03/31

We had the best experience with our two five-year olds! They were both got a little nervous about the snorkeling and the crew patiently offered different options until they agreed to the kick boards with lenses. A big hit!! We saw a variety of fish and enjoyed the beauty (and history) of Cooke Cove The slides were also entertaining as the kids watched different people (including mom and dad) zoom down!! If you are concerned about the all veg breakfast and lunch, don’t be. As meat eaters, we all agreed the food was outstanding. To top it off, the Captain’s historical knowledge and witty comments made the ride to and from the coral reefs a lot of fun. We highly recommend tour!

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/03/29
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Dolphin Quest Hawaii - Dolphin Swim & Encounter at Hilton Waikoloa Village

Amazing experience!

Reviewed by: cassandra15, 2023/03/28

Check in was pretty simple and easy. Trainers were super friendly. Great adventure for families.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2022/07/27
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Big Island Moonlight Manta Ray Snorkel Tour & Sunset Cruise from Kona

Amazing experience. Great crew!

Reviewed by: Steve712, 2023/03/25

If you do one thing on the west side of the big island this is it. Words and pictures don't do the experience justice. The crew of the boat was safety conscious and the captain ran a tight ship. As a passenger we felt in good hands. Do your homework about what this tour involves. If you cannot swim and/or are afraid of the water this is NOT FOR YOU!!!. This tour had 1/2 a dozen non-swimmers on the tour. They were miserable and the crew had to spend an inordinate time catering to them.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/03/22
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Afternoon Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument Snorkel Cruise - Sea Paradise

Amazing

Reviewed by: Coartney, 2023/03/21

Great Capitan + crew! Beautiful views! Very clean and organized! Loved the history given by crew members! Would definitely recommend!!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Courtney,

Mahalo for sharing your beautiful pictures and for your wonderful recommendation. We hope to have the pleasure of seeing you in the near future!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/03/16
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Big Island Moonlight Manta Ray Snorkel Tour & Sunset Cruise from Kona

Outstanding trip out, small group and great crew!

Reviewed by: Jenny, 2023/03/18

We arrived slightly late and the crew kindly waited a bit for us. There was only 4 of us which made the experience felt a lot more enjoyable - it was not crowded or noisy! No jostling of people.

Once out there, we got in the water smoothly and saw 2 rays, 3 times. Unfortunately, the ray sightings have reduced in recent years so we considered ourselves lucky! Highly recommend it all round!

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2023/02/24
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe

Book Eka Tour - You won’t regret it!!!

Reviewed by: L Family , 2023/03/07

Eka snorkeling with manta rays was amazing. The small, personalized tour is a great way to see the rays. Loved the classic canoe. This was perfect for ray family and I can recommend this tour group highly enough. Kai was great - he is so knowledgeable about the rays and he calmed my 9 y.o.’s fears -he on spectrum and they were very flexible in how we got him into the water and to the board. My son can’t stop talking about how great this experience was-he can’t wait to go again. Book this tour - you won’t regret it. The entire group was accommodating and friendly and made this the best adventure of our Hawaiian trip. Thank you Eka.

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/03/05
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Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour - Small-Group Adventure from Keauhou Bay

A wonderful way to see the rays!

Reviewed by: Phil, 2023/02/28

We had an amazing time as the crew was incredibly prepared and accommodating. They were able to fit all of us on board and bring us out without a problem. The guides were very knowledgeable and were helpful in getting in and out of the water. They work together with the other tours in the same space to attract as many rays as possible. We ended up seeing 10 or more rays with a near constant show. We had my 65-year-old mom and dad, my 40-year old self and wife, and our eight and 10-year-old with us, and it was never a problem. A great activity if your kids can stay up a little later and recover the next day.

It's a short boat ride out, but the darkness set off a little of my motion sickness, So if you're prone to that be sure to take some medication ahead of time. I also had a little issue being in the waves and going up and down in the darkness. One of the other participants got fully sick away from the boat but the crew handled it very professionally.

I would absolutely recommend them!

  • A couple of the rays dancing together.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/01/30
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Not good

Reviewed by: Shawn, 2023/02/26

We could not see any and also the ride was so bumpy

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Shawn,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We extend our deepest apologies for the experience you had on our tour. We would like to hear more details about it. Could you email us at info@hawaiidolphin.com and elaborate further? We would like to rectify this situation. Thank you.

Best,
Iruka Hawai‘i ‘Ohana

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/02/24
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Lifelong memories made

Reviewed by: Spittstop, 2023/02/25

My 10 yo daughter and I did this excursion during a recent trip to the Big Island. It was an incredible and highly memorable evening and I feel privileged to have been able to do this.

We saw humpback whales and dolphins en route to the Manta Ray swim spot, and that made the excursion worthwhile, even before we'd seen the rays.

The crew were knowledgeable and fun and although the activity requires you to jump into the ocean at night without any light, I always felt safe and confident that the crew was looking after us. Having my daughter with me made that essential.

We floated for about 15 mins before we saw the rays, but when we did it was really breathtaking. We had around 30 mins or so floating before we got back on the boat for the ride back to port.

The crew took videos and photos and shared them with us which was a really lovely touch.

Wetsuits were a must as it does get cold. For those with younger children, there was a larger float that they could sit on safely, but older children were able to float in the water alongside adults.

I really couldn't recommend this highly enough. Maybe leave an extra 15 mins to find the dock as we struggled a little as there are quite a few trips leaving from the same marina at similar times.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha! Thank you so much for choosing Iruka Hawaii Dolphin for your Manta Ray snorkel adventure. We are so happy that you and your daughter had such a great experience with us. We hope to see you soon, mahalo

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/02/19
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Kealakekua Bay Ocean Raft Adventure - Wildlife & Reef Snorkel Tour

We had such a great time!

Reviewed by: Lucy factor , 2023/02/24

Ryan and Erik were awesome! No dolphins found but we know they can’t control that. The boat was super fun, the snorkeling was great and they made it a fun trip showing us the coastline. Thanks guys!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/02/22
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Dolphin Quest Hawaii - Dolphin Swim & Encounter at Hilton Waikoloa Village

Loved it

Reviewed by: Maja, 2023/02/16

This was an amazing experience—the dolphins were incredible. We got to hug them, touch them all over, and swim next to them with our hand on their back but not holding on to them. Maddie, our guide, was so warm and informative. I would recommend bringing goggles (swimming or snorkeling) so that you can put your head underwater with your eyes open to see the dolphins swimming under you. I’m surprised that isn’t recommended. Digital photos are VERY expensive ($170 for all of the photos they took, or $55 for one digital photo). That said, it’s a once in a life time experience, so you’ll probably want some photos.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/02/14
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Kona Manta Ray Snorkel & Night Dive Tour at Keauhou Bay - Sea Paradise

Loved every minute

Reviewed by: Jim, 2023/02/04

We saw lots of Mantas. I can't wait to come back and do it again.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Jim,

We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed the company of the manta's. We hope to see you in the near future!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2021/10/23
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Kona Manta Ray Snorkel & Night Dive Tour at Keauhou Bay - Sea Paradise

Mantas were amazing

Reviewed by: Jim, 2023/02/04

Sea Paradise did a great job. We saw six mantas. I thought the boat trip would be a bit longer. Just a short ride out from shore. So it's not about sailing. But the mantas make up for it.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Jim,

Mahalo for taking the time to leave us a review. We do offer a shorter boat ride for those who are prone to getting sea sick/don't want to be on the boat for too long. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your manta tour.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2021/11/07
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Kona Manta Ray Snorkel & Night Dive Tour at Keauhou Bay - Sea Paradise

So close...fun!

Reviewed by: Linda, 2023/02/03

We had such a fun time snorkeling with the mantas. We didn't realize how close they come to you in the water. One of them belly-bumped me by accident. Such graceful sea creatures.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha,

The mantas are truly amazing. Mahalo for choosing Sea Paradise for your manta adventures. We hope to see you soon!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2022/03/30
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Kona Manta Ray Snorkel & Night Dive Tour at Keauhou Bay - Sea Paradise

Must do tour!

Reviewed by: Jim, 2023/02/03

I was a little nervous about snorkeling at night but I'm so glad I went. It's less of a snorkel and more of a snorkel float where you hold onto a floating mat with LED lights underneath. The mantas were swooping underneath us eating the plankton. It was so calm and magical. Highly recommend.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Jim,

We appreciate your recommendation! It is more of a uniform snorkel and typically not to strenuous. We agree, they are truly magical! We hope to see you in the near future!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2022/07/21
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Dolphin Quest Hawaii - Dolphin Swim & Encounter at Hilton Waikoloa Village

So cool

Reviewed by: Jim, 2023/02/03

We weren't sure what to expect with this dolphin interaction but it was amazing. You can tell the care the trainers have for the dolphins and it was a very well run operation helping to build awareness about the local conservation efforts to protect Hawaii's marine life.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2022/07/21
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

LIFE CHANGING

Reviewed by: Nikki Clark, 2023/01/31

First of all, WOW. From beginning to end, this experience was one for the record books.
For $10 this crew sets you up with a wet suit (recommended), and then a snorkel set at no additional charge. Once we boarded, we were met with a warm welcome, and a good belly laugh. Excellent staff! They were informative, safe, and most importantly, knew how to have fun!
During the boat ride we were met with bottle nose dolphins and a humpback whale sighting! The dolphins were curious and playful, and swam all around our boat! I may or may not have shed a tear of joy. It was seriously rad.
Once we got to our destination they gave us a noodle for floating, and set up a large, square floatation device for everyone to hold onto while we watched the mana rays. They are huge! They’re giant, friendly, and bring their appetite for plankton. You’ll also see tons of fish while you snorkel.
After our time was up, and we boarded, they passed out cups of hot chocolate.
The entire experience as a whole was one we will never forget. YOU HAVE TO DO THIS while you’re here!
Thank you so much for the experience of a lifetime! Keep up the good work, guys! Mahalo

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Nikki,

Thank you for the amazing comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! We do offer a repeater discount of 20% off, so please keep us in mind for future travel plans.

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/01/29
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Sea Quest Kealakekua Bay & Honaunau Bay Premium Snorkel Tour

Seaquest Kealakekua/ Honaunau Bay Premium Snorkel Tour

Reviewed by: Onnalee M, 2023/01/29

Capt Steve and crew member Morgan were absolutely Wonderful! Made us feel at ease. I would recommend the wet suits to get the full exploration time in case the westher is a bit chilly. Just getting out of the Bay was a Pod of Dolphins 8 or more right at the beginning of the Snorkeling tour!! On our way to 2nd Bay, Capt Steve notcied a whale that was a bit out of the way but still took us there and ended up being a Mama Whale with her baby practicing breaching the water! How amazing!! The Snorkeling was filled with Gorgeously Brillant colors of multitudes of fish especially at Capt Cook’s Momument! We explored magnificant caves while Capt Steve explained the History of the Island and topped off with delicious healthy assortment of fruit at first Bay and much needed sandwiches at the completion of the 2nd Bay stop!! We even lucked out and caught a glimpse of s huge Manta Ray coming back into port. Absolutely Perfect Snorkeling Tour and very personalized with a small group of interesting people!! Thank you Seaquest!!! I will remember this for the rest of my lfe!! That’s what life is all about!!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/01/27
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Once in a lifetime experience

Reviewed by: David Letendre, 2023/01/23

We went out to sea under the setting sun.
Everything was perfect.
Lots of huge manta rays came close. Sometimes up to few feet away!!
The crew; Diego and Ryan were pampering us and taking care of our every needs.
Would recommend them anytime without a doubt.

-David L

Comments from activity operators

Aloha David,

Thank you for the positive comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! We do offer a repeater discount of 20% off, so please keep us in mind for future travel plans.

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/01/18
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Great experience!

Reviewed by: S Lawrence , 2023/01/07

We had an awesome time viewing the Manta Rays. We were able to see the spinner dolphins in the sunset as well. The staff was great and very accommodating. Definitely worth the trip to the big island!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha! Thank you for joining our manta ray tour in Kona! We are happy to hear that you were able to see so much wildlife. Thank you for choosing Iruka Hawaii Dolphin. Come back soon. Mahalo

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2022/12/13
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Great night excurssion

Reviewed by: jhutch1368, 2023/01/06

Night snorkel with manta rays was recommended to me by a coworker who lived on Kona. We booked this for our vacation based on her recommendation. We brought our ‘kids’ ages 30, 16, 13. I think it would be hard for younger kids. In fact, one child I’d say about 6 sat on a float the entire time. Swimming in ocean at night even with a wetsuit (a MUST), a noodle, and holding on to a raft is trying even for an adult. That being said, it was so cool! We were fortunate to see many manta rays! I wish I could’ve taken pictures. It was plenty long enough time. Any longer would’ve been too much. We had perfect weather and the light of the full moon. The crew was awesome and fun. You could tell they loved their job and were friends. Shout out to the girl on our crew named Ryan, who took extra care and patience helping my 30 year old daughter swim back to boat.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha,

We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your family members, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!

Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/01/04
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Captain Trevor and his crew were outstanding!!

Reviewed by: S. White, 2022/12/31

Captain Trevor and his crew were outstanding!! The manta rays were incredible and while we were watching them the crew gave us facts about these amazing creatures.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha,

We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your group, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!

Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2022/12/29
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Amazing!

Reviewed by: Nikhil, 2022/12/17

It was perfect! The crew was really kind and helpful. The captain was really funny and entertaining. And the star of the show - the Manta Rays - we're absolutely breathtaking. We were lucky to find a group of Manta Rays en route and decided to drop anchor and just spent all the time there. That gave us more time with the Manta Rays. We weren't the best swimmers so the crew helped us with life jackets and they helped to and fro the float. We had a great time and I would absolutely recommend them.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Nikhil,

Thank you for the positive comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! We do offer a repeater discount of 20% off, so please keep us in mind for future travel plans.

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/11/27
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Good Company

Reviewed by: Kara, 2022/11/21

Liked the smaller boat vibe! we saw a lot of manta rays

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Kara,

We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your group, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!

Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/11/14
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Sea Quest Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour & Rafting Sea Cave Expedition

Beautiful Day

Reviewed by: Kara, 2022/11/21

Crystal clear waters, fun to go through sea caves, thrilling

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/11/12
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe

A MUST DO!!!!

Reviewed by: Desiree, 2022/11/19

I booked the Manta Ray Night Snorkel Canoe for my 12 year daughter & I. This totally exceeded my expectations! I still cannot believe how many mantas we saw & how close they were. Our crew took great care of us & had a great sense of humor.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2022/11/17
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