All Reviews for Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel

I used to dive every year, but recently I switched to snorkeling, and I was told that I should definitely see the manta rays, so I participated. For the first 30 minutes, the manta rays didn't appear, and I was worried I wouldn't be able to endure the seasickness. When the manta finally showed up, it circled right beneath us multiple times, and it was an incredible experience. It's amazing that such a large creature doesn't attack. Once it appeared, it stayed right below us the whole time.

However, since I was feeling seasick, I returned to the boat earlier than the others. On the way out, we were given either canned ginger ale, juice, or water along with snacks. I chose the ginger ale, thinking I had to drink it all, and I ended up feeling too full. For those who are prone to seasickness, I recommend taking your drink back with you and just sipping a little of what you brought.

Also, for those who have never snorkeled before, I think it would be a bit difficult unless you practice in the sea first. If you're prone to seasickness, I think it's better to sign up for a tour that departs from in front of the Sheraton Hotel.

ダイビングを毎年していた人が、この頃はシュノーケルに変えて、その中でもマンタだけは見た方がよいというので、参加しました。マンタが最初30分ぐらい現れず、船酔いもしていたので、気持ち悪くて耐えられるか心配でした。やっと現れたマンタは、何度も私たちの体の真下を旋回して、それはそれはすごい経験でした。あんなに体が大きいのに、襲わないなんて不思議です。一度現れた後は、ずっと真下にいました。
　ただ船酔いをしていたので、他の人よりは早く船に戻りました。行きに缶のジンジャエールか、ジュースか水とお菓子をもらうのですが、私はジンジャエールをもらい、最後まで飲まなきゃいけないと思って、全部飲んだら胃が満杯になってしまったのだと思います。酔いやすい人は、それは持ち帰って、自分が持ってきた飲み物を少しだけ飲むことをお勧めします。
　またシュノーケルを一度もやったことがない人は、海で練習してからでないと、ちょっと無理だと思います。
　酔いやすい人は、シェラトンホテルの前で見ることになるので、そちらから出るツアーを申し込んだ方がよいと思います。

It seems that the encounter rate with manta rays is almost 100%. We were able to see them perfectly during our time there. The manta rays showed themselves more than ten times, and on one occasion, we even saw their underside.

On the way to the dive site, we encountered a pod of dolphins and were very satisfied to see them jumping out of the water.

Our guide, Musashi, was handsome and kind. I would love to do this again if the opportunity arises.

マンタとの遭遇率はほぼ100%のようです。
私たちの時もバッチリ見れました。マンタは10回以上姿を見せてくれ、うち1回はお腹側も見れました。
ポイントに行くまでの間には、イルカの群れに遭遇して、海面を飛び跳ねる姿も見れて大満足です。

ガイドのムサシさんはイケメンで親切でした。
また機会があったらお願いします。

It took about 30 minutes by rubber boat to reach the point. Two manta rays gracefully appeared. They came very close and danced around, which was a bit surprising. This manta ray tour seemed to be a side tour organized by a main operator. The day before the tour, I received a request to change to a later time because the original tour was canceled for boat inspection and repairs. Initially, I considered canceling my participation in the tour, but it went ahead as scheduled. Upon reflection, I think it wasn't due to the boat inspection and repairs, but rather that they hadn't reached the minimum number of participants. Additionally, even after the meeting time had passed, the tour operator did not arrive, making it feel like a disorganized company.

ゴムボートで片道約30分でポイントに到着。2枚のマンタが優雅に現れてくれました。もうすれすれまで来て舞ってくれてちょっとびびりました。このマンタのツアーも元締めみたいのがいてそのおこぼれツアーのようでした。ツアーの前日に、船の点検修理のためその時間のがキャンセルになり遅い時間のに変更依頼を受けました。当初は、ツアー参加のキャンセルを考えましたが、ツアーは予定どおりに催行されました。よくよく考えると、船の点検修理のためではなく、最少催行人数に達していなかったのだと思いました。また集合時間を過ぎても催行社は来ず、でたらめな会社のように感じました。

It felt like a manta ray! However, my wife was very anxious, saying, "Entering the night sea and having a manta ray approach with its mouth wide open..." After talking with her about various things, she gathered her courage and finally participated!

Once we actually joined, her impression changed completely, and she was overjoyed, saying, "The manta ray is so cute, I'm so glad!" Our guide, Tori-chan, was wonderful! She was so energetic and taught us various things about manta rays, including their ecology, habits, and names, in a storytelling format. Most importantly, she explained, "Manta rays are very friendly and cute!" which eased our preconceived notions. The manta rays really came close to us repeatedly. My wife even got touched by one coming from the other side—how lucky! Thank you, Tori-chan! I definitely want to participate again.

マンタみたい～でも奥様は「夜の海に入るなんて～口を広げマンタが近づいてくるなんて～」ととても不安！そんな奥様といろいろ話して勇気を奮起いただき遂に参加しました‼
実際に参加してみたら、がらりと印象が変って「マンタとても可愛くってよかった～ね！」と大喜びでした。ガイドのトリちゃんが素晴らしかった！まず元気がもらえるし、紙芝居仕立てでマンタのこと生態・習性や名前がついているとかいろいろ教えてくれます。なんといっても「マンタはとても人懐こくってかわいいよ～！」って説明してくれて先入観ができて安心。マンタはホントにごく目の前をぐる～と何度も何度も寄ってきます。奥様には向こうから触ってきたって～うらやましい。トリちゃんありがと～！またぜひ参加したいです。

4 to 5 manta rays swirled right in front of me, and it was an incredible sight. I was surprised how close their bellies were!

4,5枚のマンタが次々と目の前をぐるぐるして大迫力でした。マンタのおなかが近すぎてビックリしましたよー

I was surprised that we could see them so closely. My parents, who are in their 60s and usually don't dive, were able to take on the challenge. If you're going to Hawaii Island, definitely give it a try!

あんなに近くにみれるとはびっくりです。普段潜らない60代の両親も挑戦することができました。ハワイ島にいくなら是非！！

My reason for coming to the Big Island was that I learned about this tour from the Dolphin University I attended on Oahu. This time, I finally got to participate, and I had high expectations.

The manta rays were truly enormous, coming so close with their mouths wide open that I thought they might bump into me. However, it was fascinating how they would spin around without hitting me.

It was an exhilarating experience and a lot of fun. I believe it was a rare opportunity to get so close to so many mantas. The boat ride to and from the point was thrilling as it went at high speed, which added to the enjoyment.

ハワイ島へ来るきっかけは、以前オアフで参加したイルカ大学でこのツアーを知ったことでした。この度、念願かない大いに期待して参加しました。
マンタは本当に大きくて、ぶつかるのではないかと思うほどすぐ近くまで大きな口を開けて近づいてきます。しかし、こちらには当たらずにくるりと回転するのが不思議でした。
大迫力で楽しかったです。たくさんのマンタにこんな接近できるなんて貴重な体験だったと思います。
ポイントへの往復のボートも猛スピードでスリルがあり楽しめました。

This was my first experience with my family. Personally, it was my third time, but I’ll briefly outline the pros and cons.

First, the pros:
1. The marina is very close to the points, so the total travel time is short.
2. The boat is large and comfortable.
3. There was a child who gets seasick on board, but since the points are close, I think it was relatively easy for them.

Now, the cons:
1. The explanations are only in English, but I don’t think that will be a problem.
2. The journey is short, so you can’t enjoy the scenery of Kona town.

Depending on the timing, I think the LED lights were strong, and we had a relatively good number of sightings.

I plan to come back here next time as well.

家族連れでは初体験でした。
個人的には3度目でしたが簡単に長所と短所を書いておきます。

まず長所
1、マリーナからポイントまでが非常に近くに全行程の所要時間が短くて済む。
2、船が大きくて快適。
3、船酔いしやすい子が同船してましたがポイントまでが近いので比較的楽だと思います。

で短所
1、英語の説明しかないが困る事は無いと思う。
2、道中が短いのでコナの街の景色を眺める事が出来ない。

タイミングにもよると思いますがLEDのライトが強く比較的沢山来てくれたと思います。

次回からもここにしようと思います。

The sunset on the distant horizon viewed from the boat. Manta rays swimming right in front of me, gliding past my body multiple times. A kind guide and the boat captain. According to the guide, there were an unusually high number of manta rays this time. It was a wonderful experience.

ボートから眺める遥かな水平線上の夕日。体をかすめるように何度も目の前を泳ぐマンタ。やさしいガイドさんとボートの船長。ガイドさんの話によれば、今回は、滅多にないほどマンタが多かったとのこと。素晴らしい体験でした。

I was able to see the manta rays, and at the end, one got really close to me—it was amazing! The sunset was beautiful too! 😊

マンタちゃんと見れました、最後にすごく近づいてきて最高でした‼︎
sunsetも綺麗でした(^｡^)

I went to Manta University. The staff were friendly and kind, and I was able to participate in a relaxed manner. I saw several mantas, and they swam right by me multiple times, which was incredibly impressive! I'm glad I participated.

マンタ大学に行きました。
スタッフさんはフレンドリーで親切で、リラックスして参加できました。
マンタも何匹も見れて、しかも間近を何度も通っていって、すごい迫力でした！
参加して良かったです。

I had missed the chance to see manta rays in Palau and Ishigaki Island, so I joined the tour with the hope that this time I wouldn't miss out. My family was actually quite skeptical, thinking it might be impossible. However, I’m really glad I went! On that day, three manta rays came to us, and they turned around multiple times, which was just amazing! This was the best memory from my experience on the Big Island. I hope everyone can have a wonderful experience at Manta University as well. If I have the opportunity to go back to the Big Island, I would love to participate again.

これまでにパラオ、石垣島でマンタに出会うチャンスをのがしていたので、今度こそとの思いでツアーに参加しました。家族はもう無理じゃない？と実のところ後ろ向きでした。しかし、行ってみて本当に良かったです。この日は３枚のマンタが来てくれて、なんどもターンしてくれてもう大感激でした！！今回のハワイ島での体験の中で一番の思い出です。ぜひみなさんもマンタ大学で素晴らしい体験をしてほしいです。またハワイ島にいく機会があれば、もう一度参加したいです。

No shuttle plan $110
It takes about 30 minutes by powerboat from the meeting point to arrive off the Sheraton Hotel. The sunset is amazing.
When we arrived, there were about 7 or 8 boats gathered.
After the sunset, we held onto the boat and enjoyed manta ray watching for about 40 minutes.
During that time, we saw manta rays ranging from 50 cm to 100 cm about 10 times.
On the way back, we returned in the powerboat through the darkness for 30 minutes, but it started to rain and it was quite cold and uncomfortable.
I think a tour that meets near the Sheraton would be easier and quicker.

送迎無しﾌﾟﾗﾝ＄110
集合場所からﾊﾟﾜｰﾎﾞｰﾄで30分位でｼｪﾗﾄﾝﾎﾃﾙ沖に到着。ｻﾝｾｯﾄが最高です。
着くと7.8艘のﾎﾞｰﾄが集まっていました。
ｻﾝｾｯﾄ後ﾎﾞｰﾄﾞにつかまりﾏﾝﾀ観賞40分位しました。
その間10回位50cm～100cmのﾏﾝﾀが観られました
帰りはまたﾊﾟﾜｰﾎﾞｰﾄで暗闇のなか30分かけて戻りますが、雨が降ってきてけっこう寒くて辛いです。
ｼｪﾗﾄﾝ近く集合のﾂｱｰの方が楽で短時間でいけると思います。

I participated with my 70-year-old parents. My father struggled with snorkeling and gave up partway through, but during that time, our guide, Tori, frequently checked on him as we returned to the boat. My mother seemed to be having a great time, looking around in the water the whole time.

The manta rays come very close; it's an incredible experience!

70歳の両親と三人で参加しました。
父はうまくシュノーケルが出来ず、途中で断念しましたがその際もガイドのトリちゃんがちょくちょく心配してくれ、船に戻りました。
母はおおはしゃきでずっと海のなかを見ていて、楽しんでいたようです。

マンタ間近にきます、大迫力ですよ！

A large manta ray turns multiple times right in front of me. It was an impressive sight, just inches away from my face! You can truly feel the magnificent nature unique to the Big Island of Hawaii.

目の前で大きなマンタが何回もターンをします。顔スレスレで大迫力でした！
ハワイ島ならではの大自然を感じられます。

This is definitely a must-have experience and believe me, you won't regret. You don't have to know how to swim, by the way.

I participated in a night snorkeling experience for the first time, thanks to an invitation from a couple of friends. I was worried about whether it would be okay to go at night since I had my child (a third grader) with me, but we had no problems and enjoyed ourselves.

There was a warning beforehand not to touch anything, but the manta rays came so close that they actually touched us, which surprised me at first. However, after a few encounters with the manta rays, we were able to observe them closely. My child was initially scared, but it seemed like they were able to observe them carefully and shared various thoughts, so I felt it was a good decision to take them along.

*I only captured the manta rays on video, so I don’t have any photos...*

Also, the sunset viewed from the boat was beautiful.

友人夫婦の誘いもあり、今回初めてナイトシュノーケルに参加しました。
子供（小学3年生）と一緒だったので、夜間でも大丈夫かと心配がありましたが、
なんの問題もなく楽しめました。
事前に触らないようにとの注意がありましたが、マンタの方が触れてくるぐらい接近
してくることもあり、最初はびっくりしましたが、何度かマンタが来ることで
じっくり観察ができました。
子供も最初は怖がっていましたが、じっくり観察できたようで色々な感想を
言ってくれていたので、連れて行ってよかったと感じました。
※マンタはムービーでしか撮ってなかったので、写真がありません．．．

また、ボートから見るサンセットも素敵でした。

The people at sea paradise were truly outstanding. They were professional, fun, and extremely accommodating. Let me preface this review by saying that I suffer from extreme motion sickness and had I not been heavily medicated then this would've been a truly awful experience, of course this was no fault of the crew, the waters are just that rough. The crew Heather and Troy and the captain did their absolute best to make me feel better, while entertaining my six year old daughter. We saw tons of mantas and they barrel roll right under you almost touching you. Truly a remarkable experience. Once we decided we had enough the crew got us back to the shore as quickly as possible as they could tell I was in distress. I highly recommend this experience, just be aware that you will need every form of motion sickness prevention if that's a concern. I couldn't be more pleased with the crew of sea paradise.

Our teenage children went on this excursion. They had the best time. The captain and the crew member were very helpful and made them feel very comfortable.

In short,
"I’m glad I experienced it!"

Many people mentioned that the meeting place was hard to find, but there was a map and landmarks, so I arrived smoothly. I think it’s a good idea for those who are anxious to leave a little earlier. We did the same.

ひとこと
「体験して良かったです！」

みなさん集合場所が解りづらかったと仰ってますが
地図と目印がありますので
すんなりと到着出来ました。
不安な方は少しは早めに出ると
いいと思います。うちもそうしました。

I had a great time the guides very very knowledgeable and helpful. It was amazing how close the Manta Ray came to use as we were on the surface hanging to a raft. If I go back this is one thing I will differently do again.

It was an amazing experience ! Like an underwater ballet with a bit of adrenaline because even you know that rays are completely harmless and gentle you are still swimming in the middle of the ocean at night .There were at least 25 of them that night passing sometimes within an inch of our biddies, it felt like gentle caressing. I think it was my favorite activity and we did practically everything there is to be done on the Island (from extreme to leisure ) Definitely recomend it

This was my first time participating in this tour, and I chose to go directly to the meeting place on my own, but I wasn't quite sure where to go and ended up asking someone for directions to finally arrive. I felt that arranging for a pickup would have been smoother and more reassuring.

The tour guide, Torichan, was a wonderful person, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

The manta rays were very large, and seeing them swim right in front of me was breathtaking. They came so close that their bellies almost touched mine. They were much bigger than I had imagined, but I felt no fear at all. I was just so excited. Their adorable faces and the way they swam gracefully were incredibly soothing, and it was truly an emotional experience.

If you're going to the Big Island, I highly recommend participating in this tour. You'll feel the rich nature up close, and the interaction with the manta rays will undoubtedly become a wonderful memory that you'll cherish for a lifetime.

このツアーの参加は初めてで
個人で直接集合場所に向かうプランにしましたがいまいち分からず人に教えてもらいながらなんとか到着。
送迎を頼む方がやはりスムーズで安心だと感じました。

ツアー案内のとりちゃん、とっても素敵なお人柄の方でより一層楽しく過ごせました。

マンタはとても大きく
目の前で泳ぐ姿は圧巻。
マンタのお腹と私のお腹が当たるほど
近距離で近寄ってきてくれました。
想像以上に大きかったですが
怖さは全くなかったです。
とにかく興奮しました。
愛くるしいお顔に、ゆったりと優雅に泳ぐ姿にとても癒され
本当に感動的な体験でした。

ハワイ島行くなら
このツアーに参加することをお勧めします。
豊かな自然をより近くで感じ
マンタとの触れ合いは一生心に残る素敵な思い出になること間違いなしです。

I was looking forward to the manta rays!! I thought the waves were rougher than I expected. I was moved to see several manta rays swimming gracefully, but it felt like we were luring them in with food... it was more like feeding them, so it was a bit different from what I had in mind.

But it was fun!

楽しみにしていたマンタ！！
思っていたより、波が荒いなと思いました。何匹か優雅に泳ぐマンタを見れて感動しましたが、餌でおびき寄せる感じで…餌付けしている感じだったので…ちょっと思っていた感じと違いました。

でも楽しかったですよ！

We did the moonlight swim. The biggest manta ray was actually bumping some of the people in the water when she came up to eat the plankton that the lights attracted. We also saw so many fish. It was great. I would do this excursion again.

This was the most amazing trip ever! The canoe was perfect for my family as we all get motion sickness and everyone was fine but mom. It was a quick trip out and you are in the water immediately snorkeling with the manta rays. We had two that just kept coming straight towards our faces (one even brushed dad). It was the most amazing experience and our guides, Kat and Rob made the whole experience so pleasant. We highly recommend this trip!!!!

I participated with my 81-year-old mother. I was nervous and worried about whether we could do it, but since we just had to hold onto the rope and float with the snorkeling gear on, we managed to experience it. The manta rays came close to us, and both my mother and I were thrilled.

A few points to note: the boat sways, so it's necessary to take motion sickness medication; after the experience, your wet body cools down quickly, so it's good to bring a bath towel and warm clothing; and since the swimsuit gets wet, having a change of underwear or clothes for the return trip is convenient.

I struggled a bit with putting on the snorkeling gear and had to keep putting my face in and out of the water, but I received solid support as a beginner. Thank you very much.

81才の母と参加しました。出来るかなと緊張し、心配していたのですがロープにつかまってシュノーケリングの器具つけて浮かんでいるだけなので何とか体験しました。マンタも近くに来てくれるし母も私もおおはしゃぎでした。
注意点はボートが揺れるので酔い止めが要ること、体験後濡れた体が急速に冷えるのでバスタオルと防寒具持ってくこと、水着が濡れるので帰りは下着など着替えがあると便利なことなどです。
シュノーケリングの装着が上手く出来ずしばらく顔をつけたり上げたりしてたのですが、初心者にもしっかりサポートしてもらえました。ありがとうございました。

It was amazing.
Just by floating with a snorkel connected to a surfboard equipped with LED lights underwater, four large mantas came to us.
My wife, who is a beginner swimmer, was able to enjoy it fully.
The mantas opened their large mouths to eat the plankton gathered around the blue LED light under the surfboard, passing just 5 cm from our noses.
Sometimes the mantas bumped into each other or touched our bodies, and we were incredibly excited by them.
It was definitely an event that made us want to come back again.

凄かったです。
LEDを水中に取り付けたサーフボードに繋がってシュノーケルを着けて浮かんでいるだけで、私たちの所に4匹の大きなマンタがやって来ました。
その為、水泳初心者の妻でも十分楽しめました。
マンタはサーフボード下の青色LEDの光に集まったプランクトンを食べるために大きな口お開けて背面で私たちの鼻先5cmを通り過ぎて行きました。
時にはマンタ通しがぶつかったり、我々の体に触れたりで、我々はそんなマンタに大興奮でした。
是非、また来たいと思えるイベントでした。

One of the highlights of our trip, so fun! Peena, Tim & crew were awesome. They moved things along nicely and were fun to be with. We saw some amazing Mantas, it was an experience we'll be talking about for a long time!

I visited the Big Island for the first time to see manta rays. On the day of the tour, we were the only two Japanese participants, but our guide, Ali, provided thorough explanations, which made us feel at ease! As soon as we arrived at the port, we tried on our wetsuits. Since we wear them over our swimsuits, I recommend wearing easy-to-change clothes.

Once everyone gathered, we listened to the briefing and set off. The boat ride was incredibly thrilling and so much fun! When we reached the manta spot, we stopped the boat and waited. It was a bit wavy, so I took motion sickness medication beforehand, but I still felt a little nauseous… Luckily, I had some chewable motion sickness tablets with me, so I felt better quickly.

Finally, we entered the water and held onto a board with handles to go snorkeling and see the underwater world. We were told that there were only a few mantas that day, but one appeared right away! Although we couldn't see it up close, it was breathtaking.

After a while, fish started gathering around us, and it was adorable to see them nibbling right in front of us. Later, we spotted several mantas in the distance, but we couldn't see them up close. It was a bit disappointing not to see them feeding up close, as they seemed to be gathering around other boats.

However, holding onto the board and drifting on the water felt like swimming in the ocean, which was amazing. Even in June, it was a bit chilly, but the fun made me forget about the cold. On the way back, we got quite cold since we were wet. If you take off your rash guard, dry off with a beach towel, and put on a windbreaker, the cold is manageable.

Returning over the dark ocean while enjoying the night view was beautiful, and I was very satisfied. Thank you!

マンタが見たくて今回初めてハワイ島を訪れました。当日のツアーでは日本人私達は2人だけでしたがガイドのアリちゃんがきちんと説明してくれたので安心しました！港に着いてすぐウェットスーツを試着します。水着の上から着るので着替えやすい服装で行った方がいいと思います。
みなさん揃ったら説明を聞いて出発☆行きのボートはすごい迫力でめちゃめちゃ楽しかったです！マンタスポットに着いたら船を止めて待ちます。ここでユラユラするので酔い止めを飲んで行っていましたがちょっと酔いました…予備で噛んで飲める酔い止めを持参していたのですぐ良くなりました(^o^)いよいよ海に入りみんなで持ち手がついたボードにつかまってシュノーケリングで海の中を見ます。この日はマンタが少なくて2、3匹しか見えないと言われていましたがすぐ1匹現れてくれました！近くでは見えませんでしたが、感動です(ToT)
少し経つと魚がどんどん集まってきて目の前でパクパクしているのが可愛かったです♪その後遠目にマンタは何匹も見えましたが近くでは見えず。くるっと回ってエサを食べる姿が見えなかったので少し残念でした…他のボートの方に集まっているのかな？と感じました。
しかしボードにつかまって海の上で流されていると海の中を泳いでいるような感覚になり最高でした。6月でも少し寒かったですが、寒さも気にならないくらいに楽しい時間でした☆帰りは濡れているのでとても寒くなります。ラッシュガードを脱いでバスタオルで体を拭いてウインドブレーカーを着れば寒さは平気です♪真っ暗な海の上を夜景を見ながら帰るのはとても綺麗で、
満足出来ました。ありがとうございました。