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.
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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: KL from NJ
We were lucky as the weather was cool and cloudy, but did not rain. Our guides were terrific. We had our "safety" talks and felt very comfortable with the safety harness and double clips used. Our party had ziplined before in Colorado and Costa Rica, so we had comparisons. Our guides were entertaining, knowledgeable and very patient. We did see wildlife - a hawk and of course, the mongoose. We did not want it to end.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Treetop Canopy Zipline Adventure |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/07/30 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/24 |
Reviewed by: Darra
Very few places could match this experience. The location; the slow climb up the giant sloping mountain. We went through rain, sun, even through a cloud; through the lava landscape, ranch lands and very bumpy rocky last stretch of road to reach the top! And wow it was a view from the top.
Be warned; it is very very cold; not what you expect from your Hawaiian break! You get nice warm coats from the tour group though (and later a little hot cocoa and brownie to keep you going!)
As the sun sets; you can see the mountains shadow on the other side; a glimpse of Maui and the glint of the sun off the telescopes preparing for their nights work. You can see the odd bit of movement as they open up. As soon as the suns down; its all go though. We have to leave the area quickly as the lights from the cars interfere with the telescopes (so no, there is no looking around inside them; if that is what you're hoping for in this trip!).
We move down slope a little to a good spot to see the huge expanse of clear, cloudless sky and the abundance of stars.
It is slightly interrupted with the brightness of the moon (so depending how long your stay is in Hawaii, plan for a darker night, unless you love the moon!); but not enough to stop us seeing nebula, planets and stars - its a really interesting spot to see both the northern and southern skies.
We did also spot a bit of the glow from the erupting volcano
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Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/07/29 |
Activity Date: | 2018/06/20 |
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: くみにゃん
前日までのリコンファームの電話が面倒です。クレジットカードで支払い済みなのに、どうして必要なのかがわかりません。しかも、到着当日の参加を予定していたので、時差を考えて日本から電話しなくてはなりませんでした。
雨の場合を聞いたところ、かなり降ったら屋根の下に入ると言っていました。嵐の場合は5時頃に中止するかどうか決めるとのことでした。
他の方の体験談を拝見し、5時前に並びに行ったら、既に大行列でビックリ!!7月下旬のハイシーズンだったからでしょうか。5時半から受付が始まり、貝殻のレイをかけてもらって写真撮影。レイはお金を払えばお花や木の実のレイにアップグレードできます。写真撮影は拒否できます。
座席は並んだもの順で前からです。20ドルくらい多く払うと、最も前のテーブルになるようです。
ホストの方がしゃべるしゃべる。歌も歌う。そんなに難しい英語ではないし、分からなくても楽しめます。フラのレッスンや伝統ゲームに興じたり、スタンプタトゥーがあります。
豚の丸焼きを引き上げるのを見せてくれ、直後に王が海から上陸する演出。食事は前方テーブルからに取りにいくよう指示されます。飲み物は飲み放題ですが(一部有料)、バーが遠くて面倒です。
ここまでが長いこと!
ポリネシア各地の踊りを見せてもらえます。ファイアーダンスが一番盛り上がっていました。グアムのフィッシュアイでも同様のショーを見ましたが、こちらは全体的にステージが小さくダンサーの数は少ないです。ファイヤーダンスも男性が一人だけです。
色々と楽しませようとしてくださっているのは伝わるのですが、とても長いので、一部寝てしまいました。
最後はダンサーの方と手持ちの携帯などで写真を撮れます。特にチップを払っている人はいませんでした。ショーのお値段はワイキキよりずっと安いですが、ワイキキでは見ていないので、コスパ比較はできません。
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2018/07/28 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/19 |
Reviewed by: わかそう
綺麗なおサカナがたくさん見れましたー
オマケに、イルカか10頭くらいやって来て、一緒にシュノーケリングしました!! w
スタッフの方達も親切で楽しく過ごせました!
日本人は、うちの他にはいませんでしたが…十分楽しめました!!
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Packages: | 無料特典付き!8:30出港<シュノーケル2.5時間> |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/07/28 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/26 |
Reviewed by: Ned from New Jersey
Our guide Jeff picked us up from the Pu'u Huluhulu Cinder Cone parking lot, at the base of the road up to the summit. We had a very nice pre-packaged dinner at the base camp, then rode up to the visitor center and onward to the observatories. A bumpy and steep ride, I was very happy to have an experienced driver at the wheel!
At the top the weather was cool and clear and good for viewing a sunset, then we went down to a slightly lower lot to view stars and planets through a good quality Celestron scope.... the clear air and high altitude really added detail! First time I have been able to make out the rings of Saturn, and four of Jupiter's moons were posing really well for us! Some really excellent deep space views too! Check out a cool image of the moon from the Celestron scope....
Highly recommended, especially if you live somewhere with so much haze and light pollution you don't get to see that stars that well!
Mahalo!!
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Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/07/28 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/25 |
Reviewed by: ポンた
中学生の娘と参加。ふたりとも英語力が足りないので、ガイドの方の言っている説明が、理解できない部分が多くありました。質問すれば教えてくれるけど、あまり親切に心配りをしてくれるとか、配慮をしてくれるとかは、なかったかな。雨が結構ふっていたし、同じ道をUターンしている感じで、単調な道のり。かしてくれた雨具は、優秀で、隠れている部分は全然ぬれなかったです。晴れてたら、気持ちよかったのかなー。
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/07/27 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/24 |
Reviewed by: angye
This adventure was awesome! Lots of fish at both areas but especially the second area. We were the only boat at the second place we went to and there were tons of fish! I wish I would've taken my own snorkel gear but I'll make sure I do next time. Their gear was ok though.
5 hours was a good amount of time and we didn't feel rushed at either stopping area.
The breakfast was good.
I don't eat meat and the veggie burger that they made was pretty bad. I have never had a veggie burger that I liked. I love having everything on a bun with cheese though and that was great.
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/07/27 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/20 |
Reviewed by: Sun burn
カヤックで1時間くらい漕ぎます。気持ち良かったし楽しかったです。いくつか注意点が
・日焼けどめ塗らずに出て、足が日焼けで酷い目に遭いました。脚を日に晒してカヤックを漕ぐので御注意を。
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2018/07/26 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/20 |
Reviewed by: Hawaiian First Timer
Husband and I throughly enjoyed the excursion! Our guide blew us away with his well rounded knowledge of the island, its geography and history. The coffee farm and meal were a special treat before an evening of stargazing.
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Packages: | From Kona & Waikoloa - Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/07/24 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/20 |
Reviewed by: とこな
この絶景を見ずにしてビッグアイランドに来たと言えるだろうか。。。というくらいの壮大な景色。2時間かけてゆっくりとみることができました。
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Packages: | 基本プラン |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/07/23 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/20 |
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: YOPPI
The tour guide Herald was very nice, friendly and knowledgeble on native hawaiian's culture, ecology and astronomy. We got to see a "natural planetarium" in the mountain including Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus. Coming from a big city we don't see stars in the sky, so the view was just breath taking and we were soooo glad we participated in the tour. I guess you can go to the summit and see stars on your own but I'd strongly recommend this tour. Because I think it will give you a whole new experience and view on the island and their culture.
Dinner was tasty too. I was expecting a lot less.
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Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/07/21 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/13 |
Reviewed by: Bill
Great crew very attentive kind and funny what a great way to see Dolphins in the wild you can stay with the group or get outside by yourself must do trip you and your family will love it. Bill
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Packages: | Morning Snorkeling Cruise (4 Hours) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/07/20 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/18 |
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: HIROSHI
今回夫婦で参加しました。本当は溶岩の上を歩く予定でしたが、噴火の勢いがすごく今中止になってるため、いいお値段しますが、何百年に1回のこの惨状をハワイの住人には申し訳ないけどこの目でしっかり見ておきたかったです。
実際参加させてもらい大満足でした。日本人は私どもだけでしたが、英語できないと言っておいたので話を振られることもなく、2人で楽しめました。
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Packages: | 基本プラン |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/07/18 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/15 |
Reviewed by: LA Mike
It was a fun time! The crew were funny and let my son steer the boat. Saw 4 sea turtles. Did it for my parents and 2 young sons to have a good time and they did. Highly recommend
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Packages: | Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Cruise |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2018/07/18 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/14 |
Reviewed by: ももこ
はじめは少し怖かったですがとても楽しかったです。
高所恐怖症ですが大丈夫でした。
山の中はちょっと肌寒かったので薄着で行ってしまったことを後悔しました。
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Packages: | 基本プラン |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2018/07/18 |
Activity Date: | 2018/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Diana T
When I booked this trip to Hawaii, I was not anticipating Kilauea to erupt actively. In fact when it came on the news that this volcano was spewing lava, I was ready to cancel this trip. However, Kilauea is on the Southeast end of the island and Waikoloa, where we were staying, was far from the volcanic activity. So, we not only kept our trip to big island of Hawaii but also added a helicopter ride to witness an active volcano, which is not something Californians can see on a regular basis, more of a once in a lifetime.
Our pilot, Scott, was great. He took the time to explain what we were seeing, took into consideration of Sophia’s, my 9yo daughter, wanting to see and learn more about this magnificent phenomenon (in fact it was the whole reason for booking this helicopter tour), and took into consideration in providing a smooth, fun, helicopter ride without missing out on being able to see what we need to enjoy the experience of viewing the natural activities of an active volcano. This tour was so worth it. Highly recommended
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Packages: | Standard Flight [50 mins] |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2018/07/18 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/12 |
Reviewed by: Eric
They booked me a spot I wasn't able to book directly through the company; and at a cheaper pricer!!
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Packages: | Group Lesson |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/07/17 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/13 |
Reviewed by: Father/daughter
Excelllent trip. Microphone would of been nice. Hard to hear everything. I would still recommend this tour!
Mahalo for a great review! We have recently been researching hands-free microphones. Yes, it would be very helpful.
Jeannie Jewell
Kona Glassbottom Boat
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Packages: | Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/07/16 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/11 |
Reviewed by: じゅんちゃん
英語に不安があったので、事前に同意書を送ってもらい、記入して持参しました。日本人は私たちのみ、ガイドもオール英語でしたが、指示はわかりましたし、英語が苦手な方もアクティビティが好きならどうにかなります。一緒に参加した方たちとも仲良くなりましたよ。ツアー終了後はディズニーランドのアトラクションのように写真販売もあって、今、後悔していることがあるとすれば、その写真を買わなかったことです。
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Packages: | 基本プラン |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2018/07/16 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/08 |
Reviewed by: Jon Milesky
This company was professional and went out of their way to make sure that everything was in place to make our trip first class. From calling the day before to confirm with us on meeting location and time to hot brownies at the end of the tour. Everything was great and the guide took the time to get to know us so she could make our experience the best it could be.
I would highly recommend this company.
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Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/07/16 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/11 |
Reviewed by: あかさい
6歳男児を含めた家族3人で、ヒロ発で参加しました。※宿泊先のワイコロアからヒロにレンタカーで移動しました。道もよく、道中も楽しめました♪
滅多にない機会なので、火山活動が見られるコースを予約しましたが、想像以上に間近で噴火口がみることができました。
英語での案内でしたが、操縦士の方が現地の方の様子など丁寧に説明して下さいました。また、その操縦も見事で、安心感のあるものでした。
機体故障で1時間の遅延となりましたが、とても良い体験となりました。ありがとうございました。
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Packages: | キラウエア火山遊覧(ヒロ地区発、送迎なし) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/07/16 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/13 |
Reviewed by: Deonna C.
We only had one day on the big island and wanted to see as much as possible. This tour takes you all the way around with multiple, although brief stops and several locations. Could omit the coffee tasting and spend more time on the black beach or at the falls.
Our guide, Keith, was full of history, folk lore and traditional information which was a big bonus.
If you want history and a good whirlwind tour of the island, this tour is for you.
Of note, lunch was provided and this service has its own chef who prepares the meals. Very healthy sampling of the typical fare at area restaurants, however, when it’s served in lieu of a cold sandwich and a picturesque park, it suddenly becomes one of the best meals of the vacation.
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Packages: | Grand Circle Island & Volcanoes National Park |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2018/07/12 |
Activity Date: | 2018/07/09 |
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 |
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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!