All Reviews for Snorkeling Cruises & Tours

My stay at the Kahala Hotel was an early start with a 5 AM pickup, but it turned out to be a truly wonderful memory. The guide, Takao, provided a very clear and persuasive tour, which added a great "flavor" to the experience. As a snorkeling beginner in my fifties, I initially struggled to keep up with everyone in search of dolphins, but the support from the staff was very reassuring. Eventually, I got the hang of it and was able to meet the dolphins and sea turtles, which felt amazing. If I get the chance to go to Hawaii again, I definitely want to participate in this tour.

カハラホテル滞在であり、5時ピックアップと早起きでしたが、大変素晴らしい思い出となりました。ガイドのＴＡＫＡＯさんの大変わかりやすく説得力のあるガイドもツアーのよき「味付け」となっていました。シュノーケリング初心者のアラフィフであり、最初はなかなか慣れずにイルカを求めてあっちこっちに皆さんについていくのが大変でしたが、スタッフのサポートもあり、大変心強かったです。そのうちに慣れてきてイルカさんやウミガメさんにも無事合えて、大変気持ちよかったです。またハワイに行けたら、必ず参加したいと思います。

I participated with a friend. It took about 40 minutes from the meeting point to the boat dock. Upon arrival, we watched an explanation DVD (in Japanese) and boarded the boat. There was a female staff member who was a fourth-generation Japanese American and spoke Japanese, which made me feel at ease.

The sea was quite rough with strong winds, so it's advisable to take motion sickness medication. There were about 30 participants, and although the waiting time was long, I didn't mind too much as I could see turtles swimming and enjoy the scenery. We waited while eating snacks that were like small bags of potato chips and drinking water.

It was late August, but it felt quite cold. Especially after diving, everyone was shivering, so I think it would be good to have something to wrap around you or a towel for your lower body. Some people brought waterproof cases for their smartphones to dive with, but the staff also took photos and videos. The photos cost $15 per person, and purchasing the videos costs a bit more, but the photos were sent to the email address I provided later. I was satisfied with how they turned out.

When entering and exiting the helmet part, you have to submerge your head, so it might be scary for those who are not comfortable putting their face in the water. I was wearing contact lenses, so I closed my eyes while going in and out. The glass part is telescopic, so I was told to take off my glasses, and my friend did so.

The time spent underwater flew by, but the instructor was with us one-on-one, so I was able to enjoy the underwater walk with peace of mind!

友達と二人で参加しました。
集合場所から船乗り場までは、40分くらいかかりました。到着すると、説明のDVD(日本語)を見て、船に乗り込みました。日系4世という日本語が分かる女性スタッフさんがいらっしゃったので、安心でした。
海上は風が強くて、かなりうねりがありますので、酔い止めは飲んだ方がいいです。
30人くらい参加者がいて、待ち時間が長かったですが、泳いでいる亀の姿が見えたり、景色を楽しんだりしていたので、それほど気になりませんでした。小さな袋に入ったポテチのようなお菓子を食べながら、お水を飲みながら待ちました。
8月の後半でしたが、かなり寒く感じました。特に潜った後はみなさんガタガタ震えていたので、羽織るものや下半身に巻くタオルなどがあった方がよいかと思います。
防水ケースにスマホを入れて潜る方もいらっしゃいましたが、スタッフの方が写真も動画も撮ってくれます。写真は一人15ドル、動画も購入するともう少しかかりますが、後日申告したメールアドレスに写真が送られてきました。写りもよかったので満足しています。
ヘルメット？の部分に入る時と出る時は、頭まで潜らないとダメなので、顔をつけるのが苦手な方は怖いかもしれません。私はコンタクトをしていたので、目をつぶって出入りしました。ガラスの部分が望遠になっているので、メガネは外してくださいと言われ友達はメガネを外していました。
海中にいる時間はあっという間でしたが、インストラクターさんが一対一でついてくださるので、安心して水中散歩を楽しめました！

The sandbar was only waist-deep, which was disappointing.
But I was able to see both turtles and manta rays!
The bus guide was cheerful, and it was a very enjoyable tour.
I would like to participate again when I come back.
I hope to see the sandbar properly next time, though. (^^;)

サンドバーは腰までの位置だったので残念。
でもカメもマンタも見れました！
バスのガイドさんも陽気な人で、とても楽しいツアーでした。
また来たときは参加したいです。
出来ればちゃんとサンドバーが見たいですが(^^;)

I was a little scared to go underwater, but since I had one-on-one assistance, I didn't feel scared at all. Above all, the staff were very kind and seemed to be having fun, which made me enjoy it too.
I made the reservation online two days before arriving in Hawaii, and it worked out perfectly.
The underwater scenery was truly beautiful. A lot of fish came close, and there were sea turtles as well.
I highly recommend it.

水中に入るのは少し怖かったのですが、マンツーマンで補助していただけるので、何も怖くなかったです。何よりもスタッフの皆さんがとても親切で楽しそうにしていて、こちらも楽しくなりました。
ハワイについてからの前々日にネットから予約したのですが、間に合いました。
水中の景色は本当に綺麗でした。魚が大漁に寄ってきました。ウミガメもいました。
おすすめします。

I participated in a tour that started at 11:00. I received a call about the pickup 30 minutes before, which left a good impression. They arrived on time, and we were able to depart. After setting sail on the boat, we searched for dolphins, but there weren't large groups, and those who saw them had very little time, which was disappointing. Since I didn't see any dolphins, I received a coupon for 50% off for my next visit on the way back. My family also enjoyed it, so I would like to participate again when I come to Hawaii next time.

11時開始のツアーに参加しました。
お迎え30分前にホテルにお迎え予定の電話があり好印象。
時刻通り迎えがあり、出発出来ました。
船で出船後、イルカを捜しましたが大きな群れは無く、見れた人、時間も少しで残念でした。
イルカが見れなかったので帰りに次回50%offで使用できるクーポンをもらいました。
家族にも好評でしたので、次回ハワイへ来たらまた参加したいと思いました。

We had such an amazing time with this tour! The crew were awesome and so much fun.. when I got sea sick they really looked after me as well!
After a disappointing tour where we didn't see much we decided to book this one and we were not disappointed! Turtles everywhere and the fish swim so close. I would recommend it to everyone :)

I was wondering what Sea Bob was like, and I was moved when I entered the sea. Fish the size of my palm gathered, attracted by the bread, and the sight was beautiful. After the Sea Bob experience, I was able to see a sea turtle up close while snorkeling. I experienced seven optional tours, but this was the most popular with my family.

シーbobどんなものかと思ってましたが、海に入り感動。
パン の餌に誘われて、手のひら大の魚が集まり、その光景が綺麗でした。
シーbob体験後のシュノーケリングは浮上した海亀を間近で見ることが出来ました。
7つのオプショナルツアーを体験しましたが、家族1番人気でした。

There are many wild dolphins closely, that's really amazing. However, if there is less people on the cruis that would be better. Overall, it is nice activity.

It felt like a manta ray! However, my wife was very anxious, saying, "Entering the night sea and having a manta ray approach with its mouth wide open..." After talking with her about various things, she gathered her courage and finally participated!

Once we actually joined, her impression changed completely, and she was overjoyed, saying, "The manta ray is so cute, I'm so glad!" Our guide, Tori-chan, was wonderful! She was so energetic and taught us various things about manta rays, including their ecology, habits, and names, in a storytelling format. Most importantly, she explained, "Manta rays are very friendly and cute!" which eased our preconceived notions. The manta rays really came close to us repeatedly. My wife even got touched by one coming from the other side—how lucky! Thank you, Tori-chan! I definitely want to participate again.

マンタみたい～でも奥様は「夜の海に入るなんて～口を広げマンタが近づいてくるなんて～」ととても不安！そんな奥様といろいろ話して勇気を奮起いただき遂に参加しました‼
実際に参加してみたら、がらりと印象が変って「マンタとても可愛くってよかった～ね！」と大喜びでした。ガイドのトリちゃんが素晴らしかった！まず元気がもらえるし、紙芝居仕立てでマンタのこと生態・習性や名前がついているとかいろいろ教えてくれます。なんといっても「マンタはとても人懐こくってかわいいよ～！」って説明してくれて先入観ができて安心。マンタはホントにごく目の前をぐる～と何度も何度も寄ってきます。奥様には向こうから触ってきたって～うらやましい。トリちゃんありがと～！またぜひ参加したいです。

What an amazing pod of dolphins swimming beneath us! They are quite fast, but on this day, there were so many dolphins (^ -^) v It was truly moving ٩(^‿^)۶ Thanks to the captain's arrangements, we were able to see them again. This time, there was a baby dolphin! The baby was so excited and showed us lots of spins. Additionally, we were treated to the captain's ukulele and singing, which we rarely get to hear. It was so moving that I almost cried *\(^o^)/* Thank you to all the crew members *\(^o^)/*

すご〜いイルカの群れです私達の下を泳いでいきまーす。けっこう、速いけどこの日はイルカの数がたくさーん(^-^)v感動です٩(^‿^)۶キャプテンのはからいで、再び群の前に。今度は赤ちゃんがいました〜〜(^^)赤ちゃんは興奮してたくさんスピンを私達に見せてくれました。さらに、滅多に聞けないキャプテンのウクレレと歌。涙が出そうなくらいの感動です*\(^o^)/*クルーの皆さんありがとう*\(^o^)/*

Boat didn't have enough seats for everyone so in the beginning and end we were left standing.

We had the best time! Everything was perfect, of course the places we visited were outstanding, real nature´s beauty. And the staff of the boat was very kind and efficient. Great people!

What a wonderful guided tour. Staff so helpful and fun to hang with. Perfect spot to just snorkel and watch fish and coral reef below. Enough time for snorkeling allowed. Would recommend to anyone.

I think it was the most beautiful sea I've ever seen!!!! I was so moved ♡ The staff were very kind and fun, and I really enjoyed myself!!! They took a lot of photos for us, and especially Yukiko, the Japanese staff member, was truly wonderful. I am very grateful! Thank you so much ♡

今まで見てきた海の中でダントツで1番綺麗だったと思います！！！！感動しました♡
スタッフの方々がとっても親切で楽しくて
楽しめました！！！
写真もたくさん撮っていただいたり、
特に日本人スタッフのゆきこさんが本当に素敵な人で
とても感謝したいです！
ありがとうございました♡

I was deeply moved to encounter so many dolphins. My 7-year-old daughter went snorkeling for the first time, and thanks to the incredibly kind support from Daisuke and Keiko, we were able to have the best time. Our whole family was so touched that we can't express it in words. We are very grateful to Captain Nawata for all his help, to all the guides we met, and to the nature of the Big Island. Thank you for everything.

沢山のイルカに出会うことができとっても感動しました。7歳の娘は初めてのシュノーケルでしたが、ダイスケさんとけいこさんのとっても優しいサポートのお陰で最高の時間を過ごすことができました。
家族全員とにかく感動で、言葉では言い表すことができない位です。
船長の縄田さんにもとってもお世話になり、ガイドの皆さんに出会えたこと、ハワイ島の自然、全てに感謝申し上げます。

I was looking forward to the sandbar.

The staff were fun people, and the sandbar was very beautiful.

However, it was disappointing that it wasn't the sandbar I had imagined.

I had envisioned it during low tide...

It's a natural occurrence, so there's nothing that can be done about it.

I should have asked the staff what time the tide goes out or done more research.

Since I went on the morning course, I wonder if the tide would have been out if I had chosen the afternoon course.

Next time, I want to go when the tide is out.

But it was very beautiful, and I was truly moved!

楽しみにしていたサンドバー。

スタッフも楽しい方々でしたし、
サンドバーもとても綺麗でした。

ただイメージしていたサンドバーではなかったのが残念でした。

潮が引いているイメージでしたので・・・

自然の事なので、仕方がありませんが。

私も大体何時頃に潮が引くのかスタッフに聞くなり、
もっと調べておけば良かったです。

午前のコースだったので、
午後コースだったら、潮が引いていたのでしょうか。

次回は、潮が引いた時に行きたいと思います。

でもとても綺麗で感動しましたよ！

If you want to do something typical of Hawaii, I recommend this. There were many families with children, and the staff was considerate, making for a satisfying tour. The lunch consisted of hamburgers made with grilled meat on the boat. While it wasn't incredibly delicious, just eating on the boat was enjoyable. During the final snorkeling, I was lucky enough to swim with a sea turtle, which made for a wonderful memory.

ハワイらしいことをしたいなら、オススメです。お子様連れも多く、スタッフの方も気遣ってくれて満足のいくツアーでした。ランチも船上で焼いたお肉でハンバーグで、すごい美味しいって訳では無いけれど、船上で食べてるってだけで楽しいです。最後のシュノーケリングではウミガメとも運よく一緒に泳ぐことができて素敵な思い出になりました。

Such a wonderful, once in a lifetime experience with very calm and professional tour operators. Even took the time to capture the experience on camera and send all of the photos via email, free if charge. Only wish we had more time to go again!!!!!!!!

4 to 5 manta rays swirled right in front of me, and it was an incredible sight. I was surprised how close their bellies were!

4,5枚のマンタが次々と目の前をぐるぐるして大迫力でした。マンタのおなかが近すぎてビックリしましたよー

You take off your shoes at the dock and board the boat barefoot. Most of the passengers are Westerners, with about 10% being Asians, including Japanese. The crew spoke only English, but they were friendly and pleasant. After departing, drinks and appetizers are served. Following that, you can enjoy dishes including tacos. It gets quite rocky, so I think it's better to wear a swimsuit.

船着き場で靴を脱いで裸足で船に乗り込みます。ほとんどが欧米人で日本人を含むアジア系は1割程度でしょうか、クルーは英語オンリーでしたがフレンドリーな感じで好感が持てました。出発してしばらくするとドリンクとオードブルがでます。その後はタコスを含む料理が楽しめます。結構揺れますので水着で乗った方がいいと思います。

I participated because I wanted to see the sandbar and sea turtles! I was very satisfied to see many sea turtles up close, it was moving! The sandbar happened to be at high tide, so the water was up to my chest and it felt like just a regular sea. But the ocean is really beautiful!

目的はサンドバーとウミガメがみたくて参加しました！
ウミガメは沢山みれて大満足！船のすごく近いところでみれて感動しました！
サンドバーはたまたま満潮で胸付近まで水があって普通の海でした涙
でも海はとっても綺麗です！

I was surprised that we could see them so closely. My parents, who are in their 60s and usually don't dive, were able to take on the challenge. If you're going to Hawaii Island, definitely give it a try!

あんなに近くにみれるとはびっくりです。普段潜らない60代の両親も挑戦することができました。ハワイ島にいくなら是非！！

We participated as a family of four. The weather was great. From the bus ride, the staff provided detailed explanations about life jackets and safety points for the sea, which gave us a sense of security. As soon as we arrived at the port, we boarded a two-story boat. It had a restroom and was a splendid vessel. The fins and equipment were relatively new and clean. The captain took us to the right spot, and with the encouragement of the staff, we jumped into the sea. Unfortunately, during the first jump, the dolphins swam away in the distance, but on the second try, we encountered a wonderful pod and swam so close to the dolphins that it felt like we could reach out and touch them, losing track of time in the moment. We also danced hula together and during snorkeling time, we even saw turtles. It was a day of great satisfaction.

家族4人で参加しました。お天気は良好。行きのバスからスタッフの方が、ライフジャケットや海での注意点を細かく説明して下さり、安心感がありました。港に着いてすぐに2階建てのボートに乗りました。トイレもあり、立派な船でした。フィンや道具は新しめで綺麗でした。船長さんがここというポイントに連れて行って下さり、スタッフの方々の掛け声で海に飛び込みます。初めの一回は残念ながらイルカは遠くに泳いで行ってしまいましたが、2回目にすばらしい群れに会えて、イルカと手が届きそうな近さで泳ぎ時間を忘れるひと時でした。
フラダンスをみんなで踊ったり、シュノーケリングタイムには亀にも会えました。大満足の一日でした。

This was my second time participating in the OP with VERTRA. I had a good impression from the first time and it was a fun experience. This time, I participated with my family: my husband and daughter. My daughter has disabilities in her hands and feet, so she cannot swim. She has never been to a pool or the ocean with friends. However, we had been to Hawaii several times, and I always wanted her to experience snorkeling or participating in ocean activities someday. This time, I decided to take the plunge, and I was able to see my daughter’s happy face. Although it was just for a short time, we were able to enjoy snorkeling. This was all thanks to the staff of Heavenly Ocean Tours, especially Yuki, who encouraged us by saying, "I'll assist you, let's go together," which I truly appreciated. Thank you very much. It was a wonderful OP. I definitely want to participate again.

VERTRAさんのOPは、２回目の参加です。１回目も悪い印象はなく、楽しい思いでです。
今回は、家族３人での参加でした。夫婦、娘です。娘が手と足に、障害があり泳ぐことができません。友達とプール、海なども行ったこともないです。でも、ハワイには、何度か来ていたので、いつか、シュノーケリングや海でのOPに参加させて、あげたいと思っていました。今回、思い切って、参加して娘の喜ぶ顔も、見れたしシュノーケリングも少しの時間でしたが、楽しむことが、できました。それも、ひとえに、天国海ツアーのスタッフ・・特に、YUKIさんが、補助しますから、一緒に行きましょうと、声をかけて下さり、本当に、ありがたかったです・・感謝です。本当にありがとうございました・・・とっても、素敵なOPでした。
また、必ず、参加したいです。

Very well organized. The crew are fantastic and although we were a little nervous about doing the activity - we needn't have been the crew are there with you every step of the way. The water is so blue you can see all the way to the bottom. Have recommended this to heaps of our friends.

I participated two years ago and it was so great that I joined again. Naturally, the staff, the boat, and the menu were all exactly the same. However, I felt that the snorkeling time was extremely short. It was like, "Wait, is it already over?!" Unfortunately, there were no fish at all. The coral reef might have fewer fish now. So, if snorkeling is your main focus, it might be a bit disappointing. The staff's service is excellent. The hamburger was just as delicious as last time.

２年前に参加。非常によかったのでまた参加してきました。
当然ですがスタッフの顔ぶれも船もメニューも全く同じ。
ですが、シュノーケリングの時間が極端に短かったように思います。
「え、もう終わり？！」という感じ。
また残念ながら魚が全くいなかった。
もうあのサンゴ礁には魚が少なくなっているのかもしれませんね。
なのでシュノーケリングをメインにするとちょっと残念な感じになるかもしれません。
スタッフの対応は最高です。
ハンバーガーも前回同様おいしかったです。

Our experience from start to finish was exceptional! The shuttle ride started with a wonderful ride from Emanual- she was friendly and conversational, making our time feel like it was spent with a friend. She was knowledgeable about the Island and told us interesting things. She suggested we rent a car and we did- the next day! Thanks Em so worth it! On the boat Em and Captain Jenna were wonderful. Our teenager got a little sick but they didn't give up on her, with their words of encouragement and support we set sail. Our 8 year old was afraid and because of you two ladies she got in and snorkeled with an 80year old turltle. Words can express that magic of that experience! We are eagerly anticipating the pictures photographer Paul took. Your attention to detail and obvious dedication to your craft is remarkable. Thank you team dolphin excursion for loving what you do and sharing that with my family. Mahalo!

The experience was amazing! It was more than we had hoped for. The crew- Michelle, Connor and Felipe were awesome.

My reason for coming to the Big Island was that I learned about this tour from the Dolphin University I attended on Oahu. This time, I finally got to participate, and I had high expectations.

The manta rays were truly enormous, coming so close with their mouths wide open that I thought they might bump into me. However, it was fascinating how they would spin around without hitting me.

It was an exhilarating experience and a lot of fun. I believe it was a rare opportunity to get so close to so many mantas. The boat ride to and from the point was thrilling as it went at high speed, which added to the enjoyment.

ハワイ島へ来るきっかけは、以前オアフで参加したイルカ大学でこのツアーを知ったことでした。この度、念願かない大いに期待して参加しました。
マンタは本当に大きくて、ぶつかるのではないかと思うほどすぐ近くまで大きな口を開けて近づいてきます。しかし、こちらには当たらずにくるりと回転するのが不思議でした。
大迫力で楽しかったです。たくさんのマンタにこんな接近できるなんて貴重な体験だったと思います。
ポイントへの往復のボートも猛スピードでスリルがあり楽しめました。

The morning reservation was fully booked, so we ended up on the afternoon tour, but the fish were beautiful, and we got to see a sea turtle, which made us very satisfied! I think we definitely wouldn't have found them on our own. The waves were a bit high, and my 6-year-old son, who was snorkeling for the first time, got scared, but the two instructors carried him on their backs the whole time. When he spotted the sea turtle, he managed to see it with his own eyes, and he said, "Next time, I'll try harder!" My daughter, who loves fish, was really happy because Teacher Chieko taught her a lot of things.

午前の予約が空いてなくて取れず、午後ツアーになってしまいましたが
魚もきれいだったし海がめにも会えて大満足でした！
自分達では絶対に見つけられなかっただろうなと思います。
波も高めで初シュノーケルだった６歳の息子は恐がってしまいましたが
先生２人がずーっとおんぶで泳いでくれて
海がめを発見した時は頑張ってちゃんと自分の目で見られたので
「また行ったら、もっと頑張る！」
と言っています。
魚が大好きな娘に、Chieko先生が色々と教えてくれて
すごく喜んでいました。