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

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All Reviews for Snorkeling Cruises & Tours in Big Island

Overall Rating

4.58 4.58 / 5

Reviews

1203 reviews

Sea Quest Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour & Rafting Sea Cave Expedition

Lots of fantastic sights!

Reviewed by: Kara, 2024/04/25

beautiful colorful hawaiian fish, and awesome sea cave day!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/07
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Dolphin Quest Hawaii - Dolphin Swim & Encounter at Hilton Waikoloa Village

Really good show.

Reviewed by: Dave K, 2024/04/12

Great food.
Excellent show with authentic dances from different islands.
Very entertaining we had a great night.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/04/10
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Big Island Ocean Rafting & Guided Kona Snorkeling Adventure - Body Glove Cruises

Fun, easy, and convenient~

Reviewed by: Mr & Mrs Locke, 2024/04/09

I highly recommend this company and their tours for their service and convenience. Each member of the crew was attentive and full of advice, facts about the area, and all clearly loved their jobs. The dock was easy to get to, no walking for miles to find an out-of-the-way pickup location. Finally, the food was delicious and it was nice not to have to bring my own. Same with the snorkeling masks and the sunscreen.

[Reviewed by HawaiiActivities.com Staff]

Comments from activity operators

Mahalo Mr. & Mrs Locke we are so thrilled that you had a great time with us and we have earned your recommendations! We hope to welcome you aboard again someday soon!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

a must!

Reviewed by: Kara, 2024/04/01

great evening swimming with these giant gorgeous creatures, we got lucky with the abundance who came around to play!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Kara! Thank you so much for joining our Manta snorkel tour! We are happy to hear that you had a great time swimming with the manta rays. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/01/10
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Big Island Ocean Rafting & Guided Kona Snorkeling Adventure - Body Glove Cruises

This tour is so much fun!

Reviewed by: Fran W., 2024/03/29

After a week in Hawaii, this one has proved to be the highlight of our trip. The boat ride was smooth and comfortable under the shade, especially later in the day. The captain and crew were so kind and helpful, one of the other passengers got seasick and they offered plenty of remedies (ginger candies‚ who knew). Shoutout to Jennifer and Bob who were great with the snorkeling and super knowledgeable about the fish and the area. If you are considering this tour do it!

[Reviewed by HawaiiActivities.com Staff]

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
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ハワイ島 ケアラケクア湾シュノーケリングツアー 滑り台や飛び込み台完備の船で行く!<午前・午後/英語ガイド/食事付>by フェアウィンド号

家族で参加

Reviewed by: T.M, 2024/03/25

思っていたよりとても寒くて30分も入っていられませんでした。でもたくさん魚がみれて良かったです。クジラもみれて良かったです

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2024/03/23
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Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour at Kealakekua Bay - Fair Wind Cruises

Our first time, but not our last!

Reviewed by: Michelle M, 2024/03/18

We loved everything about this tour! The boat was comfortable and clean and there was plenty of room for our gear. The food was excellent. My husband and I are omnivores, but we thoroughly enjoyed the vegan lunch and breakfast! The snorkeling was so much fun and we were fortunate enough to have perfect weather. We brought our own snorkel equipment and fins, but the boat was equipped with all of that plus life vests, pool noodles, inner tubes, sun screen and anti fog spray for masks. Last, but most importantly, the crew was amazing. Everyone was so caring and helpful and made sure we felt comfortable and safe in the water and out. We will be sure to book with Fair Wind Cruises again when we travel to the Big Island.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/22
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ハワイ島 ケアラケクア湾シュノーケリングツアー 滑り台や飛び込み台完備の船で行く!<午前・午後/英語ガイド/食事付>by フェアウィンド号

ハワイ島2度目のシュノーケル

Reviewed by: むーちゃん, 2024/03/15

今回は2度目の参加となります。子供達が絶対に行きたいと希望したので朝からのシューノーケルにしました。朝食と昼食が付いて2時間半、たっぷりと楽しめました。ありがとうございます

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2024/03/13
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Waikoloa Snorkel Tour & Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch & Drinks [Dec - Mar]

Shake watch and snorkel

Reviewed by: Girls trip, 2024/03/05

It was great experience. We have don’t this tour many times. Saw lots of whales. Crew was friendly and helpful and informative. It was fun and enjoyed every minute.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Whale Watch Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, your interactions with our crew, and most importantly, got to see a lot of Humpbacks!
We know there are a lot of activity providers to choose from when you're on the Big Island and we're honored you chose to join us aboard.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2024/03/03
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Sea Quest Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour & Rafting Sea Cave Expedition

Great Day on the Bay!!

Reviewed by: Kara, 2024/02/29

Beautiful caves to explore on the Kona cliffsides!

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2023/11/16
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Exhilarating Night Adventure Watching Manta Ray Under Your Feet

Reviewed by: LarryC, 2024/02/28

Are ready to try an adventure that is unique? Water activities are great but what about doing something at night, in the water and mysteriously fun? You must do this! A night time viewing of majestic Manta Rey fish! Oh boy, so fun. The day came, I drove down to the facility early (good thing I did, I got lost) and introduced myself to the host. Maybe her name was Iruka, but a very friendly girl greeted me and accommodated any questions I had. She offered a wetsuit fins and mask/snorkel combo however, I bought and brought my own (because I know what it means for things not to fit right). We took off on time with about 13-15 people out into the abyss. Light was shimmering off the water as the sun was setting down. Very beautiful to see it on a boat. We took a short ride to the spot where other boats were anchored and the crew pulled out a square like raft. It had special lights in the middle to draw fish and Manta Ray. The special lights draw the plankton towards the light and the fish eat it right away.

Everyone slowly dropped ourselves over the side and crew members helped us swim to the floating raft. We had to hold a small rope handle and given floating noodles to place under our feet to make everyone horizontal. This is to keep our feet from kicking underneath the raft and scaring the fish. This also kept everyone relaxed, well until we started seeing strange fish.

So much fun! The ride back was scary fun. Traveling through the dark without any lights but the moon illuminating on the water in front of us Wow! This is something you'll never forget. Highly Recommended.

Video https://youtu.be/t4VJHokd3DI

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Larry!
Thank you so much for joining our manta ray tour on the big island of Hawai'i! We are happy to hear that you had a great time with our awesome crew and in the water with the manta rays! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! Your videos and pictures are amazing to see. Come back soon, mahalo

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2024/02/13
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Awesome once-in-a-lifetime experience

Reviewed by: Veronica, 2024/02/25

My family did the sunset cruise and it was amazing! We got to watch the sunset in the water and got to see dolphins and look for whales before heading to the snorkeling spot. I have kids ages 12 and 9. While my 9 year old struggled a bit with the snorkel, my 12 year old had no problems at all. The crew was super fun and engaging, dancing to music and generally infecting the crowd with their great attitude. Snacks and drinks were provided as well as hot chocolate afterward. They also took videos for us and were happy to airdrop them to anyone that wanted them. I would definitely recommend this experience and this company!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Veronica!
Thank you for joining our manta ray tour and for sharing your amazing experience. We are thrilled to hear that you and your family had a great time on our boat and snorkeling with the manta rays. We hope you come back soon for more fun, mahalo

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2024/02/02
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Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour at Kealakekua Bay - Fair Wind Cruises

Wonderful experience

Reviewed by: David F, 2024/02/14

Had a great day on the water. Right out of the bay we experience whales breaching the water. Staff was well trained, everyone had their job and was on it. They were very helpful in and out of the water. Very knowledgable about the history of the bay and Capt. Cook. Breakfast and lunch was very good and served efficiently. Saw lots of species of fish on the coral reef at the Capt. Cook Monument. To finish the day we were entertained by Spinner Dolphins jumping out of the water. Highly recommend!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/12
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe

fun!

Reviewed by: blake, 2024/02/02

fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/02/15
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Sea Quest Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour & Rafting Sea Cave Expedition

Great Crew!

Reviewed by: Kara, 2024/01/28

Fabulous day, getting to get into the sea caves was the best!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/10/26
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

pretty good experience

Reviewed by: joe pang , 2024/01/18

wonderful and first experience of my life. i 'll want to there again soon, this is my dream.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Joe! Thank you so much for joining our Manta Ray tour. We are so happy that you had a great time and that is was a dream come true. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/12/20
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Dolphin Quest Hawaii - Dolphin Swim & Encounter at Hilton Waikoloa Village

Magical for a 3 year old

Reviewed by: Kathleen, 2024/01/12

We took our 3 year old. The experience was tailored to be age appropriate and gentle with the animals for my child. I highly encourage this experience.

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2024/01/10
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ハワイ島 ケアラケクア湾シュノーケリングツアー 滑り台や飛び込み台完備の船で行く!<午前・午後/英語ガイド/食事付>by フェアウィンド号

シュノーケル最高

Reviewed by: Masa, 2023/12/30

シュノーケルポイントまで、うねりが少しありましたが、双胴船だったから揺れずにいけました。クルーも親切で楽しい時間を過ごせました。

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/12/28
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Kona Deluxe Snorkel Tour & Dolphin Watching Tour with Lunch - Body Glove Cruises

Great time!

Reviewed by: Kim A, 2023/12/13

We had such a great time! The crew was so nice. We had a great snorkel day, saw lots of fish. The water activities were a great bonus. The slide and platform were fun too! We went as a couple but great for families/children also. Had pastries and yogurt for breakfast, burgers for lunch, and cash bar open the entire time. I do wish for the price at least 1 drink could be included, but it was still a great time. We even saw some dolphins following our boat shortly before docking at the end

  • Dolphins

Comments from activity operators

Thank you for joining us! We are thrilled that you had a five star experience!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/12/08
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Kona Sunset & Moonlight Wild Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Wahine Charters

Great Fun!

Reviewed by: Rich(Lawrence KS), 2023/12/06

I was not sure what to expect but I was very pleased with this experience. The crew was very pleasant, patient and knowledgable. They were very patient with some older guests and made sure they were safe and comfortable.
We ended up meeting several other boats so we had a lot of plankton for the Manta. Those beautiful fish did not disappoint! Although touching the manta is prohibited, they come close enough to touch! Bring your underwater camera for some great pictures and video memories!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/12/04
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

AWESOME EXPERIENCE!!!!

Reviewed by: Mary H, 2023/10/31

We attended on Monday October 16. The 4 guys did such a fantastic job making it fun for all of us. It was a unique and exciting experience. I can not say enough good things about it. I highly recommend it and would even go so far as to say it is a MUST DO on the Big Island!!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Mary! We are so happy that you enjoyed our Manta Ray tour. Thank you so much for joining us. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/10/16
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Kealakekua Bay Morning Snorkeling Cruise with Breakfast & Lunch - Sea Paradise

Mom and daughter first trip to Kona

Reviewed by: Rhonda Schwehm , 2023/10/28

Best time ever. The crew are all wonderful. The crew made the trip fun and educational. Lots of marine life.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Rhonda,
Mahalo for taking the time to leave us a wonderful review! We are so happy that you could have a wonderful mother daughter experience with us. We hope you can join us for more ocean adventures in the future. Maybe a Manta Ray tour?

Mahalo and a Hui Hou!
SeaParadise Guest Relations

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/10/26
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Amazing guides, lots of mantas and fish, beautiful scenery, and fun learning experience.

Reviewed by: E & C Flores-Montoya, 2023/10/27

My husband and I booked this tour for our honeymoon on the island. It was truly amazing to see the many fish and mantas in their natural habitat! I was that person who forgot their motion sickness meds. If you get motion sick/sea sick definitely take them so you can enjoy the whole experience without feeling queasy. If you come from colder climates you may not need wet suits. My husband and I didnt get them as we come from a cold climate and did fine temperature wise. The captain and his crew, Diego, were very knowledgeable and friendly. They also helped out a bunch when I wasn't feeling well. Would recommend this tour to anyone!

  • Not my best image but I don't want to give away all the fun!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha! Thank you so much for joining our Manta Ray tour and for choosing Iruka! It makes us so happy to hear that our guests are loving their experience. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/10/25
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

An absolutely unforgettable time!

Reviewed by: Kristen, 2023/10/21

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!

Comments from activity operators

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

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/10/12
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

awesome!

Reviewed by: Stefanie Säuberlich, 2023/10/10

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!

Comments from activity operators

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

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/10/08
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Deluxe Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Cruise from Keauhou Bay - Hula Kai

Definitely add this to you itinerary if you haven’t yet!

Reviewed by: Jules, 2023/10/01

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.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/09/29
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Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour - Small-Group Adventure from Keauhou Bay

A Wondrous Experience

Reviewed by: Kathy M., 2023/09/23

We couldn't have asked for a better trip. I especially appreciated the small group size - eight people - which meant that we were able to watch the mantas without getting in each other's way. My sister and I were at the end of the line, opposite each other. This meant that as the manta rays turned over and swam upside down just under the light board - only a few inches away from us - we could look right down their throats. I was amazed at how clean and empty their large mouths were. It was fascinating to see their gills from the inside as well as the outside.

It was wonderful to watch the mantas swim. They move so smoothly they hardly seem to be propelling themselves. The patterns on their backs fluoresce in the light, so they're easy to see.

We watched by lining up on either side of a board, holding on to it and floating stretched out away from it, with flotation devices like pool noodles under our ankles. This keeps our bodies away from the mantas, which is for their protection, not ours. (The mantas are harmless. No teeth, no sting. They eat plankton, not people!)

Two tips:

1. The staff had us put the pool noodles under our ankles, but in that location, it's easy to lose the noodle. Try putting it just below your knees instead. It's much easier to keep in place that way, and if your knees are at the surface, the rest of your legs will be also.

2. If you do lose your noodle, don't panic or kick. Keep your head down, relax, stay as flat as you can, and allow the water to support your body. Staff members will retrieve the noodle and slip it under your legs again. Kicking disturbs the mantas, and the stress is bad for them.

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2023/09/07
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Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour at Kealakekua Bay - Fair Wind Cruises

A Relaxing and Enjoyable Trip with Good Food but Mediocre Snorkeling

Reviewed by: Kathy M., 2023/09/23

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?)

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2023/09/07
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

10/10, would recommend. Manta rays are a must see!

Reviewed by: Maggy, 2023/09/18

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.

  • Manta rays come right up to you and flip around to eat. So so cool.

Comments from activity operators

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!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/09/15
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Great Evening

Reviewed by: Kara, 2023/09/18

We were happy we got to see some mantas, it was so fun to have a night experience!

Comments from activity operators

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

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/08/04
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