Big Island
The pilot who spoke Japanese was on vacation in Japan, and the commentary was in English. However, even though I couldn't understand much of the English commentary, the overwhelming power of the steam from the lava flowing into the sea and the crater was enough to enjoy the experience. The tour was quite expensive, but it provided an experience that was worth more. The day before, I was able to confirm the route to Mauna Kea from the air. In less than two hours, I was able to enjoy everything: Mauna Kea, the Kilauea volcano crater, the steam at the shoreline, the beauty of the valleys, and the waterfalls, which can only be experienced through a helicopter tour. For those who easily get motion sickness on planes, the constant G-force is reassuring. It feels like riding on a swing, making it enjoyable.
日本語の出来るパイロットはバカンスで日本に行っており解説は英語だった。しかし英語の解説は余り理解出来なくても火口や海に流れ込む溶岩からの水蒸気は圧倒的な迫力が有り十分楽しめた。遊覧の費用は結構高かったがそれ以上の体験が出来た。前日に行ったマウナケア山やそこへ続き道を上空から改めて確認する事が出来た。マウナケア山、キラウエア火山の火口、波打際の蒸気、渓谷美と滝を2時間弱で全て楽しむ事が出来るのはヘリでの遊覧でしか出来ない。飛行機に酔い易い人もGがずーと掛かっているの安心です。それはブランコに乗っている様な感覚で楽しめます。
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。
ALOHA!! Thank you for participating in Manta University this time. We are honored to have provided you with a memorable experience. We sincerely look forward to your next participation. MAHALO!!
ALOHA!! この度はマンタ大学にご参加いただきありがとうございました。体験して良かったと思えるようなお時間を提供でき、光栄です。またのご参加を心よりお待ちしております、MAHALO!!
I would recommend this for all ages that are good swimmers all the boat crew were qualified life guards and very helpful. I even seen some babies is tubes with their parents pushing them in the water. I had a great time
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.
Thank you for taking the time to review your tour with us. Happy to know you enjoyed it.
A Hui Hou!
Captain Morgan (ikr) was exceptional. This tour was very personal. It's 6 people tops. So you don't feel crowded on the boat. Not like some of the other snorkeling excursions. I highly recommend this company :) They also stop at 2 spots. Instead of 1!!! We got to see dolphins too. Great times :)
Thank you for taking the time to review your tour. We are happy to hear you enjoyed yourselves and the crew treated you well.
Mahalo Nui Loa!
As an adult amatuer snorkeler, I felt so safe with these guys. Great trip, fun in the waters, great, amenities, and I'd be back for more.
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
Aloha- We love to hear about our guests fantastic experiences! Glad you had a wonderful time and were able to see and enjoy the Mantas on our tour!! Maholo!!
This was my first experience in a helicopter. I had imagined it would be shaky, but it was completely stable, to the point where I almost dozed off. The flight time was longer than I expected, and I enjoyed the vastness of Hawaii Island and its magnificent nature from above. Next time, I want to challenge myself on another island.
ヘリ初体験となります。
揺れを想像してたのですが、まったくの安定感でうとうとしてしまうほどでした。
予想以上にフライト時間が長く、ハワイ島のデカさや壮大な自然を上空から堪能しました。
次回は、ほかの島でもチャレンジしたいと思います。
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。
ALOHA! Mr./Ms. M.T.,
Thank you for participating in Manta University this time. We also have a transportation plan available, so if you use it, I believe you can participate with peace of mind. To think that the manta rays swam so close to you that they almost touched your stomach! Mantas are truly wonderful.
Please join us again when you come to Hawaii. All of our staff are looking forward to welcoming you!
MAHALO!
Dolphin Office
ALOHA ! m.tさま
この度はマンタ大学へのご参加ありがとうございました。
送迎プランもございますので、送迎付きでご利用頂けましたら安心してご参加頂けるかと思います。
m.tさんのお腹に当たるほど近くで泳いでくれるなんて!
マンタって本当に素敵ですね〜
ぜひまた、ハワイへお越しの際はご参加ください。
スタッフ一同心よりお待ちしております!
MAHALO !
イルカオフィス
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!
ALOHA! Hal☆sama
Thank you for participating in Manta University this time. Since we are dealing with nature, the ocean conditions change every day, but I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Also, it's not that we are feeding them; the mantas come to eat the plankton that gather in the light~♪
Please do join us again when you come to Hawaii. All of our staff are looking forward to welcoming you.
MAHALO!
Dolphin Office
ALOHA ! ハル☆さま
この度はマンタ大学へのご参加ありがとうございました。
自然が相手なので、海の状況は毎日変わってきますが、お楽しみ頂けてよかったです!
また、餌付けをしているのではなく、光に集まってくるプランクトンを食べにマンタがくるのですよ〜♪
また、ハワイへお越しの際はぜひご参加ください。
スタッフ一同心よりお待ちしております。
MAHALO !
イルカオフィス
Great guide
Best snorkelling
Best time
Loved and recommend to all
From Sydney ❤️Big island
My wife and I participated together. Due to traveling from Japan the day before, I was sleep-deprived, possibly because of jet lag, and ended up feeling seasick despite the boat not rocking much. I ate the breakfast bread served on board and saw dolphins from the boat, but other than that, I mostly slept.
However, my wife, who loves marine sports, was able to see several dolphins swimming very close by. When we anchored near a cape about an hour away from the pier in Kona, she was very satisfied as she used a snorkel to dive. It seems that for those who already enjoy marine sports, this tour offers a high level of satisfaction.
The staff, who at first glance appeared intimidating, were actually quite kind. While I was waiting for the restroom to become available on the boat, one of the staff quickly noticed and guided me to another restroom. Most participants were American families (Caucasian), but according to my wife, there was an elderly woman of Indian or Southeast Asian descent who seemed to struggle with swimming, yet the staff provided significant support for her diving experience. They are well-prepared to accommodate beginners. However, everything is in English, and they speak quite fast.
Since we were in open waters, there were concerns about sharks, but we were instructed to never stray far from the boat, ensuring safety.
So, originally, I would give this a five-star rating, but due to my seasickness, I have to deduct one star. Since it’s a morning tour, make sure to go to bed early the night before and get plenty of sleep.
妻と二人で参加しました。前日日本からの移動のため、時差ボケのためか寝不足のままツアー参加となり、大した揺れでもないのに私は船酔い。船内で出された朝食のパンを食べ、船内からイルカの姿を見た以外は、ほとんど寝ているという有様。
しかし、もともとマリンスポーツ大好きな妻は、すぐ近くで泳ぐイルカを何頭も見ることができ、コナのピアから1時間ほど船で移動した岬の近くに停泊したときには、シュノーケルを使って潜るなど、大満足。もともとマリンスポーツが好きな人には、かなり満足度が高いツアーのようです。
スタッフも一見コワモテに見えるお兄さんばかりでしたが、実際のところはかなり親切。私が船内のトイレが空くのを待っていたら、目ざとく見つけて別のトイレを案内してくれました。参加者のほとんどはアメリカ人(白人)の家族連れでしたが、妻によるとインドか東南アジア系の老婦人がいて、泳ぎが全くダメそうだったけどスタッフがかなりサポートして潜る体験もできたそう。初心者向けの対応もしっかりしています。ただし、全部英語です。しかもしゃべりが速い。
外洋なのでサメが怖いけど、船の周りからは絶対離れないようにとの指導もあり、安全性も確保されていたようです。
というわけで、本来星5つのことろ、私の船酔いのせいでマイナス1。朝出発のツアーなので、前日は早めに寝てしっかり睡眠をとりましょう。
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.
The weather was nice on the day, and I was able to have about four encounters, getting to see dolphins up close, which was very satisfying. It had been a while since I went into the ocean, but it was a valuable experience.
当日は天気もよく、4回ほどアタックしてもらえて、
全部でイルカを間近で見ることができ、大変満足できました。
久しぶりに海に入りましたが、貴重な体験ができました。
Every time I visited the Big Island, I applied for a helicopter tour of Kilauea Volcano, but I never succeeded due to bad weather or unfavorable wind conditions—six times for me and two times for my wife. This year, I wanted to finally make the volcano helicopter tour happen, so I applied to a different helicopter company with a Japanese pilot. However, since I applied close to the date, even foreign pilots were fully booked. Eventually, I managed to secure a reservation with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, not being particular about having a Japanese pilot.
Fortunately, our helicopter pilot was Japanese. A German father and son who came from Singapore, a Japanese newlywed couple, and my wife and I—six of us in total—took off on this helicopter tour (Photo 1). Although there was quite a strong wind that day, the helicopter was stable, and the ride was comfortable with hardly any significant turbulence. Since there were four Japanese passengers, the pilot provided explanations in Japanese as needed, which made it very easy to understand. We toured both craters of Kilauea and were able to see orange lava, fulfilling a long-held wish (Photos 2, 3). The lava reached the coastline through a lava tunnel, creating steam (Photo 4).
After seeing the volcano at Kilauea, we went to Waipi'o Valley and enjoyed the beautiful coastline (Photo 5). I was very satisfied to see the red lava from the helicopter and returned to the hotel.
これまでハワイ島を訪れる度にキラウエア火山ヘリコプター遊覧を申し込みましたが、私は6回、家内は2回、悪天候、風向きが悪い等の理由で一度も実現したことがありませんでした。今年こそ火山ヘリコプター遊覧を実現したいと日本人パイロットで別のヘリコプター会社に申し込みましたが、期日がせまってからの申込みのため外人パイロットですら予約満杯でした。そしてやっと日本人パイロットにこだわらないとして申し込んだブルーハワイアンヘリコプターの予約が取れました。
幸運にも我々のヘリコプターのパイロットは日本人でした。シンガポールから来たというドイツ人親子(お父さんと息子)、日本人の新婚さん、我々夫婦の6名がこのヘリコプターの遊覧に飛び立ちました(写真1)。この日は結構強い風が吹いてましたがヘリコプターは安定しておりほとんど大きな揺れはなく快適な遊覧でした。日本人が4名乗っていることからパイロットが適宜日本語で説明してくれるのでとてもわかりやすかったです。キラウエアの二つの火口を遊覧しましたが、ともにオレンジ色の溶岩を見ることが出来て長年の願いが叶いました(写真2,3)。火口から溶岩トンネルを通じて海岸線にまで達し水蒸気があがっていました(写真4)。
キラウエアで火山を見た後はワイピオ渓谷に行き、きれいな海岸線を見ました(写真5)。
赤い溶岩をヘリコプターから見ることが出来て大満足でホテルに帰りました。
以上
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!!!!
It was disappointing that the sea wasn't very beautiful due to the cloudy weather, but I enjoyed a relaxing cruise and snorkeling. You need to get to the meeting point on your own (I took a round-trip bus. I got a bit flustered when I mistakenly went to the wrong bus stop on the way back). The staff primarily speak English, but if you print out your reservation details and show them at the counter, it's fine even if you can't speak English (I can't speak it at all). Also, I forgot to make the pre-call by the day before, but it was no problem when I arrived at the meeting point an hour early on the day of the tour. There seemed to be over 50 people on the tour, and we were the only Japanese, but the local staff were very accommodating and seemed familiar with Japanese people, so there were no issues.
当日は曇っていた為、海がそこまできれいではなかったのが残念でしたが、のんびりクルージングとシュノーケルが楽しめました。
集合場所までは自力で行く必要があります(往復バスで行きました。帰りのバス乗り場を間違えてちょっと焦りました)。スタッフは基本英語ですが、事前に予約内容を印刷していきカウンターで見せれば英語が話せなくても問題ありません(自分は全く話せません)。また、前日までの事前電話を忘れてしまっていたのですが、当日1時間早く集合場所へ行ったら問題ありませんでした。ツアーは50人以上いたようで、日本人は自分たちだけでしたが、現地スタッフは非常に対応が良く、日本人にも慣れているようで問題ありませんでした。
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。
ALOHA!! Thank you for participating in Manta University! I'm glad to hear that both your mother and Yumiko enjoyed the night snorkeling with the mantas. Please do come back to Manta University when you visit the Big Island again! MAHALO!!
ALOHA!! この度はマンタ大学にご参加頂きありがとうございました! お母様も由美子様も、マンタとのナイトシュノーケルをお楽しみいただけたようで何よりです。 また是非、ハワイ島にいらした際にはマンタ大学に遊びに来てください! MAHALO!!
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。
Aloha!
I'm really glad to hear that your wife enjoyed herself as well.
I hope you were able to have a valuable experience that you can't easily find in Japan, creating wonderful memories.
In addition to the manta ray experience, we also have tours where you can swim with dolphins.
We all look forward to your next visit.
Mahalo!
アロハー!
奥様も楽しんで頂けたようで本当に良かったです。
日本では中々体験できないような貴重なご体験が出来、素敵な思い出にして頂けたらなと思います。
マンタ大学の他にもイルカ先生と一緒に泳げるツアーなどもございます。
是非またのお越しをスタッフ一同お待ちしております。
マハロー!
As soon as we gathered, they kindly and concisely taught us how to use the snorkel and tips for spotting dolphins. We headed to the dolphin encounter spot in about 30 minutes on a high-speed jet.
From the start, we encountered many pods of dolphins. The captain made several moves with the boat, about 4 to 5 times, to get us as close as possible to the dolphins, and at each spot, we met many dolphins. The guide also entered the water with us and helped lead us close to the dolphins. The water was clear and beautiful. At the final spot, a large dolphin swam right beneath us, which was truly moving. Overall, I think we encountered over 50 dolphins, and we could even hear their sounds underwater.
The view of the sea from the boat was also very beautiful. Although I felt a bit anxious about snorkeling for the first time and swimming after a long time, after encountering so many dolphins, I wanted to swim even more. Both the captain and the guide were kind. I definitely want to participate again.
集合して直ぐに、シュノーケルの使い方や、イルカを見つけたときのポイントなどを、簡潔かつ丁寧に教えてくださいました。イルカと出会えるスポットまで約30分、高速ジェットで向かいました。
最初から、たくさんのイルカの群れと遭遇しました。キャプテンはたくさんのイルカとなるべく近くに行けるようにと、その後4〜5回は船で移動を繰り返してくれて、どのスポットもたくさんのイルカと出会いました。ガイドさんも一緒に海に入り、イルカの近くに誘導して下さいました。海の中も透明できれいでした。最後スポットでは、自分たちのちょうど真下を大きなイルカが通り過ぎてくれて感動しました。総じて50頭以上と出会えたと思います。海の中で鳴き声も聞こえました。
船から見える海もとても美しかったです。初めてのシュノーケリング、久しぶりに泳ぐことで若干不安がありましたが、たくさんのイルカと遭遇してからはもっと泳ぎたいと思いました。
キャプテンもガイドさんも親切でした。是非また参加したいです。
I was able to fulfill my dream of "swimming with dolphins"! Both the guide and the captain were truly wonderful people, and they know the waters of Kona inside and out, making for a completely satisfying tour without any complaints.
Moreover, we stopped the boat for just a few minutes before spotting dolphins. While it seems that such luck doesn't happen every time, thanks to Captain K's sound judgment, we were able to encounter the dolphins quickly. He was able to instantly gauge the direction the pod was moving and efficiently took us to the dolphin spot without wasting any time.
This time, the dolphins seemed to be in a great mood, and we saw around 50 of them! They were close enough to reach out and touch (though touching the dolphins is prohibited). It was truly an unforgettable experience.
Guide R, despite being young, was very knowledgeable about Hawaii's history and shared many interesting things with us after the tour. I absolutely recommend this dolphin tour!
「イルカと一緒に泳ぐ」という夢を叶えられました!!
ガイドさん船長さん共に本当にお人柄がよく、コナの海を知り尽くしているので
何の不満もなく大満足のツアーでした☆
しかもイルカ発見まで船を停めてほんの数分、、毎回こんな都合が言い訳ではないようですが
K船長の正しい判断のおかげでイルカたちにすぐ出会えました。
しかもちゃんとイルカの群れが動く方向を瞬時に見極め、無駄なく私たちをイルカスポットに連れて行ってくれます。
今回はイルカの機嫌もとても良かったようで、ざっと50頭は見れました!
そして手を伸ばせば触れられる距離(イルカに触れるのは禁止)。。もう言うことなしの感動です。
ガイドのRさんもお若いのにハワイの歴史を詳しくご存知で、ツアー後もたくさん色んなことを教えてくれました。
ここのイルカツアーは絶対におすすめです!
I participated in a tour that took us around Kilauea Volcano, over Hilo, along the eastern coastline of the Big Island, and through Waipi'o Valley. It was my first experience in a helicopter, and I was truly moved by the magnificent natural scenery of the Big Island. The pilot provided guidance in both English and Japanese, which made for an immersive and informative experience. I highly recommend this tour to anyone.
キラウエア火山、ヒロの上空、ハワイ島東部の海岸線、ワイピオ渓谷を周遊するコースに参加しました。ヘリコプターも初めての体験で、本当に素晴らしい雄大なハワイ島の自然の景観を目の当たりにして感動のフライトでした。 パイロットは英語と日本語でガイドしていただけたので臨場感たっぷりの説明が聞けて素晴らしい体験ができたと思います。 どなたにもお勧めできるツアーです。
The main focus of this tour was on the water slide and jumps on the boat. A good activity for families with young children. The snorkelling was average, as was the snorkelling gear provided. Most people snorkelled only for about 20 minutes before getting back to the boat. We saw a lot of dolphins on the way back though, which was excellent. Overall, a good activity got families. As a young couple, we felt it was a bit too noisy for us.
This is a top day out .with a lovely Hawaii style breekie and lunch .,the best boat lots of room ,very professional done ,in a relaxed and fun filled day ,lots of Dolphins ,highly recommend
It was the most wonderful experience with my family. We went the morning program and the weather was great (not too sunny but not too cloudy). The staff crews and captain are wonderful to serve every single passenger. Ola, one of staff remembers our names and keep checking us often. Dolphins were waiting for our Body Grove boat and played with our boat both ways from/to the spot. The snorkeling was beautiful ever and the meals were also wonderful. My wife had a motion sickness and hard time to survive but all other four family members had life-long unforgettable memory. If you have motion sickness, better to prepare some medicine to prevent it. My kids enjoyed the high jumps. There are some waves. Thanks to Captain and all crews.
Mahalo for joining us! We're very pleased that you had a great time and appreciate your kind words! We hope you can join us again in the future!
We arrived at the helipad we spotted on the way from the airport to the hotel, picked up by the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. We were the only Japanese couple there. We received instructions in fast-paced English, but as long as we could catch some words, we managed. We stored everything except our cameras and water bottles in lockers, put on life vests, and waited while watching a safety video. Everyone was excited by the sound of the helicopter returning with the previous group. After the helicopter returned and underwent maintenance, we had to wait quite a while. Due to nerves, everyone kept needing the restroom, but there was only one unisex restroom, so it got crowded.
There were about 20 people in our time slot. We were grouped based on our participation unit and weight, and we shared the helicopter with two other couples and six individuals. We communicated through headphones and handheld microphones. Even if you're not good at English, the staff is friendly and engages in conversation, so it's fine to speak in broken English.
As we ascended, background music played effectively, and the optimal music for each spot was prepared, which further lifted the mood. Unfortunately, I have a weak vestibular system, and shortly after ascending, I started feeling nauseous and couldn't look down when we approached the most scenic spot near the magma. I managed not to throw up, but I held onto an etiquette bag the whole time. The etiquette bag was stuck in front of my seat, but since I was firmly secured with the seatbelt, it was out of reach for someone petite. I couldn't reach it, so I gestured to my tall husband to get it for me, but I think those with a weak vestibular system should move it closer to them beforehand.
Unfortunately, I felt nauseous, but it was undoubtedly a valuable experience to see breathtaking spots that are normally inaccessible up close.
マウナケアビーチホテルからのピックアップで空港からホテルへ向かう道中に見かけたヘリポートに到着。日本人は私達夫婦だけでした。早口の英語で指示を受けますが、単語が聞き取れればなんとかなります。カメラとペットボトル以外はロッカーに入れて救命胴衣を装着、安全ビデオを見てその時を待ちます。前の時間帯のパーティーを乗せたヘリが戻って来る音でみんな大興奮。前機戻って来てヘリの整備やらでその後結構待ちました。緊張でみんなトイレが近くなるのですが、トイレが男女共用で1つしかないので混雑します。
同じ時間帯の組は20名ほどでした。参加単位と体重で乗る組み合わせを振り分けられ私達はカップル2組と6名で同乗。ヘッドホンと手持ちのマイクで会話します。英語が苦手でも楽しく話しかけてくれるので片言でも大丈夫です。
上昇とともに効果的にBGMが流され、スポット毎に最適なBGMが用意されているのでさらに気分が盛り上がります。
私は三半規管が弱いため上昇してほどなくして気持ちが悪くなってしまい、一番の絶景スポットのマグマへの接近で下を向くことができませんでした。なんとか戻すことはありませんでしたが、ずっとエチケット袋を抱えていました。座席前に刺さっているエチケット袋ですが、身体ががっつりシートベルトで固定されているので小柄な方では手が届きません。私は届かず背の高い主人にジェスチャーで即して取ってもらいましたが、三半規管が弱い方は事前に手元に移動しておいた方がいいと思います。
生憎気持ちが悪くなってしまいましたが、普通では立ち入れない絶景スポットを目近で見られるので、とても貴重な経験が出来たことは間違いありません。
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!
We arrived at the marina early, applied sunscreen thoroughly, and felt the excitement build. The captain was cheerful, and among the 15 people, there were four of us from Japan: my husband, our friends, and me. We held on tightly to the ropes as we set off, experiencing thrilling rafting that made us feel like we were being tossed into the rough waves. There were many young couples around us, but we, even at our age, enjoyed ourselves just as much as the older group celebrating their 70s. The snorkeling spot we reached was absolutely wonderful, and along the way, dolphins jumped around and followed our boat, which was quite entertaining. The pineapple and orange we had on the boat were incredibly sweet and unforgettable. On the way back, the captain explained about the lava caves and fault lines, and we were able to enter narrow areas that regular boats couldn't access, allowing us to enjoy some rare sights.
マリーナ迄早めにつき、日焼け止めローションを念入りに塗り、緊張感高まる。キャプテンは陽気な方で、15人中日本人は私達夫婦と友達夫婦の4人。しっかりとロープにつかまり出発、荒波に身を投げ出されそうになりながらスリル満点のラフティング。周りは若いカップルが多かったのですが我々アラカンどころか古希組も十分に楽しめました。着いたスノーケルの場所もとても素晴らしかったし、とちゅうでイルカがあちこちでジャンプしてボートについてきておもしろかった。ボートでいただいたパイナップルとオレンジの甘かった事、忘れられない美味しさです。帰り道溶岩の洞窟や、断層などの説明をしてくれたり、普通の船では行かれない狭い所にも入って行けて珍しい気色も堪能できました。
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。
ALOHA!! Thank you for participating in Manta University! We are glad to hear that you had a memorable time. If you have the opportunity to visit the Big Island again, please come and visit Manta University and Dolphin High School. We hope you can see even more mantas next time! MAHALO!!
ALOHA!! この度はマンタ大学にご参加頂きありがとうございました! 思い出に残る時間をお過ごしいただけたようで幸いです。 またハワイ島に行く機会がございましたら、是非マンタ大学・イルカ高等学校に遊びにいらしてください。次回はもっとたくさんのマンタが見れますように! MAHALO!!
It was my first time snorkeling, and also my first time entering deep water, but thanks to the staff who explained everything kindly and thoroughly, I was able to enjoy swimming with the dolphins!
It seems that the spots where you can encounter dolphins change depending on the day. I think it took about 30 minutes before we first met a dolphin, but after that, we were able to swim with them 4 to 5 times. The staff guided each participant to get as close to the dolphins as possible, and I felt like I could reach out and touch them as they swam so close!
That alone was satisfying, but by chance, we also encountered a seal, of which there are only seven on the Big Island! On our way back, we were able to see a manta ray up close as well!
The staff kept saying, "Since you've come all the way to the Big Island, I want you to make lots of memories," and they were always searching for more experiences for us.
Thanks to the thoughtfulness of the staff, I made the best memories, and I am very grateful! It seems that starting around September or October this year, there may be a possibility that swimming with dolphins will no longer be available, so please be sure to participate!
初めてのシュノーケリングで、しかも深い海に入ることも初めてでしたが、スタッフの皆さんが、優しく丁寧に説明してくださったので、楽しんでイルカと泳ぐことができました!
日によってイルカと出会えるスポットは違うようで、最初にイルカと出会えるまでは30分くらいかかったと思いますが、それからは4〜5回出会っては泳ぎを繰り返すことができました。イルカのなるべく近くに行けるようにと参加者それぞれを引っ張って誘導して下さったので、手を伸ばせば届くのではないかと思うくらい近くで泳ぐことができました!
それだけでも満足でしたが、偶然、ハワイ島に7頭しかいないアザラシにも遭遇!
また、帰る途中にはマンタも間近で見ることができました‼︎
「せっかくハワイ島に来たから、沢山思い出を作って欲しい」と言って、ずっと探して下さっていました。
スタッフ皆さんのお心遣いにより、最高の思い出ができ、とても感謝しています!
今年の9月?10月?ごろからは、イルカと一緒に泳げなくなる可能性があるようなので、是非参加してみてください♪