Page 8) Things to Do in Big Island in 2026 – Tours & Activities | HawaiiActivities.com

All Reviews for Marine Life Tours & Cruises in Big Island

Overall Rating

4.49 4.49 / 5

Reviews

1108 reviews

Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Cruise with Ocean Sports - Kids 5 Years Old and Under Ride Free!

Kids loved it!

Reviewed by: Gina

We had a great experience on board! The guides were educational and friendly! Our children (3y & 14m) had a lot of fun and enjoyed being able to see all the creatures! We saw turtles, an eel, and so many fish!

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Rating:
Packages: Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2022/12/30
Activity Date: 2022/12/28

Kona Glassbottom Boat & Guided Coral Reef Tour with Marine Naturalist

So much fun. Great for families!

Reviewed by: Jen & Dion

My family loved this tour. Great for kids. We loved not having to get in the water to see coral and fish.

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Rating:
Packages: Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2022/12/25
Activity Date: 2022/12/23

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Amazing!

Reviewed by: Nikhil

It was perfect! The crew was really kind and helpful. The captain was really funny and entertaining. And the star of the show - the Manta Rays - we're absolutely breathtaking. We were lucky to find a group of Manta Rays en route and decided to drop anchor and just spent all the time there. That gave us more time with the Manta Rays. We weren't the best swimmers so the crew helped us with life jackets and they helped to and fro the float. We had a great time and I would absolutely recommend them.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Nikhil,

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

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/12/17
Activity Date: 2022/11/27

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Good Company

Reviewed by: Kara

Liked the smaller boat vibe! we saw a lot of manta rays

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Kara,

We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your group, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!

Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/11/21
Activity Date: 2022/11/14

マンタ大学夜学部 野生のマンタ&ナイトシュノーケリングツアー <送迎可/日本語スタッフ乗船日あり>

I was able to see a manta ray up close! マンタを間近で見れました!

Reviewed by: まさまさ

I participated in a tour on October 30. I had originally planned a different night tour, but it was canceled on the day due to bad weather. I had been recommended the manta ray tour by a local Lyft driver, so I hurriedly booked the evening tour for that day. In the end, it was a great decision.

Listening to the explanations from the Japanese guide made for a reassuring boat trip. It was also a wonderful memory to see the sunset sinking into the sea and to spot baby whales along the way.

As for the mantas, I was able to see about six of them. They shared the videos and photos taken with a GoPro, which allowed me to focus on the mantas in front of me without getting distracted by filming. The mantas gracefully swam just a meter away, and after watching them for a while, I completely lost track of everyday life and felt as if there was only the mantas and myself in the world.

After returning to the boat, we were served warm cocoa. It was soothing and comforting for my slightly tired and chilled body.

Since this seems to be an experience you can't have on Oahu, I highly recommend participating in this tour if you visit the Big Island.

10/30にツアー参加。
元々別の夜ツアーを予定していたのですが、それが悪天候で当日キャンセルとなりました。
マンタツアーのことは、事前にLyftの地元運転手からお勧めされていたので、急いで当日夕方のツアーを予約しました。
結果的には大正解でした。
日本人のガイドさんの説明を聞きながら、安心した船旅となりました。
途中で海に沈む夕陽や、子どもの鯨を見ることができたのも良い思い出です。

肝心のマンタは、6枚ほど見ることができました。
GoProで撮影した動画や写真を共有してもらえたので、撮影に気を取られず、目の前のマンタに集中することができました。
1mの距離で身を翻し、優雅に泳ぐマンタ。
しばらく見ていると、日常は完全に頭から消え、世界にマンタと自分だけしかいないような錯覚に陥りました。

船に戻ってからは温かいココアを振る舞ってもらえました。
少し疲れて冷えた身体に染み渡るココアでした。

オアフ島では体験できないイベントらしいので、ハワイ島を訪れたらぜひ参加してもらいたいツアーです。

Reply from activity provider

Thank you for joining us! I'm glad you enjoyed the manta rays, baby whales, and the cocoa at the end! Thank you for the beautiful sunset photos. The colors of the sky are very lovely. Mahalo.

ご参加ありがとうございます!
マンタに子クジラ、締めのココアも堪能いただけて嬉しいです!
素敵なサンセットの写真ありがとうございます。
空の色合いがとても綺麗ですね。
Mahalo

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Rating:
Packages: 送迎なしプラン
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/11/19
Activity Date: 2022/10/30

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe

A MUST DO!!!!

Reviewed by: Desiree

I booked the Manta Ray Night Snorkel Canoe for my 12 year daughter & I. This totally exceeded my expectations! I still cannot believe how many mantas we saw & how close they were. Our crew took great care of us & had a great sense of humor.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2022/11/19
Activity Date: 2022/11/17

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Fantastic crew, amazing experience

Reviewed by: Erin

In addition to a wonderful manta ray sighting experience, we were also treated to a spinner dolphin show on the way. The crew were friendly, knowledgeable and great with our 7-year old. We really appreciated the smaller boat for a more intimate and personal experience. The hot chocolate on the way back was a really nice touch! Would absolutely recommend Iruka and we would go again with them next time we are back in Hawaii.

Just be patient with the sightings! We didn't get much activity with the mantas until right at the end and it was totally worth it.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Erin,

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

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2022/11/17
Activity Date: 2022/11/15

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Manta Ray Ballet

Reviewed by: Pat

Seeing Mantra rays glide gracefully beneath you was a highlight of my trip to Hawaii. I highly recommend Iruka.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Pat,

We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your group, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!

Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/11/05
Activity Date: 2022/10/12

Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour - Small-Group Adventure from Keauhou Bay

Do it!! You won’t regret it

Reviewed by: Lindsay

Very friendly staff and fun facts about manta rays throughout the snorkel trip. We got to see 4 different mantas throughout our trip and they come up so close to you it’s amazing. 10/10 would recommend.

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Rating:
Packages: Night Manta Discovery Adventure
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2022/10/27
Activity Date: 2022/10/24

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Magical!!

Reviewed by: Lea

Hands down a memorable experience. I absolutely loved it and want to go back ASAP. I went in September and I still can't stop thinking about it. The parking was right in front of the loading area. The crew was welcoming right away. They got us set up with gear and even let us use our own gear if we brought. They had snacks and beverages on board. We got to watch the sky light on fire for sunset as we sailed out to where the mantas were. Lots of other companies were around in the harbor as well but the crew made sure to stay a safe distance away without disrupting the other experiences. And !!for the main event!! we saw SIX manta rays! Maybe more. They were so beautiful and flipping right underneath us. The captain also shared some knowledge atop the floating mat while we snorkeled so we could hear her stories while appreciating the creatures. The mantas stuck around the whole time. When it was time to head back in, the crew treated us to hot chocolate. They were also happy to share footage they took during the experience. I fully appreciated their generosity. I would definitely go back and do this again with Iruka! And a BIG MAHALO to HawaiiActivities.com and the Hawaii Reef Hero contest for making this possible for me and my friends <3

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Lea,

Mahalo nui for sharing your kind words and amazing photos of your experience with us! We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your group, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!

Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii

  • Thank you Hawaii Activities and Hawaii Reef Hero!

  • this sunset was fire!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2022/10/27
Activity Date: 2022/09/05

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Epic

Reviewed by: CLK

We had the greatest time on this tour! Ocean Encounters has the best crew and they made it so much fun! They were super nice and very knowledgeable! Not only that but the mantas put on a great show for us!! Highly recommend!! Mahalo Ocean Encounters!!!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2022/10/27
Activity Date: 2022/10/25

Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Cruise with Ocean Sports - Kids 5 Years Old and Under Ride Free!

Great for kids

Reviewed by: Becca

We had a great time on the boat. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and it was the perfect activity for a group with kids and grandparents. Everyone got to see fish and turtles up close in a way that was easy and enjoyable for a group not up for snorkeling

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Rating:
Packages: Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2022/10/23
Activity Date: 2022/10/21

Keauhou Bay Manta Ray Night Dive Tour & Snorkel Adventure from Kona - Sea Quest

Well worth it!

Reviewed by: Naamador

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel by Sea Quest is well worth the expense for the unique opportunity to get up close to the beautiful rays. There are a lot of different companies doing this type of tour. Sea Quest really has the entire process dialed in to make the most of the experience and to maximize your viewing time. Very professional and just downright nice. They truly care about delivering. Would highly recommend.

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Rating:
Packages: Swim with Mantas
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/10/18
Activity Date: 2022/10/16

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Mantas are amazing but not the boat or the crew.

Reviewed by: Mashka

The boat was old and had not enough power. On the way there we were passed by many boats of same size. Then the boat wouldn't start at all and we were towed back to port. 3 passengers were very sea sick.
The crew didn't provide any information about the manta reys while we watched. Other boat crews were very informative.
Would not recommend.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2022/10/17
Activity Date: 2022/10/10

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Great Experience!

Reviewed by: Nathan

The crew, the equipment and the atmosphere were fantastic. But all topped by the giant Manta Rays that we saw on the trip. Once in a life time experience and was one of our favorite things we did while in Kona!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Nathan,

Mahalo for sharing your experience with us, repeating customers receive a 20% discount on all future bookings!

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/10/17
Activity Date: 2022/10/10

Keauhou Bay Manta Ray Night Dive Tour & Snorkel Adventure from Kona - Sea Quest

Night Manta Ray Experience

Reviewed by: Peter Hauanio

We had an amazing experience, the mantas were huge and plentiful. Seeing the amount of plankton, no wonder the mantas stays in that area. The crew was awesome, the hot chocolate was great. Finding Sea quest was easy, and getting out to the swim site was quick. The only downfall was when water would get into the mask, and you go to readjust the mask, because there’s a lot of plankton around, could there be a possibility that you may have swallowed some as well, or may have gone up your nose. My friend had a serious sinus infection the day after our tour. She’s doing ok now. Otherwise, we had a blast and will cherish this moment forever. Thank you for the experience.

  • Mahalo Sea Quest

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Swim with Mantas
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2022/10/12
Activity Date: 2022/10/09

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Must Do!

Reviewed by: Kara

This experience was awesome and you dont even need to be a great snorkeler!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Kara,

Mahalo for sharing your experience with us, repeating customers receive a 20% discount on all future bookings!

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2022/10/12
Activity Date: 2022/09/24

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Not great!

Reviewed by: Unknown

It was OK. Nothing was explained well. Water was cold and did not expect to be hanging by the side of board for half hour to watch them coming at you! Very inconvenient, cold and ill-explained activity. Although staff was helpful. Wished they listened to the individual difficulties to understand. Could have enjoyed better with help.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Posted on: 2022/10/11
Activity Date: 2022/09/15

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Manta Ray Snorkel!

Reviewed by: Rob

The crew was fun, safe and respectful as well as extremely fun! We saw a minimum of 3 and a max of well… it was 7 or 8 at once. We were all so pleased with this even and I highly recommend going at sunset.
The rays were magnificent and gentle for such large creatures. They truly are a sight to see.
Will do this again on our next visit.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/10/09
Activity Date: 2022/10/05

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe

Such a cool experience!

Reviewed by: Stephanie

The canoe was a very cool option and keeps the number of people in the group low. The boat sailed a very short distance to the manta viewing area- great for me as I tend to get motion sick. The water was warmer than I thought- again great for me bc I think I’m allergic to cold water. I wore my own wetsuit but they provided everyone with a proper wetsuit top. I wore both and was fine. Our 12yo said he was cold but didn’t complain.
We were all provided snorkels and masks. We all got into the water and held onto a floating device equipped with an underwater light. There we’re several mantas in the area and a few of them swam within inches of us! One touched my arm with its belly. We were in the water about 30 minutes at best guess which was plenty of time in my opinion. I specifically booked a shorter tour for fear of getting sick or freezing but none occurred.
Overall it was a very cool experience and our guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful! Definitely recommend this adventure!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2022/10/07
Activity Date: 2022/10/05

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Magic night

Reviewed by: Marie D

The journey was well organised and on time. The team was really cheerful and fun.
We could see Manta Rays swimming below us all along our time in the water. I liked to learn about Manta Rays while seeing them. It was one of the best moment on the island, Magic!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Marie D,

Mahalo for sharing your experience with us, repeating customers receive a 20% discount on all future bookings!

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/10/07
Activity Date: 2022/10/05

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe

Best excursion ever!

Reviewed by: Connie C

We had a great time. The Manta Rays gave us a great show! I was a little worried about getting in and out of the water but that was no problem with a little help from our guide. I highly recommend this tour.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/09/30
Activity Date: 2022/09/19

Kona Glassbottom Boat & Guided Coral Reef Tour with Marine Naturalist

Family Fun!

Reviewed by: Robyn Molina

I chose this boat because my group had 2 little ones, 3yrs and almost 1yr old. This was perfect for them. We all enjoyed the lessons and the guide who was very attentive to everyone! I highly recommend this tour

Reply from activity provider

Mahalo for the wonderful review, and for recommending us. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. Hope to see you again soon.

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Rating:
Packages: Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2022/09/18
Activity Date: 2022/09/16

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe

Great experience!!

Reviewed by: Nin

Amazing experience for the four of us (mum, dad & two teenage boys!). The crew has the right balance of humour, sensitivity & business like manner! The snorkelling experience was just phenomenal, one of the best experiences of our lives! Captured on go-pro, so a memory we can re-live time & time again!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2022/09/17
Activity Date: 2022/08/26

Atlantis Kona Submarine Tour & Undersea Adventure - Descend up to 100 feet

Fun Day

Reviewed by: Kara

I liked this tour, but I would say its a one and done!

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Rating:
Packages: Kona Submarine
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2022/09/15
Activity Date: 2022/09/13

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Awesome

Reviewed by: Chelsea

This was an amazing once in a lifetime experience. Highly recommend going on this tour. The moonlight tour would be my recommendation because there are less boats in the cove. The crew on this trip were great and very helpful the entire trip. They had drinks and snacks available when on the boat. The mantas were constant the entire time we were in the water and I was able to get great footage on my GoPro!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package: Moonlight Manta Snorkel (Seasonal)
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2022/09/13
Activity Date: 2022/09/03

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Amazing experience for young and old

Reviewed by: familytour2022

We had an amazing time on this tour, the guides were knowledgeable, funny and accommodating. My 3 year old got to ride on the party pit and loved seeing the mantas up close. Really appreciated all the extra care the staff took to make sure everyone was supported and felt comfortable. We saw at least half a dozen different rays and our biggest challenge was not touching them when they swam right up to us! Can not recommend this tour enough

Reply from activity provider

Aloha!

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

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2022/09/12
Activity Date: 2022/09/06

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

One of the Best Experiences on Big Island

Reviewed by: Kara

These ginaromous creaters are as sweet as puppies! So fun

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/09/05
Activity Date: 2022/08/31

マンタ大学夜学部 野生のマンタ&ナイトシュノーケリングツアー <送迎可/日本語スタッフ乗船日あり>

Manta Night Snorkeling マンタナイトシュノーケリング

Reviewed by: ひろみん

There were probably over 30 people participating on the same boat, but it was far too small to accommodate that many... We were packed in so tightly that there was hardly any space between the seats, and I was quite close to the person next to me.

同じ船で参加した方々が恐らく30人を超えていたのですが、30人乗るにはとても小さすぎる船でした…
いすの隙間がなくなるほど、ギチギチに座り、隣の方とかなり密着してました。

Reply from activity provider

Aloha,
We usually operate at about 80% capacity, but it seems that on the day of your visit, there was a mix-up with the date, and some customers joined us, causing congestion.
We apologize for not being able to provide you with a comfortable experience.

Aloha
通常は定員の80%ほどで行うのですが、当日は日にち間違えでいらしたお客様の合流があり混雑してしまったようです。
快適にお過ごしいただくことができず申し訳ございませんでした。

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Rating:
Packages: 送迎付きプラン
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2022/09/01
Activity Date: 2022/08/07

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

10/10 Amazing Experience

Reviewed by: Mayra Mateo

The crew was awesome! They made sure everyone was safe and made accommodations for those that needed it. I hope those that needed a little extra help also appreciate them because they did an amazing job! We saw at least 7 mantas that night. It’s one thing seeing them at the zoo and another snorkeling with them. Towards the last 10 minutes of the session, we had 4 mantas doing flips under our floating matt. It was so mesmerizing! Such beautiful creatures! Would definitely do it again in the future! 10/10

Reply from activity provider

Aloha!

We love to hear all the positive feedback about our Manta Ray Experience! Mahalo for joining us and we hope to see you again soon, we offer a 20% discount for repeating customers.

Best,
Team Iruka Hawaii

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/08/27
Activity Date: 2022/08/25
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