Reviewed by: S.S.
This is definitely a must-have experience and believe me, you won't regret. You don't have to know how to swim, by the way.
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2017/07/31 |
Activity Date: | 2017/07/26 |
Reviewed by: Jessica
The people at sea paradise were truly outstanding. They were professional, fun, and extremely accommodating. Let me preface this review by saying that I suffer from extreme motion sickness and had I not been heavily medicated then this would've been a truly awful experience, of course this was no fault of the crew, the waters are just that rough. The crew Heather and Troy and the captain did their absolute best to make me feel better, while entertaining my six year old daughter. We saw tons of mantas and they barrel roll right under you almost touching you. Truly a remarkable experience. Once we decided we had enough the crew got us back to the shore as quickly as possible as they could tell I was in distress. I highly recommend this experience, just be aware that you will need every form of motion sickness prevention if that's a concern. I couldn't be more pleased with the crew of sea paradise.
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2017/07/29 |
Activity Date: | 2017/07/26 |
Reviewed by: Vparikh
Our teenage children went on this excursion. They had the best time. The captain and the crew member were very helpful and made them feel very comfortable.
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2017/07/26 |
Activity Date: | 2017/07/22 |
Reviewed by: Tony
I had a great time the guides very very knowledgeable and helpful. It was amazing how close the Manta Ray came to use as we were on the surface hanging to a raft. If I go back this is one thing I will differently do again.
Thank you for taking the time to review your tour with us. Happy to know you enjoyed it.
A Hui Hou!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2017/07/22 |
Activity Date: | 2017/06/29 |
Reviewed by: Dorotka
It was an amazing experience ! Like an underwater ballet with a bit of adrenaline because even you know that rays are completely harmless and gentle you are still swimming in the middle of the ocean at night .There were at least 25 of them that night passing sometimes within an inch of our biddies, it felt like gentle caressing. I think it was my favorite activity and we did practically everything there is to be done on the Island (from extreme to leisure ) Definitely recomend it
Aloha- We love to hear about our guests fantastic experiences! Glad you had a wonderful time and were able to see and enjoy the Mantas on our tour!! Maholo!!
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Packages: | Moonlight Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2 hours] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2017/07/18 |
Activity Date: | 2017/07/10 |
Reviewed by: Rosemary
We did the moonlight swim. The biggest manta ray was actually bumping some of the people in the water when she came up to eat the plankton that the lights attracted. We also saw so many fish. It was great. I would do this excursion again.
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Packages: | Moonlight Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2 hours] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2017/07/09 |
Activity Date: | 2017/06/21 |
Reviewed by: Kelly Koch
This was an amazing adventure. We were very taken very good care of. Will definitely do it again.
Aloha Kelly! We're pleae to hear that you had an amazing adventure on your Sunset/Manta tour, and that you felt well taken care of. We look forward to having you join us again for another real Kona Ocean Experience. Mahalo for taking the time to write a review for us!
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Packages: | Sunset Cruise with Appetizers & Night Manta Ray Snorkel [90 mins] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2017/07/08 |
Activity Date: | 2017/06/14 |
Reviewed by: Troutman
This was the most amazing trip ever! The canoe was perfect for my family as we all get motion sickness and everyone was fine but mom. It was a quick trip out and you are in the water immediately snorkeling with the manta rays. We had two that just kept coming straight towards our faces (one even brushed dad). It was the most amazing experience and our guides, Kat and Rob made the whole experience so pleasant. We highly recommend this trip!!!!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2017/07/07 |
Activity Date: | 2017/06/05 |
Reviewed by: Miller family
One of the highlights of our trip, so fun! Peena, Tim & crew were awesome. They moved things along nicely and were fun to be with. We saw some amazing Mantas, it was an experience we'll be talking about for a long time!
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Packages: | Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2017/06/19 |
Activity Date: | 2017/06/16 |
Reviewed by: Lianne
I had an awesome expierence with the Manta Ray swim in front of our hotel.
Aloha, thank you for taking the time to review your trip. We are so happy to know you enjoyed it. Mahalo!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2017/05/27 |
Activity Date: | 2017/05/21 |
Reviewed by: Dawn Weston
Me and my family attended this activity on 5/12/17 and it was everything and more! There was a total of 8 of us in my family that went. The boat was huge and there was not a lot of people so there was plenty of room to sit and wander. The crew was friendly and very informational! They answered all questions and did a good instructional of what to expect and what not to do. Once in the water they were so helpful especially for those snorkeling for the first time. They helped you every step of the way to make sure you were having the best time possible. They eased you and helped to calm your nerves. We saw three manta's during our time and it was amazing! A must do event that no one can miss. Once we were back on the boat there were a total of five manta's swimming around almost pleading us to come back in the water! Two of us got sea sick over the side of the boat and the crew was super nice about it and just said that we were feeding the fish! Hahahaha. I would highly recommend this snorkel swim and specifically with the Hula Kai. It seemed to be the better of what I could see once out on the bay. I can not thank the crew enough for such a wonderful experience for our family! Job well done!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2017/05/18 |
Reviewed by: Margarita
Swimming with Manta Rays has been on my bucket list for a very long time. Seeing these beautiful creatures swimming next to you was absolutely unreal! As you can only spot Manta Rays at night we went for a short boat trip first where we watched the sunset, enjoyed the weather and had a few drinks. Our captain was a great guy who showed us something I couldn’t believe existed – a green flash right before the sun disappears below the horizon – thought it was a myth! Crew did everything they could to make us feel comfortable and to enhance our experience throughout the entire trip. Manta Rays were swimming right next to us and I managed to get a perfect footage on my GoPro camera which I am going to use for my video. This experience is a must do if you are visiting Big Island – this was definitely a highlight of my trip to Hawaii!
Mahalos for the wonderful review. Hope you all have a great vacation in HI
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2017/05/15 |
Reviewed by: Josh Mishkin
This was our second trip snorkeling with Tim. This time we brought my wife's family (from Miami). They absolutely loved it, and we can't thank Tim and crew enough for making it, yet again, a once in a lifetime experience for our family.
You guys rock!!!
We are so glad to hear you had a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you for sharing your experience. Aloha and please don't forget us on your return to Hawaii!!!
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Packages: | Moonlight Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2 hours] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2017/04/17 |
Activity Date: | 2017/04/14 |
Reviewed by: Stacy R
We saw several manta rays and they were amazing! Some came up to the surface and could be seen from the boat. Captain Morgan and Troy were awesome! They were funny, personable and told some great stories. While in the water, Troy and Cory were always making sure everyone was doing okay. I would definitely recommend this excursion with Sea Paradise and this crew.
March, 2017
Thank you for reviewing your tour. We are so happy you enjoyed the manta experience and the crew treated you well. Hope to be able to serve you again.
Mahalo!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2017/03/18 |
Activity Date: | 2017/03/11 |
Reviewed by: Larissa
Totally awesome experience, did the moonlight snorkel with the manta rays. The crew was awesome it was a nice small size of 6 people and such a great experience. They swim so close to you and are so incredibly cool
Thank you for taking the time to review your trip. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the manta tour. Hope to be able to serve you in the future.
Aloha,
Sea Paradise
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Tour [Late Evening Cruise] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2017/02/21 |
Activity Date: | 2017/02/13 |
Reviewed by: Jan B
Fantastic experience!! I loved the shorty wetsuits as it was cool at night. Water was quite choppy, but still happy the event was not cancelled. A few people did get motion sickness. 5 manta rays gave wonderful viewing.
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Packages: | Evening Manta Snorkeling Adventure |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2017/02/19 |
Activity Date: | 2017/02/06 |
Reviewed by: caseypaul@aol.com
You have to do this activity! If you love sea creatures, and have not done this before, go for it! The Hula Kai is the way to go. Other tours are available, but the Hula Kai us the best outfit. Plan it early in the trip. It is highly unlikely that the Mantas will not show up, but if they don't, go again. It is only a couple of hours, and a reliable great time. You don't need to be an experienced snorkel / scuba person, they have a system all worked out. Very easy in and out of the water. Go for it!
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Packages: | Evening Manta Snorkeling Adventure |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2017/01/02 |
Activity Date: | 2016/12/28 |
Reviewed by: Celia L
My husband and I enjoyed the evening of going out on a canoe and then getting in the water and holding on to a lighted surf board to observing the huge mantas come right up to you! The young crew members were very friendly and helpful. They did provide a wet suit top but I regretted not having my full wet suit. Although it is in the "warm" Hawaiian water- after 30 minutes the water does steal your bodies warmth. So that would be my only suggestion to the average tourist. Despite the cold near the end, it was such a unique encounter that the amazing mantas- we were thrilled!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2016/12/13 |
Activity Date: | 2016/11/18 |
Reviewed by: The Leiths
We would like to thank the staff of veltra for their outstanding services with helping making our dream vacation a reality, we really enjoyed the swim with the Manta Rays - the staff on the boat were perfect, snacks were provided and we saw lots of Manta Rays, the sunset was beautiful.
Thanks Again
Thanks for joining us at Sea Paradise aboard the Hokulani! We are happy you enjoyed our manta ray tour :)
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Tour [Late Evening Cruise] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2016/09/10 |
Activity Date: | 2016/08/30 |
Reviewed by: Pernille
We didn't have the best start for our manta ray snorkeling - trouble checking in for our flight the day after stressed us a lot, so we were not really in the mood. But despite me getting pretty seasick, being in the water and experiencing these magnificent and majestic fish feeding was an amazing experince. I so much wanna do it again - but next time without being seasick :) Thanks to the crew and captain for being so nice to me
We are happy you had a pleasurable experience minus being seasick. It does affect some of us more than others. We always have remedies on board to assist with seasickness. A Hoi Hou!
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Packages: | Standard |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2016/09/08 |
Activity Date: | 2016/09/05 |
Reviewed by: Barb
Very cool experience. There were 12 Mantas swimming around us. The crew were safety conscious and handled a guy that freaked out in the water very professionally. No shame and wanted everyone to have a good time. Hot Chocolate provided with fresh fruit.
Awesome! Glad you had a good time and thank you for the positive feedback.
Capt. Tim
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Packages: | Moonlight Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2 hours] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2016/08/29 |
Activity Date: | 2016/08/17 |
Reviewed by: Bill Nott
It turned out to be just the two of us on the cruise,,,It was great fun and swimming with those sea behemoths is magical! Our two person crew were very gracious and gave a wonderful view of the rays and other island animals...and it included sushi!
Aloha, Bill! We're pleased to learn that you had "great fun" and a "magical swim" with the mantas while aboard with Kona Ocean Experience! Mahalo for your kind compliments regarding our crew and the overall tour. We hope that you may have a chance to join us again sometime in the future for another memorable tour!
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Packages: | Sunset Cruise with Appetizers & Night Manta Ray Snorkel [90 mins] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2016/08/27 |
Activity Date: | 2016/08/03 |
Reviewed by: たーさん
今回で3回目ですが、何回参加してもいいですね。
本当に夢の中にいるような素敵な時間です。
今回は前半全く現れず、諦めて船に戻りウエットスーツを脱いでココアを飲んでいたら現れたではありませんか!
急いでカメラ持ってそのままの恰好でシュノーケルギアだけ付けて海に戻りました。
会えてよかったです~!
Aloha and Mahalo for taking the time to review your trip. We hope to see you again!
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Packages: | サンセットプラン |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2016/07/17 |
Activity Date: | 2015/08/10 |
Reviewed by: FJC
Eka Canoe provided a great tour. The small group size gave a really good guide/tourist ratio. The fact that the boat sailed from Keauhou Bay meant that we only had a short (about five minutes) ride to the viewpoint. The experience of watching these creatures was fantastic. They are wild animals, so one never knows what to expect. I did not see the "inverted loop" feeding behaviour that is usually shown in promotional videos, but I saw four mantas cruising mid-way between the bottom and the surface. It was a remarkable experience. The crew and guide looked after us well. They were booked up for the remaining evenings that I had on the Big Island or I would have returned for a repeat tour!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2016/07/02 |
Activity Date: | 2016/06/09 |
Reviewed by: Perlyn
This activity was totally worth it. The guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. The canoe was very cool, too. We saw plenty of manta rays. If you like small groups for night snorkel, then this is your best bet. Hot cocoa was provided after the swim. We had a lot of fun! This is definitely a must-do and I highly recommend Eka Canoe for your reservation!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2016/06/12 |
Activity Date: | 2016/06/06 |
Reviewed by: Mindy
I've taken three different groups on three different manta swims and this one was the best! I really liked how we were tethered to the boat so that inexperienced snorkelers and people that got cold could easily climb back on the boat while the rest of us could continue to enjoy the mantas. Because we were on the moonlight swim, we were in the harbor by ourselves by the end. All the mantas (four total that night) were ours to observe. It was awesome.
This is really a must-do for your Big Island trip.
Thank you for your wonderful review on our Moonlit Manta Snorkel. We are so pleased your tour was such a success. It is our goal to have every person rate us as the best snorkel tours in Kona! You just described the advantages of doing the Moonlit tour. I always recommend this tour to people with children. Because there are only two to three boats at the later tour time, this allows us to tether the light board directly to the boat instead of swimming the light board in the middle of twenty something boats and their light boards to give you the best show. Some parents might have to switch out with their partner if they bring their young children (toddler's and babies are always welcome). There might also be children and/or adults that have some apprehension and would prefer to have the boat near by as a comfort. We hope you will remember us on your next trip to Kona. Mahalo!
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Packages: | Moonlight Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2 hours] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2016/06/08 |
Activity Date: | 2016/06/01 |
Reviewed by: Calinda
The staff on the boat were fantastic. We were all very patient but only 1 manta ray showed, and stayed for about 1 minute so that was disappointing. we were offered another night on the house but we were flying out the following day, and they don't offer refunds.
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Packages: | Evening Manta Snorkeling Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2016/03/22 |
Activity Date: | 2016/03/19 |
Reviewed by: Keith
A fantastic experience,the mantas come as close as the say! A great tour with experienced helpful guides.
Aloha and thank you so much for taking the time to review your trip with us.
We are so happy you enjoyed yourself and hope to see you again soon.
Mahalo!
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Packages: | Standard |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2015/10/17 |
Activity Date: | 2015/09/17 |
Reviewed by: Mountain Man
I'll be honest, overall I didn't have a great time on this trip. We sailed off late and missed the sunset which we were supposed to enjoy, and then spent 15 minutes "sailing" in a circle getting tossed about in the waves in the boat which was very unenjoyable. I wouldn't call it snorkeling either. After an hour of getting tossed around in the waves, you get in your wet suit and get your snorkel mask and get in the water to hold on to a long float, getting beat up by the waves (some more) while playing footsie with your neighbor. Meanwhile, your float is drifting in the current towards the plethera of other boats in the surrounding area leaving you wondering if you're going to get run over or not. Seriously, our floating group ended up almost tangled in another boats anchor line. It was incredibly unsafe.
Why am I rating it a 3 with the description being very negative? Well it's because it's the most incredible thing to see Manta's swimming INCHES from you. We had quite a few come by and it was spectacular to witness for those few seconds.
Thank you for taking the time to review your tour. We appreciate your feedback. The safety of our guests and staff are of great importance to us and we will be speaking with them on how to improve our operations. Again thank you and we are happy you enjoyed seeing the manta rays.
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Packages: | Standard |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2015/10/05 |
Activity Date: | 2015/09/23 |
Reviewed by: Georgia
This was one of the best activities we did on our two month holiday. The experience was incredible and unforgettable, and the company was easy to book with and great tour guides. Would definitely recommend this to anyone going to Hawaii!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2015/09/14 |
Activity Date: | 2015/09/07 |
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Aloha and Mahalo for taking the time to review your experience. We are happy you had a great time and you took the precautions you needed for your motion sickness. The waters in Kona are generally flat and the calmest of the islands, however once in awhile we do get a swell. Happy the mantas put on their beautiful performance to keep you at ease. A Hoi Hou and Aloha!