Reviewed by: Stacia
My husband and I went on the snorkel experience and it was the best! We saw about 15 manta rays, including one with a 12 foot wingspan, and probably close to 10 barrel rolls where they came within a few inches of us. Our crew worked hard to make sure we were comfortable and that we had a good time (even made us hot cocoa after we got out of the water). I can't say enough great things about Ocean Encounters- you might find a cheaper manta ray swim, but you won't find a better one.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/10/22 |
Activity Date: | 2018/10/18 |
Reviewed by: Shannon
Truly excellent. One of the most amazing experiences of our lives.
Excellent crew and hosts. Patient, clear, fun, looked after us beautifully.
And an awesome canoe!
Can’t reccomend enough. Well worth it.
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Packages: | Snorkel with Mantas (Oct- Mar) |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2018/10/18 |
Activity Date: | 2018/10/15 |
Reviewed by: Stainless
Great crew, got us to the spot off the airport, lots of other boats there, lights on and after a while Manta Rays showed up. The cool part was when a 10-12 foot wide one did 3 manta rolls right in our faces. It was too much to hope for but it happened.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/10/10 |
Activity Date: | 2018/10/07 |
Reviewed by: N・S
I went to a different location than the one which was thought.
I expected the manta was not seen only a little,but I think that nature is unavoidable because the opponent.
The staff are very friendly and made an effort.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/10/08 |
Activity Date: | 2018/09/27 |
Reviewed by: Ricardo L
It is a must! It is worth! I would do it again. At the beginning, I did not know what to expect, it was a friend recommendation and I thought it would be similar to swim with dolphins actitiviy I did before, but no, it is 10 times better! Getting into the water at night and be so close to these gentle giants was an experience that I will never forget. In less than 10 minutes in the water, we had mantas approaching us. They get very close to you thanks to the powerful lights attracting plâncton. I recommend you take your cell phone in a waterproof case and film. Just keep filming uninterruptly because you don’t know when the mantas will show up. Great experience!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/09/19 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/30 |
Reviewed by: たーさん
このツアーはとても気に入っていて、これで4回目くらいの参加になるでしょうか。
特に今回のツアーは最高でした!
マンタの数も8枚くらい?とにかくいっぱいでよくわからないくらいでした。
以前、全く現れない事もあったので、野生だから必ず見れる保証はないですが、参加する価値は十分あると思います。
また、この船は大きいので落ち着くし安心感があります。
このツアー、以前はチェックインのオフィスでウェットスーツを貸していただいたのですがボート乗り場での受け渡しに変更になっていました。
また、ツアーも以前は1日1便でしたが、早めと遅めの2便になっていました。
私たちは早めの便に参加しました。
Thank you for taking the time to review the manta tour. Mahalo
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Packages: | サンセットプラン |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/09/19 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/22 |
Reviewed by: Gold lan
We were able to meet Manta Ray as soon as we entered the water. ~ I was surprised at the big size but it was a very enjoyable experience. I would like to enjoy Manta Ray by diving after winning the scuba diving certificate
Thank you for taking the time to review your manta snorkel. We are happy to know you enjoyed the experience. Aloha!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/08/24 |
Activity Date: | 2018/08/11 |
Reviewed by: pikoyo
マンタ大接近で、興奮しました!
楽しかったです。
8月参加でした。全然寒くなかったです。
お勧めします。
Thank you for reviewing your manta tour. We are happy you had a good time. Mahalo Nui Loa!
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Packages: | サンセットプラン |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/08/24 |
Activity Date: | 2018/08/19 |
Reviewed by: Montalvo Family
We were a family of 7 visiting Hawaii for the first time in July 2018 and swimming with the Mantas sounded like a dream. We went out and was disappointed when only 2 Mantas showed up but I only saw one. To our surprise the captain announced that he planned on going back out later and anyone who wished to go back out was welcomed to stay onboard. Well needless to say we went back out to the south side of the island and to our amazement we were blessed to not only swim with one but with seven Mantas. The experience was outstanding one I will never forget. The captain and crew was courteous and professional and I highly recommend Ocean Encounters.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/08/01 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/23 |
Reviewed by: M Pinto
The night was perfect. We saw 6-7 mantas ! The captain (Tony) and the crew (I don't remember everyone's name :() were great as well giving clear instructions and making sure everyone made the most out of te experience. Prescription snorkling equipment was available which was even better.
Thank you for taking your time to write a review. We are so happy you had a good time on the Manta Tour! We hope to be able to serve you again soon.
Mahalo!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/07/31 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/22 |
Reviewed by: KL from NJ
The crew were terrific. We had a long lengthy talk about "safety" and what to do and what not to do to keep us and the manta rays safe. Initially, the area looked crowded as there were a handful of boats out in the same area. We booked this excursion early on in our stay as Sea Paradise offers 100% guarantee that we will see manta rays. If we don't, we can come back for free. As we started, the manta rays were swimming underneath us immediately. We had an unusually fantastic night as we were told that normal nights, there were 4 manta rays. Our night, we had 6-8, I loose track. They were so close to us, tumbling and doing their ballets. We had at least 30 minutes of their bellies being 2 inches away from our faces. What an unforgettable night! Hot chocolate as we came out of the water to keep us warm. Lots of snacks on board.
Thank you for taking the time to review your manta tour with us we are so happy you enjoyed it and thank you for joining us!
Aloha!
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Packages: | Sunset Sail & Manta Ray Snorkel - Special Group Rate for 6+ Passengers |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/07/30 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/22 |
Reviewed by: Darra
I only add the nerve wracking part as it was something I did with a little trepidation - the idea of swimming in the ocean, in the dark, in the cold with a little tube to breathe through... However, I like to do something that scares every once in a while as the fear usually is nothing when actually doing the activity and this one was definitely the case in this experience. The guides were excellent and talked everyone through and kept everyone relaxed. You had a half wet suit to help with the cold; the water was lit up (to attract the plankton and mantas); the snorkel you soon forgot once you were floating in pure amazement and smiles as these giants swooped below you and then treated to the bright white display of them underneath as they rolled to eat up the plankton. Complete gentle giants; and not at all scary but just delightful
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/07/29 |
Activity Date: | 2018/06/23 |
Reviewed by: Bill
The Manta experiences one of the greatest things I’ve ever done in my life you need to recommend this all of your friends. The crew was the greatest they were attentive of all your needs. They did everything that they could do to put you in full view of the mantas and they were truly wonderful . I hope that I will be able to return To Kona someday and do this again with the same crew.
Bill
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Packages: | One Tank Manta SCUBA Dive |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/07/22 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/19 |
Reviewed by: Bill
The crew was great an experience of a life time must do don’t forget a go pro
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Packages: | One Tank Manta SCUBA Dive |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/07/20 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/19 |
Reviewed by: Diana T
We thoroughly enjoyed the Manta Ray excursion. The tour guide was great with telling us about the history of this tour and details about the behavior and nature of these Manta Rays. My daughter was most impressed. Although she’s 9yo and a good swimmer, she was still a little nervous about snorkeling at night and meeting these Manta Rays that could come inches to your face. However, the tour guide has made everyone felt safe and she was able to enjoy the magnificence of these gentle sea creatures. Highly recommended
Thank you for joining us and thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are happy to hear you and your family enjoyed the manta excursion. Aloha!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2018/07/18 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/13 |
Reviewed by: Robin J
One of the coolest things we’ve done. The Manta rays would get so close and were so graceful and gentle.
The crew, including Capt Mike Morgan, was awesome and ensured we had a fabulous time. I would rate this as a MUST DO on the big island! Experience of a lifetime!
Thank you for reviewing your trip with us. We are happy to know you enjoyed it. A Hui Hou!!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/07/11 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/08 |
Reviewed by: Jmontgomery
Even though I was sea sick, my husband and daughter had the time of their life that they described as surreal like a dream. The mantas were inches away from their faces doing rolls. An experience they will never forgot and well worth it. The captain and crew were very nice and sympathetic to my condition.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/07/03 |
Activity Date: | 2018/06/27 |
Reviewed by: Matt
My wife and I had a good experience. The boat was comfortable although some people got seasick since it was a fairly choppy sea. I'd recommend taking Dramamine before going. The appetizers were just bagged snacks and cans of juice and pop. We ended up seeing about eight manta rays in the water.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/06/26 |
Activity Date: | 2018/06/16 |
Reviewed by: のんのろ
私は海が大好きで、いろいろなところでシュノーケリングをすることで亀やイルカと泳いだ経験はありました。耳が悪いので、ダイビングをすることができません。でも、マンタはなかなか水面までは来てくれません。なので、マンタをまじかで見ることは諦めていましたが、このツアーだと、次から次へと遊びに来てくれます♡
ライトの近くを囲んでシュノーケリルをつけて観察する感じで、一緒に泳ぐというよりは、マンタがライトに集まって来たプランクトンを食べに来てくれるという感じでした。それでも、マンタが自分でぶつかってくるほど近くに来てくれたので、こちらが避けないとならないほどでした。
マンタのお腹の中までよく見えます。
多分6-7枚のマンタがエンドレスで順繰り廻って来てくれる感じでした。運が良かったのかもしれないですが本当に楽しめました!
Go proは絶対持って行くべきです。
あと、船の上では私は全く寒くなかったです。
ただ、日本人は寒がりな人が多いので、タオルを呼びで1枚持って行く、もしくはトレーナーなどを持って行ってもいいのかもしれません。
Thank you for your kind review. We are happy you enjoyed your snorkel trip to see the mantas.
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Packages: | サンセットプラン |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2018/06/25 |
Activity Date: | 2018/05/29 |
Reviewed by: Fred
Excellent experience and well worth the money. The crew was friendly and helpful. I would not recommend this experience for “timid” children but, if your kid is into new things and not afraid of the ocean, this is an experience they will remember forever! It was amazing to see how well all the boat crews worked together to ensure everyone enjoyed a fantastic show
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2018/06/23 |
Activity Date: | 2018/06/19 |
Reviewed by: Mellissa
I was so scared being a non swimmer but I’m so glad I didn’t chicken out and did it!!! What an incredible experience. Professional crew that kept us safe and relaxed the entire time. I would recommend Wahine Charters to anyone and will recommend to all my friends!
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Packages: | Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/06/14 |
Activity Date: | 2018/06/07 |
Reviewed by: Murray
This was an awesome night as a family seeing the manta rays so closely. We really enjoyed it and will always remember it.
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Packages: | Moonlight Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2 hours] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/05/27 |
Activity Date: | 2018/05/20 |
Reviewed by: Greg
Had an amazing time on the manta ray snorkel. Definitely worth it. The manta rays get within inches from you, and the experience is unlike anything else. Crew and boat were also awesome. Ended up loving the snorkeling experience so much we went out on a day trip a day later which was also amazing!
Aloha and thank you for sharing your experience. We look forward to seeing you next time you visit the Big Island.
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/05/21 |
Activity Date: | 2018/05/17 |
Reviewed by: Brett
This was an unforgettable once-in-a-a-lifetime experience! Definitely recommend swimming with the manta rays. It will be one of the most majestic experiences of wildlife you will ever have. A note we were unaware of: it seems essentially all ventures to swim with the mantas leave from a similar dock area and set anchor at essentially the same spot in the water--which is just a few hundred yards out from the dock.
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Packages: | Manta Dive (Apr - Sep) |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2018/05/21 |
Activity Date: | 2018/04/29 |
Reviewed by: Joel
The highlight of our week on the Big Island. Having a small group meant we had a great chance to see the mantas, as well as a fun dinner and sightseeing along the coast. You won't really understand just how amazing this experience is until you go, so just go.
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Packages: | Sunset Cruise with Appetizers & Night Manta Ray Snorkel [90 mins] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/05/20 |
Activity Date: | 2018/05/11 |
Reviewed by: Tacoma Mom
We had a great time watching manta rays! The crew did a great job of instructing us, all of the gear worked great, and we were amazed by how many manta rays that we saw, and how close they came to us.
Thank you for joining us and thank you for taking the time to review your manta tour. Aloha!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/05/11 |
Activity Date: | 2018/03/27 |
Reviewed by: Sharon
The Sea Paradise crew gave us a great experience, from setting us up with wet suit and snorkel gear to teaching us how to "behave" in the water (#1 rule - Don't touch the Manta Rays, #2 rule - don't pee in the wetsuits - haha! - they provide a bathroom on board), providing drinks and snacks, including hot chocolate which was welcome after the snorkeling. They also made sure we weren't needlessly floating around in the water before the rays showed up, but got us in there in plenty of time to see 4 different rays swimming literally inches below our faces! So cool to see them somersault and glide beneath you. Completely worth the cost! Do this!
Thank you for taking your time to review your manta tour with us. We are happy to know you enjoyed it! Thanks for joining us.
A Hui Hou!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/05/11 |
Activity Date: | 2018/05/05 |
Reviewed by: LOIC
Good experience!
Just a little bit disappointed by the tour.
The guides were super nice but late, we stayed one hour at the harbor due to a boat problem. The dinner (Sushis) was too light, we had to share 20 pieces for 4 people. We stayed only 15min in the water swimming with the mantas because we were running out of time due to the delays at the beginning.
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Packages: | Sunset Cruise with Appetizers & Night Manta Ray Snorkel [90 mins] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/05/03 |
Activity Date: | 2018/04/27 |
Reviewed by: Ms. V
This was one of my main reasons for visiting the Big Island and it most definitely did not disappoint!
The crew were fun and informative. The mantas were plentiful.
I didn't realize how close they came up to you.
So beautiful!
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Packages: | Evening Manta Snorkeling Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/05/01 |
Activity Date: | 2018/04/27 |
Reviewed by: Krin
we had so much fun - when we were watching from shore the next night we wished we had signed up again. we had one on one with our captain and guide (Justin and Tara) - The other groups were so large there was no way they could have asked questions like we did. Tara worked hard to keep us where viewing was best. Bring your towel but not change of clothes.
Mahalo for selecting Kona Ocean Experience for your manta viewing excursion! It's wonderful to know that you had a fun time and appreciated the small group experience and hard work of our fabulous crew, and tickled to hear that you wished you'd "signed up" again for another trip with us! Hopefully you will have the opportunity to come back someday!
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Packages: | Sunset Cruise with Appetizers & Night Manta Ray Snorkel [90 mins] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/04/29 |
Activity Date: | 2018/04/18 |
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Thank you for taking the time to review your manta tour. Mahalo!