Reviewed by: Kristen
We are SO glad we booked this tour with Iruka; we had an absolutely incredible time with tour guides Trevor, Diego and Tamaya (so sorry if I'm misspelling your names or missing anyone) who were so knowledgable and accommodating. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to the Big Island; a bunch of the rays got so close to us, we felt super safe and loved the hot chocolate afterwards!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/10/21 |
Activity Date: | 2023/10/12 |
Reviewed by: Stefanie Säuberlich
We always felt safe. The support was great. We were there with our 2 sons (4 and 11 years old). Everything worked great and everyone was very attentive. We were able to enjoy it completely as a family. Seeing the manta rays was an unforgettable experience.
Highly recommended!
Aloha Stefanie! Thank you so much for choosing Iruka and for sharing about your exciting experience. We are so happy that you enjoyed your time on our Manta Ray tour. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/10/10 |
Activity Date: | 2023/10/08 |
Reviewed by: Jules
The crew was great, the manta turn out was amazing, and the boat ride is short (which is ideal for when you’re cold and ready to get warm again haha). We got lucky that it was a small group so there were plenty of options to sit and have a lovely view of the sunset while heading out. 10/10 would do again.
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Packages: | Evening Manta Snorkeling Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/10/01 |
Activity Date: | 2023/09/29 |
Reviewed by: Brett Lapp
It was very cool. Every one was very kind and accommodating. Guide was informative and pilot was very good. We saw a couple sharks and tons of other fish. Kids loved it! (12 and 10) Mahalo!
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Packages: | Kona Submarine |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/09/25 |
Activity Date: | 2023/09/22 |
Reviewed by: Kathy M.
We couldn't have asked for a better trip. I especially appreciated the small group size - eight people - which meant that we were able to watch the mantas without getting in each other's way. My sister and I were at the end of the line, opposite each other. This meant that as the manta rays turned over and swam upside down just under the light board - only a few inches away from us - we could look right down their throats. I was amazed at how clean and empty their large mouths were. It was fascinating to see their gills from the inside as well as the outside.
It was wonderful to watch the mantas swim. They move so smoothly they hardly seem to be propelling themselves. The patterns on their backs fluoresce in the light, so they're easy to see.
We watched by lining up on either side of a board, holding on to it and floating stretched out away from it, with flotation devices like pool noodles under our ankles. This keeps our bodies away from the mantas, which is for their protection, not ours. (The mantas are harmless. No teeth, no sting. They eat plankton, not people!)
Two tips:
1. The staff had us put the pool noodles under our ankles, but in that location, it's easy to lose the noodle. Try putting it just below your knees instead. It's much easier to keep in place that way, and if your knees are at the surface, the rest of your legs will be also.
2. If you do lose your noodle, don't panic or kick. Keep your head down, relax, stay as flat as you can, and allow the water to support your body. Staff members will retrieve the noodle and slip it under your legs again. Kicking disturbs the mantas, and the stress is bad for them.
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Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2023/09/23 |
Activity Date: | 2023/09/07 |
Reviewed by: Maggy
This was such a breathtaking experience! Trevor and Diego were excellent captain and crew, with a great sense of humor too. They ensured I felt safe which was huge because I had never snorkeled before. I would recommend this company to anyone who asks, they provide everything you need including prescription goggles which was an amazing surprise. Diego also gave us manta ray facts as we were snorkeling and we loved it. The night began with a sunset boat ride, leading into the manta ray snorkel, and then a quick boat ride back to the harbor with snacks and hot cocoa. I will never forget this experience.
Aloha Maggy! We are so happy that you had fun on our Manta Ray tour. Thank you so much for joining us. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/09/18 |
Activity Date: | 2023/09/15 |
Reviewed by: Kara
We were happy we got to see some mantas, it was so fun to have a night experience!
Aloha Kara! Thank you for choosing Iruka and for sharing your positive feedback. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time on our tour. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/09/18 |
Activity Date: | 2023/08/04 |
Reviewed by: Mandy
We had a blast and seeing the manta rays was amazing. We also saw a bristle worm, which was cool too. The team was fabulous and knowledgeable. We will do again next time we swing into Kona. We recommend this excursion 100%. You won’t be sorry. If you get seasick, take the anti nausea medicine first. It can be a bit harder on your stomach in the dark.
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Packages: | Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/09/16 |
Activity Date: | 2023/08/23 |
Reviewed by: Alex
The boat crew went out of their way to make sure each and every one of us was taken care of and having a good time. The mantas were surreal. This is something everyone needs to experience!
Aloha Alex! Thank you so much for joining our tour and for sharing about your experience. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time with us. Please come back soon! Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/09/02 |
Activity Date: | 2023/08/31 |
Reviewed by: Diana P.
It was a once in a lifetime experience. The manta rays came right up to us and almost brushed up on us. It was so beautiful as well as seeing all the glowing plankton and other fish. the staff on the boat were friendly and informative. at the end they gave us hot chocolate and soup to warm us up. definitely recommend this company.
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Packages: | Evening Manta Snorkeling Adventure |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/08/26 |
Activity Date: | 2023/08/18 |
Reviewed by: Angel
The crew and view was amazing! You can see A-Bay at its best. Blue waters, sea turtles and beautiful fish. Calm waters and blue skies with shade. Kids will absolutely live this short and safe tour. Bring your swimsuits for afterwards and enjoy the sandy coastline. Plenty of trees, restrooms. The Marriott has a walking trail with fish ponds too! Mahalo, Angel
Aloha Angel
Thanks for taking the time to review your Glass Bottom Boat Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip and got to spend some time on the beach afterwards. 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.
We really appreciate those beautiful photos you posted too!
Mahalo and A Hui Hou
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Packages: | Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Cruise |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/08/19 |
Activity Date: | 2023/07/28 |
Reviewed by: Kara
We got lucky and got a few mantas so the night was worth it!
Aloha Kara! We are so happy you were able to experience the magic of snorkeling with Manta Rays! Thank you for joining our tour, we hope you come back soon. Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/08/13 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/21 |
Reviewed by: New2Hawaii
Best crew ever! They were kind and helpful and overall awesome! Would definitely use again
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Packages: | Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours] |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/08/11 |
Activity Date: | 2023/08/09 |
Reviewed by: Sreedhar
- crew was very helpful
- had a good evening boat ride with sunset view
- crew explained the instructions clearly
- great experience watching manta rays up close
- crew helped my kids getting into and out of water
Aloha Sreedhar! Thank you for choosing Iruka and for sharing your positive feedback. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time on our tour. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/08/05 |
Activity Date: | 2023/07/10 |
Reviewed by: Anna
Looking for a tour for yourself? Your family? This event has something for everyone. Myself & partner enjoyed the outing. The crew was fantastic! This is a family owned business which is what we wanted. They are professional, friendly, engaging & interactive with all age groups. We had a blast….and so will you! Check out this tour and support family owned businesses!
FYI: bring cash to tip the crew….they deserve & will appreciate it. If not, please ask how to tip digitally.
Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to proide feedback about your Glass Bottom Boat Cruise. We're so happy to read that you and your partner enjoyed the cruise and your interactions with our crew.
We know there are a lot of activity providers to choose from when you're on the island, and as a small locally owned and operated company, we're especially honored that you chose to join us aboard.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou
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Packages: | Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/08/02 |
Activity Date: | 2023/07/31 |
Reviewed by: Diane
This was a great experience for my family I clouding kids as young as 8. Bryce, Joe, Diego, and Tamae were so kind to the guests and very knowledgeable about the manta rays. We got a bonus of seeing a dolphin on our way to the snorkel site as well as a beautiful sunset. Mahalo!
Aloha Diane! We are so happy that you had fun on our Manta Ray tour and were lucky enough to see dolphins! Thank you so much for joining us. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/07/30 |
Activity Date: | 2023/07/23 |
Reviewed by: Belinda
Arriving shortly before 6:30 p.m., we were greeted with welcoming smiles and thank-yous for choosing them.
During the 30-minute boat ride to the manta ray sighting, the crew offered us snacks and beverages. Captain ?Louie? showed us a beautiful sunset while waiting to "anchor" until another boat saw a manta ray (we liked it that he wanted to give us the best chance of seeing manta rays). I was feeling a little seasick by then. Once the boat stopped, the crew gave us helpful instructions.
As we jumped into the water, the staff provided help to any who needed guidance to the lighted raft. Not being the best swimmer, I was one who Tamae kindly guided.
Minutes after setup, we saw our first of 6-7 manta rays for the evening. The manta rays were amazing, even though they chose to stay close to the bottom of the ocean that evening!
During the experience, the raft kept bumping my head and shifting my mask (another in my party had the same experience, so the crew should try to avoid giving the corner spot of the raft to anyone), so I had to hold onto the raft rope with one hand and prevent the raft from bumping my head with the other. The combination of the boat ride and the raft bumping caused my motion sickness to literally erupt. Diego and Tamae compassionately led me toward the boat. Diego comforted me, saying not to worry, at least one person each trip became ill. Because I started feeling better, I was able to return to the raft for the last 10 minutes.
Climbing up the ladder into the boat wasn't the easiest thing to do, but both the captain and crew were there to help.
The ride back was breezy but not too cold with a towel wrapped around our shoulders. I'm also glad there was a small bucket for me to use with my motion sickness.
The entire crew was fantastic, helping us all to experience watching the manta rays! Tamae also offered free actual video footage of our adventure.
Thanks for our memorable experience!
Aloha Belinda! Thank you so much for choosing Iruka and for sharing your positive feedback. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time on our Manta Ray tour and with our amazing crew. We apologize for any discomfort you felt from the sea sickness. We are so happy to hear that you still were able to have a good time. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/07/18 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/22 |
Reviewed by: Kara
My family was mesmerized by the port holes! Great sights from the safety of the boat!
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Packages: | Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/07/17 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/05 |
Reviewed by: CJ
We had the best time with the Wahine Charters crew. They were very kind and welcoming! 10/10 recommend!
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Packages: | Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours] |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2023/07/10 |
Activity Date: | 2023/07/08 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Clear bottom viewing which is awesome, our family loved the experience.
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Packages: | Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/07/07 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/21 |
Reviewed by: Angela E
We lucked out with dolphins, sea turtles and an amazing array of fish. The guides were great and answered all our questions while expertly navigating the reef to make sure we saw a ton of fish. I was skeptical initially, but sooooo worth it and a ball for all ages (1.5 -70+).
Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Glass Bottom Boat Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the cruise, your interactions with our crew, and most importantly, got to see so much marine life!
We know there are a lot of activity providers on the island and we're honored you chose to join us for part of your day.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou
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Packages: | Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Cruise |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/07/05 |
Activity Date: | 2023/07/03 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Really good water conditions, we got to see a good amount of the rays and the experience was breathtaking!
Aloha Kara! We are thrilled to hear of your amazing experience on our manta ray tour. We hope you come again soon! Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/07/01 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/06 |
Reviewed by: Happy snorkeler
The tour was wonderful , the crew engaging, helpful, humorous, and knowledgeable , the equipment was fine, thoughtful snacks/drinks provided, and of course then there were the rays.it was a dreamlike experience.
Aloha! We are so happy to hear that you had such an amazing time on our Manta Ray tour. We love to hear about our guest's positive experiences. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2023/06/26 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/23 |
Reviewed by: Molly L
MUST DO-Our family comes to Hawaii every summer and this is by far the most magical experience we've ever had on an excursion!!! There were four manta rays swimming around us-truly awe inspiring! Our kids are 16, 14, and 10...ALL LOVED IT and said it was the highlight of our trip! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Aloha Molly! Thank you for joining our tour and leaving such positive feedback! We are so glad that your family enjoyed your time with the manta rays. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/06/25 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/23 |
Reviewed by: Chris Mak
People in bite me were very friendly and fun!
Highly recommend to join their tour!
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/06/04 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/13 |
Reviewed by: P Burke
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
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Packages: | Evening Manta Snorkeling Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/15 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/10 |
Reviewed by: Brian Van Wie
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!
Aloha Brian! We thank you for choosing Iruka and leaving such kind feedback! We hope to see you again in the future. Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/04/29 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/27 |
Reviewed by: Big Bertha
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!
Aloha! We are so happy to hear that you had such a fantastic time on our Manta Ray tour. We thank you for choosing Iruka and leaving such positive feedback. Come back soon! Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2023/04/23 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/21 |
Reviewed by: ゆっきー
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。
Domo Arrigato!
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Packages: | 8:00発/ワイコロア港 |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/04/22 |
Activity Date: | 2023/03/27 |
Reviewed by: hq66
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.
Aloha! We are so thrilled that you had such a great time on our Manta Ray tour! Thank you so much for choosing Iruka Hawaii Dolphin. We hope we have a chance to welcome you back on our boat soon. Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/04/20 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/18 |
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Aloha Kristen! Thank you so much for joining our Manta Ray tour and for sharing about your experience. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time with us. Please come back soon! Mahalo