All Reviews for Marine Wildlife Encounters

A total of eight mantas came by, and I was able to see them up close. When mantas eat plankton, they do somersaults in the water, and they come up so close that I could even see inside their mouths.

全部で８枚のマンタがやってきて、しかも間近で見ることができました。マンタは餌のプランクトンを食べるときに水中で宙返りをするのですが、そのときに顔スレスレまで上がってくるので、マンタの口の中まで見ることができました

We did this tour during the whale mating season so we expected to see a whale or two but what we saw was amazing. At first the whales kept their distance but after awhile they began approaching the boat. Soon dozens of whales were surrounding the boat and showing off their dives, breaches and spouting. They were close enough to spout whale 'snot' on us!! The skipper said their nearness was very unusual and he prolonged the tour by 1/2 hour.

Excellent diving with the manta rays, really enjoyed it and was one of the highlights of my holiday.

Outstanding trip. Very knowledgeable crew and really looked after everyone. The lady captain was superb, buffet great, but as an English lady I did have to ask for a knife and fork, which everyone found highly amusing.

Would definitely recommend, the best trip of my holiday.

I made a reservation on-site the day before. There was no Japanese guide, but I was able to participate in the tour without any issues. I wasn't able to see the big whale jumps that I had imagined, but I still had a good time.

現地で前日に予約をしました。日本語ガイドはありませんでしたが、問題なくツアーに参加する事ができました。
想像していたような、クジラの大ジャンプまで見ることはできませんでしたが、それなりに楽しむことが出来ました。

I was very worried about seasickness, but since there was a 99% chance of seeing manta rays, I decided to join this tour. Unfortunately, it seems the waves were high, and we weren't able to see them.

While waiting for the manta rays, I got really seasick, whether on the boat or being rocked in the water... Maybe because of the season, it was very cold while waiting in the water, and I was shivering a lot, so I thought I should have considered the type of swimsuit I wore. (I rented and wore a wetsuit!) Since it was cold, they mentioned bringing items like a bath towel, but it would have been nice to have some information specifically for women in that regard.

Since I couldn't see the manta rays this time, they said I could come back for free next time, so I'm looking forward to it! But I don't know how many years it will be until then (^^;;

The Japanese female staff member was very cheerful and kind, and she was amazing!!! I'm really grateful!☆

船酔いがとても心配でしたが、99%以上の確率ということでしたので、参加したこのツアー。しかし、波が高かったのか、残念ながら見ることができませんでした。
マンタを待っている間は、ボートの上でも水中で波に揺られていても、すごく酔ってしまいました…。時期が時期だったからか、水の中で待っている間は、とても寒くてガクガク震えるくらいでしたので、水着の種類を考えればよかったかなーと思いました。（スウェットスーツはレンタルして着ていました！）寒いので、持ち物にはバスタオルなどは書いてありましたが、女性のためにもそこの部分の記載もあればありがたかったです。
見られなかった分、次回行った時に無料でご案内していただけるそうですので、期待しています！が、何年後になるか分かりません(^^;;

日本人スタッフの女性の方は、とても明るく親切で、最高でした！！！本当に感謝しています☆

We participated with three seniors. It was helpful that transportation was included. We were satisfied to see whales. The lunch was also delicious. It became a wonderful memory of our trip to Hawaii.

シニア世代3人で参加しました。送迎付きでお願いしたので助かりました。クジラも見れて満足です。ランチもおいしくいただけました。ハワイ旅行の楽しい思い出となりました。

We participated with three seniors. It was helpful that we requested transportation. We were satisfied to see whales. We also enjoyed a delicious lunch. It became a wonderful memory of our trip to Hawaii.

シニア世代3人で参加しました。送迎付きでお願いしたので助かりました。クジラも見れて満足です。ランチもおいしくいただけました。ハワイ旅行の楽しい思い出となりました。

While moving, we spotted a whale and got super excited‼️ I think it was all about timing, but I’m glad we got to see it. The sunset was also amazing‼️ After arriving at the spot and getting ready, we entered the water~. We saw a manta ray❣️ It was so impressive. I’m glad we got to see it several times.

In January, for night manta diving, you need to prepare for the cold. I think renting a wetsuit is necessary. However, since it's a spring suit, which is short-sleeved and short-legged, those who are sensitive to the cold should definitely wear long sleeves and long pants (rash guard).

On the way back, it was clear and there was no moon, so the starry sky was beautiful. However, since you return to the port while still wet, you need to prepare for the cold. I think having two bath towels per person would be good.

Since it's nature, sometimes you see things and sometimes you don't, but you have to enjoy it in your own way! The staff were kind and friendly.

移動中、クジラが出て大興奮‼️タイミングだと思うけど、見れて良かった。そしてサンセットもサイコー‼️ポイントに着いて準備後エントリ~。出たマンタ❣️迫力あるぅ。何回か見れて良かったです。
１月は、ナイトマンタは寒さ対策は必要です。ウェットスーツは、レンタルは必要かと思います。ただスプリングといって、半袖半ズボンなので、寒がりの方は、長袖長ズボン(ラッシュ)必須と思います。
帰りは、晴れて月が無かったので星空が綺麗でした。
ただ、濡れたまま港まで帰るので、防寒対策は必要です。バスタオルは、一人2枚あったらいいかと思います。
自然相手なので、出たり出なかったりかと思うけど、自分なりに楽しまないと
ね！。スタッフは、親切で優しい方でしたよ。。

I felt colder than I expected. There were two manta rays swimming around. I was happy to see them, but if I could wish for more, I would have liked them to come closer. I wanted to see more of them.

I was glad to receive snacks and water after getting back on the boat, but it was cold, so it would have been even better if we could have had hot drinks.

思ってたより体が冷えた。
マンタが2枚いてウロウロしていた。
会うことが出来て嬉しかったが、欲を言えば
もっと近くに来て欲しかった。
もっと枚数を見たかった。

船に上がってからお菓子とお水をもらえて嬉しかったが、寒かったのでホットドリンクを頂けたらもっと最高ですね〜

Whales can be seen with a probability of over 90%. Even better was the view of Hawaii Island from the boat. It was beautiful, magnificent, and absolutely the best. The boat was well-equipped with meals, drinks, and restrooms, providing everything you could need.

クジラはほぼ90％以上の確率で見れるそうです。それ以上に良かったのは船からのハワイ島の眺め。綺麗で雄大で最高でした。船の設備も食事飲み物トイレ付きと至れりつくせり。

Before participating, I was worried about whether I would be able to see whales, but once I saw them, I was able to see them multiple times with some intervals in between, totaling about eight times. I was able to see the whale's tail, body, head, and spouting. I really feel like I was lucky. The whales came close to the boat, so while I was chatting with my kids and family inside the boat over fruits and coffee, someone would shout, "Ah!" and at that signal, we could rush to the window and see the whales up close. I took photos and videos with my smartphone, but the excitement of seeing the whales with my own eyes was truly exceptional.

参加前はクジラ、見られるかな？と心配していましたが、一度見られると間隔を空けて何度も見られ、合計8回程、クジラの尾っぽや体、頭や潮吹きを見られました。本当に運が良かったと思います。クジラから船に近づいて来てくれたので、船内でフルーツやコーヒーを頂きながら子供達や家族と談笑していても、「あーっ‼︎」と誰かが大きな声を出してくれて、その声を合図に窓側へ駆け寄れば間近でクジラを見ることが出来ました。スマホやビデオで写真や動画をとれましたが、やはり肉眼でクジラを見た感動は格別です。

This was my second Manta experience and I was disappointed not to see a manta. There were a lot of boats out looking, I counted 15 at one time and it was just before dusk. On a previous Manta experience it was later so I wonder if they prefer to feed later when it's completely dark? I felt like I got to the party early and the cool kids showed up after I left. There was no lack of plankton however, so we were amused by the fish that gathered; an entire school under our light. I've gotten used to the 'entertainment' boat staff provides which makes an excursion more fun. This excursion was rather perfunctory. Go out, hop in the water, no manta, ok, go back. Everyone was rather disappointed not to see Mantas, so I'm not sure if that made going back seem rather glum. I realize these are wild creatures but my last excursion (with another company) there were quite a few Manta, like 6-8? It was an incredible experience that I wanted to repeat with my husband and was disappointed.

This was our second trip aboard Atlantis and we enjoyed it as much as the first time. It is always nice to be able to do something you can't experience at home and living a thousand miles from any ocean submarines are fairly scarce where we live. I always enjoy seeing critters like sharks and sea turtles but any colorful sea life is enjpoyable. On the personal side we were treated with care and respect and at no time did we feel unsafe. Overall a great adventure. Thankyou very much.

Great time from Kawaihae!! Captain and crew along with biologist kept us up to date with all you want to know about humpbacks . Had whales all around.
Highly recommend this trip.

It is hard not to recommend whale watching. Had a great time with the family. Seen a few whales up close but most activity was from a distance. A few awesome whale tails. The crew was great. If you never went whale watching this should be on the bucket list.

What to expect? A great view from either side of the boat and a relaxing day with sun. Crew members explaining whale behaviors and pointing them out so you can follow and hopefully get some great photos.

Originally I was very scared as I don't like to put my head under the water. I signed up just because my grown up daughter wanted to try that. I was a bit out of breath at the beginning as I dived in to the helmet, but soon as I calmed down, it was incredible. I was even able to touch the gorgeous big turtle. But I was able to have this great experience only thanks to my assigned diver, who directed me so well. So thank you ever so much xx

I had seen it on TV before and really wanted to experience it, and finally, it came true this time. The boat left the harbor and after about 30 minutes, we arrived. As the tension increased, I relaxed by talking with the Japanese female guide and some locals. Then, as it got dark, the main event began. The captain called out and everyone went to the sea.

After waiting for a while, I heard a boy next to me shout, "They've come!" Sure enough, when I looked over, there was a manta ray, and I joined in the cheers. The manta rays were dancing around with incredible energy. There’s no other way to describe it; it was amazing. After a few minutes of screaming, everyone got back on the boat, looking satisfied and chatting for a while.

When I asked the guide, she said it was the best experience she had had recently. Even now, I can vividly recall that wonderful sight. I am grateful to all the staff for this amazing experience.

前にテレビの映像で観てぜひ体験したいと思っていましたがやっと今回実現にいたりました。船は港を出て30分ほど走って到着。緊張感が増す中、日本人女性ガイドや近隣の方と色々話してリラックス。そんな中いよいよ暗くなって本番?キャプテンが声を上げみんな海へ。
しばらく待ってると隣の少年が来た〜って声を。
確かにそちらを見るとマンタが〜って私も歓声を。凄い勢いでマンタの乱舞。
これは凄いとしか言いようがない。絶叫の数十分後みんな船に上がり満足そうにしばらく 談笑。
ガイドに聞いたらつい最近で最高ですなんて。いま思い出しても素晴らしい光景が目に浮かびます。この素晴らしい体験にスタッフの皆さんに感謝です。

Kudos to Hunter and Sophie for making this an amazing experience.

We had an experience beyond description. After watching the whale sufficiently, when the sailor turned on the music for a small party, the captain shouted for me to look for the noon direction and I saw a wonderful scene. Music was playing on the boat, a group of dolphins came from two o'clock, and a humpback whale made a wonderful vertical jump on the horizon. At that moment my friend and I felt we were in a dream. It was a fascinating and beautiful experience.

It was a series of experiences that you can't have in Japan! The staff were really enthusiastic, and it was a great experience. The kids also loved the program. I truly felt that it was worth the money.

日本では出来ない体験の数々でした！飼育員の方もノリノリでいい経験ができました。子供もすごい喜ぶプログラムです。これはお金を出す価値があるな、と実感しました。

There were three adults and three children (ages 7, 5, and 1). We were able to check in without any crowding, and the crew's service was good, just like last time. However, the main attraction, the whales, were only spotted about three times from a distance, with just their spouts and backs visible. It seemed that the children didn't find it very interesting. The adults might be satisfied with the views of Waikiki and Diamond Head from the sea, but it seems the children would have preferred something more engaging. However, I think they would have been excited if we could have seen the whales up close.

大人三人と、子供三人（7.5.1歳）混み合うことも無く受付を済ませクルーの対応も、前回同様良かったのです。しかし、肝心のクジラは、船から離れた地点て、クジラの潮吹きと背中が3回程確認できたレベルでしたので、子供達には、あまり面白く無かったようです。大人は、海から眺めるワイキキやダイヤモンドヘッド等でも、満足すると思いますが、子供達には、確実に楽しめる物の方が良かった様です。でも、間近で見れたらテンション上がってくれると思いますが。

My first whale watch was a total success. It was a beautiful day. The staff was more than helpful and friendly. The information from the naturalist was engaging and helpful. We were fortunate enough to see spouts of water, breeching and a few beautiful tails. I would definitely do this again.

Heads up: both parking and the stand for the whale watch tour was difficult to find. Luckily we were able to get ourselves on the next tour after missing the originally scheduled one due to the variables above. Tour guide was professional, but for a whale watching tour, and given our expections for the season, it was not up to par. Maybe next time.

I couldn't meet the dolphins this time, but the staff at Dolphin School were all very nice, so I still had a great time.

Since it's a natural experience, I think there are times when you won't see them! Still, it was wonderful to connect with the vast nature of Hawaii.

By the way, I did get to see the turtles and whales!!

Even in midsummer, it gets cold once you're out of the water, so it's better to bring a long-sleeve shirt.

今回イルカには会えなかったけど、イルカ中学のスタッフさんが
とても良い方ばかりだったのでそれでも楽しかったです

自然での体験なので会えないことあると思います！
それでもハワイの大きな自然に触れられて、よかったです。

ちなみに亀さんとクジラには会えました！！

真夏でも海から出たら、寒いので長袖を持って行った方が良いです。

Even though it's always summer in Hawaii, we found ourselves in the middle of winter, and unfortunately, it was cold and rainy. We suited up in wetsuits and headed out into the waves, which were quite rough! From a Japanese perspective, it was surprising to start the tour under such bad weather conditions.

As expected, my wife, who isn't very confident in her physical strength, quickly returned to the boat due to the cold and the waves. I was worried about her, and I ended up slipping on the deck and injuring my side. We only managed to spot two manta rays near the ocean floor, which left us a bit disappointed on our first day in Hawaii.

I had joined the tour believing the reviews that said it would be fine even without understanding English, but I think it would be safer to go with a Japanese-speaking tour, even if it costs a bit more. However, I did find that the catamaran had less rocking than expected, so I hope to try again under better conditions.

常夏のハワイ、とは言え真冬おまけに生憎の雨で寒い中、屋根ひとつないところでウェットスーツに身を包み沖へ出るとかなりのうねりが！
われわれ日本人の感覚からすれば、こんな、悪天候の時に出航するのかと思ってしまう条件の中でのスタートとなりました。
案の定寒さと、うねりにより体力に自信のない女房は早々に船上に。
心配で同行した私も、デッキで滑り転倒して脇腹を痛める始末。
肝心のマンタは海の底辺りに２尾だけ現れたのを確認できたのみで、ハワイ島初日にすこしがっかりのツアーでした。
英語がわからなくても、勢いで大丈夫っていった書き込みを信じての参加でしたが、やはり費用が割高でも日本語でのツアーの方が安全面のためにも良いのではと思います。
ただ、双胴船のため、揺れは少ない方だと思いました、好条件の時ににリベンジしたいと思います。

The ship was large, and there was no rocking at all, but unfortunately, we didn't see any whales. It seems that it really depends a lot on luck...

船は大きく、揺れは全くありませんでしたが、肝心の鯨は見れませんでした。
やはり、運によるところが大きいのでしょう。。。

We were the only Japanese people, but the crew was kind and we were able to spend a comfortable time.
We saw whales right after we set sail, and we were able to see them several more times!
My elementary school son was very moved.
The morning cruise was refreshing, and we were able to enjoy the scenery of the Big Island.

日本人は私たちだけでしたが、クルーの方々は親切で快適に過ごせました。
出航してすぐにクジラが見れました。その後も何回も見ることが出来ました！
小学生の息子はとても感動していました。
朝のクルーズは爽快で、ハワイ島の景色も楽しむことが出来ました。

Due to the bad weather, there were only us and one other family participating. The interaction content was sufficient, including explanations about the dolphins' bodies, dolphin touch, instructions for jumps, and dolphin kisses. We also enjoyed feeding sea turtles and tropical fish, as well as the dolphin and sea lion shows. The pickup times were a bit inconvenient, so having a rental car would be more convenient.

天候が悪かったため、参加者はウチともう１家族のみでした。
イルカの体の説明、イルカタッチ、ジャンプ等の指示出し、イルカキスなど、ふれあい内容は十分でした。
ウミガメや熱帯魚へのエサやり、イルカショー、アシカショーなどもあり、楽しめました。
送迎時刻が中途半端なため、レンタカーがあった方が便利です。

My most favorite experience on Big Island with Sea Paradise! A great crew and we were taken care of from start to finish. You start by checking in at the shopping center, drive 5 minutes to Keauhou Bay to park your vehicle, get fitted for your wet suit, and get on the boat. The sunset on along the Kona Coast was beautiful. The crew were extremely helpful, very knowledgeable about the history of the manta rays, humorous and went out of their way to make sure we spent the most time with the manta rays. We were one of the first boats in and last to leave. Plus, we were given fresh pineapple, juices/sodas and hot chocolate.
I do not know how to swim but the guides took extra care to make sure I made it on and off the boat with flotation devices. I would definitely recommend Sea Paradise!