(All Reviews) Page 3) Marine Life Tours & Cruises, Big Island tours & activities, fun things to do in Big Island | HawaiiActivities.com

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All Reviews for Marine Life Tours & Cruises in Big Island

Overall Rating

4.55 4.55 / 5

Reviews

774 reviews

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

10/10 would do it again!

Reviewed by: Diane

This was a great experience for my family I clouding kids as young as 8. Bryce, Joe, Diego, and Tamae were so kind to the guests and very knowledgeable about the manta rays. We got a bonus of seeing a dolphin on our way to the snorkel site as well as a beautiful sunset. Mahalo!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Diane! We are so happy that you had fun on our Manta Ray tour and were lucky enough to see dolphins! Thank you so much for joining us. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/07/30
Activity Date: 2023/07/23

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Memorable Experience

Reviewed by: Belinda

Arriving shortly before 6:30 p.m., we were greeted with welcoming smiles and thank-yous for choosing them.

During the 30-minute boat ride to the manta ray sighting, the crew offered us snacks and beverages. Captain ?Louie? showed us a beautiful sunset while waiting to "anchor" until another boat saw a manta ray (we liked it that he wanted to give us the best chance of seeing manta rays). I was feeling a little seasick by then. Once the boat stopped, the crew gave us helpful instructions.

As we jumped into the water, the staff provided help to any who needed guidance to the lighted raft. Not being the best swimmer, I was one who Tamae kindly guided.

Minutes after setup, we saw our first of 6-7 manta rays for the evening. The manta rays were amazing, even though they chose to stay close to the bottom of the ocean that evening!

During the experience, the raft kept bumping my head and shifting my mask (another in my party had the same experience, so the crew should try to avoid giving the corner spot of the raft to anyone), so I had to hold onto the raft rope with one hand and prevent the raft from bumping my head with the other. The combination of the boat ride and the raft bumping caused my motion sickness to literally erupt. Diego and Tamae compassionately led me toward the boat. Diego comforted me, saying not to worry, at least one person each trip became ill. Because I started feeling better, I was able to return to the raft for the last 10 minutes.

Climbing up the ladder into the boat wasn't the easiest thing to do, but both the captain and crew were there to help.

The ride back was breezy but not too cold with a towel wrapped around our shoulders. I'm also glad there was a small bucket for me to use with my motion sickness.

The entire crew was fantastic, helping us all to experience watching the manta rays! Tamae also offered free actual video footage of our adventure.

Thanks for our memorable experience!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Belinda! Thank you so much for choosing Iruka and for sharing your positive feedback. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time on our Manta Ray tour and with our amazing crew. We apologize for any discomfort you felt from the sea sickness. We are so happy to hear that you still were able to have a good time. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/07/18
Activity Date: 2023/06/22

Kona Glassbottom Boat & Guided Coral Reef Tour with Marine Naturalist

Beautiful Event

Reviewed by: Kara

My family was mesmerized by the port holes! Great sights from the safety of the boat!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/07/17
Activity Date: 2023/06/05

Kona Sunset & Moonlight Wild Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Wahine Charters

Wahine Charters! Woohoo

Reviewed by: CJ

We had the best time with the Wahine Charters crew. They were very kind and welcoming! 10/10 recommend!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours]
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2023/07/10
Activity Date: 2023/07/08

Kona Glassbottom Boat & Guided Coral Reef Tour with Marine Naturalist

Great Ride

Reviewed by: Kara

Clear bottom viewing which is awesome, our family loved the experience.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/07/07
Activity Date: 2023/05/21

Hawaii Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Cruise from Waikoloa | Kids 0-5 Ride for Free

Amazing experience- great guides

Reviewed by: Angela E

We lucked out with dolphins, sea turtles and an amazing array of fish. The guides were great and answered all our questions while expertly navigating the reef to make sure we saw a ton of fish. I was skeptical initially, but sooooo worth it and a ball for all ages (1.5 -70+).

Reply from activity provider

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Glass Bottom Boat Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the cruise, your interactions with our crew, and most importantly, got to see so much marine life!
We know there are a lot of activity providers on the island and we're honored you chose to join us for part of your day.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2023/07/05
Activity Date: 2023/07/03

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Great Evening

Reviewed by: Kara

Really good water conditions, we got to see a good amount of the rays and the experience was breathtaking!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Kara! We are thrilled to hear of your amazing experience on our manta ray tour. We hope you come again soon! Mahalo

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/07/01
Activity Date: 2023/05/06

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Fantastic

Reviewed by: Happy snorkeler

The tour was wonderful , the crew engaging, helpful, humorous, and knowledgeable , the equipment was fine, thoughtful snacks/drinks provided, and of course then there were the rays.it was a dreamlike experience.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha! We are so happy to hear that you had such an amazing time on our Manta Ray tour. We love to hear about our guest's positive experiences. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2023/06/26
Activity Date: 2023/06/23

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Best family excursion!

Reviewed by: Molly L

MUST DO-Our family comes to Hawaii every summer and this is by far the most magical experience we've ever had on an excursion!!! There were four manta rays swimming around us-truly awe inspiring! Our kids are 16, 14, and 10...ALL LOVED IT and said it was the highlight of our trip! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Molly! Thank you for joining our tour and leaving such positive feedback! We are so glad that your family enjoyed your time with the manta rays. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/06/25
Activity Date: 2023/06/23

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

We saw a lots of Manta Ray!

Reviewed by: Chris Mak

People in bite me were very friendly and fun!
Highly recommend to join their tour!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/06/04
Activity Date: 2023/05/13

Deluxe Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Cruise from Keauhou Bay - Hula Kai

Manta Rays! In YOUR FACE!

Reviewed by: P Burke

This is a great outfit to take you to see Manta Rays. The boat is a medium size so the group size is much smaller than the big boats. Crew are very professional and knowledgeable in the Manta Ray habits and behaviors. The boat ride to the site is short (<15 min) then it's into the water.

On our trip a single manta showed up after about 5 minutes in the water. As the sky darkened the plankton seemed to multiply and the show really began. The single ray made several passes within inches of our masks. Then another showed up and it was like a graceful dance being performed right beneath you. Another two rays showed up and things really got interesting. What fun watching that ballet!

Afterward, hot soup and warm drinks helped fuel the conversation with the other participants. A most delightful and memorable experience.

P. Burke

  • Sunset departure on the Hula 'Kai

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Evening Manta Snorkeling Adventure
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/05/15
Activity Date: 2023/05/10

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Saw lots of incredible Manta Rays!

Reviewed by: Brian Van Wie

Diego, Trevor, and Tamae were incredible! They were fun and upbeat and super helpful. We got in the water and we say more than a half dozen different manta rays swimming around right beneath us! It was an experience we’ll never forget!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Brian! We thank you for choosing Iruka and leaving such kind feedback! We hope to see you again in the future. Mahalo

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/04/29
Activity Date: 2023/04/27

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

SO MANY MANTAS

Reviewed by: Big Bertha

This trip was great. Outstanding crew constantly catering to our every need and ensuring the best experience. Captain Trevor, first mate Diego and Joe and everyone else were so accommodating to all. Would love to come back and visit the mantas again!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha! We are so happy to hear that you had such a fantastic time on our Manta Ray tour. We thank you for choosing Iruka and leaving such positive feedback. Come back soon! Mahalo

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2023/04/23
Activity Date: 2023/04/21

ホエールウォッチングクルーズ <12~3月/午前/軽食付き/ワイコロアまたはカワイハエ港発>

クジラを見れました!!

Reviewed by: ゆっきー

クジラを近くで見ることができて感動しました!
一度だけではなく何度もクジラを見ることができました。
イルカの群れにも遭遇し、大満足です。
クルージング自体も気持ちよくて、本当におすすめのツアーでした。

Reply from activity provider

Domo Arrigato!

Helpful
Translate
Rating:
Packages: 8:00発/ワイコロア港
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/04/22
Activity Date: 2023/03/27

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Top 5 Experience of my life

Reviewed by: hq66

One of the top 5 experiences of my life! A must do on the big island. Captains Trevor and Diego were helpful. Storm was coming in so water was choppy. Climbing out of the water was the hardest part.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha! We are so thrilled that you had such a great time on our Manta Ray tour! Thank you so much for choosing Iruka Hawaii Dolphin. We hope we have a chance to welcome you back on our boat soon. Mahalo

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/04/20
Activity Date: 2023/04/18

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Incredible, not to be missed, experience!!!

Reviewed by: JLC

This was such a great adventure! The crew was super nice, friendly, knowledgeable and gave us all the important information ahead of time. I am glad we rented wetsuits (the long sleeve, short legs version - $10), because the amount of time we stay in the water and specially at sunset, made it for a very cold attraction.
Nonetheless, we saw at least 4 manta rays, they were swimming around and under us for the entire time and it was such an incredible experience!!!
When we got back to the boat, we were treated to some really yummy hot chocolate.
Tamae, one of our guides, also had some pictures and videos that she shared with us!!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha! Thank you so much for joining our sunset Manta Ray tour. We are so glad you had a great time and were able to see the mantas. We hope you have a chance to come back soon for more fun. Mahalo

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2023/04/17
Activity Date: 2023/04/13

Deluxe Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Cruise from Keauhou Bay - Hula Kai

Excellent adventure

Reviewed by: Johanne

Excellent adventure, was very well organized. We enjoyed it alot and definitely recommend this excursion. The excursion was on time the staff was super friendly and informative.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Evening Manta Snorkeling Adventure
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/04/15
Activity Date: 2023/03/22

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Once in a lifetime experience..I'd enjoy again and again!

Reviewed by: reneec

The crew made the cruise fun and enjoyable for people of all ages.

Snacks were included, but you may not want to est if you get seasick easily.

As part of the experience, they even took some pictures during so we could just enjoy the experience ourselves.


Note: If it's the right season, you may even be able to see other wildlife on the Sunset cruise like we did!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha! Thank you for joining our manta ray tour. We appreciate your kind words and are thrilled to hear that you had a great time. Come back soon, Mahalo

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/04/01
Activity Date: 2023/03/09

Kona Glassbottom Boat & Guided Coral Reef Tour with Marine Naturalist

So so so worth it!

Reviewed by: Eric

I get anxious snorkeling and this was a fantastic alternative. The guide was super knowledgeable and funny. My 5 year old son loved it too and we could chat about what we were seeing in real time, which I loved.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/03/30
Activity Date: 2023/03/17

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Amazing experience. Great crew!

Reviewed by: Steve712

If you do one thing on the west side of the big island this is it. Words and pictures don't do the experience justice. The crew of the boat was safety conscious and the captain ran a tight ship. As a passenger we felt in good hands. Do your homework about what this tour involves. If you cannot swim and/or are afraid of the water this is NOT FOR YOU!!!. This tour had 1/2 a dozen non-swimmers on the tour. They were miserable and the crew had to spend an inordinate time catering to them.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package: Moonlight Manta Snorkel (Seasonal)
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/03/25
Activity Date: 2023/03/22

Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Big Island Waikoloa Whale watching

Reviewed by: Lindsay B

The crew was amazing and qued a mother and baby, possibly 2 to the surface for play time!

  • Play time!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise [Sailing Catamaran]
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/03/21
Activity Date: 2023/03/15

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Outstanding trip out, small group and great crew!

Reviewed by: Jenny

We arrived slightly late and the crew kindly waited a bit for us. There was only 4 of us which made the experience felt a lot more enjoyable - it was not crowded or noisy! No jostling of people.

Once out there, we got in the water smoothly and saw 2 rays, 3 times. Unfortunately, the ray sightings have reduced in recent years so we considered ourselves lucky! Highly recommend it all round!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2023/03/18
Activity Date: 2023/02/24

Hawaii Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Cruise from Waikoloa | Kids 0-5 Ride for Free

Turtles!

Reviewed by: Jenni

Three generations trip and this was a last minute addition.
The staff was amazing, the boat was easy to board and comfortable, and we saw turtles!!
Completely enjoyable and would readily recommend!!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Glass Bottom Boat Cruise. We're so happy to read that your whole family enjoyed the trip, the information and service provided by the crew, and most importantly, got a chance to experience our underwater world.
We know there are a lot of activities to choose from when you're on the island and we're honored you chose to spend part of your day with us and that we've earned your recommendation.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/03/08
Activity Date: 2023/03/06

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe

Book Eka Tour - You won’t regret it!!!

Reviewed by: L Family

Eka snorkeling with manta rays was amazing. The small, personalized tour is a great way to see the rays. Loved the classic canoe. This was perfect for ray family and I can recommend this tour group highly enough. Kai was great - he is so knowledgeable about the rays and he calmed my 9 y.o.’s fears -he on spectrum and they were very flexible in how we got him into the water and to the board. My son can’t stop talking about how great this experience was-he can’t wait to go again. Book this tour - you won’t regret it. The entire group was accommodating and friendly and made this the best adventure of our Hawaiian trip. Thank you Eka.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2023/03/07
Activity Date: 2023/03/05

Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour - Small-Group Adventure from Keauhou Bay

A wonderful way to see the rays!

Reviewed by: Phil

We had an amazing time as the crew was incredibly prepared and accommodating. They were able to fit all of us on board and bring us out without a problem. The guides were very knowledgeable and were helpful in getting in and out of the water. They work together with the other tours in the same space to attract as many rays as possible. We ended up seeing 10 or more rays with a near constant show. We had my 65-year-old mom and dad, my 40-year old self and wife, and our eight and 10-year-old with us, and it was never a problem. A great activity if your kids can stay up a little later and recover the next day.

It's a short boat ride out, but the darkness set off a little of my motion sickness, So if you're prone to that be sure to take some medication ahead of time. I also had a little issue being in the waves and going up and down in the darkness. One of the other participants got fully sick away from the boat but the crew handled it very professionally.

I would absolutely recommend them!

  • A couple of the rays dancing together.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Night Manta Discovery Adventure
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/02/28
Activity Date: 2023/01/30

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Not good

Reviewed by: Shawn

We could not see any and also the ride was so bumpy

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Shawn,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We extend our deepest apologies for the experience you had on our tour. We would like to hear more details about it. Could you email us at info@hawaiidolphin.com and elaborate further? We would like to rectify this situation. Thank you.

Best,
Iruka Hawai‘i ‘Ohana

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/02/26
Activity Date: 2023/02/24

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Lifelong memories made

Reviewed by: Spittstop

My 10 yo daughter and I did this excursion during a recent trip to the Big Island. It was an incredible and highly memorable evening and I feel privileged to have been able to do this.

We saw humpback whales and dolphins en route to the Manta Ray swim spot, and that made the excursion worthwhile, even before we'd seen the rays.

The crew were knowledgeable and fun and although the activity requires you to jump into the ocean at night without any light, I always felt safe and confident that the crew was looking after us. Having my daughter with me made that essential.

We floated for about 15 mins before we saw the rays, but when we did it was really breathtaking. We had around 30 mins or so floating before we got back on the boat for the ride back to port.

The crew took videos and photos and shared them with us which was a really lovely touch.

Wetsuits were a must as it does get cold. For those with younger children, there was a larger float that they could sit on safely, but older children were able to float in the water alongside adults.

I really couldn't recommend this highly enough. Maybe leave an extra 15 mins to find the dock as we struggled a little as there are quite a few trips leaving from the same marina at similar times.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha! Thank you so much for choosing Iruka Hawaii Dolphin for your Manta Ray snorkel adventure. We are so happy that you and your daughter had such a great experience with us. We hope to see you soon, mahalo

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/02/25
Activity Date: 2023/02/19

Hawaii Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Cruise from Waikoloa | Kids 0-5 Ride for Free

Can't Miss Attraction at A-Bay!

Reviewed by: Neverstopexploring

We really enjoyed the glass bottom boat cruise. We had a frustrating experience earlier with snorkeling and we were happy to have an opportunity to see the reefs and the fish from the comfort of a boat. We even got to see some sea turtles under the boat! We also thought that the price for the cruise was more reasonable than many of the attractions in Hawaii. After the cruise we went hiking on the beautiful Ala Kahakai Trail which extends north from A-Bay. The glass bottom boat cruise is a can't miss experience on the Big Island!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Glass Bottom Boat Cruise and for including those wonderful photos! We're so happy to read that you njoyed the trip and got to see so much marine life.
We know there are a lot of activities to choose from when you're on the island and we're honored you chose to spend part of your morning with us and that we've earned your recommendation.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/02/25
Activity Date: 2023/02/01

Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Up and close!

Reviewed by: MM1

Great experience getting to see the whales up and close. The crew was outstanding and very informative. I highly recommend this excursion if you are ever in the area during the whale’s migratory season. The boat size was perfect. Not too big and crowded and not too small to avoid motion sickness.

  • Breach!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Morning Whale Watch Cruise [Holona Speed Powerboat]
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2023/02/18
Activity Date: 2023/01/28

Kona Manta Ray Snorkel & Night Dive Tour at Keauhou Bay - Sea Paradise

Loved every minute

Reviewed by: Jim

We saw lots of Mantas. I can't wait to come back and do it again.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Jim,

We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed the company of the manta's. We hope to see you in the near future!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour]
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/02/04
Activity Date: 2021/10/23
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