Reviewed by: たーさん
I really enjoyed this tour, and I think this is my fourth time participating. This time, the tour was especially amazing! There were about eight manta rays? There were so many that it was hard to keep track. In the past, there were times when they didn't show up at all, so since it's in the wild, there's no guarantee you'll see them, but I definitely think it's worth participating. Also, this boat is large, which makes it comfortable and gives a sense of security.
Previously, we borrowed wetsuits at the check-in office, but now the handover has changed to the boat boarding area. Additionally, the tour used to have only one departure per day, but now there are two, an early and a late option. We participated in the early departure.
このツアーはとても気に入っていて、これで4回目くらいの参加になるでしょうか。
特に今回のツアーは最高でした!
マンタの数も8枚くらい?とにかくいっぱいでよくわからないくらいでした。
以前、全く現れない事もあったので、野生だから必ず見れる保証はないですが、参加する価値は十分あると思います。
また、この船は大きいので落ち着くし安心感があります。
このツアー、以前はチェックインのオフィスでウェットスーツを貸していただいたのですがボート乗り場での受け渡しに変更になっていました。
また、ツアーも以前は1日1便でしたが、早めと遅めの2便になっていました。
私たちは早めの便に参加しました。
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| Packages: | サンセットプラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/09/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/22 |
Reviewed by: Gold lan
We were able to meet Manta Ray as soon as we entered the water. ~ I was surprised at the big size but it was a very enjoyable experience. I would like to enjoy Manta Ray by diving after winning the scuba diving certificate
Thank you for taking the time to review your manta snorkel. We are happy to know you enjoyed the experience. Aloha!
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| Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/08/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/08/11 |
Reviewed by: pikoyo
I was thrilled to get up close to the manta rays! It was a lot of fun. I participated in August, and it wasn't cold at all. I highly recommend it.
マンタ大接近で、興奮しました!
楽しかったです。
8月参加でした。全然寒くなかったです。
お勧めします。
マントツアーのレビューをありがとうございます。楽しい時間を過ごしていただけたことを嬉しく思います。マハロ・ヌイ・ロア!
Thank you for reviewing your manta tour. We are happy you had a good time. Mahalo Nui Loa!
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| Packages: | サンセットプラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/08/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/08/19 |
Reviewed by: k&s
I could see fish well from the window.
Some fish followed the boat, and they were cute.
I listened to the Japanese channel on my headphones, but I thought it would be nice if it were a bit more fulfilling.
However, even without that, it was enjoyable just to watch.
窓からよく魚が見えました。
魚が、船についてくるのがいて、
かわいかったです。
ヘッドホンで、日本語チャンネルを
聞きましたが、もう少し充実されると
いいかと思いました。
でも、そんなのがなくても、見るだけで
楽しかったです。
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| Packages: | 基本プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/08/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/08/13 |
Reviewed by: Ricardo L
It is a must! It is worth! I would do it again. At the beginning, I did not know what to expect, it was a friend recommendation and I thought it would be similar to swim with dolphins actitiviy I did before, but no, it is 10 times better! Getting into the water at night and be so close to these gentle giants was an experience that I will never forget. In less than 10 minutes in the water, we had mantas approaching us. They get very close to you thanks to the powerful lights attracting plâncton. I recommend you take your cell phone in a waterproof case and film. Just keep filming uninterruptly because you don’t know when the mantas will show up. Great experience!
Thank you for taking the time to review your manta tour. Mahalo!
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| Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/08/05 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/30 |
Reviewed by: Montalvo Family
We were a family of 7 visiting Hawaii for the first time in July 2018 and swimming with the Mantas sounded like a dream. We went out and was disappointed when only 2 Mantas showed up but I only saw one. To our surprise the captain announced that he planned on going back out later and anyone who wished to go back out was welcomed to stay onboard. Well needless to say we went back out to the south side of the island and to our amazement we were blessed to not only swim with one but with seven Mantas. The experience was outstanding one I will never forget. The captain and crew was courteous and professional and I highly recommend Ocean Encounters.
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| Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/08/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/23 |
Reviewed by: M Pinto
The night was perfect. We saw 6-7 mantas ! The captain (Tony) and the crew (I don't remember everyone's name :() were great as well giving clear instructions and making sure everyone made the most out of te experience. Prescription snorkling equipment was available which was even better.
Thank you for taking your time to write a review. We are so happy you had a good time on the Manta Tour! We hope to be able to serve you again soon.
Mahalo!
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| Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/31 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/22 |
Reviewed by: KL from NJ
The crew were terrific. We had a long lengthy talk about "safety" and what to do and what not to do to keep us and the manta rays safe. Initially, the area looked crowded as there were a handful of boats out in the same area. We booked this excursion early on in our stay as Sea Paradise offers 100% guarantee that we will see manta rays. If we don't, we can come back for free. As we started, the manta rays were swimming underneath us immediately. We had an unusually fantastic night as we were told that normal nights, there were 4 manta rays. Our night, we had 6-8, I loose track. They were so close to us, tumbling and doing their ballets. We had at least 30 minutes of their bellies being 2 inches away from our faces. What an unforgettable night! Hot chocolate as we came out of the water to keep us warm. Lots of snacks on board.
Thank you for taking the time to review your manta tour with us we are so happy you enjoyed it and thank you for joining us!
Aloha!
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| Packages: | Sunset Sail & Manta Ray Snorkel - Special Group Rate for 6+ Passengers |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/30 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/22 |
Reviewed by: Darra
I only add the nerve wracking part as it was something I did with a little trepidation - the idea of swimming in the ocean, in the dark, in the cold with a little tube to breathe through... However, I like to do something that scares every once in a while as the fear usually is nothing when actually doing the activity and this one was definitely the case in this experience. The guides were excellent and talked everyone through and kept everyone relaxed. You had a half wet suit to help with the cold; the water was lit up (to attract the plankton and mantas); the snorkel you soon forgot once you were floating in pure amazement and smiles as these giants swooped below you and then treated to the bright white display of them underneath as they rolled to eat up the plankton. Complete gentle giants; and not at all scary but just delightful
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| Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/23 |
Reviewed by: Bill
The Manta experiences one of the greatest things I’ve ever done in my life you need to recommend this all of your friends. The crew was the greatest they were attentive of all your needs. They did everything that they could do to put you in full view of the mantas and they were truly wonderful . I hope that I will be able to return To Kona someday and do this again with the same crew.
Bill
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| Packages: | One Tank Manta SCUBA Dive |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/19 |
Reviewed by: Bill
The crew was great an experience of a life time must do don’t forget a go pro
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| Packages: | One Tank Manta SCUBA Dive |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/19 |
Reviewed by: LA Mike
It was a fun time! The crew were funny and let my son steer the boat. Saw 4 sea turtles. Did it for my parents and 2 young sons to have a good time and they did. Highly recommend
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| Packages: | Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Cruise |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/14 |
Reviewed by: Diana T
We thoroughly enjoyed the Manta Ray excursion. The tour guide was great with telling us about the history of this tour and details about the behavior and nature of these Manta Rays. My daughter was most impressed. Although she’s 9yo and a good swimmer, she was still a little nervous about snorkeling at night and meeting these Manta Rays that could come inches to your face. However, the tour guide has made everyone felt safe and she was able to enjoy the magnificence of these gentle sea creatures. Highly recommended
Thank you for joining us and thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are happy to hear you and your family enjoyed the manta excursion. Aloha!
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| Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/13 |
Reviewed by: Father/daughter
Excelllent trip. Microphone would of been nice. Hard to hear everything. I would still recommend this tour!
Mahalo for a great review! We have recently been researching hands-free microphones. Yes, it would be very helpful.
Jeannie Jewell
Kona Glassbottom Boat
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| Packages: | Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/11 |
Reviewed by: Robin J
One of the coolest things we’ve done. The Manta rays would get so close and were so graceful and gentle.
The crew, including Capt Mike Morgan, was awesome and ensured we had a fabulous time. I would rate this as a MUST DO on the big island! Experience of a lifetime!
Thank you for reviewing your trip with us. We are happy to know you enjoyed it. A Hui Hou!!
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| Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/08 |
Reviewed by: Jmontgomery
Even though I was sea sick, my husband and daughter had the time of their life that they described as surreal like a dream. The mantas were inches away from their faces doing rolls. An experience they will never forgot and well worth it. The captain and crew were very nice and sympathetic to my condition.
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| Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/03 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/27 |
Reviewed by: デイブ
You will board the submarine after going a little offshore from the dock. The interior of the submarine has two rows, both of which are by the windows, allowing you to observe the underwater scenery without any stress. My 4-year-old grandchild who accompanied me was also very excited. All the staff members are young and friendly. I especially recommend this experience for families with small children.
船着き場よりやや沖にでてから潜水艦に乗り込みます。潜水艦の内部は2列ですがいずれも窓側でそれぞれの窓からストレスなく海中(海底)の様子がうかがえます。同行した4歳の孫も大興奮でした。スタッフの皆さんもみな若くてフレンドリー。特にご小さいお子さんを連れたご家族の方におすすめできます。
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/01 |
Reviewed by: Matt
My wife and I had a good experience. The boat was comfortable although some people got seasick since it was a fairly choppy sea. I'd recommend taking Dramamine before going. The appetizers were just bagged snacks and cans of juice and pop. We ended up seeing about eight manta rays in the water.
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| Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/06/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/16 |
Reviewed by: Fred
Excellent experience and well worth the money. The crew was friendly and helpful. I would not recommend this experience for “timid” children but, if your kid is into new things and not afraid of the ocean, this is an experience they will remember forever! It was amazing to see how well all the boat crews worked together to ensure everyone enjoyed a fantastic show
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| Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2018/06/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/19 |
Reviewed by: のんのろ
I love the ocean, and I have had experiences swimming with turtles and dolphins while snorkeling in various places. Unfortunately, I can't dive because of my hearing issues. However, manta rays don't usually come close to the surface. I had given up on seeing them up close, but on this tour, they kept coming one after another! ♡
We surrounded the light with our snorkeling gear and observed them. It felt more like the manta rays were coming to eat the plankton gathered around the light rather than swimming alongside us. Still, they came so close that I had to dodge them! I could see right into their bellies.
There were probably 6 to 7 manta rays that kept circling around endlessly. I might have been lucky, but I really enjoyed it! You should definitely bring a GoPro. Also, I wasn't cold at all on the boat. However, since many Japanese people are sensitive to the cold, it might be a good idea to bring a towel or a sweatshirt just in case.
私は海が大好きで、いろいろなところでシュノーケリングをすることで亀やイルカと泳いだ経験はありました。耳が悪いので、ダイビングをすることができません。でも、マンタはなかなか水面までは来てくれません。なので、マンタをまじかで見ることは諦めていましたが、このツアーだと、次から次へと遊びに来てくれます♡
ライトの近くを囲んでシュノーケリルをつけて観察する感じで、一緒に泳ぐというよりは、マンタがライトに集まって来たプランクトンを食べに来てくれるという感じでした。それでも、マンタが自分でぶつかってくるほど近くに来てくれたので、こちらが避けないとならないほどでした。
マンタのお腹の中までよく見えます。
多分6-7枚のマンタがエンドレスで順繰り廻って来てくれる感じでした。運が良かったのかもしれないですが本当に楽しめました!
Go proは絶対持って行くべきです。
あと、船の上では私は全く寒くなかったです。
ただ、日本人は寒がりな人が多いので、タオルを呼びで1枚持って行く、もしくはトレーナーなどを持って行ってもいいのかもしれません。
ご親切なレビューありがとうございます。マンタを見るためのシュノーケリング旅行を楽しんでいただけて嬉しいです。
Thank you for your kind review. We are happy you enjoyed your snorkel trip to see the mantas.
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| Packages: | サンセットプラン |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2018/06/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/05/29 |
Reviewed by: Mellissa
I was so scared being a non swimmer but I’m so glad I didn’t chicken out and did it!!! What an incredible experience. Professional crew that kept us safe and relaxed the entire time. I would recommend Wahine Charters to anyone and will recommend to all my friends!
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| Packages: | Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/06/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/07 |
Reviewed by: Debbie
What a fantastic tour, a lot more than expected. Very knowledgeable of all the coral and sea creatures. Not just for kids our party was 2 adults so we had fun too.
Aloha Debbie! We are so happy that you had a fantastic tour! Yes it is fun for kids, but most definately for adults too. There is so much to see and learn. Thank you for the review.
Jeannie
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| Packages: | Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/06/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/05/30 |
Reviewed by: NOB
It was a cloudy day... I arrived early and parked the rental car in the hotel parking lot to check in. There was a counter outside the hotel and a store located a bit deeper inside, which was a little confusing. When the time came, I boarded a contact boat with about 20 participants, including several Japanese people, and in a few minutes, we reached the submarine.
We quickly boarded and began our dive... I enjoyed about 40 minutes while watching the coral and the fish swimming around. We dove down to about 100 feet, or 30 meters, but it felt a bit dark, possibly due to the cloudy sky, and I felt a greater distance from the fish than I expected. It might have been more beautiful if it had been sunny.
At the counter, they put a sticker on the parking ticket to cover the fee. When I tried to pay with my card, it didn’t recognize it, and I panicked a bit as several cars lined up behind me, but I called and they opened it for me, so it all worked out.
当日は曇り空…早めに到着しホテルの駐車場にレンタカーを止めて受付。 ホテルの外のカウンターとホテル内の少し奥にある店舗があり、少し戸惑いました。 時間になると日本人数名を含む20名ほどの参加者と共に連絡用の船に乗り込み数分で潜水艦へ。
早速乗り込み潜水開始…サンゴやそこを泳ぐ魚を見ながら40分程楽しみました。100フィート、30メートル程まで潜りましたが、曇り空のせいか若干暗く感じたのと思っていたより魚と距離感を感じました。 晴れていればもっと綺麗だったのかもしれません。
カウンターで駐車券にステッカーを貼ってくれて料金をカバーしてくれます。2ドル足りずにカード支払いしようとしたらカードを認識せず…後ろに数台並び焦りましたが、電話して開けてもらい事なきを得ました。
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| Packages: | 基本プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/05/30 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/05/27 |
Reviewed by: Murray
This was an awesome night as a family seeing the manta rays so closely. We really enjoyed it and will always remember it.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Moonlight Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2 hours] |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/05/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/05/20 |
Reviewed by: Brett
This was an unforgettable once-in-a-a-lifetime experience! Definitely recommend swimming with the manta rays. It will be one of the most majestic experiences of wildlife you will ever have. A note we were unaware of: it seems essentially all ventures to swim with the mantas leave from a similar dock area and set anchor at essentially the same spot in the water--which is just a few hundred yards out from the dock.
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| Packages: | Manta Dive (Apr - Sep) |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2018/05/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/04/29 |
Reviewed by: Joel
The highlight of our week on the Big Island. Having a small group meant we had a great chance to see the mantas, as well as a fun dinner and sightseeing along the coast. You won't really understand just how amazing this experience is until you go, so just go.
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| Packages: | Sunset Cruise with Appetizers & Night Manta Ray Snorkel [90 mins] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/05/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/05/11 |
Reviewed by: Greg
Had an amazing time on the manta ray snorkel. Definitely worth it. The manta rays get within inches from you, and the experience is unlike anything else. Crew and boat were also awesome. Ended up loving the snorkeling experience so much we went out on a day trip a day later which was also amazing!
Aloha and thank you for sharing your experience. We look forward to seeing you next time you visit the Big Island.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/05/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/05/17 |
Reviewed by: Mic
It was great seeing these amazing creatures but this is not so much a see the great manta ray in nature as much as it is a highly commercialized, 'we've figured out how to give you a manta-ray petting zoo experience'. They boat you out, extend a floating ladder with lights (to attract plankton), and then have you float and hold onto the ladder as the rays swim below you. They do come very close to you (and may brush against you) as they eat the plankton. Pretty neat for the first several passes but since you are surrounded by other boats doing the same thing with their own floating ladder-like structures the rays will spend their time with whomever has the brightest lights. After about :30 minutes of this people start getting bored and getting back on the boats. It was fun and interesting and glad we did it but not really "swimming with the rays".
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We're glad you found it fun. Being stationary at the surface of the water is the safest way for us to view the rays.
Mahalo
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Sunset Sail & Manta Ray Snorkel - Special Group Rate for 6+ Passengers |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2018/05/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/04/26 |
Reviewed by: Sharon
The Sea Paradise crew gave us a great experience, from setting us up with wet suit and snorkel gear to teaching us how to "behave" in the water (#1 rule - Don't touch the Manta Rays, #2 rule - don't pee in the wetsuits - haha! - they provide a bathroom on board), providing drinks and snacks, including hot chocolate which was welcome after the snorkeling. They also made sure we weren't needlessly floating around in the water before the rays showed up, but got us in there in plenty of time to see 4 different rays swimming literally inches below our faces! So cool to see them somersault and glide beneath you. Completely worth the cost! Do this!
Thank you for taking your time to review your manta tour with us. We are happy to know you enjoyed it! Thanks for joining us.
A Hui Hou!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/05/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/05/05 |
Reviewed by: Sarah
Captain Jeff was great. We were a group of 13 including 4 kids. Very safe boat. Saw lots of turtles. Very informative. A must do!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Cruise |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2018/05/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/05/04 |
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マンタツアーのレビューをしていただき、ありがとうございます。マハロ。
Thank you for taking the time to review the manta tour. Mahalo