All Reviews for Marine Wildlife Encounters

Last time I had a very disappointing experience on a different tour, so to be honest, I wasn't expecting much this time either... But it was incredible!!! We searched for dolphins, and when we found them, everyone jumped into the sea at once! When I looked into the water, the dolphins were swimming really close by. I was so moved. Then, we also encountered sea turtles during the second hour. I was so impressed that I ended up participating twice during my stay (^O^)／ I highly recommend Dolphin Junior High. The staff were all really fun, and I'm glad I participated. I definitely plan to join again next time.

前回別のツアーでとても残念な思いをしたので、正直今回もあまり期待していなかったんですが・・・
とんでもない！！！
イルカを探し、見つけるとみんな一斉に海へ！
海を覗くと本当に近くにイルカ先生達が泳いでるんです。
もうこれには感激です。
そして、2時間目のウミガメ先生にも遭遇。
もう、感動しすぎて滞在中2回も参加しちゃいました(^O^)／
イルカ中学本当にお勧めです。
スタッフの方も本当に楽しい方ばかりで、参加して良かった。
次も必ず参加すると思います。

I participated on January 22, 2010.
(I forgot to upload the photos, so I'm reposting.)

I chose this tour because the catamaran Navatek can go to areas where regular cruise ships cannot, minimizing the swaying and increasing the chances of observation.

Right after departure, there was an announcement saying, "You can observe whale spouts at 3 o'clock." I started to feel restless and couldn't leisurely enjoy my lunch anymore. So, I quickly went out to the deck.

Once a whale is spotted, the captain usually aligns the boat at 12 o'clock, making it very easy to observe. Since whales are protected, there is a rule that we cannot approach within 100 meters. However, it's okay if the whale approaches us, so we turn off the boat's engine to observe.

On this day, the whales were very active, and I was able to see a lot of tail slapping and fluking. Whenever I thought I saw a spout, they would do it. Also, they breached right in front of us just once. I was so excited!! They jumped out of the water completely, and the sound of the splashes was powerful and amazing. I was truly moved.
Thanks to this experience, I felt really glad to have participated!

On this day, there were 2 to 3 whales in the group that the Navatek was observing. I could also see spouts from the Star of Honolulu in the distance, so it seemed like there were really many whales in this area.

2010.1. 22に参加しました。
（写真をアップするのを忘れていたので、投稿し直しています。）

カタマランのナバテック号だったら、揺れが少なく、通常のクルーズ船では行けない海域まで行けるということで、観測率を上げるためにこのツアーを選びました。

出港してすぐに「３時の方向でクジラの潮吹きが観測できます~。」とのアナウンス。
私はソワソワしてきてしまって、のんきにランチをしているわけにはいかなくなりました。ということで、すぐにデッキに出ました。

クジラが見つかると、基本的には船長さんが１２時の方向に照準を合わせてくれるので、とても観測しやすいです。
クジラは保護されているので、１００ｍ以内に近づくことはできない決まりです。が、クジラの方から近づいてくるのはＯＫってことで、船のエンジンを切って観測する形になります。

この日はクジラがアクティブに動いていて、テイルスラップやフルーキングをする姿をたくさん見ることが出来ました。潮吹きしてるなぁって思うとやります。
それから、１回だけですが目の前でブリーチングまでしてくれました。もう大興奮です！！水面に全身を出して、豪快なジャンプ~~。水しぶきの音も迫力があって素晴らしかったです。すごく、感動しました。
お陰で、心から参加して良かったなと思いました！

なお、この日はナバテック号が照準を合わせていたクジラだけでも２~３頭の群れ。遠くにいるスターオブホノルルのところでも潮吹きが見えてたので、本当にたくさんのクジラがこの海域にいたようです。

I had a really great time! I'm glad I went. I bought the photos taken at the pool! I also wanted a video, but I heard the machine was broken, so I couldn't purchase it. That was very disappointing.

本当に楽しかったです！
行ってよかった。
プールで撮ってもらった写真買いました！ビデオも欲しかったのですが機械が壊れてしまったそうで購入できませんでした。
それだけがとても残念でした。

I was moved beyond words.

I was touched by the high transparency of the sea, where I could see the spotted patterns of rays swimming beneath the surface. I was also moved by the faint sounds of dolphins crying underwater, as if they were speaking to me, and by the attentive service of the staff... My heart was filled with wonderful sparkles.

This tour feels like swimming alongside wild dolphins while they are sleeping, which is quite different from the dolphin swims at Sea Life Park or the dolphin activities at the Kahala Hotel, where you can touch the dolphins closely. If you expect that kind of interaction, you might feel a bit unsatisfied...

However, you get to experience the dolphins in their natural, free state, and the majestic beauty of nature, which is incredibly healing.

I highly recommend this tour, where the stress from Japan melts away in the beautiful sea, leaving your heart feeling light!! I will definitely join again the next time I go to Oahu.

Yuriko, Captain Jenna LOVE & MAHALO

言葉じゃ言い表せないくらいの感動。

自然に感動して、海底に泳ぐエイのまだら模様まで
見えちゃうほどの透明度の高い海に感動して、
まるで自分に話しかけているかのような水中で聞こえる
かすかなイルカの泣き声に感動して、
スタッフさんのきめ細やかなご対応に感動して…
心の中にいっぱい素敵なキラキラが充電されました。

本当の野生のイルカが睡眠中の時にすぐそばを一緒になって
すーっと泳ぐという感じのツアーなので
シーライフパークのドルフィンスイムや
カハラホテルのドルフィンアクティビティとは
イルカにべたべた触れないという点がだいぶ違います。
それを期待して参加するとちょっと物足りない
気持になってしまうかも…

でも、その分狭い所に押し込まれていないイルカの
のびのびとした自由な姿や雄大な自然を感じ
ものすごーく癒されます。

日本でのストレスが綺麗な海に溶け出して
心が軽くなるようなツアー是非お勧めします！！
次回オアフに行くときはまた参加します

yurikoさん、captain Jenna LOVE＆MAHALO

I thought the price was a bit high, but I had a great time playing with the dolphins. If you're going to do it, the Dolphin Royal Swim is the way to go. The fun is on another level.
I watched it once at a different time, so even without Japanese, I understood.

少し値段が高いと思っていましたが、イルカと遊んで楽しかった。せっかくやるならドルフィン・ロイヤルスイムですね。楽しさがちがいます。
　時間をずらして一度見てからやったので、日本語無しでも、分かりましたよ。

The Hi-light of our trip. The crew was AWESOME. They were very informative as well as entertaining. Even though we were in the ocean with a lot of sharks we still felt completely safe. This is the closest you can come face to face with nature w/o fearing for your life (well, almost - it is a little scary at first). The sharks are amazing animals. Can't put into words what its like to look a shark in the eye. You have to see it for yourself. We were in the cage for about 20-30 minutes, but it seemed like an hour and there was plenty of room. If you tend to get sea sick just take a pill and do it anyway. You won't regret it. Definately get the DVD, its about $65 and worth every penny. I'm pretty cheap myself, but knew I couldn't pass the DVD up. Totally worth it. Just DO IT and don't forget your underwater cameras.

We took a boat from Waikiki out to sea and transferred to a submarine.

The sea around Waikiki had waves, and I got seasick on the boat to the submarine. If you are prone to motion sickness, I recommend taking medication in advance.

The underwater scenery is very beautiful, and it's recommended for those who can't swim (or dive). We were lucky enough to see sea turtles and sharks. It was great to see the clear, beautiful ocean.

When the submarine surfaced and submerged, it was really cool. A must-see!

ワイキキから船で沖へ行き潜水艦に乗換え。

ワイキキの海は波があり、潜水艦までの船で船酔いをしました。酔いやすい方は事前に酔い止めを。

海の中はとても綺麗で、泳げない(ダイビングが出来ない)方にはお勧めです。
私達は運が良く、ウミガメ、サメを見る事が出来ました。
澄んだ綺麗な海の中を見れたので、良かったです。

潜水艦が水中から上がって来る時、沈む時、
かっこよかったです。必見！

I participated two years ago as well. This year, I swam with many dolphins again. Last time, I brought a jacket, but it was really cold while on the boat, so I was thinking of bringing a wetsuit this year, and there was a rental available. My family had an amazing time both last time and this time, but there were some people who couldn't get in the water at all due to seasickness, so I think it's best for those who are anxious to definitely bring motion sickness medication.

I will definitely participate again next time.

おととしにも参加しました。
今年もたくさんのイルカたちといっしょに泳ぎました。
前回、上着を持って行ったものの、ボートに乗っているときに寒くて大変だったので、今年はウエットを持って行こうかと思っていたら、貸し出しがありました。
我が家は前回も今回もものすごく楽しめましたが、船酔いで
一度も海に入れなかった人もいるので、不安な人は必ず
酔い止めを持って行ったほうが良いと思います。

また次回も絶対に参加します。

I participated with my 3-year-old child. We kissed and touched dolphins. We were very satisfied. There was also a place where we could feed sea lions and sea turtles, and Sea Life Park was very satisfying.

3歳の子供と参加。
イルカとキスしたり触ったり。
大満足でした。
アシカやウミガメに食事をあげることのできる場所もあり、シーライフパークは大満足でした。

I participated in the Dolphin Royal Swim. At first, I wasn't sure where the location was and arrived a little late, but I was moved to be able to swim at the same level as the dolphins. By noon, those dolphins were performing in a show, and I grew even fonder of them. I think it's a great activity for families.

ドルフィンロイヤルスイムに参加しました。最初、場所がよくわからず、少し遅刻しましたが、自分と同じ目線で泳ぐことができ感動しました。昼には、そのイルカたちがショーで活躍して、ますます彼らに愛着が湧きました。家族向きのアクティビティと思います。

Three miles offshore. The depth is 40 to 50 meters!!
Looking down from the stopped boat, I saw a dark shadow...
Could it be already? As I strained my eyes and looked around again, I spotted not just one or two, but about ten sharks visible from the surface...
It was more awe-inspiring than scary.
I often saw the dorsal fins breaking the surface on TV, and it was exactly the same scene.
Now, into the cage!
I was astonished by the deep blue sea and the sharks.
I think I had a rare experience. It's a bit pricey, but it's worth it.

3mile先の沖合い。深さは40~50M !!
停止した船から下を除くと黒い影が…
まさかすでに？と目を凝らして再度辺りを見渡すと１匹、２匹ではなく、１０匹くらいの鮫を海上から黙認。。。
怖いよりスゴイの感激でした。
よく背びれを海面に出す姿をTVなどで拝見していましたが、まさに同じ光景です。
いざ、おりの中へ！
真っ青な海と鮫に唖然でした。
レアな体験ができたと思います。少し高いですが、価値はありますよ。

It was quite good. The kids were excited.

なかなか良かったです。子供が興奮していました。

we had a great time, lots of sharks....

To be honest, I wasn't very enthusiastic about it, but I participated in the Dolphin Adventure to accompany my friend. In reality, I had a lot of fun during the program.

● I couldn't understand English, but I managed to get by by watching others. ● The program started at 9:30, and by the time we finished showering and changing, it was already 11:00. ● Lockers with keys can be rented for $2. ● DVDs are sold for $50, and photos for $16. ● I think it would be quite tough to spend time until the afternoon pickup (2:30) if you join the morning program. We took a bus back to Waikiki just after 1:00. *Make sure to inform the driver in advance.

I felt the cost performance was a bit lacking, but considering the training and effort involved with the dolphins, I guess it's understandable.

正直なところ、あまり気乗りしなかったのですが、連れにつきあうということでドルフィンアドベンチャーに参加しました。実際、プログラム中はとても楽しく過ごせました。

●英語が理解できませんでしたが、見よう見まねでなんとかなりました。●９時半からのプログラムで、シャワーや着替えを終えると１１時になっていました。●鍵付きロッカーは２ドルで借りられます。●DVDは５０ドル、写真は１６ドルで販売されています。●午前中のプログラムですと、午後のお迎え（２時半）まで過ごすのはかなりきついと思います。自分達は、１３時過ぎのバスに乗って、ワイキキまで戻りました。※事前にドライバーさんに言っておきましょう。

コストパフォーマンスは、悪い気もしましたが、イルカの調教や手間のことを考えると、仕方がないかなと思います。

Sharks were amazing, staff was amazing, the whole adventure was worth it. Sharks are right in front of your face and I even had a stare down with a shark. He was lucky I needed air our I would've punched him in the gill. Will do again!

We headed out to the shark cage at 7:30 am and sadly no sharks. The crew was as disappointed as we were and let us know that if we didn't have a shark experience they would reschedule us or refund our money. Lucky for us there was a cancellation on a boat later that morning - so we headed out again - and we were not disappointed. 5 - 6 sharks circled the cage the entire time we were on the water. Nothing like looking a shark in the eye! Fabulous time and would recommend it to anyone wanting to have an up close and personal experience with a shark(s).

I participated in Royal Swim with my 8-year-old daughter. The instructions are in English, but as long as you watch the person in front of you, there are no problems. I was worried because I read that it can be difficult for children with small feet, but my daughter was praised by the trainer after she managed to get her knees above the water, so she was in a great mood. It seems that the trick is to apply pressure with the soles of your feet towards the front. We had a wonderful experience swimming with the adorable dolphins.

ロイヤルスイムに８歳の娘と参加しました。
説明は英語ですが、前の人を見ていれば、問題ありません。
書き込みで、足の小さい子供は難しいとあり心配でしたが、
膝まで水面に上がりトレーナーに褒められたので、
娘は上機嫌でした。
どうやら足裏は手前に力を入れるるのがコツのようです。
可愛いいるかと泳げて、良い体験が出来ました。

That really was great, so many sharks swimming around you.

OUTSTANDING.

It was a very enjoyable experience for me. Wouldn't have done it anywhere else and their expertise has really given me confidence and comfort about the whole experience.

and i did! it was great, met my expectations and more. the crew was great and made sure i came back in one piece! i would definitely do this again

I attended with my two neices, who are very afraid of water. The BOB offered them the opportunity to experience the ocean and its inhabitants without knowing how to swim. They were truly overjoyed with their experience under water. We were all a bit concerned, at first, with the staff who didn't interact well with customers but once everyone experienced the BOB they began to interact more with customers.

I participated with my husband and mother-in-law. Since we were off the coast of Waikiki, I wasn't expecting much, but it was better than I imagined. First of all, taking a boat to Waikiki is great. The view of Waikiki from the sea is amazing. We were also able to see turtles underwater. One issue, though, is that after coming up from the submarine, the boat sways quite a bit, and it can make you feel seasick. It might be a good idea to take some motion sickness medication.

主人と義母の3人で参加。
ワイキキ沖ですから、たいして期待していなかったのですが、想像以上によかったですよ。
まずワイキキ沖にボートで行くのがよい。海から見るワイキキは最高です。そして海中では亀を見ることができました。ただ一点問題は、潜水艦からあがったあと、沖合の船上がゆれて結構酔います。酔い止め飲んだ方がいいかもしれません。

I sank a cage offshore and jumped in... At first, I was anxious, but if you try, you can do it! It was September, but the water temperature was a bit low. Also, since the waves were rough offshore, it might be better not to eat too much before participating. Two out of six people got seasick.

Still, it was an invaluable experience. After returning home, my PC crashed, and I lost the photos of the sharks, which made me weep. I want to participate again.

沖合に檻を沈めてそこにどぼん、、、最初は不安でしたがなせばなる！9月でしたが水温は若干低め。あと沖合で波が荒いので、参加する前にはあまりものを食べすぎない方がいいかも。酔ってはいた人2人／6人。
それでも得難い経験です。帰国後PCがクラッシュして、サメの写真が消えてしまいむせび泣きました。また参加したい。

This was the most fun we had on Oahu. Captain Dave and Crewman Chris are very professional, knowledgeable and entertaining. We felt safe in their capable hands...which was especially important, given the fact that this is an incredibly thrilling activity! Sooooo scary....being in the water, surrounded by numerous sharks of varying size (basically bigger than you, and much faster too!) certainly makes the adrenaline pump!

We bought the DVD of our experience, and we appreciate the fact that it is your choice to have your experience taped or not, and is therefore more personal and not 'pushed' at you for purchase. Just got home last night, and immediately watched it!

We recommend this activity to all but the faint of heart!

Let me start out by saying thankyou for a wonderful time. your staff took good care of us,and were courteous till the end.very knowledgeable,and interesting too! Hats off to everyone at hawaii activities.thankyou again,
sincerely, jack cracchiolo

Overall good fun but only complaint is not enough stuff to see great staff

This was a unique experience and is a great way to get underwater if you are afraid to scuba dive or want to try something other than skorkel.

The only downside was the service was a bit below par compared with some of the other services we were getting. They were not rude, but definitely not that friendly. They acted like they didn't want to be there and seemed to rush everything. The exception is the young man, who appears to be Hawaiian. He took interest and appeared to enjoy his job.

I thought I was going to be scared, but they made sure I was at ease. We go in a little deep, and the reality hits you when you see the cage. It was windy that day, and we got some waves. Once you get into the cage, and you get up close with these sharks, you see how amazing they are. I would highly recommend this to everyone!! Very cool!!!!

What an outstanding adventure! My wife and I had a great time. Captain JR and Chris created one of the best overall experiences we had in Hawai'i. They were funny, and knowledgeable about what we saw off the North Shore. Compared to other trips we took around O'ahu, they were the most reasonably priced as well. We're glad we bought the DVD to show how many sharks we saw, and the pictures impressed all our family... Highly recommended.