Page 9) Things to Do in Big Island in 2026 – Tours & Activities | HawaiiActivities.com

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Big Island

All Reviews for Marine Wildlife Encounters

Overall rating

4.49

1092 Reviews
Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe
Such a cool experience!
Activity Date: 2022/10/05 | Posted on: 2022/10/07

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!

Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
Magic night
Activity Date: 2022/10/05 | Posted on: 2022/10/07

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!

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
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

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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe
Best excursion ever!
Activity Date: 2022/09/19 | Posted on: 2022/09/30

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.

Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
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Kona Glassbottom Boat & Guided Coral Reef Tour with Marine Naturalist
Family Fun!
Activity Date: 2022/09/16 | Posted on: 2022/09/18

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

Packages: Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier
Attended as: Families with Young Children
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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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe
Great experience!!
Activity Date: 2022/08/26 | Posted on: 2022/09/17
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!

Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
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Atlantis Kona Submarine Tour & Undersea Adventure - Descend up to 100 feet
Fun Day
Activity Date: 2022/09/13 | Posted on: 2022/09/15

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

Packages: Kona Submarine
Attended as: Friends
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Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona
Awesome
Activity Date: 2022/09/03 | Posted on: 2022/09/13

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!

Packages: Standard Package: Moonlight Manta Snorkel (Seasonal)
Attended as: Families
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
Amazing experience for young and old
Activity Date: 2022/09/06 | Posted on: 2022/09/12

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

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families with Young Children
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

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Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona
One of the Best Experiences on Big Island
Activity Date: 2022/08/31 | Posted on: 2022/09/05

These ginaromous creaters are as sweet as puppies! So fun

Packages: Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as: Couples
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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
Activity Date: 2022/08/07 | Posted on: 2022/09/01

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。

Packages: 送迎付きプラン
Attended as: Families
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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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
10/10 Amazing Experience
Activity Date: 2022/08/25 | Posted on: 2022/08/27

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

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
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

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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 meet a manta ray.
マンタに会うことができました。
Activity Date: 2022/08/17 | Posted on: 2022/08/19

A few years ago, we entered the water slightly earlier (just before the sunset was complete) and got out before it was completely dark. Still, we were lucky enough to have manta rays come close, which was exciting. This time, there were only about two, rather than many.

There was a sense that the four guides, including the captain, were enjoying themselves, which made it a fun experience. Actually, while I was looking underwater, they were doing their best to explain things above the float, but I had my ears in the water and missed most of it. I thought it would be good to master the technique of having my face in the water while keeping my ears out of it...

数年前のツアーと比べて若干早め(ちょうど夕日が沈み切る直前)から水に入り、完全に暗くなる前位に水から上がりました。それでも、幸運にもマンタが近づいてきてくれて興奮でした。今回は多数というよりは2匹?位ではありましたが。
何となく船長を含め4名のガイド自らが楽しんでいる感があって楽しい気分になることができました、、、実は水中を見ているとき、フロートの上で一生懸命説明をしてくれていたのですが、水中に耳をつけてしまっていてほとんど聞きそびれてしまいました。顔は水の中、耳は水の外、、って技を身につけておくといいと思いました。。。

Packages: 送迎なしプラン
Attended as: Families
Reply from activity provider

Thank you for participating!
Your face is in the water, and your ears are in the water, I see.
The manta ray photos turned out really well.
Wild creatures show different expressions every day, so please come and visit us again!

Aloha!
ご参加ありがとうございました。
顔は水の中、耳は水の中なるほどです。
マンタの写真とてもよく撮れていますね。
野生の生き物たちは毎日違う表情を見せてくれます、またぜひ遊びに来てくださいね!

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ホエールウォッチングクルーズ クジラを探してコナの美しい海岸線をクルージング!ソフトドリンク付き <12~3月/午前・午後/英語ガイド>
I was moved by the Hawaiian dolphins.
ハワイアンドルフィンに感動
Activity Date: 2022/08/16 | Posted on: 2022/08/18

After departing, we made a few stops at various points, but we couldn't find anything. We did some snorkeling for a while. The visibility was excellent. When we arrived at the Captain Cook monument point, we finally encountered dolphins. We observed them from the boat to avoid scaring them. They were cautious around people. It was amazing to see them spinning around! I got careless and forgot to reapply sunscreen, which I regretted later... Reapplying is a must!

出港してから、各ポイントで少し停まるものの、見つかりません。しばしシュノーケリング。透明度は抜群。キャプテンクック碑のポイントに来たらとうとうドルフィン遭遇。怖がらせないように船上から見学しました。近づく人には注意してました。クルクル回転してくれたり野生イルカ感動しました!油断して日焼け止めを塗り直すのを忘れまして後で後悔。。2度塗り必須です

Attended as: Families
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe
Excellent
Activity Date: 2022/08/16 | Posted on: 2022/08/18

This is an intimate and friendly canoe trip. I enjoyed it with my three kids and the crew was helpful and patient with my littlest one who had never snorkeled. We got an incredible education about the Mantra Rays and saw them within inches of us. I can’t recommitting enough. I really liked having a smaller group and special type of boat.

Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families with Young Children
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
Awesome experience, must do.
Activity Date: 2021/10/15 | Posted on: 2022/08/15

Overall i would say it's a must-do on the big island.
The crew was fun and helpful.
That particular night was somewhat cold and light on mantas but you get what you get. Crew doesn't control the animals.

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families
Reply from activity provider

Aloha! Thank you for joining our manta ray snorkel and for leaving such a positive review. We hope to welcome you back onboard in the future! Mahalo

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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe
Manta Ray Trip
Activity Date: 2022/08/07 | Posted on: 2022/08/11

Our canoe boat trip was great. We loved the smaller boat experience - only about 12 of us - vs. the big catamarans. The captain and crew of two were friendly and fun. In the water we saw lots of Manta Rays. Our young lady crew member filled us in on lots of info about manta rays while in the water. My son took lots of GoPro videos and images. One hour was just right, since the trip out to the viewing spot only took a few minutes.

Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families with Young Children
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Keauhou Bay Manta Ray Night Dive Tour & Snorkel Adventure from Kona - Sea Quest
Outstanding experience
Activity Date: 2022/07/30 | Posted on: 2022/08/10

A fantastic experience - would do it again in a heartbeat!

Packages: Swim with Mantas
Attended as: Solo Travelers
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe
Manta ray with EkA Canoe
Activity Date: 2022/08/03 | Posted on: 2022/08/05

Can’t recommend highly enough!! So much fun, the equipment, boat, and crew are great.

Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
Excellent experience!!! Once in a lifetime
Activity Date: 2022/07/31 | Posted on: 2022/08/03
Joe

Wonderful experience. It is family friendly. Very entertaining

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families
Reply from activity provider

Aloha Joe,

We're so glad to hear all the positive things you had to say about your trip with us, all returning customer's receive a 20% repeater discount if you folks plan on returning!

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii 'Ohana

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Keauhou Bay Manta Ray Night Dive Tour & Snorkel Adventure from Kona - Sea Quest
Fun Manta Ray Tour
Activity Date: 2022/07/07 | Posted on: 2022/08/02

The guides and the captain were all very friendly, knowledgeable, approachable, and helpful, which made the tour extra enjoyable and fun! We saw schools of little fish and minnows right in front of our eyes (they also occasionally ran into our hands and faces) and definitely saw a couple huge manta rays! Overall a fun tour.
Quick tip: wearing the wetsuit helped a lot, as the water got really cold when it got dark, and longer you stay in the water, the colder it gets. Also, would not recommend going the day you get off the plane, as my boyfriend and I got extremely seasick towards the end of the manta ray viewing. However, our guides and the captain gave us many tips on how to feel better and fed us with snacks and drinks.

Packages: Swim with Mantas
Attended as: Couples
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
Amaze balls
Activity Date: 2022/07/07 | Posted on: 2022/07/30

Excellent crew and amazing experience swimming with the fishes. Highly recommended.

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families
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

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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
Great trip
Activity Date: 2022/07/26 | Posted on: 2022/07/28

The crew and team were great/ I had 6 kids ages 5-10 and they did a great job and were very accommodating and helpful! Would do it again!

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Reply from activity provider

Aloha Alexa,

We're glad to hear that you were satisfied overall during your time with us! Repeating customers are offered a 20% discount when booking directly with our company, so we hope to see you in the future.

Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii

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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
Such a cool tour!
Activity Date: 2022/07/21 | Posted on: 2022/07/27

This was a fantastic experience, and we highly recommend it! Everything felt safe and easy. We were able to focus on the wonderful display from the rays under us. The team was amazing, and even took pictures. All around incredible.

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
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

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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
Epic night
Activity Date: 2022/07/17 | Posted on: 2022/07/19
Ray

Great staff... friendly and kind... everything was perfect specially the mantas❤️

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Reply from activity provider

Aloha!

We appreciate the kind words about our captain and crew, and are happy to hear that you enjoyed yourself! We do offer a repeater discount of 20% off, so please keep us in mind for future travel plans.

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii.

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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
Highlight of our trip
Activity Date: 2022/06/25 | Posted on: 2022/07/17

The Manta Ray snorkel experience was AMAZING! one of our favorite things we did on the Big Island. The crew was so fun and helpful. The hot chocolate after we got out of the water was the perfect touch. Definitely book this tour!!!

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Reply from activity provider

Aloha!

We love to hear all the positive feedback about our Manta Ray Experience from our guests'! Mahalo for joining us and we hope to see you again soon.

Best,
Team Iruka Hawaii

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Kona Sunset & Moonlight Wild Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Wahine Charters
Amazing experience!
Activity Date: 2022/07/10 | Posted on: 2022/07/12

We took our young children on the tour (11 & 4 yrs) and the staff looked after us the whole evening. The kids had a great time and nothing was too much effort. Thanks Angeline for swimming us to the hot spot - what an experience!

Packages: Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours]
Attended as: Families with Young Children
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
AWESOME!
Activity Date: 2022/07/02 | Posted on: 2022/07/04
Amy

The most amazing thing I have ever seen! Don’t miss this!

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families
Reply from activity provider

Aloha Amy!

Mahalo for your kind words, we're glad your group enjoyed the experience of a lifetime! Please keep us in mind for your future booking needs, and we offer a 20% discount for repeating customers.

Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii

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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe
Night snorkel
Activity Date: 2022/06/27 | Posted on: 2022/07/03

An amazing experience, once in a life time. A must!!

Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
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Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona
Must do activity!
Activity Date: 2022/06/09 | Posted on: 2022/07/02

This was a great experience! Highly recommend doing!

Packages: Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as: Couples
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Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona
Must do!!
Activity Date: 2022/06/29 | Posted on: 2022/07/01

The crew was great and the experience was a must do while on the big island!!

Packages: Standard Package: Moonlight Manta Snorkel (Seasonal)
Attended as: Couples
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Things to Do in Big Island in 2026 – Tours & Activities | HawaiiActivities.com
Meet Hawaii's ocean creatures through wildlife-focused tours across all islands. Watch humpback whales breach and spout during winter season (December to April). Interact with spinner dolphins at resort programs on Oahu and the Big Island. Dive alongside sharks in thrilling cage adventures off Oahu's North Shore. Glide with manta rays on Big Island night snorkel tours off the Kona Coast. Or stay dry viewing tropical fish from a submarine or glassbottom boat. Compare by activity type and island.