All Reviews for Marine Wildlife Encounters

As the only Japanese participant who didn't understand English that day, I approached the experience with a spirit of challenge. I was given a brochure with clear explanations in Japanese about the ship and the whales. While the staff were attentive with drinks and other services, I felt that there was a slight lack of effort in helping customers spot the whales. I was able to see a few jumps and blows faintly, but I thought the price for this activity was too high, even considering the cost of living.

この日の日本人参加者が、英語の分からない自分1人だったこともあり、どうなる事か…と、チャレンジ精神で臨みました。日本語で分かりやすく記載されている船内やクジラの説明のリーフレットを渡されました。係員の方々は、飲み物など、気を配ってくださいましたけれど、肝心なクジラをお客様に探して見てもらおうといった姿勢が若干欠けていたと感じました。
ジャンプやブローは何回かうっすらと見れましたが、このアクティビティ料金では（物価が高いとは言え）高すぎると思いました。

I saw a whale flapping its tail right in front of me. I was satisfied because I got to see it up close multiple times. Along the way, I also encountered a pod of dolphins. The explanations were in English, but I was able to understand most of it.

目の前でクジラがしっぽをバタバタ。
何度も近くで見れたので、満足です。
途中、いるかの群れにも会いました。
説明は、英語でしだが、大体は、理解できました。

The guides were amazing! So enthusiastic and wonderful with our 6 year old son. Full of so much knowledge about the mantas! We saw 3 manta rays, one of them swam right up so close it grazed my foot. Amazing, once in a lifetime bucket list for sure!! Really recommend this company!!

The meeting time was 7:30, but we were actually called to the boat around 8:00. I guess it's the laid-back Thai time… I was a bit disappointed since I woke up quite early.

The meeting place is very hard to find; it's the building on the beach adjacent to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort. It feels more like a makeshift hut than a beach house.

The weather was great on the day, and we were able to see whales about 12 times. My mother, who joined me, seemed very satisfied! However, it was quite cold, so having a windbreaker or something similar would be a good idea.

The explanations were only in English, and there were no brochures or anything. They will say, "Look in the direction of the time!" in English, so please make sure to look quickly in that direction!!

When getting off the boat, you will get wet up to your knees, so I definitely recommend participating in a skirt or pants that can be rolled up!

7:30集合でしたが、実際に船に呼ばれたのは8:00〜でした。
南国タイムなのでしょうか…だいぶ早起きしたので、少し残念に思いました。

集合場所がとてもわかりづらいですが、ワイコロアビーチマリオットリゾートホテルに隣接しているビーチの建物です。
海の家というよりは、掘建て小屋のような感じです。

当日は天気も良く、12回ほど鯨を見ることができ、一緒に参加した母も大満足の様子でした！
なお、とても寒かったので、ウインドブレーカーなどあった方が良さそうです。

説明は英語のみで、特にパンフレットなどはありませんでした。
「○時の方向を見て！」と英語で言われるので、迅速にその方向を見てください！！

下船時、膝まで濡れますので必ずスカートやまくり上げられるパンツでの参加をオススメします！

I was shivering from the cold until the manta ray appeared, but when it showed up and spun around in front of me multiple times, I was so excited that I forgot all about the cold! I'm really glad I participated. It was so cute, and I felt like I became friends with the manta ray!

マンタが出てくるまで寒くて震えてましたが、マンタが現れなんどもなんども目の前で回転してくれたときはとても興奮して寒さはぶっ飛びました！本当に参加してよかったです。とても可愛かったしマンタと仲良しになれた気がしました！

I participated in this tour because it allows you to get close to whales on a small boat during whale watching. There were four Japanese participants, including my mother and me. The rest were all travelers from the mainland United States, including some small children. The captain's guidance and announcements were all in English, but he entertained us with his cheerful demeanor and acrobatic maneuvers.

The boat sped out to sea faster than I had imagined. Passengers clung to the ropes attached to the boat, and the small children were held by their mothers. The first sighting was a pod of dolphins. Their synchronized swimming was very soothing. Additionally, we were fortunate enough to encounter a group of manta rays, which seems to be rare. As for the whales, at first, we could only see them blowing water from a distance, but in the end, we saw one diving right next to the boat. It was thrilling to see it swim directly beneath us.

We had a juice and snack break on board, and on the way back, we encountered another pod of dolphins. The captain created round waves on the surface with his acrobatic steering, and the dolphins joyfully jumped in, which was incredibly cute! It was a thoroughly satisfying tour.

However, I forgot to take motion sickness medication and ended up feeling a bit groggy, so I definitely recommend taking it. Also, since the boat moves at quite a high speed, it might be a bit dangerous for those who are not confident in their ability to hold on or for elderly individuals. I highly recommend this tour for those who love thrill rides or want to see marine animals up close!

ホエールウォッチングの中でも小さな船でクジラに近付けるということで、こちらのツアーに参加しました。日本人参加者は私と母を含めて4人。ほかは全員アメリカ本土からの旅行者で、中には小さなお子さんも。船長のガイドやアナウンスはすべて英語ですが、ノリのよさとアクロバティックな操縦で楽しませてくれました。

船は想像していた以上のハイスピードで沖へ。乗客は船についているロープにしがみつき、小さなお子さんはお母さまが抱いていらっしゃいました。最初に現れたのはイルカの群れ。規則的にグループで泳ぐ姿にとても癒されました。また、これは珍しいようですがマンタの群れにも遭遇することができました。そして肝心のクジラですが、最初は遠くのほうで潮を吹いている姿しか見られなかったものの、最後には船のすぐそばで潜水。そのまま船の下を通っていく姿を間近でしっかりと見られて感動しました。

船上でのジュース＆お菓子タイムを挟みつつ、帰り道にはまたもイルカの群れに遭遇。すると船長がアクロバティックな操縦で水面にまあるい波を起こし、そこにイルカたちが楽しそうに飛び込んできてとてもかわいかったです...！最後まで大満足のツアーでした。

ただ酔い止めを飲み忘れてしまいグロッキーになったので笑、必ず酔い止めは飲んだほうがいいです。また船はかなりのハイスピードで進むので、つかまる力に自信がない方やお年寄りには少し危ないかもしれません。絶叫マシンが好きな方や海の動物を近くで見たい方にはとってもおススメです！

We participated as a family of four (all adults). Among the three staff members, the female staff member was fluent in Japanese, so we had no trouble understanding the explanations before snorkeling. The snorkeling lasted about 40 minutes. We were instructed to keep our bodies horizontal and look into the water, but it wasn't difficult to maintain that position since we had a foam-like stick to hold near our knees. The manta rays came close enough to touch. They are large and incredibly impressive! We were able to see at least five manta rays. The staff were very considerate, making our experience comfortable. Additionally, we received a tote bag with a manta ray design on our way back.

I was worried about seasickness, and while my wife experienced some mild symptoms, it wasn't serious, and it seemed that no other participants had issues with seasickness. However, I think it depends on the wave conditions of the day. Also, it might be wise to rent a wetsuit for an additional fee ($10 each).

家族4人で参加しました。（全員大人）
スタッフ3名のうち女性のスタッフの方は日本語が堪能なので、シュノーケリング前の説明等も問題なく理解できました。シュノーケリングは約40分間。
体を水平にして海中を覗き込むように言われましたが、発泡スチロールのような棒状のものを膝の辺りに当てるので体を水平に維持するのは疲れもせず難しくなかったです。
マンタは体に触れるくらいまで近くに来てくれます。
マンタは大きく凄い迫力です！　確認できただけでも５枚のマンタを見ることができました。
スタッフの皆さんもいろいろと気遣いしてくれて快適でした。
それと、帰りにマンタの絵が描かれたトートバッグをいただきました。

船酔いが心配でしたが、妻に少し船酔いの症状が出たものの大事には至らず、他の参加者にも船酔いした人はいなかったようです。ただ、船酔いに関してはその日の波の状況にもよると思います。
それと別料金（1着10㌦）になりますがウエットスーツは借りたほうが賢明ではないでしょうか。

It takes about 10 minutes by car from the town of Kailua-Kona to the office. There were no other Japanese tourists besides us; most of the participants were from the mainland United States. Instead of a cruise ship, we boarded a boat to head out to sea. Along the way, we encountered a pod of dolphins and saw many whales up close! We got soaked on the boat, but that was also a fun memory. Snacks and water were provided during the trip. I would love to participate again if I visit the Big Island during the season.

カイルアコナの町から車で10分くらいでオフィスに着きます。
ツアー客は私達のほかに日本人はおらずアメリカ本土から来ている人がほとんどでした。
クルーズ船というよりもボートに乗り込み沖まで行きます。
途中イルカの群れにも会え、クジラにも沢山、そして間近で見る事が出来ました！！
ボートで沖まで行くのでびしょ濡れになりましたが、それも楽しい思い出です。
途中スナックと水を貰えます。
またシーズンにハワイ島に行けば参加したいです。

I was thrilled to see the whales jump multiple times. The boat rocked, but I was so focused on searching for the whales that I didn't feel seasick and enjoyed myself.

クジラのジャンプを何回も見ることができて感激しました。船は揺れましたが、クジラを探すことに夢中になっていたため船酔いもなく楽しめました。

Since my accommodation was in Kailua-Kona, I had to make my way to the meeting point on foot. However, the public parking was difficult to find, which made me quite anxious, so it's necessary to check in advance. The tour exceeded my expectations as I was able to see whales up close, which was fantastic. However, the boat does rock quite a bit, so I think those who are prone to seasickness should prepare accordingly.

滞在先がカイルアコナだったので地力で集合
場所まで行かなければならなかったですが
パブリックパーキングが判り辛く、かなり焦り
ましたので事前のチェックが必要です。
ツアーの内容は予想以上に近くでクジラを
見る事が出来て大変良かったです。
ただし、船はかなり揺れますので、船酔いの
心配な方はそれなりに準備した方が良いと思います。

I was able to see whales from a distance. Watching the whales swimming leisurely as a couple was soothing, and I definitely want to participate again!

遠目でしたが、鯨を見ることが出来ました。ユッタリとカップルで泳ぐ鯨達を見て癒やされました、ぜひもう一度参加したい！

The sight of three manta rays gracefully rising from the seabed and swirling around in a mesmerizing dance under the fantastical light was truly beautiful and moving. They came up close to us repeatedly, creating an unforgettable experience.

The rental for wetsuits was $10 for adults and $5 for children. I was honestly worried that it might be too cold to endure during this winter season in Hawaii, but thanks to the wetsuits, it wasn't as cold as I expected, and the 40 minutes flew by.

We participated as a family of five across three generations: my mother (68), my husband (44), myself (40), my daughter (16), and my son (10), and everyone was extremely satisfied! The sunset and starry sky before and after snorkeling were also spectacular. Unlike regular snorkeling, this experience involved simply holding onto a board and floating while observing, so even small children, older adults, and those who are not good swimmers can enjoy it without worry.

幻想的な光の中を3枚のマンタが海底から優雅に上がってきて、グルグルと大きく踊るように回る様子は本当に美しく、感動的な光景でした。
身体に触れる近さで何度も何度も上がってきてくれて、一生忘れられない体験になりました。
ウェットスーツは大人10ドル、子ども5ドルで貸出でした。ハワイでも冬のこの時期、正直寒すぎて耐えられないのではないかと不安だったのですが、ウェットスーツのお陰で思ったよりも寒くなく、あっという間の40分でした。
3世代、母（68歳）、主人（44歳）、私（40歳）、娘（16歳）、息子（10歳）の5人で参加しましたが、全員大満足！
シュノーケリング前後の夕日や星空も見応え満点です。普通のシュノーケリングと違い、ボードに捕まって浮かぶだけの観察なので、小さい子も年配の方も、泳ぎが苦手な方も心配なく楽しめます。

My husband and I participated together. Although we didn't encounter the bridging we were expecting (it seems the encounter rate is not very high), we did see a mother and calf whale! (I wonder if they are more commonly seen around Maui??)

The transportation was smooth, and we were able to experience an activity early in the morning, which allowed us to make the most of the rest of the day. I think it was a great schedule. Everyone on board was calling out, "Which direction are they?" as we spotted the whales, enjoying the spouts and tail slaps. The tour captain explained the whales' ecology (in English) and answered various questions from the passengers, which was very educational. I would love to participate again someday and hopefully see the bridging!

夫と二人で参加しました。期待していたブリッジングには遭遇できませんでしたが（ただ遭遇率はあまり高くないとのこと）、親子クジラに出会えました！（マウイ島のほうがみられるんでしょうか？？）

送迎はスムーズで、朝一にひとつアクティビティを体験でき、そのあとの一日をたっぷり使えますしよいスケジュールだと思います。乗客みんなで「何時方向にいる！」と見つけあい、潮吹きやしっぽたたきを楽しみました。ツアー船長が（英語ですが）クジラの生態について説明してくれました。乗客のいろいろな質問にも答えてくれて、学びになりました。いつかまた参加して、ぜひブリッジングを見てみたいです！

I was disappointed that I couldn't see the manta rays, but the Japanese female staff member was very cheerful. She provided thorough explanations about the tour content and the manta rays before it started, and she made sure that all participants understood the information, including the details about the opportunity for a retry since we couldn't see them this time. Watching the sunset and the journey to the point was very enjoyable, and on the way back, she was very considerate, which left a strong impression on me. Although I didn't get to see the manta rays, I felt grateful to have participated in such a wonderful tour.

マンタには会えず残念でしたが、日本人スタッフの女性がとても明るい方で、始まる前のツアー内容やマンタについての案内から今回見れなかったための再チャレンジの案内まで、参加者全員がちゃんと理解できているか確認するように、きちんと説明してくださりました。
サンセットをみて、ポイントまでの移動はとても楽しく、帰りも色々と気を使ってくださり、そのことがとても印象的でマンタは見れませんでしたがとてもいいツアーに参加できてよかったと思いました。

It was not stated were We would go to for the Manta Ray night time snorkle. We assumed it would be in front of the SheratonKona and were disappointed it was at the secondary location. We saw one manta Ray for about three seconds and that was it. I would highly recommend going to one that is in front of the SheratonKona because we got back to our hotel and we could see them from the restaurant there!

Not a big boat and it was a bit cramped but we had a great time with the open bar. The pupus were limited to fruit, veggies, sweet rolls, and some ham and cheese rolls.

Note: You'll have to walk into the ocean for a few feet to board so be prepared to take off shoes.

Obviously the tour does not summon the whales at their leisure, but we saw honestly 10+ whales (maybe some of the same ones) over a period of an hour and a half and it was incredible. I have so many photos that I can’t wait to post on social. Regardless of actually seeing the whales, the tour was not only educational but it was a smooth ride, very fun and friendly and we even used a hydro microphone that picked up the whales talking to eachother around us. It was nothing I’ve ever heard before, they are so loud!! I would recommend the early trip for any older folks (we took my grandma who is 78) and/or any easily motion sick people. Overall completely worth the price and waking up “early” on vacation.

I was able to see manta rays up close, even more than I expected. It was so close that it was difficult not to touch them, even though we were told not to. When I took a video, it only captured their belly area, it came that close! I will participate again.

思った以上に近くでマンタを見ることができました。触ってはいけないといわれていたので、触らないようにするのが大変なくらい近くまで来て、動画をとってもおなかのあたりしか映らないくらい（笑）近くに来てくれました。また参加します。

Hawaii Island has straightforward roads that are easy to navigate, and the meeting points were clear as well. It was great to see the manta rays up close.

ハワイ島は、道路も複雑じゃなくわかりやすく集合場所もわかりやすかったです。マンタも間近に見えて良かったです。

The crew and boat delivered for us and found the mantas. Would definitely do again.malby

I couldn't meet the 270 manta rays because there were reports of sharks that eat mantas... but a few days later, I was able to switch to a dolphin experience! I recommend booking early in your stay so you can make changes if needed. If you bring your smartphone, you can take photos on the boat. There was also time to enjoy the sunset. When we went, we were the only Japanese people there, but we had a Japanese guide who made it enjoyable.

マンタを食べるサメが出没中とのことで270枚いるはずのマンタに逢えず…でしたが数日後のイルカに振り替えて貰えました！行くときは振り替えられるよう滞在の前半に申し込むのがおススメです。スマホ持って行くとボートの中で写真撮ってもらえますよ。夕日を眺められる時間あり。行ったときは私たち以外海外の人でしたが、日本人ガイドが付いて下さって楽しめました。

we had nice view of corals, sea life,ship wreck. transfer to submarine in the sea was another unique experience.ride itself was comfortable and staff were friendly.This activity would recommend to anyone visiting Hawaii

Unfortunately, we were unable to see any whales. I had read experiences beforehand and thought there would be plenty of soft drinks, fruits, and snacks available on the boat, but there was nothing to eat. The fruits disappeared in no time, and all that was left were broken chips. Soft drinks were unlimited.

残念ながらクジラを見ることはできませんでした。
事前に体験談を読んで、ソフトドリンク、フルーツや軽食などが船に豊富に用意されているように思っていましたが、口にするものは何もなかったです。
フルーツはあっという間になくなってしまい、あったのは割れたチップスだけでした。
ソフトドリンクは飲み放題です。

My English skills were below the level of daily conversation, but I was able to enjoy the experience without any problems.

【Before Boarding the Boat】
At the scheduled time, a small bus came to pick us up at the hotel front. We were dropped off near the sea close to Waikoloa and were told, "Come back here when you're done. Also, please fill out the consent form over there before boarding the boat." We headed towards a beach house on the sand. After completing the electronic signature on a device that looked like a tablet, we waited for about 10 minutes until a small boat arrived, and we boarded it. We transferred from the small boat to a larger boat just before going out to sea. There were only two of us from Japan participating.

【Whale Watching Experience】
Seating on the boat was free. Since it was an English tour, I couldn't understand what was being said at all (laughs). The boat was also swaying, so when standing up to take pictures of the whales, everyone stood, so please make sure to hold onto the ropes or handrails tightly. Although it was far away, we were able to see the whales spouting water about 4 to 5 times and also witnessed a low jump of a whale arching its back. It was a precious experience where I could feel the great nature of Hawaii Island. The crew was a kind young man. He said, "You can almost see whales every day! Dolphins are occasional. There are more in Kona than here." I was shown a picture of the boat getting very close to a whale by the crew, and I was amazed at how impressive it was. Since it depends on luck whether you see whales or not, I thought, "There are lucky days like this." By the way, the two of us did not get seasick.

【After Whale Watching】
Around 9:30, we got off the boat and transferred to a small boat to return to the beach. We boarded the bus we took on the way there and safely arrived back at the hotel front, marking the end of the tour.

Since it was my first experience with whale watching, I’m glad I participated! While waiting for the whales, I also enjoyed cruising. I could see the mountains like Mauna Kea in the distance and the beautiful coastline, making for a graceful time.

日常会話レベル以下の英語力でしたが、特に問題なく楽しむことができました。

【船に乗るまで】
時間になったらホテルのフロントまで小型バスが迎えに来てくれました。
ワイコロアから程近い海に降ろされ「終わったらここに戻ってきてね。それと船に乗る前に同意書は向こうで書いてね。」と言われ、砂浜にある海の家(?)に向かいます。タブレットのような機械で電子サインを済ませ10分ほど待つと小さな船が来たので乗りました。
沖より少し手前で小さな船から大きな船に移ります。
日本人参加者は私達2人だけでした。

【ホエールウォッチング体験】
船の席は自由です。英語ツアーなので私は何を言っているかはちんぷんかんぷんでした（笑）。
また船は揺れるので立ち上がってクジラの写真を撮る際は、皆立つのでしっかりロープや手すりにつかまってください。
遠かったですが4〜5回クジラの潮吹きを見ることができ、クジラの反り返りの低いジャンプも見ることができました。ハワイ島の大自然を感じられた瞬間で貴重な体験でした。
クルーも親切なお兄ちゃんでした。「クジラは毎日ほぼ見れるよ！イルカはたまに。ここよりもコナの方がいるよ。」とのこと。クルーのお兄ちゃんに船でクジラに大接近してる画像を見せてもらい、大迫力すぎて驚きました。自然相手なのでクジラに会えるor会えないは運ですが、こういうラッキーな日もあるんだなぁと思いました。ちなみに、私達2人は船酔いせずに済みました。

【ホエールウォッチングを終えて】
9:30頃船から降りて、また小さい船に移動し砂浜へ戻ります。行きに乗ったバスに乗り込み、無事にホテルのフロントに到着し無事にツアー終了となりました☆

ホエールウォッチングは初めての経験だったので、参加してよかったです！またクジラを待ってる間はクルージングとして楽しみましたよ。遠くの方にマウナケア等の山が見えて美しい海岸も見ることができ優雅な時間でした。

As we slowly glided over the mirror-like surface of the sea, we witnessed the spouting of whales and their diving. On the way back, we were treated to a pod of dolphins. It was a moving experience to realize that life can offer such moments!

鏡のような海面をゆっくり走ると、クジラの潮吹き、ダイビングを見学。帰り道はイルカの群生というおまけ付き。人生にこんな時間があるのだと、感動！

I signed up because I wanted to see whales, but in the end, I couldn't see any. All I saw were a few small sharks and dolphins in the distance. Since both the sharks and dolphins were far away, it wasn't very exciting, and with nothing to see in the vast ocean, the nearly three-hour duration became quite boring. Considering it was a bit pricey for a cruise, I wonder if I can endure it...

クジラを見たくて申し込みしましたが…
結局クジラを見ることは出来ず。
遠いところに、何頭かの小さいサメと イルカだけ。サメもイルカも遠いところだったので、
感動もそれほどなく大海原の景色も
何も見えないと、3時間近い時間は飽きてきます。ちよっと高額なクルージングと思えば、
ガマンできますかね…。

It was amazing!!!! There were quite a few manta rays swirling around! I was about 10 cm away from them, and they were about 2 to 4 meters in size. It was truly moving! Just the best!

感動！！！！かなりのマンタ達がクルクルクルクルクルクル！！マンタとの距離が10cmくらいの間近で、マンタは2〜4m程の大きさで、感動でした！最高の一言です。

Great experience! Saw whales and dolphins...mission accomplished!

While I understand that no one can truly guarantee seeing whales naturally, it's still a bit disappointing not to have seen any and the only reason Oceans Sports didn't get the full 5 stars. We appreciated the opportunity to try again another day but our demanding schedule didn't allow for it.

That being said, the crew was incredible fun and friendly and we very much enjoyed our "boating trip". The drinks were good and we got some incredible recommendations from the crew for lunch and other day-time activities. I would highly recommend this trip to others even with the off-chance of not seeing any whales.

I heard that the season had just started and the whales weren't very active, but we saw four splashes! One of them was quite close to us.
The front of the boat had a net, and the kids were lying down there, looking really comfortable! They were so relaxed that they fell into a deep sleep...

Since the guide spoke only in English, my kids and I didn't understand anything, but we still had a great time regardless!

まだシーズン始まったばかりで、クジラはあまり活発に動いてないと聞いていたのですが、4回スプラッシュ！その内1回はかなり近くで会うことができました。
船の先端が網になっていて、子供たちはそこに寝転がり、めちゃめちゃ気持ち良さそうでした！気持ちよすぎて爆睡してましたが…

ガイドは全て英語の為、私や子供には内容は全然分かりませんでしたが、分からなくてもとにかく楽しめました！