All Reviews for Marine Wildlife Encounters

Overall, if you want to see dolphins and turtles, I highly recommend this tour!

Before 7 AM, we were picked up at our hotel in Ko Olina and transported to the departure location. We gathered with everyone from Dolphin University and headed out on our respective boats to search for dolphins. The water temperature was warm in late October, but it could get chilly once you got out, so I recommend wearing a wetsuit (cash $10).

Our guide, Minako, provided detailed explanations for us Japanese participants, allowing us to feel safe and enjoy the experience from start to finish. At one point, I wondered if we would find any dolphins, but after a thorough search by Captain Jason, we were able to see a lot of dolphins while snorkeling! It was my first experience in such deep, blue waters.

After that, we moved to another spot where we could see turtles and fish up close while snorkeling, and we had lunch before wrapping up in the morning. Minako shared many stories, allowing us to learn and feel the grandeur of nature. I was very satisfied!!

We also had the chance to ride on both sides of the boat as a banana boat, making it a truly fun tour. I highly recommend it!

総括してイルカを見たい＋カメを見たい方はこのツアーがオススメです！

7時前はコオリナのホテルまでお迎えに来ていただき、出航場所まで移動。
イルカ大学と中学のみんなで集まり、それぞれの船でイルカ探しに向かいます。10月下旬で水温は温かかったですが、上がると寒かったりするのでウェットツース(現金$10)がおすすめ。
日本人の私たちのために、みなこさんというガイドさんが詳しく説明してくれ最初から最後まで安心してとっても楽しむことができました。途中イルカが見つからないかなと思いましたが、Jason captainの大捜索の末、たっくさんのイルカをシュノーケリングで見ることができましたー！こんな深くて青い海は初めての経験です。
その後は移動して、カメや魚をシュノーケリングで間近で見ることができ、ランチをして午前中には終了。
みなこさんのたくさんのお話で学びもあり自然の雄大さを感じることができました。大満足！！
ボートは両側に乗ってバナナボートとして楽しむことができ本当に楽しいツアーです。おすすめですー！

Sunset cruise was very windy. Sunset was beautiful. Meal was ok at best. Value for your money was not there. Crew did a great job under the conditions.

I was truly moved to encounter so many dolphins on the day of the tour! Furthermore, I was very satisfied to see sea turtles and rays as well. Guides Jason and Katie kept the atmosphere lively and fun on the boat. Especially, Ryuuichi provided support in Japanese, which made me feel at ease participating. I learned a lot about the marine life and culture of Hawaii. If I have the opportunity to visit Hawaii again, I would definitely like to join this tour! Thank you for the wonderful experience!

当日はたくさんのイルカに出会うことができ、本当に感動しました！
さらに、ウミガメやエイまで見ることができて、大満足の一日でした。
ガイドのジェイソンさんとケイティさんが常に明るく盛り上げてくれて、船の上もとても楽しい雰囲気でした。
特にりゅういちさんが日本語でサポートしてくださり、安心して参加できました。ハワイの海の生き物や文化についてもいろいろ教えていただき、とても勉強になりました。
またハワイを訪れる機会があれば、ぜひこのツアーに参加したいです！
素晴らしい体験をありがとうございました！

I was very satisfied to find dolphins and swim with them. The process of searching for dolphins was also enjoyable. The sandwiches were delicious. I was impressed by the crew's professionalism. I thoroughly enjoyed the great outdoors. Although we had an early departure, we were able to return early, making good use of the day. The teamwork of the Japanese guide, Yuji, Captain Jason, and guide Christen was excellent, allowing me to dive into the sea with peace of mind.

イルカを見つけ一緒に泳ぐことができ大満足です。イルカを探す工程も楽しかったです。
サンドイッチも美味しかったです。クルーのプロ意識に感動しました。大自然を満喫し楽しかったです。朝早い出発だったけどその分早く帰って来れたので1日を有効に使えます。
日本語ガイドのYuji san, キャプテンのJason san, ガイドのChristen sanの連携が素晴らしく安心して海に飛び込めました。

Due to a last-minute change, I participated in the Dolphin University tour. From the hotel pickup to the return, it was a very enjoyable tour filled with hospitality.

The tour involved a medium-sized cruise (with about 30-50 participants, including international guests) to the dolphin spotting area. Once we found dolphins, everyone jumped in together and swam a little to where the dolphins were, which we did twice. Then, we moved to a snorkeling spot where we swam while looking for sea turtles.

From the boat, we could see several wild dolphins swimming and breathing. During the swimming part with the dolphins, we were able to see a few dolphins swimming in groups up close in the water. However, since dolphins swim quickly, some people seemed unable to see them, so there was a bit of luck involved. The tour guide provided clear guidance to ensure everyone could see, and since we could see them from the boat, I think everyone was satisfied.

Additionally, at the snorkeling spot, the slide attached to the boat was also very enjoyable, not just the snorkeling itself. Overall, it was a tour that I would love to participate in again.

直前の変更でイルカ大学への参加となりました。
ホテルでのピックアップから帰るまで、ホスピタリティ溢れる非常に楽しいツアーでした。
肝心のツアー概要は、イルカのスポットまで中型クルーズ(海外の方含め30-50名ほど参加)でイルカスポットまで移動し、イルカを見つけたらみんなで一斉に飛び込んでイルカがいるところまで少し泳ぐ、というのを2回やった上で、今度はシュノーケルスポットに移動してウミガメを見つけながら泳ぐと言う流れでした。
イルカについては船の上から、息をしたり泳ぐ野生のイルカが何匹も見れます。ただイルカと泳ぐパートについても、海の中で数匹で群を成して泳ぐイルカを近距離で見ることができました。ただイルカも泳ぐスピードが速いので、一部の方は見ることが出来なかったようで、運の要素も少しはあるように感じました。ただツアーガイドの方はみんなが見れるよう、しっかりとガイダンスを出していましたし、船の上からは見れたので皆さん満足していたように思います。
またシュノーケリングスポットでは、シュノーケリングのみならず船併設の滑り台も非常に良かったです。
全体として、また参加したいと思えるツアーでした。

Great boat was awesome the crew was amazing good experience

If you'e going to Kona, you HAVE to night snorkel with the manta rays! It was such a magical experience that felt once in a lifetime. Initially, I was scared to get into the ocean at night, but once you're in the water, the wonder and amazement settled my fears.

This tour is a particularly good one to choose because the boat ride to "Manta Village" is only about 5 minutes from the dock. There are other tours where you leave from a different dock and the boat ride is 45 minutes. For someone that gets seasick, choosing this tour over others is a no brainer.

Be aware that they may change your tour time. During my visit, they were offering tours at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm. We booked the 7pm tour. On the day of tour, they called us at about 1pm and told us the 7pm tour was being cancelled because there weren't enough people signed up. They asked us to join the 6pm tour. They did the same with the 8pm group. Luckily, it worked with our schedule and wasn't a big deal, but it's something to be aware of.

We received a phone call and email in advance informing us that the dolphin middle school tour was canceled due to the captain's sudden health issues. They also suggested participating on another day or joining the dolphin university tour (with a free upgrade) that was held on the same day. We decided to join the dolphin university tour, and it turned out to be a great decision. As soon as the boat set sail, we were able to see a pod of dolphins from the deck. After about 30 minutes out at sea, we entered the water and were able to see the dolphins swimming underwater. We discovered dolphins at another point as well, but since they weren't swimming in a consistent direction, we ended up watching them from the boat there. Overall, it was a very satisfying tour.

キャプテンの急な体調不良によりイルカ中学ツアーが中止となることを事前にお電話、Eメールにて連絡を頂き、あわせて別日での参加、もしくは同日に開催されるイルカ大学（無料アップグレード）への参加を提案頂きました。私たちはイルカ大学に参加することにし、結果として大正解でした。ボートが出港してすぐに船上からイルカの群れを見ることができました。そして30分ほど沖に出て、今度は海に入り、泳いでいるイルカを水中から見ることもできました。別のポイントでもイルカを発見しましたが、一定方向にイルカが泳いでいなかったこともあり、そこでは船上から見ることになりましたが、大満足のツアーでした。

There was a change in the boarding location, but they arranged everything, including the car, so there were no problems at all. We boarded the ship and went to where the submarine was waiting, and it was a bit scary going down the stairs backward... haha. The space inside the submarine was exciting. It seems that the luck of the day plays a role, but it appeared that there were few creatures to encounter. I heard that octopuses are rare. It was a great experience.

乗船位置の変更がありましたが、車の準備など全て手配してくれて何も問題ありませんでした。船にのり、潜水艦が待っているところまで行きいざ乗船。後ろ向きで階段を下がるのは少しこわい…笑。潜水艦の空間がワクワクさせてくれました。当日の運にもなるかと思いますが、出会える生き物は少なかった様子でした笑。タコがレアだそうです。良い経験になりました。

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see many dolphins, but thanks to RYUICHI and the kind staff, I was able to enjoy myself!

残念ながらたくさんイルカを見ることは出来ませんでしたが、RYUICHIくん初め親切なスタッフの皆さんのお陰で楽しむことが出来ました！

I swam with dolphins in the ocean off the coast of Oahu at a depth of 1500 meters!＼(^o^)／
The guide, Minako, pulled me along with a buoy, even though I can't swim at all at 68 years old, and helped me get close to the dolphins. ☺️
At a secret snorkeling spot along the coast, I was moved to swim in the same water as beautiful fish, including spotted eagle rays!
Thank you so much, Minako, Captain Jason, Kristin, and the incredibly kind photographer Yuya! ❤(ӦｖӦ｡)

オアフ島沖、深度1500メートルの海に入ってイルカと泳ぎました＼(^o^)／
全く泳げない68歳の私を、ガイドのみなこさんがブイで引っ張ってくれて、イルカにあわせてくれました☺️
沿岸部秘密のシュノーケリングポイントでは、まだらトビエイをはじめ綺麗な魚たちと同じ水中で泳いで感動‼️
みなこさん、キャプテンのジェイソン、クリスティン、カメラマンのめちゃくちゃ優しいゆうやさん　本当にありがとう❤(ӦｖӦ｡)

I was not good at swimming, but I had the precious experience of seeing dolphins and turtles up close while swimming. There was also a guide from Japan, which made me feel at ease.

泳ぐことが苦手でしたが、イルカやカメを泳ぎながら直接見るという貴重な体験をさせて頂きました。ガイドも日本の人がいて、安心しました。

Since my parents can't swim and said they were scared of diving, we chose this activity. It was really okay not to swim at all, and my parents, who are in their sixties, enjoyed it. The staff mentioned that even a 90-year-old person had experienced it!

泳げない両親はダイビングが怖いと言っていたので、このアクティビティを選びました。
本当に泳がなくても大丈夫で、還暦の両親も楽しんでいました。90歳の方も体験されたと係の方がお話しされてました！

Compared to the scale of various aquariums in Japan recently, it was quite compact. If you are proficient in English, you might be able to read the explanatory texts, but having a Japanese audio tour or QR codes for Japanese explanations could make it more enjoyable.

最近の日本に有るあちこちの水族館の規模に比べると、かなりコンパクトでした。
英語に堪能であれば解説文も読めるでしょうが、日本語オーディオツアーとかQRコードで日本語解説とかが有れば楽しいかも？

Really unique, I have never got to be in a submarine so was a frist time experience and lots of fish life!

I was a little nervous with my mom being 70 need to get into the submarine. They were very accommodating for her. Words cannot describe how amazing it was to be in this submarine. The picture that I posted of my sister and my husband with the most wonderful look, enjoying their selves Beyond words. This is my absolute favorite memory from our big island vacation 2025.

Thanks to the coordination with other boats, we were able to swim with dolphins without any waiting! It was the best tour to encounter three different species of dolphins in one day.

The Japanese guide accompanied us from the shuttle bus all the way into the ocean, so I think even those who are not confident in English can enjoy it fully. I would love to use this tour again when I come back to Hawaii.

他の船と連携してイルカの群れを探してくれたおかげで、まったく待つことなくイルカと一緒に泳ぐことができました！
1日で3種類のイルカに遭遇できるなんて最高のツアーでした。

送迎のバスから海の中まで常に日本語ガイドさんが同行してくださるので、英語に不安のある方でも十分楽しめると思います。
またハワイに来た際にはツアー利用させていただきたいです。

At the first point, we didn't encounter any manta rays, so we moved to a spot where we could meet them while holding onto the pole. Then, illuminated by the light, the manta ray appeared beautifully as if it was glowing. It was truly breathtaking. After that, it seemed like it was greeting us, swirling around and opening its mouth wide to suck in plankton, which made us incredibly excited each time. The water temperature was a bit low, and by the time we returned to the boat, we were shivering. However, we received hot chocolate on the boat, which warmed up both our salty mouths and cold bodies a little. Thanks to the Japanese guide's attentiveness, we were able to enjoy the tour without any worries. Thank you very much. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone going to the Big Island of Hawaii.

最初のポイントではマンタは現れなかったので、私達はポールにつかまったままマンタに遭遇できるポイントまで移動。すると光に照らされてまるでマンタが光っている様に美しく登場しました。大感激です。その後も挨拶でもしてくれてるかの様にクルクルと回転したり、口を大きく開けてプランクトンを吸い込んでいる様子がみれて、その度に大興奮でした。水温が少し低くて船に戻る頃にはガタガタ震えてしまいましたが、船でホットチョコのドリンクを貰い塩っぱい口の中も寒い体も少し温まりました。日本語ガイドの方が気を配って頂いたので何も不安なくツアーを楽しめました。ありがとうございました。ハワイ島に行く方には、是非参加する様勧めたいと思います。

After participating in a dolphin tour on the Big Island, I thought about trying "Manta" for the next ten years, and I finally got to join the "Manta University Night Class." Since it was a night class, I had the image that "the dark sea is scary," which made it hard for me to take the plunge. However, as I've gotten older, I thought this might be my last chance, so I decided to participate. To my surprise, there was not even a hint of the feeling of a dark sea. It was amazing to see the mantas swimming gracefully through the water, and I was so close that I could almost touch them.

ハワイ島のイルカツアーに参加して、次は「マイタ」に挑戦と思ってから１０年、ようやく
『マンタ大学夜間部』に参加する事ができました。
夜間部という事で、『暗い海は怖い』イメージがあり、なかなか踏み出せませんでしたが、
年齢も重ね、これが最後と考え参加しましたが、暗い海という感じは１ミリもなく、マンタが
海の中を『優雅に飛ぶ様に泳ぎ』、『もう少しでマンタに触れらる』という感動で最高でした。

We went out about 30 minutes offshore to search for dolphins. The boat was a speedboat, which might be a bit confusing for those who have participated in snorkeling in places like the Okinawa islands. The snorkeling gear and life jackets were basic, so if you have your own, it's better to bring them along.

The staff were friendly, and there wasn't a photographer as mentioned in the reviews, which made for a fun experience. The Japanese staff were kind and took good care of the children! I wanted to buy some photos, but the original tour price was already quite high. I thought it would be better if the photo cost was included in the tour price, so we could board with peace of mind.

It seems that there were fewer Japanese participants, and there were many English-speaking guests, which allowed us to enjoy the overseas experience.

However, I would like to see improvements in the pickup process. A Japanese staff member came to confirm at 5:30 AM before the driver arrived, and we waited for 40 minutes. It seems there were some issues with the driver, and some Japanese guests were unable to join the tour.

I think it was a good tour since we saw dolphins three times.

I don't think all hotels have the same 5:30 AM pickup, so I would appreciate adjustments to the timing and more reliable pickups.

港から30分ほどの沖合までイルカを探しに行きます。ボードもスピードボードで、沖縄離島などでシュノーケル参加した方などは戸惑われるかと。
シュノーケルもライフジャケットも簡易的なものです。持ってる方は、自分の物を持って行った方が良いです。
スタッフの方はノリが良く、口コミにあったようなカメラマンさんは居なくて楽しく過ごせました。日本人のスタッフさんは、子ども達にも優しく面倒見てくださいました！写真買いたかったけど、元のツアー代もまあまあするし、高いなあと。それならいっそツアー代金に組み込んでくれたら安心して乗り込めるのにとも思いました。

かなり日本人の方の参加は少なくなっているようで英語圏の方が多く、それはそれで海外を楽しむことができました。

ただ、、、ピックアップの仕方は改良求めます。先に日本人スタッフの方が5時半に確認に来られてからドライバーさんが来ますが、40分待ちました。ドライバーさんのミス？でピックアップしてもらえず、ツアーに参加できなかった日本人の方もいるようです。

3回イルカにも会えたしいいツアーだと思います。

どのホテルも同じ5時半ピックアップはないと思うので、時間の調整や確実なピックアップをお願いしたいです。

The number of units was limited, and there was almost always a wait time. Some people were getting seasick while waiting. The actual time spent diving was very short, which was disappointing.

台数が限られてほとんど待ち時間でした。
人によっては待ってる時間で船酔いしていました。実際に装着して潜った時間もすごく短くて不満だった。

We participated as a couple. We were a bit anxious since we were the only Japanese people there, but the staff member Tamae provided us with detailed explanations in Japanese and frequently checked in with us, which made us feel at ease. The manta rays in the night sea were incredibly powerful, and it was a very mystical experience.

夫婦で参加させてもらいました。日本人が私たちのみで不安でしたが、スタッフのタマエさんが日本語で丁寧な説明や頻回な声かけをしてくださり安心できました。夜の海でのマンタは大迫力で、とても神秘的な体験ができました。

With a crew of six, including Japanese staff, we set sail on a new boat with a capacity of about 40 people, under clear skies and gentle winds—perfect weather. After about an hour without spotting any dolphins, we received news of a dolphin sighting from another boat. We rushed to the spot and found the dolphins, and with the signal "GOGO," we took turns jumping into the sea. We were able to see a pod of five dolphins swimming together! After returning to the boat and moving a bit further, we encountered a large group of dolphins! With the second "GOGO" signal, we dove in again. Amazingly, more than ten dolphins swam close to us, including a baby dolphin! Everyone was able to swim with the dolphins. After that, we snorkeled in shallow waters. My wife and I had to retreat to the boat early due to seasickness. I wish we had taken motion sickness medication beforehand. Other guests were also feeling unwell, so it's essential to prepare for seasickness. Thank you to Ryuichi and all the crew for an incredible experience! Mahalo!

日本人のクルーも含めて6名？のスタッフと、快晴かつ風も弱い、最高の天気の中、40名？定員の新しい船で出航。1時間ほどイルカが見つからない中、仲間の船からイルカ目撃の知らせ。スポットへ急ぎイルカを発見、GOGOの合図で順々に海へ飛び込む。5頭のイルカが群れで泳いでいる所を見ることができました！1度船に戻り少し走ると、たくさんのイルカの群れが！GOGOの合図で2度目のダイブ。なんと10頭以上のイルカが次々に近くを泳いでくれて、こどものイルカまで！全員がイルカと泳ぐことができました。その後は浅瀬でシュノーケル。私と妻は船酔いで早めに船上へ退散。酔い止めを飲んでおけばよかった。他のお客さんもAlohaしてる方がいたので、船酔い対策は必須ですね。Ryuichiさんはじめ、クルーの皆さん最高の体験をありがとうございました！Mahalo！

I was very satisfied as we encountered a pod of dolphins multiple times from the beginning to the end of the boat ride! We went snorkeling three times and saw dolphins in the sea.

For lunch, we had tuna sandwiches on the boat. Water was available upon request.

There was an English explanation, but Ken translated it into Japanese, allowing us Japanese speakers to enjoy it with peace of mind.

All the staff were cheerful and energetic, and everyone was very nice, making it a lot of fun!!

ボートに乗ってすぐ最初から最後まで、イルカの群れに何度も遭遇でき、大変満足です！
途中3回、シュノーケルをつけ海に入ってイルカを見ました。

ランチはツナサンドを船上でいただきました。希望すればお水をいただけます。

英語の説明もありましたが、ケンさんが日本語で通訳してくださり、日本人でも安心して楽しむことができました。

スタッフの方々みなさん明るく元気で、良い方ばかりでとても楽しかったです！！

Very relaxing and educational experience. My family and I really enjoyed it.

It doesn't take much time for the Manta rays to show up, swimming with these giant peaceful fish is amazing experience.

We have limited snorkeling experience so it is tiring to float 45 minutes. We are exhausted when returning to the boat. It worths the experience.

Tip: Bring hot drink and chocolate bar with you!

The crew are willing to help with sea sickness and exhaustion, but they only have bottled water. The nearest place to get any replenish is Longs Drugs which requires several minutes of driving.

I was able to see many whales. The light meal (cinnamon roll, fruit, and one drink included) was also delicious.

たくさんのクジラに会えました。
軽食（シナモンロール、フルーツ、ワンドリンク付き）も美味しかったです。

The weather was perfect, and I was moved and healed by the breathtaking view of the deep blue sky and the endless horizon! I had the rare experience of encountering wild dolphins and sea turtles and swimming with them! I'm not good at English, and I'm not a strong swimmer, but thanks to the Japanese staff, I was able to enjoy it with peace of mind. I was blessed with great weather, and it became the best memory!

最高のお天気で、真っ青の空とどこまでも続く水平線の絶景に感動し、癒されました！
野生のイルカやウミガメに遭遇して一緒に泳ぐという貴重な経験が出来ました！
英語が苦手、泳ぐのも苦手、でも日本語スタッフさんのおかげで安心して楽しむ事ができました。
お天気に恵まれて、最高の思い出になりました！

I was moved by the wild dolphins and the endless horizon! I also encountered sea turtles and was able to swim with the dolphins. Even though I'm not good at English, the Japanese staff were very attentive and made me feel very comfortable and able to enjoy myself! The speed of the boat was thrilling, and it felt like a great deal since we could also do the banana boat activity! It became the best memory!

野生のイルカと、どこまでも続く水平線に感動しました！
ウミガメも遭遇し、イルカとも一緒に泳げて、英語が苦手な私でも日本語スタッフが丁寧にご対応くださり大変安心して楽しめました！
ボートのスピードがスリル満点で、バナナボートのアクティビティも出来たようなお得感！！
最高の思い出になりました！

I was surprised to be welcomed by a pod of spinner dolphins as soon as we set sail. This time, I was able to swim with the dolphins multiple times, and it was an indescribably moving experience. They might have come over to play with us. I also thought the ocean was truly beautiful.

I participated alone this time, but I'm really glad I mustered the courage to join. The staff were all very cheerful and fun, and I especially appreciated the help from Minako, who is a Japanese staff member. Thank you very much. If you come to Hawaii, I definitely recommend experiencing this.

まず出航したてで、ハシナガイルカの群れにお迎えされて驚きました。今回はイルカと何回も一緒に泳ぐことができて、言葉にならないほど感動しました。イルカからこちらに遊びに来てくれたのかもしれません。海も本当に美しいと思いました。
今回1人で参加でしたが、勇気を出して参加して本当に良かったです。スタッフの皆さんはとてもかななななななかななに明るく楽しくて、特に日本人スタッフのみなこさんにはとてもお世話になりました。ありがとうございました。ハワイに来たらぜひ体験してみてください。