Reviewed by: Jim
Saw lots of whales. We loved the combination of sailing on a catamaran and seeing whales breaching off in the distance. We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Hawaii during whale season.
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Packages: | Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise [Sailing Catamaran] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/02/03 |
Activity Date: | 2023/02/01 |
Reviewed by: TJ Norum
This trip is great for families and couples alike. I really enjoyed the fact that the crew helped us locate the whales and went in search of the best viewing spots. Highly recommended for Waikaloa Bay Beach area.
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Packages: | Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise [Sailing Catamaran] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/01/31 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/29 |
Reviewed by: Nikki Clark
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
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/01/31 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/29 |
Reviewed by: Onnalee M
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!!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/01/29 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/27 |
Reviewed by: Alli
We saw pilot whales up close and the staff were so informative, helpful, and truly loving their work. I really wish that we had been able to see a humpback whale since we were there in the right season. But I have to presume that they were not able to find any that day. Guess I’ll just have to come back to Hawaii again?!
Aloha Alii!
Thank you for joining us and taking the time to leave a four star rating!
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Packages: | Whale Watch Cruise |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/01/28 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/06 |
Reviewed by: David Letendre
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
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
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/01/23 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/18 |
Reviewed by: Bryan G
We had a great afternoon on the boat. Took a seven and two year old out with us to see the whales and the captain was very accommodating to both of them. Once we got the area where the whales were we saw a couple different pairs breach multiple times and certainly didn't need binoculars to see them. On our way back to the harbor a few bottle nosed dolphins decided to swim out front of the boat and in the wake for about 10 minutes which was every bit as cool as seeing the whales.
I'd highly recommend Aloha Kona Tours.
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Packages: | Private Whale Watching Tour |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/01/16 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/08 |
Reviewed by: Emily Yoon
The captain and crew are so nice
The boat is very clean and comfy!
the experience was really good.
We got to see bunch of dolphins and whales breaching really close to.
Thank you so much!
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Packages: | Private Whale Watching Tour |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/01/12 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/10 |
Reviewed by: S Lawrence
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!
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
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/01/07 |
Activity Date: | 2022/12/13 |
Reviewed by: jhutch1368
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.
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
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/01/06 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/04 |
Reviewed by: S. White
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.
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
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/12/31 |
Activity Date: | 2022/12/29 |
Reviewed by: Jen & Dion
My family loved this tour. Great for kids. We loved not having to get in the water to see coral and fish.
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Packages: | Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/12/25 |
Activity Date: | 2022/12/23 |
Reviewed by: Jen & Dion
Travis was phenomenal. Knew so much about the island as well as space facts. Definitely worth the price and time.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/12/25 |
Activity Date: | 2022/12/23 |
Reviewed by: Fiona
We had hoped the weather would clear, but, unfortunately, despite our tour guide’s best efforts to find some clearing, we were beaten by the weather. Our guide, Hunter, was extremely knowledgeable and tried really hard to wait for some sign of being able to observe anything, but had to cancel with no luck. I can imagine it would have been spectacular to see and hear the wealth of information he would have been able to provide if we could have seen it.
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Packages: | From Hilo - Rainbow Falls, Kaumana Caves, Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/12/20 |
Activity Date: | 2022/12/18 |
Reviewed by: Nikhil
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.
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
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/12/17 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/27 |
Reviewed by: Kristen
Food was great especially the pork and salmon. Show was nice, small if you’ve been to some on the other islands. But overall a nice evening.
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Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/12/15 |
Activity Date: | 2022/12/13 |
Reviewed by: GapC
Arthur gave us an incredible experience. With his knowledge of geology and astrology plus history of island we learned more than we expected. We felt we could not have asked for more in the planetarium and stargazing. The telescope was an exception experience. I will be recommending your company.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/11/29 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/25 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Liked the smaller boat vibe! we saw a lot of manta rays
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
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/21 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/14 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Crystal clear waters, fun to go through sea caves, thrilling
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Packages: | 5-hour South Kona Expedition with Lunch (3 Snorkel Stops) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/21 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/12 |
Reviewed by: Samantha Creamer
This tour was AMAZING from start to end. Yes this is a pricer tour to book; however, you truly get a ton for your money. This is a long event; we got picked up at 2pm and back around 10pm. The pickup location was very convenient right in Kona Town. You are provided a solid dinner, dessert, and hot beverages while stargazing. You get to sit back and relax during the drive and enjoy the wealth of knowledge from the tour guide. Speaking of, our tour guide Art was absolutely outstanding! He was knowledgeable, approachable, and entertaining. Also the star-gazing area is private to tours and had a high level telescope for easy viewing. We were fortunate enough to see a really big shooting star during our viewing. We were also provided super warm parkas which was great because it is quite chilly at the summit. I could go on and on about this tour but I would 100% book this again and personally recommend this specific tour to family and friends.
P.S. Did we say how amazing Art was?!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/21 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/12 |
Reviewed by: Greg
The tour was everything we hoped for. Fernando was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable about Hawaiian history, religious significance of Mauna Kea and stargazing.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/19 |
Activity Date: | 2022/10/30 |
Reviewed by: Erin
In addition to a wonderful manta ray sighting experience, we were also treated to a spinner dolphin show on the way. The crew were friendly, knowledgeable and great with our 7-year old. We really appreciated the smaller boat for a more intimate and personal experience. The hot chocolate on the way back was a really nice touch! Would absolutely recommend Iruka and we would go again with them next time we are back in Hawaii.
Just be patient with the sightings! We didn't get much activity with the mantas until right at the end and it was totally worth it.
Aloha Erin,
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
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/11/17 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/15 |
Reviewed by: Paul
Well worth the money since getting up to the site is nearly impossible logistically for a rental car. More importantly, our guide, Gage, was so exceptionally knowledgeable on everything from astronomy to Hawaii geography.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/11/15 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/13 |
Reviewed by: emi
少人数でゆったり二箇所、透明度抜群な所でシュノーケリングを楽しめました!魚も沢山いて感激しました。
ソフトドリンクは何種類かあり飲み放題、朝食はフルーツとデニッシュ、昼食はサンドイッチで具材も選ばせてもらえおいしかったです。おやつにポテチもでました。日焼け止めも置いてあったりとサービスはよかったです。
参加者は20人ぐらいいて、日本人は私達夫婦だけでした。当然すべて英語なので、説明もほとんどわからなかったです。ただスタッフはジェスチャーでシュノーケルの使い方を教えてくれました。
とにかくケアラケクア湾でのシュノーケリングは綺麗で最高でした!ハワイ島に行くならオススメです。
Aloha,
Mahalo Nui Loa for your recommendation. We hope to see you on your next visit to the Big Island!
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Packages: | 08:30出港 |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/08 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/01 |
Reviewed by: Pat
Seeing Mantra rays glide gracefully beneath you was a highlight of my trip to Hawaii. I highly recommend Iruka.
Aloha Pat,
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: | |
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/05 |
Activity Date: | 2022/10/12 |
Reviewed by: Anna
First timers snorkeling, we have so much fun and our guides very friendly and helpful
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Packages: | 3-hour Captain Cook Cruise (1 Snorkel Stop) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/05 |
Activity Date: | 2022/10/16 |
Reviewed by: Willner
Had a fantastic time doing the afternoon snorkel. The crew was helpful and shared interesting facts and stories about the island as we sailed. We had plenty of time to snorkel. The boat was comfortable as well with plenty of spaces to sit in the shade or sun. We also loved the fresh water showers to rinse off coming out of the ocean. We will definitely be booking with Sea Paradise again in the future.
Aloha Willner,
Mahalo for joining us. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your time. We look forward to you seeing you all on your next visit!
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Packages: | Afternoon Snorkel Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/03 |
Activity Date: | 2022/10/22 |
Reviewed by: Hilohannah
Have done this tour 5 years ago with a different vendor. Was much better with other tour group but did not recall who it was when I booked this trip. Things I did not like about this tour:
1. Was not notified I could have been picked up in Kona. So we drove over an hour when we did not have to. Another couple drove all the way to the visitor center for the same reason 2. Dinner was marginal at best. 3. Star viewing from the visitor center parking lot?? Are you kidding me? Why? Light pollution, less clear skies..what a joke. I lay that blame on the tour guide, Maka. 4. Guide is not passionate about astronomy but he can be a good guide at times. Sadly, as the night wore on so did his personality. 5. Gloves were only proffered when a man complained. Hand them out with the coats.
Bottom line: do the tour but with a different group.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/03 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/01 |
Reviewed by: Lea
Hands down a memorable experience. I absolutely loved it and want to go back ASAP. I went in September and I still can't stop thinking about it. The parking was right in front of the loading area. The crew was welcoming right away. They got us set up with gear and even let us use our own gear if we brought. They had snacks and beverages on board. We got to watch the sky light on fire for sunset as we sailed out to where the mantas were. Lots of other companies were around in the harbor as well but the crew made sure to stay a safe distance away without disrupting the other experiences. And !!for the main event!! we saw SIX manta rays! Maybe more. They were so beautiful and flipping right underneath us. The captain also shared some knowledge atop the floating mat while we snorkeled so we could hear her stories while appreciating the creatures. The mantas stuck around the whole time. When it was time to head back in, the crew treated us to hot chocolate. They were also happy to share footage they took during the experience. I fully appreciated their generosity. I would definitely go back and do this again with Iruka! And a BIG MAHALO to HawaiiActivities.com and the Hawaii Reef Hero contest for making this possible for me and my friends <3
Aloha Lea,
Mahalo nui for sharing your kind words and amazing photos of your experience with us! 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
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/10/27 |
Activity Date: | 2022/09/05 |
Reviewed by: CLK
We had the greatest time on this tour! Ocean Encounters has the best crew and they made it so much fun! They were super nice and very knowledgeable! Not only that but the mantas put on a great show for us!! Highly recommend!! Mahalo Ocean Encounters!!!
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/10/27 |
Activity Date: | 2022/10/25 |
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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