All Reviews for Snorkeling Cruises & Tours

I was hoping to see at least one, so I was really happy to see four! I heard that you can see even more during the summer, but one of the four danced right in front of me, spinning around multiple times, which was amazing!

一枚(1匹？1頭？)でも見れれば良いなあと思っていたので、4枚も見れて嬉しかったです！夏の間はもっとたくさんみれるそうですが、4枚のうち1枚の子が目の前でくるりくるりひらりひらりと何回転もしてくれたのがすごがった〜

A perfect size group for this expedition. Captain Steve was knowledgeable and interesting.

Was amazing experience easily the best dolphin swim I have ever done. We got to see a bit of the coast line and the guides were very friendly we would definitely come back again

The purpose of this trip to the Big Island was to see the night manta rays and Kilauea Volcano. First, we participated in the night manta experience. It included transportation, but I received a call the day before saying, "It has been moved up earlier than scheduled." When I arrived at the designated pickup location at the hotel, a Caucasian man informed me that it had been changed to "three hours later." I thought it was an inauspicious start, but we had a fun departure with the captain, who kept cracking jokes, and a Japanese-American girl (tall and slim like Sumire) who translated into English, though her Japanese was a bit shaky. Since I had studied abroad at a university in the U.S., I found the captain's English easier to understand. As for the manta rays, they gathered in droves to feed on the plankton attracted by the powerful LED lights. It was impressive to see the mantas circling vertically and feeding on the plankton, with about three of them at a time. There were two changes to the reservation, but I believe that if the outcome is good, everything is good. The recommendation for Manta University Night Division came from a diving instructor living in Honolulu, and it was the right choice.

今回のハワイ島行きは、ナイトマンタとキラウエア火山の鑑賞が目的でした。まず、ナイトマンタに参加しました。送迎付きでしたが、前日に電話がかかってきて「予定より早くなった」とのことでした。指定された時間にホテルのピックアップ場に行ったところ、白人男性が「３時間後」になったと再度変更。幸先悪いなと思っていましたが、冗談を次々と飛ばす船長さんと、英語を通訳する、少々日本語が怪しい日系の女の子（すみれさんのように長身でスリム）で楽しく出発しました。僕は米国の大学に留学していたので、船長さんの英語の方が分かりやすかったのですが(?)。肝心のマンタですが、強力なLEDに集まるプランクトンを捕食する為にマンタが次々と集まって来ました。垂直方向にぐるぐる回りプランクトンを捕食するマンタは、一度に3枚位で圧巻でした。予約の変更は2回ありましたが、結果良ければ全て良しと思っています。マンタ大学夜学部はホノルルに住んでいるダイビングのインストラクターのお勧めでしたが、正解でした。

We were able to see as many as five manta rays, which usually don't inhabit this area! The guide was also Japanese, which made us feel very comfortable! It was great!!

通常群では生息しないマンタがなんと5匹も見られました！
ガイドの方も日本人でとても安心！
よかったです！！

Setting sail on a cruiser while watching the sunset is a bit romantic. I was worried about the night sea, but with a wetsuit and a float to rest my feet, there was nothing to worry about. I was wondering if we would actually see a manta ray, but one appeared right away, and by the end, there were five. It was an experience like no other, with a large mouth open in front of me, showing its belly and doing flips.

夕日を見ながらクルーザーでの出航ちょっとロマンチックです。夜の海は心配でしたが、ウェットスーツと足を乗せる浮きがあり心配する事もなかったです。肝心のマンタ果たしてくるのか？と思っていましたが、直ぐに1枚現れ、最後には5枚が。目の前を大きな口を開け、腹を見せて宙返り、2度と経験できないような体験でした。

I was able to see manta rays, and I was moved by that, but I suffered from seasickness. After we arrived at the point, it would have been better if they had let us into the water as soon as possible, but we had to wait for quite a while with the boat stopped, and during that time, many people started to feel unwell.

マンタは見られたし、それについては感動もしたけれど、とにかく船酔いで悩まされました。ポイントについた後、できるだけ早く海に入らせてくれればいいものを、船が止まった状態でかなりの時間待たなければならず、その間に気分が悪くなる人続出。

The manta rays were swimming really close by, and it was wonderful. I know they don't eat people, but it felt a bit scary, like they could. Haha.

マンタが本当にスレスレの所で泳いでいて、素敵でした。
食べないのは分かっていますが、食べられそうな感じがしてちょっと怖かったですけど。笑。

My first snorkeling experience with dolphins was exhilarating. We traveled to the spot by boat, and the weather was perfect, making the journey even more enjoyable! Once we arrived, the guide observed the dolphins' movements and chose the best spot for us to dive in. Dolphins swam right in front of us, and as I looked around, I spotted a mother and baby dolphin below me. They even came close to me, which was incredibly exciting. The guide swam with the dolphins, and it was truly amazing. I definitely want to do this again when I visit the Big Island!

初のイルカとのシュノーケリング、ワクワクで参加。
ポイントまで、ボードで移動。天気にも恵まれて移動中も気分は最高‼️
ポイントについて、ガイドの方がイルカの動きを見て、ベストな所でダイブイン。目の前をイルカが通過したり、周りをキョロキョロしてると、自分の下の方に親子連れのイルカがいたり、自分の近くまで近寄ってきたりと大興奮です。ガイドの方は、イルカと一緒に泳いだりしていて、本当に凄かった。
またハワイ島に行ったらやりたいと思いました。

It was a great snorkeling experience. They did a great job all around. Seeing Dolphins is a guarantee. They hang out just off the coast on the way to and from the snorkeling location. The food they served was great and included (breakfast/lunch). They provide some drinks for free with the food. Any smoothies or alcoholic drinks you must pay for and there is a bar on the boat for that. They provide rash gaurds, towels, fins, snorkels, various floatation devices (noodles, boards, etc...). I did start feeling a little sea sick and missed out the last 15 min of water time before we headed back. So I would recommend taking some Dramamine if you get motion sickness.

Absolutely amazing experience! Swam with so many dolphins; loved every moment. We were the only ones booked on to the boat so we literally had our own private tour! Our guide was lovely and gave us great information and stories about the island. We also got lots of time to snorkel and even saw two white tip reef sharks! Would definitely recommend this tour!

We had a great time with Chanda and the captain. They honored our reservation even though we were the only two.

We saw 3-4 huge female manta rays that came up and brushed up against us. Not counting all the schools of fish! And hot cocoa when we were done was icing on the cake.

Looking forward to the next time!

I used this for my honeymoon! Seeing the manta rays up close was truly moving! Personally, even though I took motion sickness medication, the time spent searching for manta rays at the snorkeling spot was long, and the strong winds and rough waves made me feel seasick... Even while watching the manta rays, the waves were rough and I got nauseous. It felt like I barely managed to take some photos.

For those who get motion sickness, it might be better to eat dinner after it's over. Also, I think it's good to take extra motion sickness medication...

ハネムーンで使用しました！マンタが本当に間近で！感動でした！
個人的には、酔い止めを飲んだのにシュノーケリング地点に到着してマンタを探している時間が長く、また風が強く波が激しかったので船酔いに…マンタを見ている最中も波が荒く酔ってしまって。やっとの思いで写真が撮れたって感じです。
乗り物酔いをする人は夕食は終わってから食べた方がいいかもです。そして、酔い止め多めが良いかと…思います。

I was really able to swim with dolphins! On the day I participated, we encountered dolphins right after the boat left the port. I was surprised to see dolphins swimming in such a place! Under the guidance of Daisuke, who loves dolphins, we positioned the boat well and entered the water, but it was challenging to avoid splashing when entering. Timing for the dolphins to come was also tricky, so it seems important to keep your face in the water and look around while you're in the sea. There were two divers, but I think practicing to swim to some extent beforehand would allow you to swim more with the dolphins. The baby dolphins were jumping on the surface and were incredibly cute! Above all, when I heard the dolphins' voices underwater, it felt mystical. I can't guarantee it, but they really work hard to help you swim with the dolphins, so I believe it's definitely worth participating if you want to swim with them!

本当にイルカと泳ぐことができました！
今回参加した日は港から船が出たすぐの部分でイルカに会うことができました。こんなところで自然のイルカが泳いでるの！？とビックリしました。イルカ大好きダイスケさんの指示のもと船を良い部分に付けて海に降りるのですが、着水時に水しぶきが出ないようにしなければいけずそれが難しかったです。イルカが来るタイミングも難しいので海にいるときは常に顔を水につけてキョロキョロすることが大事みたいです。ダイバーさんは二人いましたがある程度泳げるように練習しておくとよりイルカと泳げると思います。イルカは赤ちゃんイルカがたくさん水面を跳ねててとても可愛かったです！何より海の中でイルカの声を聞けたときは神秘的なものを感じました。絶対とは言いませんがイルカと泳げるようかなり頑張ってくれるのでイルカと泳ぎたい方はぜひ参加する価値ありだと思います！

The friendly and smart little dolphin was very cute! ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡ I want to come back to see you again next year, so please wait for me~ (^з^)-☆

人なつこくて かしこいイルカちゃん、とても可愛かったです╰(*´︶`*)╯♡
また来年 会いに行きたいと思います、待っててね〜(^з^)-☆

We were able to enjoy ourselves fully as adults because the staff also took care of the children and grandmother. I'm grateful to the wonderful staff. We had the chance to meet many dolphins and had enough time to swim, creating the best memories!

子供と祖母の面倒も見て頂けたので大人も存分に楽しめて、素敵なスタッフさん達に感謝です。
沢山のイルカに出会える事が出来て、十分な時間泳げ最高の思い出が作れました！

First of all, it was fun heading out to sea while watching the sunset sink into the ocean! We stopped the boat and waited for it to get dark, and then it was time to go underwater! I was so happy when 2 to 3 large mantas came close to us. On the way there, there were a few people who got seasick, so motion sickness medication is a must. I forgot to bring my motion sickness medication for the return trip, so I ended up feeling nauseous on the way back. Also, it gets really cold on the return trip, so I think it's essential to have clothes that you can easily change into or warm clothing on the boat.

まず、海に沈む夕日を見ながら沖へ向かって行くのが楽しかったです！そして船を停めて暗くなるのを待ち、いざ水中へ！とても大きなマンタが2〜3枚来てくれてとっても近くまで来てくれてすごく嬉しかったです。行きの船では船酔いしている方が何名か居たので酔い止めは必須です。私は帰りの酔い止めを持参し忘れた為に帰りは気持ち悪くなってしまいました。そして帰りはすごく寒くなるので船の上で簡単に着替えられる様な服や防寒着は必須だと思いました。

I requested a pickup service. Even after the scheduled pickup time had passed, I waited for a long time. The receptionist at Royal Cliff was considerate and made an inquiry (they were Japanese). They mentioned that they were running late due to making rounds, but a taxi arrived 30 minutes late. The driver seemed very apologetic.
However, it was such a wonderful sightseeing flight that I didn't mind at all. Thank you, pilot TOSHI. I would definitely like to request this again on another island.

送迎付きでお願いしました。お迎えの時間を過ぎてもずっと待っていました。ロイヤルシークリフのレセプションの方が気を利かせて問い合わせしてくださいました（日本の方でした）。あちこち廻ってるので遅れているとのことでしたが、30分遅れでやって来たのはタクシーでした。凄く申し訳なさそうに謝ってました。
そんなことも全く気にならないほどの素晴らしい遊覧飛行でした。パイロットのTOSHIさん、ありがとうございました。他の島でもまた是非お願いしたいと思います。

Just me with my two grown sons, amazing experience! Got great footage on our go-pro. Very glad I took 2 bonine beforehand, no motion sickness for me. My other son only took 1 bonine and had to cut out 10 mins early but enjoyed the view from the boat. Crew friendly & helpful:)

My 10-year-old son had an experience there. As mentioned in other reviews, the language barrier and budget are issues. I've been interested in Dolphin Quest for a while and thought I would let him participate if the opportunity arose. My son, who doesn't speak much English, joined a group with other foreign families and seemed to enjoy touching the dolphins. My wife and I, who did not participate, watched from the sidelines. While the pricing may be set based on costs for caring for the dolphins and labor, I thought it would be easier to participate if there were more discounts available. The photo prices are also high.

息子１０歳が体験してきました．他の方の口コミにもあるように，英語と予算が問題になりますね．ドルフィン・クエストは以前から気になっていて，チャンスがあったら参加させようと思っていました．あまり英語のできない息子は，他の外人の家族のグループに入ってイルカに触れたり，それなりに楽しそうにしていました．参加しない家内と小生は，周りで見学です．イルカを飼育していくための経費とか，人件費などで料金設定されているのかもしれませんが，もう少し利用料金の割引などあると参加しやすいのかなぁ，と思いました．写真も高いです．

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。

We thoroughly enjoyed thrilling rafting and beautiful snorkeling in the ocean under wonderful weather! The service from the captain and crew was absolutely five-star! In the morning, we were able to swim leisurely before the snorkeling spot at Kealakekua Bay became crowded with boats, and we got to see and even touch many dolphins up close. The sea, sparkling like a jewel, was also very satisfying. My kids (especially my son) were thrilled, saying the captain was an excellent navigator and super cool, and that this was the most fun they’ve ever had on a trip. They can’t wait to join again next time!

★ Sunscreen is a must. Sunglasses and a lightweight beach towel are also essential. It gets quite chilly while swimming. You might not need a hat as it could blow away. Since large bags cannot be taken on the boat, it’s best to bring only what you need in a compact backpack. Sandals are sufficient for footwear. My younger child (9) can swim but borrowed a life jacket from the reception office (which is free, of course). My older child (13) got tired and borrowed a noodle (a floating tube like macaroni) halfway through. Having a noodle makes it easier. There isn’t a specific place to change after returning, so you’ll either stay in your swimsuit or change in the rental car. There was a restaurant and restroom where we disembarked! ★

素晴らしいお天気の中、スリリングなラフティングと美しい海のシュノーケルを存分に楽しみました！なんと言っても、サービス満点なキャプテン＆クルーは５つ星間違いなし！朝、ケアラケクア湾のシュノーケルスポットが船で溢れ返ってしまう前にゆっくりと泳げましたし、沢山のイルカを触れるほど間近で見ることもできました。宝石のような輝きの海にも大満足でした。子供たち（特に息子）はキャプテンは操縦がうまくてめちゃくちゃかっこいいし今回の旅で一番楽しかったと大喜びでした。次回も参加したいと大はしゃぎです！　

★日焼け止めは必須です。サングラス、それからバスタオルは薄手の物でも必ず持った方が良いです。泳いでいるとだいぶ冷えます。帽子は飛ばされちゃいますのでいらないかと。ボートに大きな荷物は載せられないので、コンパクトなリュックに必要なものだけ持っていくと良いでしょう。履物はサンダルで十分です。　
下の子（9）は泳げますが受付事務所でライフジャケットを借りました（もちろん無料です）上の子（13）疲れて途中でヌードル（マカロニみたいな浮くチューブ）を借りました。ヌードルがあると楽です。帰りに着替える場所は特に無いので、水着のままかレンタカーの中で着替えるかになります。下船した所にレストランとトイレがありましたよ★　

I was able to see so many dolphins, and it was very moving and fun. I definitely want to participate next time.

こんなにたくさんのイルカを見ることが出来、とっても感動、楽しかったです。
次回の是非、参加したいです。

This is not just about the tour content; it's a bigger issue. I used your service in August, and although I made a proper reservation for four people from Japan, only two reservations were actually confirmed, and the remaining two ended up being walk-ins on the day of the tour. Due to the pricing situation, I emailed Veltra after returning home, but I have been ignored regarding this matter. I will not be using this company in the future.

ツアー内容どうこうの話ではなく、それ以前の問題です。8月にお世話になったのですが、日本からきちんと4名の予約をしていったのに、実際予約が2名分しかとれていなく残りの2名は当日予約になってしまいました。料金の兼ね合いもありveltraさんに帰国後メールを入れましたがそれに関しては無視されています。今後この会社を使うことはありません。

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。

What a wonderful guided tour. Staff so helpful and fun to hang with. Perfect spot to just snorkel and watch fish and coral reef below. Enough time for snorkeling allowed. Would recommend to anyone.

I was deeply moved to encounter so many dolphins. My 7-year-old daughter went snorkeling for the first time, and thanks to the incredibly kind support from Daisuke and Keiko, we were able to have the best time. Our whole family was so touched that we can't express it in words. We are very grateful to Captain Nawata for all his help, to all the guides we met, and to the nature of the Big Island. Thank you for everything.

沢山のイルカに出会うことができとっても感動しました。7歳の娘は初めてのシュノーケルでしたが、ダイスケさんとけいこさんのとっても優しいサポートのお陰で最高の時間を過ごすことができました。
家族全員とにかく感動で、言葉では言い表すことができない位です。
船長の縄田さんにもとってもお世話になり、ガイドの皆さんに出会えたこと、ハワイ島の自然、全てに感謝申し上げます。

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