Big Island
We are SO glad we booked this tour with Iruka; we had an absolutely incredible time with tour guides Trevor, Diego and Tamaya (so sorry if I'm misspelling your names or missing anyone) who were so knowledgable and accommodating. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to the Big Island; a bunch of the rays got so close to us, we felt super safe and loved the hot chocolate afterwards!
Aloha Kristen! Thank you so much for joining our Manta Ray tour and for sharing about your experience. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time with us. Please come back soon! Mahalo
We had a group of 4 and had an excellent afternoon. Our guide was very knowledgeable and warm and friendly. The van was comfy and had big windows for viewing scenery along the drive. The starts were amazing as was the sunset.
This was an outstanding dinner and show. Food was delicious and drinks were always being served. You never had to ask for drinks because there was always someone walking by with a tray full. The show was amazing and educational. The Dancers were incredible and the women were beautiful!
I highly recommend it!!
We always felt safe. The support was great. We were there with our 2 sons (4 and 11 years old). Everything worked great and everyone was very attentive. We were able to enjoy it completely as a family. Seeing the manta rays was an unforgettable experience.
Highly recommended!
Aloha Stefanie! Thank you so much for choosing Iruka and for sharing about your exciting experience. We are so happy that you enjoyed your time on our Manta Ray tour. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo
I participated with my 2-year-old and 4-year-old children. The kids were able to see manta rays while my husband and I took turns. The conditions seemed good, and we were able to see more than five manta rays up close. I took some motion sickness medication just in case, but the kids didn't get seasick at all and had a great time. Thank you for taking photos with the sunset from the boat and for the hot chocolate. I brought warm clothing, so I wasn't cold at all, and everything was fine. I will definitely go again when I visit the Big Island! ♡
2歳と4歳の子供達と一緒に参加しました。
子供達は船上から、私と主人は交代でマンタを見せていただきました。
コンディションも良かったようで、間近に5枚以上のマンタを見る事ができました。
酔い止めは一応飲みましたが、子供達も全く酔う事なく、楽しめました。
船上から夕日と一緒に記念撮影していただいたり、ホットチョコレートをいただいたりありがとうございました。
防寒着も持って行ったので寒くもなく、大丈夫でした(^^)
またハワイ島に行った際には絶対行きますね♡
Aloha Shiro☆,
Thank you for participating with your family at Manta University. You were well-prepared with motion sickness medication and warm clothing! I'm glad to hear that your whole family enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to the day when your children grow up and can snorkel together with you.
We sincerely await your next participation.
Mahalo!
Aloha しろ☆様
この度はご家族でマンタ大学へご参加いただきありがとうございました。
酔い止めや防寒着など事前準備がバッチリでしたね!ご家族皆で楽しんでいただけたようで嬉しくおもいます。
お子様が大きくなって一緒にシュノーケルできる日も楽しみですね。
次回のご参加を心よりお待ちしております。
Mahalo!
I never expected to see manta rays so close, which was a bit scary but also moving. The hot chocolate I had on the boat was also very delicious.
まさかこんなに近くでマンタが見られるとは思っていなかったので、少し怖さもありつつ、感動しました。
船で飲んだホットチョコレートもとても美味しかったです。
Aloha! Akane,
Thank you for participating in Manta University.
The hot chocolate after coming out of the sea is warming, isn't it?
I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed your encounter with the manta rays.
Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of the sunset and the sea. The sunset truly conveys your emotions!
We sincerely look forward to your next participation.
Mahalo!
Aloha! あかね様
この度はマンタ大学へご参加いただきありがとうございました。
海から上がった後のホットチョコレート、温まりますね。
マンタとの出会いを楽しんでいただけたようで嬉しいです。
美しい夕日と海の写真を掲載くださりありがとうございます。あかね様の感動が伝わってくるような夕日です!
またのご参加を心よりお待ちしています。
Mahalo!
The food was ok. The entertainment was ok. I’ve been to a luau before and this time was just ok. It wasn’t worth the price.
Really enjoyed the dinner, we were nervous but it was soooo delicious!!
Mahalo for joining us and taking the time to share a kind review! We are so happy that you enjoyed dinner! Best wishes to you and yours!
The crew was great, the manta turn out was amazing, and the boat ride is short (which is ideal for when you’re cold and ready to get warm again haha). We got lucky that it was a small group so there were plenty of options to sit and have a lovely view of the sunset while heading out. 10/10 would do again.
Watching the sunset from the boat before heading to the manta point was the best situation.
Seeing the manta up close was amazing!!
It's incredible to see them so near.
It gets a bit chilly when you come out of the water, so I recommend bringing something to wear.
マンタのポイントに行く前に、サンセットを船上からみて最高のシチュエーションでした。
マンタも間近に見れて感動!!
こんなに近くで見れるなんて最高です。
海から上がる頃には、少し肌寒いので、羽織る物を持って行かれる事をお勧めします。
Aloha! Kazu,
Thank you for participating in Manta University. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the sunset and your encounter with the manta rays. We hope you'll join us again. We look forward to seeing you!
Mahalo!
Aloha! Kazu様
この度はマンタ大学へご参加くださりありがとうございました。
サンセットとマンタとの出会いを楽しんでいただけたようで嬉しく思います。
また是非ご参加くださいね。お待ちしております!
Mahalo!
It was very cool. Every one was very kind and accommodating. Guide was informative and pilot was very good. We saw a couple sharks and tons of other fish. Kids loved it! (12 and 10) Mahalo!
On the whole, I'm glad I went. It was a lovely day, the boat was comfortable, and food great. The trip included a plant-based breakfast and lunch, with Kona coffee and alcoholic drinks available for purchase. The boat stopped twice on the way out so our guide could explain what we were seeing along the shore.
All the staff members were delightful and took good care of us.
Unfortunately, Kealakekua Bay did not offer the variety of sea life I experienced in other Hawaiian locations. I wonder if the reef has been affected by global warming. My prior experiences were 20 years ago, so things may be different now.
My experience was complicated by the fact that the corrective face masks were only available in a medium, which was too large for me. Consequently, I had major water leakage and was unable to spend much time snorkeling. One of the staff explained that supply chain problems have limited the availability of corrective masks. That's a good reason for bringing your own!
My sister, who had her own mask, explored more widely and commented on the relative scarcity of sea life, although she did see one kind of fish that was new to her.
Nevertheless, the trip was fun. I enjoyed my run down the slide - my sister's dared me to do it!
A number of snorkeling tours go to Kealakekua Bay. I looked at the other tour boats there and concluded that ours was the best. All in all, it was a great way to spend the morning. (Did I mention that both breakfast and lunch were delicious?)
I had a bit of fear during the night snorkeling tour, but there was a Japanese female staff member who frequently checked in on us, which made me feel at ease to participate. I was thrilled to see twelve manta rays. The hot chocolate on the boat afterward was soothing. We also received wonderful underwater footage, creating lovely memories. Thank you very much.
ナイトシュノーケリングツアーで少し恐怖もありましたが、女性日本人スタッフの方がおられて、たびたび声をかけて下さるので安心して参加させていただきました。
マンタが12まいも見ることができて感激しました。
終わってからの船の上でのホットチョコレートは身体にしみわたりました。
すばらしい水中での映像も頂いて、素敵な思い出になりました。
本当にありがとうございました。
Aloha! Mako,
Thank you for participating in Manta University. We are very happy to hear that you were able to enjoy it with peace of mind. Please come visit us again sometime. We are looking forward to it from the bottom of our hearts.
Mahalo!
Aloha! Mako様
この度は、マンタ大学にご参加くださりありがとうございました。
安心して楽しんで頂けたとのこと、スタッフ一同とても嬉しく思います。
是非またの機会に遊びに来てくださいね。心よりお待ちしています。
Mahalo!
This 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.
Aloha Maggy! We are so happy that you had fun on our Manta Ray tour. Thank you so much for joining us. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo!
We were happy we got to see some mantas, it was so fun to have a night experience!
Aloha Kara! Thank you for choosing Iruka and for sharing your positive feedback. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time on our tour. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo
Staff was terrific at all levels; dock staff, wait staff, bar tenders, historian, musician, & Captain. Everyone was upbeat, personable, courteous, professional, and entertaining.
Food was excellent and the drinks were generous. The captain was very personable and entertaining. Mother-nature provided us with a pod of pilot whales to observe, while keeping a safe distance. Historian was fabulous, giving everyone a much better appreciation and respect for the Hawaiian culture. The music got everyone rocking and rolling with the motion of the boat. A great selection of songs that had the passengers engaged in song.
Can't say much more. We loved it, would do it again, and would highly recommend it to everyone. It was a 3 hour tour that was well worth it.
Aloha tmessall@msn.com,
We are thrilled to learn that you had such a great time!
Mahalo for joining us and taking the time to share your experience. We appreciate you sharing your kind words and hope to see you again someday soon!
Excellent tour with SUPER tour guide, Kailikea! Full service , including tasty meal, excellent transportation, LOTS of very interesting information on Hawaii, the stars at night, Hawaiian Culture and History. Absolute recommendation to book with MKSA!!!
We had a blast and seeing the manta rays was amazing. We also saw a bristle worm, which was cool too. The team was fabulous and knowledgeable. We will do again next time we swing into Kona. We recommend this excursion 100%. You won’t be sorry. If you get seasick, take the anti nausea medicine first. It can be a bit harder on your stomach in the dark.
The speed of the speedboat was absolutely thrilling! I was desperately holding on during the ride. The sea breeze was pleasant, and it felt like an amusement park attraction. Although it was only in English, I had no worries. I highly recommend this for those looking for a unique snorkeling tour.
とにかく高速ボ-トのスピードが迫力満点!走行中は必死につかまってる状態でしたよ〜。海風が心地よく遊園地のアトラクション気分で楽しめました。英語ガイドだけでしたが不安はありませんでした。ひと味違うシュノ-ケリングツアーを求める方に是非おすすめします。
Great evening. Food was excellent and entertainment was even better. Loved the evening with my wife and friends! Venue was perfect with the scenic views.
The 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!
Aloha Alex! Thank you so much for joining our tour and for sharing about your experience. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time with us. Please come back soon! Mahalo
It takes about 20 to 30 minutes from the port to reach the spot beyond Kona Airport. Perhaps due to the strong winds, there were waves, and the impact on the boat was significant.
Several other boats gathered at the spot, and we all waited for the sunset. As soon as the sun went down, we jumped into the water, grabbed onto the float, and just floated. Manta rays appeared almost immediately. One after another, three of them swam right in front of us, opening their large mouths. The sheer power of it was breathtaking.
With the support of the crew, including Tamae, I felt safe participating. I highly recommend it.
港から2〜30分でコナ空港の先のスポットまで行きます。風の強い日だったためか波もありボートへの衝撃は大きかったです。
スポットには数隻の他の船も集まり、みんなで日没を待ちます。
陽が沈むとすぐに海に入ってフロートに捕まって、ただ浮いていればOK。本当にすぐにマンタが現れました。次々と現れてあっという間に3頭?匹?が大きく口を開け目の前をくるくると泳ぎます。あまりの迫力に声が出てしまうほど。
たまえさんをはじめクルーのみなさんのサポートもバッチリなので、安心して参加できました。おすすめです。
Dear Hikari-tai Kinoko-sama,
Aloha!
Thank you for participating in Manta University. We are delighted to hear that you were able to enjoy your encounter with the manta rays with both excitement and peace of mind.
We sincerely look forward to your next participation.
Mahalo!
光りたいキノコ様
Aloha!
この度はマンタ大学へご参加いただきありがとうございました。マンタとの出会いを感動と共に安心して楽しんで頂けたようで嬉しく思います。
またのご参加を心よりお待ちしております。
Mahalo!
I never expected to see manta rays up close like this! They kept doing flips right in front of me over and over again! I was filming with my GoPro, and there were times when the manta's fin brushed against my hand, which is an experience you don't usually get! On the way to the manta spot, I enjoyed a beautiful sunset while being rocked by the boat, and I had such a wonderful time!
こんな間近にマンタが見えるとは思ってなかった!
ってぐらいすごい目の前を何度も何度もマンタは宙返りで来てくれました!
GoProで撮影していたのですが、手にマンタのひれがあたるときもあったりして、こんな体験普通はできないですよね!
マンタのスポットに行くまではボートに揺られながら、綺麗なサンセットも見れて、すごく素敵な時間を過ごせました!!
Dear Hiro Tama-kun,
Aloha!
Thank you for participating in Manta University this time.
Also, thank you for sharing so many photos. I'm glad to see that you enjoyed yourself through the pictures.
We sincerely look forward to your next participation.
Mahalo!
ひろ玉くん様
Aloha!
この度はマンタ大学へご参加いただきましてありがとうございました。
また、たくさんの写真を掲載くださりありがとうございます。写真からも楽しんで頂けた様子が伝わってきて嬉しく思います。
またのご参加を心よりお待ちしております。
Mahalo!
We were the only Japanese participants, and although we didn't understand the content of the conversation, it felt good to be part of an overseas tour.
For lunch, it was labeled as BBQ, but it was a small, cold hamburger that had been prepared in advance. Since this was one of the reasons we chose the tour, I wish they had made adjustments if there were any changes. I don't think the tour was bad, but I felt it was expensive in terms of cost performance.
日本人は私たちだけで、話の内容はわからないものの、海外のツアーに参加している感覚もよかったです。
昼食は、BBQと書いてあったのですが、作り置きの冷えた小さなハンバーガーで、昼食も選んだ理由だったので、変わったのであれば、修正しておいてほしかったです。
ツアーは悪くなかったと思うのですが、コスパとしては、高いと思いました。
It was a once in a lifetime experience. The manta rays came right up to us and almost brushed up on us. It was so beautiful as well as seeing all the glowing plankton and other fish. the staff on the boat were friendly and informative. at the end they gave us hot chocolate and soup to warm us up. definitely recommend this company.
I was worried about whether I would be able to see manta rays based on the reviews, but I did! They came surprisingly close, almost within reach of my hands and feet, so I had to be careful not to touch them at all. Since ocean accidents are scary, I chose a tour that provides explanations in Japanese. Fortunately, there wasn't much price difference for the manta tour, so I went with this one.
I had read in reviews that the boat ride from the port to the manta point was long, and that some people experienced seasickness or found the rocking of the boat difficult. However, since I have never had severe seasickness in the past, I thought that for those who enjoy being out in the sea breeze and taking in the ocean views (especially during sunset, which I think is a precious experience), a longer boat ride could actually be a lucky thing.
The Japanese tour guide was wonderfully attentive and a lovely person, and I really liked them as a person. The cocoa we had on the boat was also delicious.
What I wish I had brought were two bath towels—one for drying off and one to cover my legs—because while the water was a comfortable temperature in a wetsuit during the hot July weather, it was cold once we got back on the boat. I also recommend bringing a warm jacket or something to wrap around your neck and shoulders, as well as warmer clothes and underwear to change into after swimming, along with socks. It would be best to have a thermos to keep hot tea or something to drink on the way back.
Manta rays are adorable, and I recommend this tour for anyone who loves soothing sea creatures like dolphins. I would like to join this tour again next time.
口コミからマンタ見れるのか不安でしたが見れました。
しかも予想外に手や足で触れてしまいそうなくらい近くまで来てくれるので、こちらが一切触れないように体を気をつけないといけません。
海の事故はこわいので、日本語で説明してくださるツアーを選びました。幸いにマンタツアーで価格差はあまりなかったので、こちらにしました。
口コミでは港からマンタのいるポイントまでの乗船時間が長い、船酔いしたり揺れるのが辛い、というのも事前に見ていましたが、過去に酷い船酔いをしたことがなく、海風に当たりながら海の景色(ちょうどサンセットが観れる時間だと貴重な体験だと思います。あとイルカが私達の時は船と一緒に泳いでくれました。)を観るのが好きな人にはストレス発散効果もあり、船に乗る時間が長い方がラッキーではないか、と思いました。
添乗員の日本人の方は、気配りも素晴らしく素敵な人で、私は人として好きな方でしたし、船上でいただいたココアも美味しかったです。
持っていけばよかったと思うのは、7月の暑い時期ですが、海の中はウェットスーツを着てちょうどいい温度ですが、船に上がると寒かったので、バスタオルは拭く用と足に掛ける用の2枚、首や肩には暖かい上着や首に巻けるもの、ホテルに帰るまでに水着から着替える用の普段の服より温かい服装と下着、靴下です。
帰りにホットのお茶などを飲めるように保温水筒に入れておくとベストです。
マンタは可愛らしくて、イルカなどの海の癒し系の生き物が好きな方におすすめです。
次回参加する場合もこちらのツアーにしたいです。
Aloha! Lavender,
Thank you for participating in Manta University. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour.
Also, thank you for writing about the preparations for those considering participation through your experience.
We sincerely look forward to your next participation!
Mahalo!
Aloha! ラベンダー様
この度はマンタ大学へご参加いただきありがとうございました。ツアーを楽しんで頂けたようで嬉しく思います。
また、体験を通して参加を検討してくださっている方への事前準備などについて記述してくださりありがとうございます。
次回のご参加も心よりお待ちしております!
Mahalo!
Unfortunately, I couldn't see the dolphins, but I was able to meet a sea turtle while snorkeling. It was great to swim up close (you need to stay 3 meters away). I also received videos that were shared with me. Additionally, I was informed about other beaches where I could see sea turtles, and I was able to see them in person. Thank you very much.
イルカには残念ながら会えませんでしたが、シュノーケリングでウミガメに会えました。
間近で泳げて良かったです。(3mは離れる必要があります)
動画も撮って共有いただきました。
また、ウミガメに会える海岸も教えていただき、実際に見ることもできました。
ありがとうございました。
Aloha Ludwig,
Thank you for participating in Dolphin University (Kona Campus).
Unfortunately, it seems you weren't able to meet the dolphins, but I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the tour.
We hope that next time you'll be able to meet the dolphins, so please consider re-enrolling. We look forward to seeing you!
Mahalo!
Aloha Ludwig 様
イルカ大学(コナキャンパス)へご参加いただきありがとうございました。
残念ながらイルカとは会えなかったようですが、ツアーを楽しんで頂けたようで嬉しく思います。
次回こそはイルカと会えますように、是非再入学してくださいね。お待ちしております!
Mahalo !
I arrived about 10 minutes ago and took a seat in the middle. It seemed that the seats in the front were reserved separately, so I couldn't choose those.
I used the hotel parking lot, and the staff took note of my number. I wonder if it was discounted? It was $5.
I enjoyed the show, and the food was delicious and representative of Hawaii. The sunset was also wonderful.
However, I felt that the number of dishes was a bit lacking considering the price.
10分前ぐらいに着き、真ん中ぐらいの席に着きました。前方の席は別予約の席となっているようで、選べませんでした。
ホテルの駐車場を利用しましたが、係の人が番号をメモを取っており、安くなったのか?5ドルでした。
ショーは楽しめましたし、料理もハワイらしいもので味は良かったと思います。夕日も素晴らしかったです。
ただ金額からすると品数が少なかったように思いました。
Our tour guide Addison was awesome. Excellent in setting tour expectations and safety guidelines from the start. His knowledge of Hawaiian history, culture, volcanology, and astronomy was impressive. VIP treatment. Don’t miss this tour on your visit to the Big Island.
Thanks Addison and team.
- Dave T.
It was reassuring to have the Japanese guide Tamae with us. The day before, there were only two manta rays, but on our day, we counted six at the same time. You don't usually see this many even while diving. Tamae mentioned that it's rare to see so many manta rays. Our 10-year-old child was also able to participate comfortably. After disembarking, Tamae shared videos of our tour above and below the water via AirDrop. It was fantastic.
日本人ガイドtamaeさんが一緒で安心でした。前の日2枚だったマンタが我々の日は自分達で数えられたところでは同時に6枚。ダイビングでもこんなには見れません。前の日は2枚だったマンタ。tamaeさんもこんなにマンタ多い事は先ず無いとお話しされてました。10才の子供も安心して参加させて頂きました。下船後、tamaeさんが我々が参加していたツアーでの水上と水中の動画をエアードロップで供与してくれました。最高でした。
Aloha! Thank you very much for participating in Manta University. I'm very glad to hear that you enjoyed it. We sincerely look forward to your next participation with your children. Mahalo!
Aloha! 子だくさん親父様
マンタ大学にご参加いただきありがとうございました。
楽しんで頂けたようでとても嬉しく思います。お子様とのまたのご参加を心よりお待ちしております。
Mahalo!