Reviewed by: Patricia
Justin was so knowledgeable about the manta rays - we learned many interesting things. The equipment provided was very good quality and most comfortable. The most unforgettable part of the experience was seeing so many beautiful manta rays! And they came so close that we were touched by them as they swam.
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Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/07 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/04 |
Reviewed by: Coolest experience
This was the coolest experience of my life, and that is not an exaggeration at all. Plus that is saying a lot as we are world wide travelers and have done epic things. Every person living on the Big Island or traveling to the Big Island should do this! If you are considering it and wondering if it will be kinda cool or maybe sorta lame (like I thought it might be) let me assure you it is beyond cool!
We literally had to have close to a dozen manta rays swimming around us, most would swim within inches of us. Some VERY large ones also! No need to fear they have no teeth or stingers and are harmless (unless you are plankton). These creatures are truly magnificent!
The crew onboard was wonderful and knowledgeable. When we were done there was hot tea and a snack which was an added bonus.
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Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/02/04 |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/02 |
Reviewed by: Matt D
Super competent captain and crew who were helpful with gear, getting on/off the boat, assisting those who were uncomfortable once in the water. The manta viewing was amazing, close up and continuous. Our guide provided background information on the mantas. Several other species of smaller fish were present also. Definitely recommend this activity!
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Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/01/22 |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/31 |
Reviewed by: Alex
The manta rays were inches from us, and all four in our group had an exceptional time. The guides were knowledgeable and really added to the experience. Highly recommend.
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/01/19 |
Activity Date: | 2022/01/17 |
Reviewed by: Jane
Such a welcoming crew and staff at Sea Quest. They worked through changes easily and made sure everyone was comfortable. Not only was the snorkeling great with tons of fish and coral but you also get several stops along the ride to look at lava tubes, caves, and larger wildlife. Very knowledgable crew and great spot to visit for both beginner and advanced swimmers/snorkelers.
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Packages: | 4-hour Deluxe Morning Adventure (2 Snorkel Stops) |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/01/18 |
Activity Date: | 2022/01/15 |
Reviewed by: Tanya L.
The captain and the assistant are very nice and knowledgeable. We saw a few amazing sea caves and lava tubes on the way to the snorkeling stops. Saw beautiful fishes at both stops and the 2nd stop (Captain Cook's Monument) is best and our GoPro caught awesome videos of those beautiful fishes.
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Packages: | 4-hour Deluxe Morning Adventure (2 Snorkel Stops) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/01/10 |
Activity Date: | 2022/01/07 |
Reviewed by: Marlene209c
It's true, discovering the Manta's is a must do on Kona and the best place is Keauhou Bay with the "Dolphin Discovery" crew. I chose this company based on their reviews and it was the best decision I made! Our family numbered 6 among an intimate group of 12, plus the crew. Everyone of the crew from the "in-water" guides (Justin & Chaz) to the Capt. and shore staff were AMAZING. Super helpful, patient, approachable, knowledgeable and everything a group could ask for and more! Equipment is top notch and the hot, lavender/chamomile tea & cookies after the swim/snorkeling is the perfect touch!! Thank you very, very much for making this one of the most memorable experiences we had in Kona!!
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Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/01/06 |
Activity Date: | 2022/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Boele
Crew, equipment, boat, customers and experience were all AWESOME
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Packages: | Swim with Mantas |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/01/01 |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/30 |
Reviewed by: Vhurteau
Excellent pageantry and making educational entertainment fun for the whole family that includes history of the various South Pacific tribes together with an excellent orchestra, singing and an outstanding master of ceremonies. The buffet food was fine but you go here to enjoy a majestic recreation of Hawaiian tradition!
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2021/12/18 |
Activity Date: | 2021/11/28 |
Reviewed by: Kevin&Lorrie
Tour was professionally done, we saw to many Mantas to count...was such a beautiful experience:). Hot tea and good discussion afterwards was great! Thank you so much!!
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Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2021/11/23 |
Activity Date: | 2021/11/20 |
Reviewed by: fyr
We saw so many mantas!!!! It was amazing and awesome!!!! The hot tea was nice as well. Thank you!
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Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2021/11/22 |
Activity Date: | 2021/11/20 |
Reviewed by: K Fox
This Manta Ray Night Snorkel was near the top of my husbands life list! It was very well organized and the guides were very informative. We saw at least 5-7 Rays. Many came up quite close to check us out. We would definitely do this again, but next time we will bring the camera! I felt very safe the whole time and for me, 45 minutes was just the right amount of time.
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Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/11/18 |
Activity Date: | 2021/11/16 |
Reviewed by: Lisa
This was our very first time in Hawaii, and of course our first luau. The show was great, the food was good, and so were the drinks! It was a beautiful evening and very well done, and completely safe! I highly recommend this luau whether it’s your first or you are a seasoned professional!
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/11/14 |
Activity Date: | 2021/11/09 |
Reviewed by: Jim
The boat and crew were great! The snorkeling equipment was first class. We didn't see that much wildlife at the two stops. A lot of small fish. The second stop was better. Didn't notice in the sign-up that the BBQ was vegan. That is nice for folks who like it but it would have been good to offer non-vegan food as well. We paid extra for the food on the cruise and I would have liked some regular food. Overall, the bar and drinks offered were very good and served with a smile. My wife thought the boat and seating were the best. The crew were very informative and happy to share their knowledge and culture with the guests. Would do it again!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/11/07 |
Activity Date: | 2021/11/05 |
Reviewed by: eburatto
This was our first luau experience and it did not disappoint! We were all very pleased with the friendliness of the staff, the beautiful location, the delicious food, and the spectacular show. It was really entertaining!
Just one thing I found odd was that the Mai Tais felt "virgin". I am a very light drinker, and I get tipsy with 2 glasses of wine, but I had 5 Mai Tais and I was completely sober... weird. They were delicious though! That's why I had 5 :)
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/10/20 |
Activity Date: | 2021/10/17 |
Reviewed by: Terri Zimmerman
Good venue and parking was easy to find. Plentiful food with a lot of variety and a beautiful view with the water. I especially liked the production showcasing the different island cultures.we brought family with us that had never exp Hawaii or a luau so was especially nice to share that experience in a positgive light.
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/10/16 |
Activity Date: | 2021/10/14 |
Reviewed by: Mae
There was no sailing on this trip.The Manta rays are close to where the boat goes in the water. I thought we would have a nice sail while the sun was setting and then get in the water but that was not the case. This experience was both boring and exciting. You are in the water for 45 minutes lying flat with arms outstretched holding onto the handle on one of several connected "light boards"while you have your snorkeled face in the water, and are balancing a noodle under your ankles. You brush up against the people on either side of you.The motion of the ocean gets to be a bit much for many people. I heard a crew member say to another "at least no one puked this trip". I have never been sea sick but started feeling queasy and did get out with about 10 minutes to go. You can raise your arm and be escorted back to the boat at any time.You are provided with a half wet suit but still you get chilled. If you have any shoulder problems I would think twice about doing this trip. All that being said it was so cool when the Mantas did show up and swim right past you! There weren't many but I got some good video and stills with a camera that I borrowed from a friend. Maybe there is a better time of day or year to see more mantas? If you're positioned on a middle light board you have time to get the camera set because you will hear the people at the ends of the the light boards ooh and aah and cheer! I probably would not do this trip again but notice I didn't say never! The boat was nice , the crew was fine.
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2021/10/12 |
Activity Date: | 2021/04/19 |
Reviewed by: Tori
We had so much fun! I believe we saw 4 or 5 Manta Rays. One kept doing flips and brushing against us. It was a great experience, and the crew was extremely nice and fun.
Aloha Tori,
Thanks for joining us and taking the time to review us. They are truly magical marine species. We are thrilled to hear you had a great experience with us. We hope to see you soon!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Tour [Late Evening Cruise] |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2021/10/12 |
Activity Date: | 2021/05/15 |
Reviewed by: Becky
The islander Breeze Luau was everything we expected and more. The staff went above and beyond to make sure that Covid restrictions were in place and the experience was not compromised. Each party had their own table that was 6 feet apart. The food was fantastic and fresh! The drinks were good as well! And the star of the show was the music, dancers and the master of ceremonies! They all really put their aloha into the show! Thank you for a great experience.
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/09/25 |
Activity Date: | 2021/09/23 |
Reviewed by: GnC
I give the music snd dancing all the credit. It was a wonderful show. My impression of the food was it was just ok. Maybe we just don’t like Hawaiian
Food but thanks for trying. The deserts were soggy and lacked flavor. For the total experience, this was way over priced and disappointing.I don’t think I would recommend this luau to my friends due to the food.
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/09/21 |
Activity Date: | 2021/09/19 |
Reviewed by: John
Really enjoyed this experience, the manta rays even touched me!
You can bring your own GoPro but it might be hard to film and hold on at the same time. You're not swimming, you're horizontally floating with a pool noodle at your ankles and your hands gripping a light bar that attracts plankton upon which the mantas feast.
It can get cold when you're in the water, so don't be afraid to bring dive boots, gloves, and your own wetsuit. You'll get a shorty top only and I was pretty chilly, even for a New Englander!
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Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/09/15 |
Activity Date: | 2021/09/13 |
Reviewed by: Ivy
It was a lifetime experience to see so many manta rays. The captain and crews tried to give everyone the best experience. Unfortunately the waves for that evening was so high that made the boat ride an unpleasant trip.
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Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/09/13 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/22 |
Reviewed by: Lina
We decided on this luau -from many- because they were family friendly and the other reviews. They were right, we had a blast. The staff were so accommodating to my daughter (1.5yo). She loved the show and even tried to Hula. We were also celebrating my moms 77th birthday and she loved it too. The best buffet of hawaii's essential plates and desserts too. I would definitely would go back.
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/09/12 |
Activity Date: | 2021/09/08 |
Reviewed by: SB
Loved it and felt safe.
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2021/09/07 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/12 |
Reviewed by: Vincents
So much fun. The location was beautiful, the crew was friendly and the service was great...oh and the plant based menu was delicious. Seeing dolphins made the day. I learned that orcas pass through Hawaiian waters and as a result the dolphins were swimming in and we were lucky enough to see them. Would have been fun to have paddleboards. We all loved it! Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your experience! We hope to see you again in the future. Leah
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Packages: | Morning Kealakekua Snorkel Tour [4.5 hours] |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/08/30 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/28 |
Reviewed by: Alma S.
Nice ride in the ocean at night, beautiful skyline and warm ocean.
Rays pass by few inches from you, possibly enjoying themself as well.
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Packages: | Moonlight Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2 hours] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/08/28 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/07 |
Reviewed by: Stacey D
My husband and I took our 15yr old son. We enjoyed the food, good portions and several options were available. The show was fascinating, and the performers were enjoying themselves which made the show even better. Would highly recommend.
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/08/25 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/22 |
Reviewed by: Sarah h
It was an amazing snorkeling adventure. My husband and I have never gone snorkeling the crew was amazing. They were helpful and very funny. I suggest doing this. You get to see many different types of animals and sights
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Packages: | 5-hour South Kona Expedition with Lunch (3 Snorkel Stops) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/08/23 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/21 |
Reviewed by: CHZ
Tour guides were great, nice, and informative. Sadly did not see any manta rays on our cruise. They said this was highly unusual but still disappointing to not see any. They offered for us to go back on a future tour, but we were leaving the island and they do not offer any refunds.
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Packages: | Moonlight Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2 hours] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/08/22 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/01 |
Reviewed by: Stefanie Doty
This was an event booking for my family. My 4 year old and 14 year old both equally enjoyed it. My for year old loved learning the hula. Food was plentiful and the story told was wonderful. All of the staff were efficient and super sweet.
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/08/07 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/13 |
Tips and suggestions
Reply from activity provider
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Aloha Mae,
We are so sorry to hear you found your experience less than stellar. We appreciate your feedback. We often do try to do some sailing prior to heading to the Manta Ray Village, however factors of getting the best viewing spot for our guests may have disrupted the sailing part as many times through out the year we'll have northern boats come down to view the manta's if they haven't been seeing any at their usual location. Our best recommendation for hanging on to the light rafts would be to not be tense, this can make for an unpleasant experience for anyone, including people with shoulder problems. It's best to relax and go with the flow of the ocean rather than against it. Although we are sad to hear you didn't enjoy your whole time with us, we are happy to hear you enjoyed the stars of the show. They are truly magical. We hope you'll give us another try on a return visit to the islands. Mahalo Nui Loa!