Reviewed by: Rebecca
We’ve been with family. Children 12 and 10 years old. All of us were so excited and totally happy with this experience!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Swim with Mantas |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/07/21 |
Reviewed by: Mook10
This was by far the most memorable thing our family did on the Big Island, it’s got to be one of the most amazing things we’ve ever done together. Stop reading this review and go book your trip now. You won’t regret it.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/07/19 |
Reviewed by: AJH
Captain and crew of Ocean Encounters 1 dove in ahead of guests, made a plan, and navigated us there. Honestly, we had a great viewing spot and several other boats' guests were eager to move into our spot upon our exiting. Boats are staggered and have a neighborly way of communicating where/when/how each group will be staggered but I would have been disappointed to be in one of the peripheral groups. These are wild animals, so no telling what each evening will look like, but was glad to have a captain who led the charge.
Tips: It is a bit of a rough ride for 20 mins out and approx 20 minutes back. If you are someone who suffers from carsickness or seasickness, highly recommend treating for that before you leave. We had 2 of 30 guests puking over the sides. I gave my carsick kiddo dramamine about an hour before-- no issues.
Do have inexperienced family members practice snorkeling ahead of tour so that they can spend the entire 45 minutes head down in the water enjoying the fish and rays and the learning is done in a pool or bay ahead of time. There were zero swimming skills necessary on this trip but knowing how to calmly enjoy breathing through a snorkel for an extended period was the difference between guests who really enjoyed and guests who didn't. There was a surfboard with handles that the group held on to, which was pulled into position by the guides.
Do warn your kiddos that these rays are HUGE. My youngest expected small 3-4 foot rays like we have in our aquarium and was initially very surprised (terrified) by the 12-15 wingspan on some of these beautiful creatures. They got right up in our personal bubble/faces/immediately underneath bellies and legs so do be ready for up-close amazing experience.
Do not bring a bunch of stuff/items as they end up dripped on and/or in the way. If the weather is warm all you need is shoes that are okay getting wet/dripped on, and a towel. They provided water and light packaged snacks on the return trip.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/07/16 |
Reviewed by: HITOMI
We participated with two adults and four children (ages 2 to 13). We were a bit anxious because it was slightly cheaper than other tours and only had English-speaking staff, but I thought communication would be fine as long as we could manage simple conversations. The boat was more luxurious than we expected, and we had a comfortable time.
During the snorkeling, we saw about 5 to 6 sea turtles from a distance for around 40 to 50 minutes. One of the local staff members was snorkeling and pointed out where the turtles were, but he wasn't very proactive, so we ended up diving and searching for them ourselves. However, we were thrilled to see one up close! If I have the chance to go again, I would love to participate.
大人2人、子ども4人(2〜13歳)で参加しました。
他のツアーに比べ少し安かったことと、英語のスタッフのみということで、少し不安はありましたが、簡単な会話ができる程度であれば、全くコミュニケーションは問題ないと思いました。
船も予想以上に豪華で快適に過ごせました。
ウミガメは約4〜50分間シュノーケル中に、5〜6頭遠くに見えました。
1人、現地のスタッフの方がシュノーケルをしながらウミガメのいる場所を教えてくれるのですが、あまり積極的でなかったため、自分たちで潜って探す感じでしたが、1頭至近距離で見れて感動しました!
また行く機会があったら参加したいです。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 通常プラン |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/07/15 |
Reviewed by: Rick B
So glad we did this. Experienced and knowledgeable crew. Had a great time!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | BOB's Underwater Scooter Adventure |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/07/15 |
Reviewed by: Kara
The boat itself was very spacious to my surprise, offering plenty of shade! A fantastic way to spend the day on the water.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/18 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Watching these huge sized manta rays glide beneath us was surreal! Best experience hands down.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/11 |
Reviewed by: Suemac
The staff on the boat is very friendly, fun and helpful. We had a great time watching dolphins swim and then snorkeling after that.
Aloha,
Thank you so much for joining our Dolphins and You tour and for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review!
We’re so happy to hear you had a great time out on the water — from watching the dolphins swim to snorkeling in the beautiful ocean. Our crew always strives to create a fun, safe, and memorable experience, and we’re glad that came through!
Also, we're thrilled you enjoyed the dolphin photos! Mahalo for sharing them with us — they’re absolutely adorable, and we're glad you were able to capture such special moments.
We hope to welcome you aboard again in the future.
Warm regards,
Dolphins and You 🐬🌺
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | [12:00 PM] Afternoon Snorkel Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/07/08 |
Reviewed by: Nelson
This adventure did not disappoint!! It was more than we expected!! Dolphins swimming alongside our boat for miles jumping, spinning, and surfing our wake!! It was a dream come true and we couldn’t stop smiling!!!!
So glad you had a fun time on our dolphin tour! We're thrilled you decided to spend some time on the ocean with us when you were in Maui! Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Tour |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/20 |
Reviewed by: wasabi0811
It was great that even children who can't snorkel could see a lot of fish! Riding in a real submarine was also a refreshing and fun experience, almost like an attraction. Also, the pilot was so cool that I couldn't help but sneak a glance! At one point, it got a bit boring, and my child fell asleep, but it was a good experience overall.
シュノーケル出来ない子どもでもたくさんの魚が観れてよかったです!そもそも本物の潜水艇に乗り込むこと自体もアトラクション感覚で新鮮で楽しかったです。
あとパイロットがカッコ良すぎてついチラ見しちゃう!
途中は少し退屈になり、子どもは寝てしまいましたww良い体験でした。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 基本プラン |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Weather: | Cloudy |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/25 |
Reviewed by: わん
The staff was friendly, and there were enough staff members for participants to swim comfortably! They took the time to thoroughly explain safety precautions, such as not swimming at the back of the boat, and they were always watching over the participants. There was also a practice for the OK sign and help sign, which was reassuring. We were the only Japanese participants, but there were many children joining, and we were able to communicate and have fun. There was an incident where a participant's hat flew into the sea, but the staff returned the boat to the point where the hat was and jumped in to retrieve it. The snorkeling time was long, and if you get tired, you can return to the boat via the stairs! I highly recommend it!
スタッフはフレンドリーで、参加者に対してスタッフの数が多く安心して泳ぐことができました!
船の後ろ側は泳がないことなど、注意事項の説明も時間をかけてしっかりしてくださり、また、スタッフが常時参加者の様子を見ていました。
okのサインやヘルプのサインも事前練習があり、安心でした。
日本人参加者は我々だけでしたが、子供の参加も多く、楽しくコミュニケーションを取ることができました。
途中参加者の帽子が海に飛ばされるアクシデントがありましたが、船を帽子があるポイントに戻し、スタッフさんが飛び込んで取りに行っていました。
シュノーケリングの時間は長く、疲れたら階段から船に戻ることができます!お勧めです!
However, today the wind was very strong, and my companion seemed to be struggling with seasickness. I recommend bringing motion sickness medication.
ただ今日は風が非常に強く、同行者は船酔いで辛そうでした。。酔い止めを持参することをお勧めします。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 【2人目無料!】人数限定モニター |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Weather: | Cloudy |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/07/08 |
Reviewed by: ちゃま
I had a great time with Takako and the crew, who were bright and friendly. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see the honu (some people did), but I was very satisfied. I was impressed by Takako's hospitality!
タカコさんをはじめクルーの皆さんが明るく親切でとても楽しかったです。残念ながらホヌには会えませんでしたが(見た方はいらっしゃいました)十分満足できました。タカコさんのホスピタリティに感動しました!
I'm glad I rented a wetsuit.
ウェットスーツを借りて良かったです。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/07/05 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Our family had such a wonderful day, the kids were so engaged with the viewing window.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/05/31 |
Reviewed by: Mads
We adored the snorkel tour! We saw many turtles and received great snorkel instructions from Captain Jenna so we were in great hands as beginners
How ever much sunscreen you think you need, you need more
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Late-Morning Snorkel Cruise (11:45 AM) |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/07/04 |
Reviewed by: ぽぽもも
I encountered sea turtles several times, but the beauty of the ocean and the variety and number of other fish were not very impressive... It might be more enjoyable to participate in the sandbar activities.
ウミガメには何度か出会えましたが
海の綺麗さとその他の魚の種類や数はあまり…
サンドバーに頑張って参加するほうが楽しめるかも
It's inexpensive, but there's a reason for the low price...
安価だけど安価にはわけがある…
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 【2人目無料!】人数限定モニター |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/07/05 |
Reviewed by: Ka Lai
I recommend this for small children, elderly people, and anyone who wants to peek into the waters of Hawaii without getting wet.
We gathered on-site. Even if you arrive on time, there were no staff members present, which can be a bit unsettling, but it seems this is the usual situation (laughs). In our small group of 13, we could clearly hear the staff's explanations. At other times, it seemed to be fully booked with about 50 people.
We were able to see clearly down to the seabed and even encountered sea turtles. I think people of all ages can enjoy this. I downloaded the Japanese commentary in advance, but I wasn't sure when to start listening with the earphones.
小さなお子様にもご年配の方々も、濡れずにハワイの海の中を覗きたい人にとってもおすすめです。
集合時間にp
現地集合でした。
時間どおりに行っても、スタッフの方々誰もおらず不安になりますが、これがいつも通りのようです(笑)
13人の少人数グループでスタッフの方の説明もクリアに聞こえました。
他の時間は約50人の満席のようでした。
海底までゆっくりクリアに見ることができ、海亀にも遭遇できました。
年齢問わず楽しめると思います。
日本語の解説を事前ダウンロードしましたが、いつイヤホンで聴き始めたら良いかが分かりませんでした。
I thought it would be easier to wear pants instead of a long skirt since you have to transfer from the boat to the submarine and use the stairs. There are no Japanese staff, but I think you can still
ボートから潜水艦に乗り移り、階段を使うので、ロングスカートよりはパンツスタイルの方が楽かと思いました。
日本人スタッフはいませんが十分楽しめると思います。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 基本プラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/07/02 |
Reviewed by: Bullhammock
The staff were great. Food and drink was better than expected!!
Took us to a sight we have always wanted to snorkel in. We could not have been more pleased!!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package [Apr 16th - Dec 14th] |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/05 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/14 |
Reviewed by: Blayke
This was one of our favorite days on vacation going on the catamaran with my kids snorkeling and seeing Sea turtles.
I was worried my kids would be to little but everyone on the boat was so helpful and we had the best time ever!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/07/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/05/14 |
Reviewed by: Kara
a unique and fun experience for myself wife and daughter to enjoy something so new!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Original Package: Underwater Scooter Adventure |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2025/06/30 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/05 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Seeing dolphins swim alongside the boat was such a magical moment, and snorkeling in those clear waters is so unforgettable!!!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | [12:15 PM] 3.5-Hour Afternoon Tour with Lunch & Beverages |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/06/30 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/05 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Such a cool way to explore beneath the ocean without getting wet as I am not much of a swimmer that loves sea life, lol!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Premium Submarine Tour (Larger Window) |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2025/06/30 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/04 |
Reviewed by: Kara
The included beers and cocktails added to the laid-back vibe this snorkel was!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package with Drinks Included |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2025/06/30 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/03 |
Reviewed by: Grandpa
Friendly staff. 100 yards away was too far to swim. All other boats were closer.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Premium Submarine Tour (Larger Window) |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2025/06/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/27 |
Reviewed by: Book now, highly recommended
Monoa was a great friendly experience. Kids felt safe and comfortable. The crew was amazing, patient and very supportive. I would recommend for anyone with kids. We saw tons of fish, turtles and sea life.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/06/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/04 |
Reviewed by: mm
The tour was supposed to include two snorkeling spots, but in reality, we only visited one, and we couldn't go to the spot where we could see turtles. The weather on the day was clear.
As for my experience snorkeling at Molokini Island, the sea was relatively beautiful, but there weren't many types of fish, and I couldn't help but compare it to Okinawa and other islands in Japan, which left me a bit disappointed.
However, the local staff were very accommodating, the food was delicious, and the unlimited drinks made the tour more reasonable than I expected.
I was able to figure out the parking location by looking at everyone's reviews. I think it would be helpful for the operating site to provide a bit more detailed information.
ツアー内容はシュノーケルスポットを2箇所まわるということでしたが、実際は1箇所のみで、カメの見れるスポットには行けませんでした。当日の天気は晴天でした。
モロキニ島でのシュノーケル体験での感想としては、海はそれなりに綺麗ですがあまり魚の種類もいなく、沖縄や日本の離島とどうしても比較してしまい少し期待外れでした。
しかし、現地スタッフの方の対応もよく、食事も美味しかったですし、お酒も飲み放題だったので思ったよりツアーとしてはリーズナブルだと思います。
駐車場の場所は、皆さんの口コミをみて把握できました。運営サイトとして、もう少し詳細を具体的にしてあげると良いのではないかと思います。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/06/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/08 |
Reviewed by: ミッチャン
The sea was murky and the visibility wasn't great, but it was amazing to see the underwater world that you can't usually experience. It seems the visibility is better in the morning. I wasn't sure when to start the Japanese guide, so if you could make that clearer, I think it would enhance the experience even more.
海が濁っており透明度は今一でしたが、普段体験できない海の中を見る事ができ最高でした。
午前中の方が透明度が高いようです。
日本語のガイドをスタートさせるタイミングが分からなかったので分かるようにしていただけるともっと楽しめると思います。
The morning is recommended.
午前中がおすすめです。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 基本プラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/06/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/23 |
Reviewed by: chan
You can see shipwrecks and airplanes, which is great for those who are not confident in snorkeling, as it allows you to safely view the seabed. You can also see fish clearly, and if you're lucky, you might spot sea turtles or sharks. No matter which side you sit on, the boat turns alternately, so you can get a good view of the shipwrecks and other sights!
沈没船や、飛行機を見ることが出来て、シュノーケリングに自信が無い方には安全に海底を見れるのでいいと思います。
魚もしっかり見れ、運が良ければウミガメやサメも見ることができます。
左右どちらに座っても、交互にターンしてくれるのでしっかり沈没船等は見ることが出来ました!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 基本プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Weather: | Cloudy |
| Posted on: | 2025/06/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/22 |
Reviewed by: Kate
We only found out about this tour because we knew a local person. There’s no sign at the road near the bay as to where to turn or park. Parking cost $38 in the public beach parking area. Once you get to the parking lot, there’s no sign as to where the boat is docked or where the kiosk for the tour company is. One girl working the kiosk told us that they didn’t offer glass bottom boat tours; the kiosk name matched our reservation. The website is very unfriendly. The tour guide was good but the captain could go a bit slower when over a reef so that we unfamiliar with it can focus our eyes to see the fish.
Be prepared for wading in the water to board the boat.
Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your experiences with us. We're sorry you found us difficult to find -- we aren't allowed to post signage so we do the best we can with our emailed and texted directions, and our reservationists are standing by the phone lines to help with those last minute directions too. The public parking lot at the south end of the beach is still free...but parking a bit closer at the Lava Lava restaurant will incur fees.
We're also sorry you found the website difficult to navigate (not sure if you're referring to Veltra's website or our own website) -- we encourage anyone with issues to contact us directly by phone or email.
We'll pass your feedback on to our captain regarding the boat's speed, and we're also investigating the issue where you were told we don't operate Glass Bottom Boat Cruises.
We appreciate your comments.
Mahalo for joining us!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Cruise |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/06/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/23 |
Reviewed by: Lago Lobster
The best thing we did in Hawaii. The manta rays were so close & there were so many. Cannot recommend enough.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/06/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/17 |
Reviewed by: 1st time from TX
This was a relaxing trip with my family to snorkel and see the sea turtles by boat. I would recommend to anyone looking to venture out by boat.
bring towels and sunscreen.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 4.5-Hour South Maui Morning Snorkel with Lunch |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Posted on: | 2025/06/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2025/06/20 |
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