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

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All Reviews for Marine Life Tours & Cruises in Big Island

Overall Rating

4.52 4.52 / 5

Reviews

747 reviews

Big Island Moonlight Manta Ray Snorkel Tour & Sunset Cruise from Kona

We saw a lots of Manta Ray!

Reviewed by: Chris Mak, 2023/06/04

People in bite me were very friendly and fun!
Highly recommend to join their tour!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/05/13
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Deluxe Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Cruise from Keauhou Bay - Hula Kai

Manta Rays! In YOUR FACE!

Reviewed by: P Burke, 2023/05/15

This is a great outfit to take you to see Manta Rays. The boat is a medium size so the group size is much smaller than the big boats. Crew are very professional and knowledgeable in the Manta Ray habits and behaviors. The boat ride to the site is short (<15 min) then it's into the water.

On our trip a single manta showed up after about 5 minutes in the water. As the sky darkened the plankton seemed to multiply and the show really began. The single ray made several passes within inches of our masks. Then another showed up and it was like a graceful dance being performed right beneath you. Another two rays showed up and things really got interesting. What fun watching that ballet!

Afterward, hot soup and warm drinks helped fuel the conversation with the other participants. A most delightful and memorable experience.

P. Burke

  • Sunset departure on the Hula 'Kai

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/05/10
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Saw lots of incredible Manta Rays!

Reviewed by: Brian Van Wie, 2023/04/29

Diego, Trevor, and Tamae were incredible! They were fun and upbeat and super helpful. We got in the water and we say more than a half dozen different manta rays swimming around right beneath us! It was an experience we’ll never forget!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/04/27
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

SO MANY MANTAS

Reviewed by: Big Bertha, 2023/04/23

This trip was great. Outstanding crew constantly catering to our every need and ensuring the best experience. Captain Trevor, first mate Diego and Joe and everyone else were so accommodating to all. Would love to come back and visit the mantas again!

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2023/04/21
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ホエールウォッチングクルーズ <12~4月/午前発/軽食付き>

クジラを見れました!!

Reviewed by: ゆっきー, 2023/04/22

クジラを近くで見ることができて感動しました!
一度だけではなく何度もクジラを見ることができました。
イルカの群れにも遭遇し、大満足です。
クルージング自体も気持ちよくて、本当におすすめのツアーでした。

Comments from activity operators

Domo Arrigato!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/03/27
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Top 5 Experience of my life

Reviewed by: hq66, 2023/04/20

One of the top 5 experiences of my life! A must do on the big island. Captains Trevor and Diego were helpful. Storm was coming in so water was choppy. Climbing out of the water was the hardest part.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/04/18
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Incredible, not to be missed, experience!!!

Reviewed by: JLC, 2023/04/17

This was such a great adventure! The crew was super nice, friendly, knowledgeable and gave us all the important information ahead of time. I am glad we rented wetsuits (the long sleeve, short legs version - $10), because the amount of time we stay in the water and specially at sunset, made it for a very cold attraction.
Nonetheless, we saw at least 4 manta rays, they were swimming around and under us for the entire time and it was such an incredible experience!!!
When we got back to the boat, we were treated to some really yummy hot chocolate.
Tamae, one of our guides, also had some pictures and videos that she shared with us!!

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2023/04/13
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Deluxe Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Cruise from Keauhou Bay - Hula Kai

Excellent adventure

Reviewed by: Johanne, 2023/04/15

Excellent adventure, was very well organized. We enjoyed it alot and definitely recommend this excursion. The excursion was on time the staff was super friendly and informative.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/03/22
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Once in a lifetime experience..I'd enjoy again and again!

Reviewed by: reneec, 2023/04/01

The crew made the cruise fun and enjoyable for people of all ages.

Snacks were included, but you may not want to est if you get seasick easily.

As part of the experience, they even took some pictures during so we could just enjoy the experience ourselves.


Note: If it's the right season, you may even be able to see other wildlife on the Sunset cruise like we did!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/03/09
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Kona Glass Bottom Boat & Coral Reef Tour with Marine Naturalist

So so so worth it!

Reviewed by: Eric, 2023/03/30

I get anxious snorkeling and this was a fantastic alternative. The guide was super knowledgeable and funny. My 5 year old son loved it too and we could chat about what we were seeing in real time, which I loved.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/03/17
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Big Island Moonlight Manta Ray Snorkel Tour & Sunset Cruise from Kona

Amazing experience. Great crew!

Reviewed by: Steve712, 2023/03/25

If you do one thing on the west side of the big island this is it. Words and pictures don't do the experience justice. The crew of the boat was safety conscious and the captain ran a tight ship. As a passenger we felt in good hands. Do your homework about what this tour involves. If you cannot swim and/or are afraid of the water this is NOT FOR YOU!!!. This tour had 1/2 a dozen non-swimmers on the tour. They were miserable and the crew had to spend an inordinate time catering to them.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/03/22
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Sightings Guaranteed [Dec-Mar]

Big Island Waikoloa Whale watching

Reviewed by: Lindsay B, 2023/03/21

The crew was amazing and qued a mother and baby, possibly 2 to the surface for play time!

  • Play time!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/03/15
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Big Island Moonlight Manta Ray Snorkel Tour & Sunset Cruise from Kona

Outstanding trip out, small group and great crew!

Reviewed by: Jenny, 2023/03/18

We arrived slightly late and the crew kindly waited a bit for us. There was only 4 of us which made the experience felt a lot more enjoyable - it was not crowded or noisy! No jostling of people.

Once out there, we got in the water smoothly and saw 2 rays, 3 times. Unfortunately, the ray sightings have reduced in recent years so we considered ourselves lucky! Highly recommend it all round!

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2023/02/24
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Big Island Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Cruise from Waikoloa

Turtles!

Reviewed by: Jenni, 2023/03/08

Three generations trip and this was a last minute addition.
The staff was amazing, the boat was easy to board and comfortable, and we saw turtles!!
Completely enjoyable and would readily recommend!!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Glass Bottom Boat Cruise. We're so happy to read that your whole family enjoyed the trip, the information and service provided by the crew, and most importantly, got a chance to experience our underwater world.
We know there are a lot of activities to choose from when you're on the island and we're honored you chose to spend part of your day with us and that we've earned your recommendation.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/03/06
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe

Book Eka Tour - You won’t regret it!!!

Reviewed by: L Family , 2023/03/07

Eka snorkeling with manta rays was amazing. The small, personalized tour is a great way to see the rays. Loved the classic canoe. This was perfect for ray family and I can recommend this tour group highly enough. Kai was great - he is so knowledgeable about the rays and he calmed my 9 y.o.’s fears -he on spectrum and they were very flexible in how we got him into the water and to the board. My son can’t stop talking about how great this experience was-he can’t wait to go again. Book this tour - you won’t regret it. The entire group was accommodating and friendly and made this the best adventure of our Hawaiian trip. Thank you Eka.

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/03/05
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Small-Group Kona Night Manta Ray Snorkel Discovery Adventure from Keauhou Bay

A wonderful way to see the rays!

Reviewed by: Phil, 2023/02/28

We had an amazing time as the crew was incredibly prepared and accommodating. They were able to fit all of us on board and bring us out without a problem. The guides were very knowledgeable and were helpful in getting in and out of the water. They work together with the other tours in the same space to attract as many rays as possible. We ended up seeing 10 or more rays with a near constant show. We had my 65-year-old mom and dad, my 40-year old self and wife, and our eight and 10-year-old with us, and it was never a problem. A great activity if your kids can stay up a little later and recover the next day.

It's a short boat ride out, but the darkness set off a little of my motion sickness, So if you're prone to that be sure to take some medication ahead of time. I also had a little issue being in the waves and going up and down in the darkness. One of the other participants got fully sick away from the boat but the crew handled it very professionally.

I would absolutely recommend them!

  • A couple of the rays dancing together.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/01/30
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Not good

Reviewed by: Shawn, 2023/02/26

We could not see any and also the ride was so bumpy

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Shawn,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We extend our deepest apologies for the experience you had on our tour. We would like to hear more details about it. Could you email us at info@hawaiidolphin.com and elaborate further? We would like to rectify this situation. Thank you.

Best,
Iruka Hawai‘i ‘Ohana

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/02/24
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Lifelong memories made

Reviewed by: Spittstop, 2023/02/25

My 10 yo daughter and I did this excursion during a recent trip to the Big Island. It was an incredible and highly memorable evening and I feel privileged to have been able to do this.

We saw humpback whales and dolphins en route to the Manta Ray swim spot, and that made the excursion worthwhile, even before we'd seen the rays.

The crew were knowledgeable and fun and although the activity requires you to jump into the ocean at night without any light, I always felt safe and confident that the crew was looking after us. Having my daughter with me made that essential.

We floated for about 15 mins before we saw the rays, but when we did it was really breathtaking. We had around 30 mins or so floating before we got back on the boat for the ride back to port.

The crew took videos and photos and shared them with us which was a really lovely touch.

Wetsuits were a must as it does get cold. For those with younger children, there was a larger float that they could sit on safely, but older children were able to float in the water alongside adults.

I really couldn't recommend this highly enough. Maybe leave an extra 15 mins to find the dock as we struggled a little as there are quite a few trips leaving from the same marina at similar times.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/02/19
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Big Island Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Cruise from Waikoloa

Can't Miss Attraction at A-Bay!

Reviewed by: Neverstopexploring, 2023/02/25

We really enjoyed the glass bottom boat cruise. We had a frustrating experience earlier with snorkeling and we were happy to have an opportunity to see the reefs and the fish from the comfort of a boat. We even got to see some sea turtles under the boat! We also thought that the price for the cruise was more reasonable than many of the attractions in Hawaii. After the cruise we went hiking on the beautiful Ala Kahakai Trail which extends north from A-Bay. The glass bottom boat cruise is a can't miss experience on the Big Island!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Glass Bottom Boat Cruise and for including those wonderful photos! We're so happy to read that you njoyed the trip and got to see so much marine life.
We know there are a lot of activities to choose from when you're on the island and we're honored you chose to spend part of your morning with us and that we've earned your recommendation.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/02/01
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Sightings Guaranteed [Dec-Mar]

Up and close!

Reviewed by: MM1, 2023/02/18

Great experience getting to see the whales up and close. The crew was outstanding and very informative. I highly recommend this excursion if you are ever in the area during the whale’s migratory season. The boat size was perfect. Not too big and crowded and not too small to avoid motion sickness.

  • Breach!

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2023/01/28
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Kona Manta Ray Snorkel & Night Dive Tour at Keauhou Bay - Sea Paradise

Loved every minute

Reviewed by: Jim, 2023/02/04

We saw lots of Mantas. I can't wait to come back and do it again.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2021/10/23
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Kona Manta Ray Snorkel & Night Dive Tour at Keauhou Bay - Sea Paradise

Mantas were amazing

Reviewed by: Jim, 2023/02/04

Sea Paradise did a great job. We saw six mantas. I thought the boat trip would be a bit longer. Just a short ride out from shore. So it's not about sailing. But the mantas make up for it.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2021/11/07
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Kona Manta Ray Snorkel & Night Dive Tour at Keauhou Bay - Sea Paradise

So close...fun!

Reviewed by: Linda, 2023/02/03

We had such a fun time snorkeling with the mantas. We didn't realize how close they come to you in the water. One of them belly-bumped me by accident. Such graceful sea creatures.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2022/03/30
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Kona Manta Ray Snorkel & Night Dive Tour at Keauhou Bay - Sea Paradise

Must do tour!

Reviewed by: Jim, 2023/02/03

I was a little nervous about snorkeling at night but I'm so glad I went. It's less of a snorkel and more of a snorkel float where you hold onto a floating mat with LED lights underneath. The mantas were swooping underneath us eating the plankton. It was so calm and magical. Highly recommend.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2022/07/21
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Sightings Guaranteed [Dec-Mar]

Fun Day!

Reviewed by: Jim, 2023/02/03

Saw lots of whales. We loved the combination of sailing on a catamaran and seeing whales breaching off in the distance. We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Hawaii during whale season.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/02/01
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Sightings Guaranteed [Dec-Mar]

Great afternoon on the Catamaran whale watching. We saw several whales and I got smartphone video. The captain and crew were professional, pleasant and helpful.

Reviewed by: TJ Norum, 2023/01/31

This trip is great for families and couples alike. I really enjoyed the fact that the crew helped us locate the whales and went in search of the best viewing spots. Highly recommended for Waikaloa Bay Beach area.

  • One of my whale shots with my smartphone.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/01/29
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

LIFE CHANGING

Reviewed by: Nikki Clark, 2023/01/31

First of all, WOW. From beginning to end, this experience was one for the record books.
For $10 this crew sets you up with a wet suit (recommended), and then a snorkel set at no additional charge. Once we boarded, we were met with a warm welcome, and a good belly laugh. Excellent staff! They were informative, safe, and most importantly, knew how to have fun!
During the boat ride we were met with bottle nose dolphins and a humpback whale sighting! The dolphins were curious and playful, and swam all around our boat! I may or may not have shed a tear of joy. It was seriously rad.
Once we got to our destination they gave us a noodle for floating, and set up a large, square floatation device for everyone to hold onto while we watched the mana rays. They are huge! They’re giant, friendly, and bring their appetite for plankton. You’ll also see tons of fish while you snorkel.
After our time was up, and we boarded, they passed out cups of hot chocolate.
The entire experience as a whole was one we will never forget. YOU HAVE TO DO THIS while you’re here!
Thank you so much for the experience of a lifetime! Keep up the good work, guys! Mahalo

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Nikki,

Thank you for the amazing comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! We do offer a repeater discount of 20% off, so please keep us in mind for future travel plans.

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/01/29
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Big Island Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Cruise from Waikoloa

Great family fun!

Reviewed by: Brett, 2023/01/30

Perfect family friendly glass bottom boat tour. At ~35 min, perfect length for our four-year old.

Staff very friendly, marine expert was great at pointing out the different species and interesting traits.

Tour also launches from a very nice, calm protected beach which would be worth visiting again, as the calm waters would allow even the youngest children the chance to walk and splash in the water with maybe a few small fish swimming by.

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/01/28
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Big Island Afternoon Whale Watch Tour from Kona - Body Glove Cruises [Dec - Mar]

Good Time Over All

Reviewed by: Alli, 2023/01/28

We saw pilot whales up close and the staff were so informative, helpful, and truly loving their work. I really wish that we had been able to see a humpback whale since we were there in the right season. But I have to presume that they were not able to find any that day. Guess I’ll just have to come back to Hawaii again?!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Alii!

Thank you for joining us and taking the time to leave a four star rating!

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/01/06
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Once in a lifetime experience

Reviewed by: David Letendre, 2023/01/23

We went out to sea under the setting sun.
Everything was perfect.
Lots of huge manta rays came close. Sometimes up to few feet away!!
The crew; Diego and Ryan were pampering us and taking care of our every needs.
Would recommend them anytime without a doubt.

-David L

Comments from activity operators

Aloha David,

Thank you for the positive comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! We do offer a repeater discount of 20% off, so please keep us in mind for future travel plans.

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/01/18
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