All Reviews for Toddler-Friendly (Ages 2-4)

all the staff were friendly and great. The submarine ride was great and educational.

I was filled with excitement and anxiety since it was nature we were dealing with, but thanks to the strong desire of the captain and the guide to show the participants dolphins, we were able to see many dolphins. On the way back to the port, when we unexpectedly encountered a pod of dolphins, they created another opportunity for us to get back in the water. I was impressed by their dedication to providing a personal experience rather than just going through the motions of their job. The emotions of having met the dolphins are unforgettable... I will definitely come back to see them again!

自然相手なのでワクワクする期待感とともに、不安な気持ちでいっぱいでしたが、船長とガイドさんのツアー参加者にイルカを観せたいという強い気持ちのお陰で、沢山のイルカに会えました。
帰港する途中で、まさかのイルカの群れに遭遇した際に、もう一度海に入る機会を作って下さり、ただ仕事をこなすのでは無く、親身に対応して下さる仕事っぷりに感激しました。
帰国してからもイルカに会えた感動は忘れられません‥。
また必ず会いに行きます‼

We participated in the manta night snorkeling with our family of three, including our 8-year-old daughter. As a result, we had five mantas come very close to us, and our daughter was extremely satisfied.

As parents who dive, we felt it took quite a while to encounter mantas while diving, but if they come so close (within 10 cm), I definitely recommend participating at least once.

By the way, I called to reconfirm at 4 PM on the day of the event, but no one answered. I thought, as someone mentioned in a post, that it might be okay not to reconfirm. However, when we arrived at Sea Paradise at 7 PM as stated in the confirmation, we were told it was too late because the gathering was at 6:30 PM, which was quite alarming. After explaining that the confirmation said 7 PM and that I had called but no one picked up, they called a colleague on the boat, and somehow we were allowed to board despite being late.

I recommend making the reconfirmation call, and since the confirmation stated a 7 PM gathering, I would like VERTRA to double-check with Sea Paradise.

As mentioned in other posts, you will drift on the surface holding onto the bar for about an hour, so after the snorkeling, my daughter was completely chilled. I recommend bringing warm clothes for changing after the snorkeling.

8歳の娘と家族3人でマンタ ナイトシュノーケルに参加。結果としては断続的に5枚のマンタがすぐそばまで接近で、娘も大満足でした。
ダイバーの両親としては、ダイビングでマンタに会うまで結構時間かかったのになあ、と思う気持ちもありましたが、あんなに手軽にマンタがそぐそばまで（１０ｃｍと離れてない）くるなら一度は参加をお勧めします。
ところで今回当日4時にReconfirmの電話をするも、誰も出ないので、どなたかの投稿にあったようにReconifrmしなくても大丈夫かな、と思いConfirmationに記載の通り夜7時にシーパラダイスに到着したら、集合は6時半でToo Lateだといわれ肝を冷やしました。Confirmationに7時とあったこと、電話したのに誰も電話を取らなかったことなど話したところ、船の同僚に電話を入れてくれ、何とか遅れて乗せてもらいました。
Reconfirmの電話はしたほうがいいのと、Confirmationに7時集合とあったので、VERTRAさんはシーパラダイスと再確認をお願いしたいと思います。
見なさいの投稿にもありますが、小一時間バーにつかまって水面を漂いますので、終了後は娘は体が冷え切ってました。シュノーケル終了後の着替えは温かいものをお勧めします。

This is exactly as described, a 40 minute helicopter tour of the volcanoes on the eastern side of the island of Hawaii and the area around Hilo. The staff are very friendly and the entire operation is well run and safety oriented. Our pilot Joyce was informative and did a great job of piloting so that everyone on both sides of the helicopter got good views of everything. Considering that there are no active lava flows at the current time. This is the only way to see molten lava. While it is through "sky lights" looking down into lava tubes, it is still quite exciting to see the bright pink/orange glow of lava.

The helicopter company offers the option to fly with the doors off the helicopter. I would recommend this for optimum viewing and picture taking. However, be aware that it is pretty chilly with the doors off and make sure to wear a warm jacket.

As a final note, when booking a helicopter tour, be aware that there are two airports on the island (Hilo and Kona). Make certain that you are booking a tour from the airport that is on your side of the island. I made a mistake and booked a tour out of the wrong airport. It was completely my fault and I did not realize my mistake until the day before the tour. The folks at Veltra and at the helicopter company went out of their way to get us booked on this tour at the last minute. They also worked hard to find someone else to take our seats on the tour that I had originally booked. They were only able to fill one of the two seats that I had booked, but at least they were kind enough to refund that portion of the fee.

We selected the Doors OFF Helicopter Tour and it was the BEST decision we ever made!!! The Views were Breathtaking and when we arrived at the Lava Flow, the Lava Flow/Lake was Spectacular and the HEAT was Awesome!!! The Doors Off was the Best!!! Then we travelled to the Waterfalls North of Hilo and the Views were equally Breathtaking!!! Our Pilot and Co-Pilot were Awesome and Funny!!! They Made the experience even better!!! This tour was TOTALLY WORTH IT!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

Absolutely worth every cent. The front desk was friendly and accommodating. The ride was smooth and informative. The views were otherwise inaccessible. Take the trip. See what makes this island a living thing. Blessings!

I feel that the water's transparency is low. However, the children seemed satisfied as they were able to ride in a submarine and see fish and a sunken ship. I thought it might be short, but it seemed to be enough for the kids.

海の透明度が低い気がします。
でも子どもも潜水艦に乗って、魚や沈没船を見れて満足してそうでした。短いかなと思いましたが、子どもには十分そうでした。

It's not just about watching the show and eating Hawaiian food at the buffet; activities before the show and meal, such as hula, poi ball, lei making, and tattoos, are also enjoyable. It feels like you can experience Hawaiian culture with all your senses. However, everything is in English (and spoken very quickly), and there are very few Japanese guests. If you want to fully enjoy the luau, I, with my middle school level English skills, struggled to keep up. Ah, I wish I had better English skills!

ショーを観て、ビュッフェでハワイアンフードを食べて〜というだけではなく、フラ、ポイボール、レイメイキング、タトゥー等々、ショーや食事の前のアクティビティーが楽しい。ハワイの文化を五感で体験できるといった感じ。ただやはり全て英語（しかも超早口）、日本人のお客さんもとても少ない。ルアウをフルに楽しもうと思ったら、英語力中学生レベルの私は、ついて行くのに精一杯でした。あぁぁ英語力が欲しい！

This was an amazing experience, the rays swam around gathering up the plankton and came within milimeters of us. The staff were very friendly.

The cruise was excellent. We saw dolphins on the way out and on the way back. When we anchored we had about 2.5 hours to snorkel, jump off the boat and play with the various water equipment. The kids particularly enjoyed using the paddle board. The breakfast and lunch was great and the staff were very friendly. I would definitely recommend this trip.

Even if you're not confident in your swimming skills, it's perfectly fine to join alone. The staff's attentiveness and care make you feel at ease. I believe I had an experience that was not just like the photos in the guidebook, but even better.

I swam alongside a pod of dolphins, followed the silhouette of a dolphin gracefully arching underwater, and spotted a baby dolphin clinging to its mother. The highlight was when the guide led us to a spot where a dolphin swam towards us, gliding right in front of us. For a moment, the dolphin looked at us, and we were all so excited! We confirmed with each other, "Did we just make eye contact?" At first, I hesitated to join alone because my family is prone to seasickness, but I'm really glad I participated.

泳ぎに自信がなくても、一人参加でも大丈夫。スタッフさんの目配り&気配りがあるので安心です。とにかくガイドブックの写真のような、というよりそれ以上の体験ができたと思います。
イルカの群れと並んで泳いだり、水中深く弧をえがくいるかのシルエットを追ったり、お母さんイルカのお腹にくっついて泳ぐ赤ちゃんイルカを見つけたり。中でもガイドさんが引っ張って誘導してくれた先に一匹のイルカがこちらに向かって泳いできて、目と鼻の先をスーッと横切って行った時、一瞬イルカちゃんがキョロっと私たちを見てくれたのには大興奮！「いま、目があったよね？」とお互い気のせいじゃない事を確認したのでした。最初、家族が船酔い体質のため一人で参加するか迷ったけど参加して本当によかったです。

Our Crew was wonderful, the experience truly once in a lifetime and it's an experience we will always remember. Recommend highly and without hesitation!!!

Joel was the best tour guide. He shared so much INTERESTING info! He was accommodating to our son with autism as well. This was one of the major highlights of our trip. Great lunch too!

Great crew, wonderful experience, saw dolphins at a distance

I couldn't find the check-in location, and before I knew it, there was a pretty long line for check-in. Even with a reservation, you need to line up early to get good seats, so be careful.

チェックイン場所が分からず、気づいたらチェックインのためのかなり長い列ができていた。予約していても早くから並んでいないと良い席は取れず注意が必要。

We spent a fabulous morning searching for the dolphins and getting in the water with them. We were fortunate that there were only 4 others on the boat with us. The crew was outstanding and made sure we got in the water and knew where the dolphins were. The captain was fantastic at finding the dolphins and positioning us in the best place possible to swim with the dolphins. The boat was clean and a joy to be on out in the ocean. The crew and captain were very attentive and engaging. Great trip. Highly recommend!!

The tour was the highlight of our 3-night stay on the Big Island of Hawaii!

Seeing the beautiful sky, ocean, and mountains from the boat offered a different perspective than from land, and it was so soothing. To top it off, we got to swim with dolphins...

It truly felt like a dream!

Both my husband and I were not confident swimmers, and it was our first time swimming in deep water, which made us a bit fearful. However, by the end of the tour, we enjoyed it so much that we wished we could keep swimming. If we have the chance to visit the Big Island again, we definitely want to participate again!

Daisuke, Captain, thank you again!

ハワイ島に3泊した中でも1番の思い出になったツアーでした！

とにかくキレイな空と海、山々を船の上から見ると、陸から見るのとまた違った表情が見えて、それだけでも癒されるのにイルカちゃんと一緒に泳げるなんて……

本当に夢のような時間でした！！

夫婦そろって泳ぎには自信がなく、足がつかない所で泳ぐのは初めてだったので恐怖感があったのですが、
ツアーが終わる頃には、ずっと泳いでたいと思えるほど楽しめました。
今度またハワイ島に行く機会があれば、絶対参加したいと思います！

ダイスケさん、キャプテン、またよろしくお願いします！

I participated in mid-June. The day before, I went to the office to confirm my reservation and check the parking lot for the departure location, but the road from the parking lot to the office was under repair and was in the water. When confirming my reservation at the office, I was informed about a change in the parking lot. Since the communication was in English, it might have been unclear regarding the changed parking lot. The cruise was comfortable. There were no other Japanese people, but everyone was friendly. Unfortunately, the snorkeling was disappointing due to the lack of fish, but there were fun activities like a slide to jump into the sea from the cruiser, which was enjoyable. The BBQ was delicious, and we were able to relax and take our time.

6月の中旬に参加しました。
前日、予約確認と出航場所の駐車場確認に事務所まで行くと、駐車場から事務までの道が修理で海の中。事務所で予約確認の際、駐車場の変更を言われました。英語でのやり取りなので電話で予約確認をしていたら、変更された駐車場がわかりづらかったかもしれません。クルーズは快適です。日本人は誰もいませんでしたが、皆、フレンドリーでした。シュノーケリングは残念ながら魚が少なかったので期待はずれでしたが、クルーザから海に飛び込む滑り台など、遊ぶ配慮
があり、面白かったです。BBQも美味しくゆっくり出来ました。

I signed up at the last minute and was able to participate just before reaching the maximum capacity. It was a wonderful experience to see so many wild dolphins! The guide, Daisuke, playing with the dolphins was impressive and moving! I think his feelings for the dolphins really came through. I was also healed by the sounds of the dolphins and their jumping on the water's surface. ♡ Additionally, the person I was with on the tour praised the manta rays, so I would like to go see them next time!

急遽前日に申し込み、定員ギリギリのところ参加させてもらいました。
野生のイルカちゃんにたくさん会え素晴らしい体験でした！ガイドのダイスケさんがイルカと遊ぶ姿が印象的で感動しました！イルカへの思いが伝わっているのだと思います。イルカの声や水面をジャンプする姿にも癒されました♡
また、ツアーでご一緒した方がマンタも素晴らしいと絶賛していたので次はマンタにも会いに行きたいと思います！

Due to the weather and not having any surf waves we were not able to attend the event, but the company that offered it they tried two different times to get us, just no waves to offer for surfing.

Peter and the crew at the Hilo Airport provided not only a safe but exciting flight.

I was very satisfied to be able to see dolphins up close. I could tell that Daisuke, who guided us, truly cares about the dolphins. It was a precious experience to see the dolphins come up close to the surface of the water.

I was so excited that I couldn't take any photos at all, but I will keep the memories etched in my mind. When I visit Hawaii again, I definitely want to go see the dolphins again.

こんなにイルカを近くで見ることができて満足でした。
案内をしてくれたダイスケさんが本当にイルカを大事にいているのと話すことができるというのがわかりました。
イルカが水面ぎりぎりまで上がってきてくれたりして貴重な体験ができました。

興奮しすぎて写真を全然とれませんでしたが、記憶に焼き付けておきます。
またハワイ訪れた際はぜひまたイルカに会いに行きたいです。

Thank you, Daisuke-san, our guide!
I heard that the dolphins were in a good mood on the day of our participation, and there were many dolphins that gathered at Daisuke-san's call! Just as Daisuke-san said, we were able to encounter them up close by simply waiting in their path instead of chasing them. Hearing their calls was incredibly soothing. It was moving.

The views of the Big Island and the ocean from the boat were also wonderful, making it a memorable tour.
When I come back to Hawaii, I would like to participate in the night manta tour.
Of course, I want to join the dolphin tour again too!

I truly appreciate both Daisuke-san and the captain.

ガ イドのダイスケさん、ありがとうございました！
参加日はイルカ達のご機嫌が良かったとのことですが、ダイスケさんの呼び掛けに集まってきたイルカ達が沢山！ダイスケさんの言う通り、イルカを追いかけずに、イルカ達の通り道で待ってるだけで近距離で出会うことが出来ました。鳴き声も聞けてとっても癒されました。感動です。

ボートから見るハワイ島や海の景色も素晴らしく、思い出に残るツアーでした。
また、ハワイに来たときは夜のマンタツアーに参加したいと思います。
もちろん、イルカツアーにも！

本当にダイスケさんもキャプテンにも感謝です。

I attended on June 13th. I was disappointed that I arrived late to the venue and ended up with a seat at the back. The ritual of wrapping a whole pig in banana leaves and digging it out from the hot earth was impressive. The show by the seaside was unique to Hawaii, and everyone at the venue had a great time. The buffet meal was also satisfying.

６月１３日に参加しました。会場に行く時間が遅くなり席が後ろになってしまったのが残念でした。豚１頭をバナナの葉でくるんで熱い土の中から掘り出す儀式は、圧巻でした。海辺のサイドでのショーは、ハワイならではで会場は、皆で盛り上がり楽しかったです。バイキングの食事も満足でした。

Very nice crew and boat. Good food and alots of toys .To many rules over all great time ..

Was a beautiful experience. The people were kind and fun loving. The dancers were incredible and the food was delicious!! Very happy we got to see this luau I would go again and recommend it to anyone!!!

My family and my in-laws attended this event. Everyone enjoyed the food and the dancers. I thought the banana bread (very yummy!) was better than any of the dessert choices. All the performers looked like they really enjoy what they are doing.

It was our first time on the Big Island for our honeymoon, and while researching about swimming with dolphins, I came across this tour. After reading other people's reviews, I decided to participate, and I was really impressed by how considerate they were towards my husband, who was worried about seasickness. It made me feel very reassured. Above all, our guide Daisuke's passion for the dolphins was truly strong! His feelings were contagious, and thanks to him, I understood the meaning of "quality over quantity." We were able to see the dolphins up close, and both my husband and I were extremely satisfied. The captain was friendly and fun, and it was great how he frequently checked in with us. If we ever go back to Hawaii, we would definitely like to do this again.

新婚旅行で初めてのハワイ島だったのですが、イルカと泳げると聞いて調べていたところこのツアーに出会いました。他の方の口コミを見て参加を決めましたが、船酔いが心配だった彼をすごく気遣ってくださり、とても安心できました。何より、ガイドのダイスケさんのイルカへの気持ちがほんとうに強い！その気持ちがこっちにも伝わって、「数よりも距離」の意味がダイスケさんのおかげでわかりました。あんなに近くでイルカを見ることができ、夫婦ともに大満足です。キャプテンも気さくで楽しく、声をよくかけてくれたのがよかったです。またハワイに行くことがあれば、ぜひお願いしたいです。

The tour is very informative and enjoyable. The guide is very patient and expalined in detail.

the hosts were so friendly and informative...they made the extra effort to make sure we saw dolphins...

just a very exciting, pleasant experience :)