Better than expected! We saw Big Bertha, and 4 other Rays. They were putting on such a show for us, barrel rolling and feeding right in our faces. Was an incredible and unforgettable experience.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/29 |
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Would you like to make amazing memories in Kona? Our family had such an unforgettable experience with Dolphin Discoveries swimming with several enormous manta rays! Wow! Just wow! We planned our trip to Kona because we wanted to experience snorkeling with Manta Rays, so we had high expectations and hopes! We selected Dolphin Discoveries from reviews online and because it was the best deal around. All of the companies were in the same location - but we really enjoyed the experience with Shelly and crew! Eagerly attentive to all of the guests, they made sure everyone was getting the most out of their experience! In true Aloha fashion, they even helped out another company nearby while we were on the water! Book with Dolphin Discoveries and you will be so glad you did!!
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Attended as: | Families |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/03 |
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Such an awesome experience! We were surrounded by Manta Rays! So very cool, and the crew were helpful, very good at their jobs! Would love to do it again if we are ever back in Kona.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/09 |
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Pros: You will get as close as possible to many Manta rays, completely safe, even for kids, very informative guides.
Cons: They don't yet have an option to buy underwater photos or GoPro video of your experience, so bring your own.
Overall a great experience, highly recommend!
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/24 |
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I’ve never been snorkeling before so this was a first experience for me. This company offers great services. They have an option for you to pay $30 more per person for them to come pick you up at local hotel (within their distance). Great option because we didn’t rent a car for our trip to Hawaii. They offer wet suit for rental $10 per person. We didn’t rent any because it was warm enough but it’s a great option. The boat ride was about 30 minutes each way and they included sodas/a cup of hot chocolate and chips for you. The manta-rays we saw were huge and there were so many of them!! They came super close as well. The best part was that they even recorded the manta-rays and air dropped the videos to us!!! I don’t have an underwater camera so it was a great surprise when she (the owner?) offered to airdrop us videos.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/20 |
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Amazing, friendly staff and very informative tour. We saw so many different species and learned a lot during our tour. We already want to go again! We recommend this tour
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 trip and the information provide by the crew.
We know there are a lot of activity providers on the Big 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!
P.S. Mahalo for including those pictures! Great images!
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Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/16 |
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Very professional. Informative commentary and a great underwater experience.
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Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/15 |
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Everything was on point. Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. The day was gorgeous and the sunset was incredible too. Manta-rays we’re a real show!!! They looked so beautiful and out of this word, like dancing in the water and playing with us. Definitely a must at the Big Island.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/19 |
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Private whale watch was well worth the trip premium. Professional team met our needs and delivered on multiple whale sightings even though it is late in the season. Saw wonderful beaches and learned so much about the Kona coast from knowledgeable staff. I highly recommend.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/09 |
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Me and my husband are on our honeymoon and only wanted to make sure we got to see whales!!
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/09 |
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Overall it's an must do cruise to go out on the ocean on a Catamaran near the Waikoloa area.
We saw whales from far off as it was afternoon and the bigger ship is not attractive to the whales.
We would do the morning trip on the powerboat with fewer people or go for the sunset cruise.There is not much info provided during the cruise so it's lacking the fun in whale watching as it can be boring if nothing happens.
It would also be better if there was a spotter pointing to the breaches as it happens very quickly and multiple people spotting can be confusing.
After you get on board you are mostly left on your own and the boat only goes less than half a mile out.
We saw more whales from the shore than on the boat but it was good to get out on the ocean with this cruise.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/19 |
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Our family’s first experience whale watching was truly impressive. The crew was professional with information and safety. They did not leave out the fun and had a nice variety of refreshments. We did take the 1:30 pm tour and saw many whales.
The confirmation email as to directions to find them was not so great. They are not in front of the Lava Lava restaurant ( which kept us circling for 10 mins) they are to the right of iLava Lava down along the beach 100 yards aprox, is 2 palm trees on the beach w/ small orange sign to check in. You should notice the platoon boat and catamaran out in the water awaiting for you.
Have extra cash available for tip they are worth it.
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Attended as: | Families |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/14 |
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We had attempted two times previously 9 years ago to see the Mantas and were unsuccessful. We warned our group this time that we may be bad luck. Our experience was over the top, well over 10 Mantas and Justin and Connor were great at sharing their knowledge of these fascinating creatures. We would definitely recommend to anyone wondering about this novel opportunity.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/13 |
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We had a great trip! We had non stop manta ray action! Apparently we were very lucky. I left my phone on the boat because the current was a little rough. It was an awesome experience, would do again!! They were literally belly to belly with me. It was a really cool experience!
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/09 |
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It was awesome! As soon as we got in the water we had Manta rays doing barrel rolls around us. Captain Kai, Justin and Jaz made the experience alot of fun. They know their Manta rays. An experience I recommend. Lady's I did this solo, don't hesitate. The night I went was well worth the money. Aloha!
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Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/08 |
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Captain Cindy was delightful and funny a. And we saw plenty of whales. Thank you
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/07 |
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Justin was so knowledgeable about the manta rays - we learned many interesting things. The equipment provided was very good quality and most comfortable. The most unforgettable part of the experience was seeing so many beautiful manta rays! And they came so close that we were touched by them as they swam.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/04 |
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This was the coolest experience of my life, and that is not an exaggeration at all. Plus that is saying a lot as we are world wide travelers and have done epic things. Every person living on the Big Island or traveling to the Big Island should do this! If you are considering it and wondering if it will be kinda cool or maybe sorta lame (like I thought it might be) let me assure you it is beyond cool!
We literally had to have close to a dozen manta rays swimming around us, most would swim within inches of us. Some VERY large ones also! No need to fear they have no teeth or stingers and are harmless (unless you are plankton). These creatures are truly magnificent!
The crew onboard was wonderful and knowledgeable. When we were done there was hot tea and a snack which was an added bonus.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2022/02/02 |
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The tour was excellent even if the surf had made the water a little cloudy. The guides were excellent and knowledgeable.
Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Glass Bottom Boat Cruise. We're so happy to read that despite the surf conditions, you enjoyed the trip and the service and information provided by our crew (and got to see that honu feeding).
We know there are a lot of activities on the Big Island and we're honored you chose to spend part of your morning with us.
Mahalo and a hui hou
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2022/01/17 |
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Super competent captain and crew who were helpful with gear, getting on/off the boat, assisting those who were uncomfortable once in the water. The manta viewing was amazing, close up and continuous. Our guide provided background information on the mantas. Several other species of smaller fish were present also. Definitely recommend this activity!
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/31 |
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The manta rays were inches from us, and all four in our group had an exceptional time. The guides were knowledgeable and really added to the experience. Highly recommend.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2022/01/17 |
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The crew was knowledgeable, friendly and fun. The surf didn’t allow for good visibility on the day we chose to go, but they informed us ahead of time and gave us the option of rescheduling. We chose to go anyway and they worked hard to still make it a great experience.
Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to review your Glass Bottom Boat Cruise. We're so happy to read that despite the limited visibility, you enjoyed the cruise and your interactions with our crew.
We know there are a lot of activity providers on the Big Island and we're honored you chose to spend part of your day with us.
Mahalo and a hui hou
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Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Activity Date: | 2022/01/05 |
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Great staff and fun little outing for my 6year old :)
Aloha,
Thanks for reviewing your Glass Bottom Boat Cruise. We're so happy to read that you and your little one enjoyed the trip!
We know there are a lot of activity providers on the island and we really appreciate that you chose to spend part of your morning with us.
Mahalo and a hui hou
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Attended as: | Families |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/15 |
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It's true, discovering the Manta's is a must do on Kona and the best place is Keauhou Bay with the "Dolphin Discovery" crew. I chose this company based on their reviews and it was the best decision I made! Our family numbered 6 among an intimate group of 12, plus the crew. Everyone of the crew from the "in-water" guides (Justin & Chaz) to the Capt. and shore staff were AMAZING. Super helpful, patient, approachable, knowledgeable and everything a group could ask for and more! Equipment is top notch and the hot, lavender/chamomile tea & cookies after the swim/snorkeling is the perfect touch!! Thank you very, very much for making this one of the most memorable experiences we had in Kona!!
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Attended as: | Families |
Activity Date: | 2022/01/03 |
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Whale watching with Hawaii Nautical was a great experience. The crew was very friendly and they had a great offer at the bar. We also got a lot of information on the whales and their habitat.
Don't have too high expectations when you go out in December. We only saw two whales, their backs and a few times their tails. From what we heard, January might be a better time to go whale watching.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/30 |
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Crew, equipment, boat, customers and experience were all AWESOME
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Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/30 |
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We took the cruise last Thursday. The cruise time from the harbor to the site was a little long but worthful. The sunset view was beautiful. And we were so lucky to see a group of dolphins. The two girls were super nice and very helpful. Also, they offer a different price for people with ride-only. It was a great experience. I regret for not giving tips because my wallet was left in the car. I hope they could accept Zelle/Apple pay of tips later.
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Attended as: | Families |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/23 |
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The manta ray night snorkel was AMAZING! Our guides were so friendly and knowledgeable. They took the time to meet each one of us individually. Being in the dark ocean with these amazing creatures is a breathtaking experience that can’t be put into words or explained with videos. You just have to do it. We have 5-6 rays that barrel rolled under us continuously for about 20 minutes.
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Attended as: | Families |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/27 |
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I paid for and experienced the sunset Manta Ray Night Time Snorkelling on Dec. 23, 2021. I completely understand that these are wild animals and that it's extremely unpredictable whether or not you'll get a good chance to see them up close and personal. That said, that is what this company is selling and what we are paying extremely good money for. if you are going to charge for it, then every effort should be made to deliver on that experience.
The crew overall did a decent job, but once we arrived at the area where the Manta Rays were supposed to be, I was surprised to see a huge number of boats of various sizes and setups. I then realized that perhaps our setup was not ideal. I noticed that some arrange the snorkelers in a circle or square formation, making it more likely for everyone to get a good view of the Manta Ray if it shows up. Our setup was just some floating paddle boards, and our particular location was not ideal. I would say all of us on our particular paddle board barely caught a glimpse of a Manta Ray, whereas others I believe based on what they said got a much better view. This was extremely disappointing. I'm sure those who did catch a good shot will talk about a different experience, but all of us who were on the boat paid good money, not just those who got a good view of the Manta Rays.
This makes it hard to recommend this particular outfit to others
Aloha Chris, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback as we are always looking for ways to improve our tours. We are deeply sorry that your encounter with the Manta Rays fell short of expectations on our tour. Our captain and crew went to great lengths to provide a memorable experience, but the unpredictability of wildlife and ocean conditions can sometimes pose challenges. We hope you can join us again in the future to restore your impression of our tour and see more Mantas up close. Mahalo
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Attended as: | Families |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/23 |
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Was thrilling and informative. The crew were friendly and helpful and made every effort to make sure the experience was enjoyable. The mantas were so close and very impressive. Also saw dolphins as a bonus.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/23 |
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Reply from activity provider
An unexpected error has occurred. Please go back to the previous page and try again, or wait a few minutes and try once again.
Aloha! 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