Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
Overall Rating
4.84
10/10, would recommend. Manta rays are a must see!
Reviewed by: Maggy, 2023/09/18This was such a breathtaking experience! Trevor and Diego were excellent captain and crew, with a great sense of humor too. They ensured I felt safe which was huge because I had never snorkeled before. I would recommend this company to anyone who asks, they provide everything you need including prescription goggles which was an amazing surprise. Diego also gave us manta ray facts as we were snorkeling and we loved it. The night began with a sunset boat ride, leading into the manta ray snorkel, and then a quick boat ride back to the harbor with snacks and hot cocoa. I will never forget this experience.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/15 |
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Great Evening
Reviewed by: Kara, 2023/09/18We were happy we got to see some mantas, it was so fun to have a night experience!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/04 |
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Epic Experience!
Reviewed by: Alex, 2023/09/02The boat crew went out of their way to make sure each and every one of us was taken care of and having a good time. The mantas were surreal. This is something everyone needs to experience!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/31 |
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Fun evening
Reviewed by: Kara, 2023/08/13We got lucky and got a few mantas so the night was worth it!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/06/21 |
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Great experience
Reviewed by: Sreedhar, 2023/08/05- crew was very helpful
- had a good evening boat ride with sunset view
- crew explained the instructions clearly
- great experience watching manta rays up close
- crew helped my kids getting into and out of water
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Activity Date: | 2023/07/10 |
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10/10 would do it again!
Reviewed by: Diane, 2023/07/30This 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!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2023/07/23 |
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Memorable Experience
Reviewed by: Belinda, 2023/07/18Arriving 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!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/06/22 |
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Great Evening
Reviewed by: Kara, 2023/07/01Really good water conditions, we got to see a good amount of the rays and the experience was breathtaking!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/05/06 |
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Fantastic
Reviewed by: Happy snorkeler, 2023/06/26The 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.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2023/06/23 |
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Best family excursion!
Reviewed by: Molly L, 2023/06/25MUST 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!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2023/06/23 |
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Saw lots of incredible Manta Rays!
Reviewed by: Brian Van Wie, 2023/04/29Diego, 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!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/04/27 |
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SO MANY MANTAS
Reviewed by: Big Bertha, 2023/04/23This 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!
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2023/04/21 |
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Top 5 Experience of my life
Reviewed by: hq66, 2023/04/20One 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.
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2023/04/18 |
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Incredible, not to be missed, experience!!!
Reviewed by: JLC, 2023/04/17This 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!!
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2023/04/13 |
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Once in a lifetime experience..I'd enjoy again and again!
Reviewed by: reneec, 2023/04/01The 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!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/03/09 |
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/02/24 |
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Lifelong memories made
Reviewed by: Spittstop, 2023/02/25My 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.
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2023/02/19 |
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LIFE CHANGING
Reviewed by: Nikki Clark, 2023/01/31First of all, WOW. From beginning to end, this experience was one for the record books.
For $10 this crew sets you up with a wet suit (recommended), and then a snorkel set at no additional charge. Once we boarded, we were met with a warm welcome, and a good belly laugh. Excellent staff! They were informative, safe, and most importantly, knew how to have fun!
During the boat ride we were met with bottle nose dolphins and a humpback whale sighting! The dolphins were curious and playful, and swam all around our boat! I may or may not have shed a tear of joy. It was seriously rad.
Once we got to our destination they gave us a noodle for floating, and set up a large, square floatation device for everyone to hold onto while we watched the mana rays. They are huge! They’re giant, friendly, and bring their appetite for plankton. You’ll also see tons of fish while you snorkel.
After our time was up, and we boarded, they passed out cups of hot chocolate.
The entire experience as a whole was one we will never forget. YOU HAVE TO DO THIS while you’re here!
Thank you so much for the experience of a lifetime! Keep up the good work, guys! Mahalo
Aloha Nikki,
Thank you for the amazing comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! We do offer a repeater discount of 20% off, so please keep us in mind for future travel plans.
Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/29 |
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Once in a lifetime experience
Reviewed by: David Letendre, 2023/01/23We went out to sea under the setting sun.
Everything was perfect.
Lots of huge manta rays came close. Sometimes up to few feet away!!
The crew; Diego and Ryan were pampering us and taking care of our every needs.
Would recommend them anytime without a doubt.
-David L
Aloha David,
Thank you for the positive comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! We do offer a repeater discount of 20% off, so please keep us in mind for future travel plans.
Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/18 |
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Great experience!
Reviewed by: S Lawrence , 2023/01/07We had an awesome time viewing the Manta Rays. We were able to see the spinner dolphins in the sunset as well. The staff was great and very accommodating. Definitely worth the trip to the big island!
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Activity Date: | 2022/12/13 |
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Great night excurssion
Reviewed by: jhutch1368, 2023/01/06Night snorkel with manta rays was recommended to me by a coworker who lived on Kona. We booked this for our vacation based on her recommendation. We brought our ‘kids’ ages 30, 16, 13. I think it would be hard for younger kids. In fact, one child I’d say about 6 sat on a float the entire time. Swimming in ocean at night even with a wetsuit (a MUST), a noodle, and holding on to a raft is trying even for an adult. That being said, it was so cool! We were fortunate to see many manta rays! I wish I could’ve taken pictures. It was plenty long enough time. Any longer would’ve been too much. We had perfect weather and the light of the full moon. The crew was awesome and fun. You could tell they loved their job and were friends. Shout out to the girl on our crew named Ryan, who took extra care and patience helping my 30 year old daughter swim back to boat.
Aloha,
We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your family members, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!
Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2023/01/04 |
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Captain Trevor and his crew were outstanding!!
Reviewed by: S. White, 2022/12/31Captain Trevor and his crew were outstanding!! The manta rays were incredible and while we were watching them the crew gave us facts about these amazing creatures.
Aloha,
We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your group, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!
Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2022/12/29 |
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Amazing!
Reviewed by: Nikhil, 2022/12/17It was perfect! The crew was really kind and helpful. The captain was really funny and entertaining. And the star of the show - the Manta Rays - we're absolutely breathtaking. We were lucky to find a group of Manta Rays en route and decided to drop anchor and just spent all the time there. That gave us more time with the Manta Rays. We weren't the best swimmers so the crew helped us with life jackets and they helped to and fro the float. We had a great time and I would absolutely recommend them.
Aloha Nikhil,
Thank you for the positive comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! We do offer a repeater discount of 20% off, so please keep us in mind for future travel plans.
Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/11/27 |
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Good Company
Reviewed by: Kara, 2022/11/21Liked the smaller boat vibe! we saw a lot of manta rays
Aloha Kara,
We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your group, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!
Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/11/14 |
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Fantastic crew, amazing experience
Reviewed by: Erin, 2022/11/17In addition to a wonderful manta ray sighting experience, we were also treated to a spinner dolphin show on the way. The crew were friendly, knowledgeable and great with our 7-year old. We really appreciated the smaller boat for a more intimate and personal experience. The hot chocolate on the way back was a really nice touch! Would absolutely recommend Iruka and we would go again with them next time we are back in Hawaii.
Just be patient with the sightings! We didn't get much activity with the mantas until right at the end and it was totally worth it.
Aloha Erin,
Thank you for the positive comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! We do offer a repeater discount of 20% off, so please keep us in mind for future travel plans.
Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Activity Date: | 2022/11/15 |
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Manta Ray Ballet
Reviewed by: Pat, 2022/11/05Seeing Mantra rays glide gracefully beneath you was a highlight of my trip to Hawaii. I highly recommend Iruka.
Aloha Pat,
We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your group, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!
Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/10/12 |
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Magical!!
Reviewed by: Lea, 2022/10/27Hands down a memorable experience. I absolutely loved it and want to go back ASAP. I went in September and I still can't stop thinking about it. The parking was right in front of the loading area. The crew was welcoming right away. They got us set up with gear and even let us use our own gear if we brought. They had snacks and beverages on board. We got to watch the sky light on fire for sunset as we sailed out to where the mantas were. Lots of other companies were around in the harbor as well but the crew made sure to stay a safe distance away without disrupting the other experiences. And !!for the main event!! we saw SIX manta rays! Maybe more. They were so beautiful and flipping right underneath us. The captain also shared some knowledge atop the floating mat while we snorkeled so we could hear her stories while appreciating the creatures. The mantas stuck around the whole time. When it was time to head back in, the crew treated us to hot chocolate. They were also happy to share footage they took during the experience. I fully appreciated their generosity. I would definitely go back and do this again with Iruka! And a BIG MAHALO to HawaiiActivities.com and the Hawaii Reef Hero contest for making this possible for me and my friends <3
Aloha Lea,
Mahalo nui for sharing your kind words and amazing photos of your experience with us! We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your group, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!
Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2022/09/05 |
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Great Experience!
Reviewed by: Nathan, 2022/10/17The crew, the equipment and the atmosphere were fantastic. But all topped by the giant Manta Rays that we saw on the trip. Once in a life time experience and was one of our favorite things we did while in Kona!
Aloha Nathan,
Mahalo for sharing your experience with us, repeating customers receive a 20% discount on all future bookings!
Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/10/10 |
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Must Do!
Reviewed by: Kara, 2022/10/12This experience was awesome and you dont even need to be a great snorkeler!
Aloha Kara,
Mahalo for sharing your experience with us, repeating customers receive a 20% discount on all future bookings!
Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2022/09/24 |
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Magic night
Reviewed by: Marie D, 2022/10/07The journey was well organised and on time. The team was really cheerful and fun.
We could see Manta Rays swimming below us all along our time in the water. I liked to learn about Manta Rays while seeing them. It was one of the best moment on the island, Magic!
Aloha Marie D,
Mahalo for sharing your experience with us, repeating customers receive a 20% discount on all future bookings!
Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/10/05 |
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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