All Reviews for Marine Wildlife Encounters

This was my first time snorkeling, but after seeing the experiences and photos here, I wanted to swim with dolphins and sea turtles, so I decided to participate.

After 6 AM, I got on the shuttle bus to leave Waikiki, feeling a bit dazed due to my low blood pressure and my struggle with mornings. There were about 20 participants, ranging from energetic seniors, mainly young couples, to small children. During the ride to the West Coast, where we could see dolphins, we had a fun lesson about dolphins, learning about their ecology and safety tips in the water.

Upon arrival at the spot, those who wanted to could rent a wetsuit for $10. Almost everyone, both men and women, rented one that day. Given the temperature and water temperature in mid-September, I don't think it would feel particularly cold without one, but wearing it can provide peace of mind for those who are unsure about swimming since it helps you float in the water.

Once we boarded the motorized rubber boat, the guide assigned us seating positions to balance the weight evenly. After that, we put on our fins and masks to check the sizes, and once we were ready, off we went!!

In just about 15 minutes of running, we arrived right next to a pod of dolphins! (It seemed we were quite lucky that day, as there are days when you might not encounter them for about an hour.) Before meeting the dolphins, we all entered the water for a practice swim. Then we approached the pod again by boat and watched the surface closely. When we spotted the black dorsal fins, we finally found the dolphins we had been longing to see! I had hoped to swim at the same level as the dolphins, but with the life jacket and wetsuit making me float, I ended up looking down at the dolphins swimming below me. Still, I was thrilled to see a baby dolphin jump right in front of me; it was so cute!

Next, we moved to a point where we could see sea turtles and beautiful fish. After taking off our life jackets and diving into the water, I was surrounded by colorful fish in shades of yellow and light blue, swirling around me like a treasure chest, which felt incredibly luxurious. I could only see the sea turtles from the boat, but the underwater world I experienced for the first time was amazing.

Lastly, regarding photos, you can purchase those taken by the accompanying photographer for $50. It includes not only shots of the participants and underwater scenes but also a collection of past best shots featuring the adorable dolphins and sea turtles. Although it’s a bit pricey, you’re guaranteed to get better photos than if you took them yourself.

The cheerful staff provided detailed support, making it a tour that can be enjoyed by both adults and children, so I highly recommend it.

シュノーケリングは初めてでしたが、こちらの体験談や写真を見てイルカやウミガメと一緒に
泳いでみたくて参加しました。

朝６時過ぎ、低血圧でとにかく朝が苦手なのでボーっとしながら迎えのバスに乗り込みワイキキを出発。参加者は20名程度でしたが、若いご夫婦を中心に元気いっぱいのシニアの方々から小さなお子さんまで様々でした。
イルカが見られるウエストコーストへ向かう車内ではイルカに関する授業が行われ、イルカの生態や海の中での注意事項まで楽しく学べます。

ポイントへ到着すると、希望者は10＄でウエットスーツを借りられます。この日は男女共ほぼ全員が借りていました。９月中旬のこの日の気温・水温では、なくても特別寒さは感じないと思いますが、着ると水中で体が勝手に浮くので泳ぎが不安な方は着ておくと安心でしょう。

エンジン付きのゴムボートに乗り込むと、ガイドさんによりボートの上で体重が均等になるよう座る位置を振り分けられます。その後、フィンやマスクを装着してサイズを確認し、準備が整ったらいざ出発！！

そして走ることわずか15分ほどでイルカの群れがいるすぐそばまで到着！（この日はかなりラッキーだったようで、1時間ぐらい出会えない日もあるとのこと）
まずイルカと対面する前に一度全員で海に入り、泳ぎの練習を行います。
そこから再度ボートで群れに近づき、水面をじっと見守ります。
黒い背びれが見えたらついに念願のイルカ発見！！
イルカと同じ目線で泳げることを期待していましたが、ライフジャケットとウエットスーツで身体が浮いてしまうので、実際は群れになって泳ぐイルカたちを上から見下ろすような格好になります。それでも、小さな赤ちゃんイルカが目の前でくるんとジャンプする瞬間が見れ、その可愛さにキュンとしました☆

そこから今度はウミガメやきれいな魚たちが見られるポイントへ移動。
ライフジャケットを脱いで水の中へ潜ると、黄色や淡いブルーなど色とりどりの魚たちが自分の周りをグルグルと行き交ってる様子がまるで宝石箱のようで最高に贅沢な気分でした☆☆
肝心のウミガメはボートの上からしか見られませんでしたが、初めて見る海の中の世界は素晴らしいものでした。

最後に写真についてですが、同行するカメラマンが取ってくれたものを50＄で購入することが出来ます。参加メンバーや水中の様子はもちろん、イルカやウミガメのかわいい姿が見られる
過去のベストショット集までついているので、値は張りますが自分で撮るより確実にいい写真が
手に入ります。

明るいスタッフの方々がきめ細かくサポートしてくださり、大人から子供まで幅広く楽しめるツアーですので、ぜひおすすめします。

Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.

ありがとうございます。
ありがとうございます。ありがとうございます。ありがとうございます。ありがとうございます。

I enjoyed this activity with my wife. I remember
fantastic views under the sea, there were beautiful fishes and turtle. We did snorkel during waiting for undersea bicycling. Thank you for giving us great memory.

This was an awesome thing to do with the kids....the underwater shipwrecks etc. were amazing to see.

I tend to get seasick, so I was a bit worried, but there was no problem at all. It was mystical to see the turtles swimming and the schools of fish. Also, the view of the coastal hotels when returning from the sea was lovely. I think it's a sight you don't get to see often!

船酔いするタイプなので、ちょっと心配でしたが全く問題ありませんでした。
亀が泳ぐ姿や魚の群れが見れて神秘的でした。
また、沖から戻る際に見えた海岸ホテル群の景色が素敵です。なかなか見れない景色だと思いますよ！

This was my third experience, so I didn't have the strong impression I had the first time, but my friends who experienced it for the first time seemed to find it fresh and were very happy. They shared that it was a top-class event during our seven-night stay in Hawaii. As the one who invited them on this trip, I felt very pleased about that. Since it was muddy from the rain, the horses were slipping, which seemed to add to the thrill.

私自身は３度目の体験ですので、最初の時の強い印象はありませんが、今回初めて体験した友人夫婦には新鮮であったようでとても喜んでくれました。今回の７泊のハワイでのイベントのトップクラスと感想を伝えてくれました。その事が、今回の旅行を誘った私としては嬉しく思います。雨でぬかるんでいたため、馬が足を滑らせていたため、余計スリルに溢れていたようです。

When we went on the Waikiki Glass Bottom tour in Hawaii for our 25th anniversary, we were greeted very warmly and we felt very welcomed. Although it was raining, we still felt comfortable because of the crew and were offered free drinks. During the boat ride, we saw coral, tropical fish, and even sea turtles! We took lots of pictures of the stunning scenery of Waikiki and the Diamond Head. The crew also explained the history of Waikiki and made the tour more interesting so that every moment was enjoyable. Next time we come to Hawaii, we will definitely be going on the tour again. We highly recommend this great vacation tour for anyone travelling with friends, family, or as a couple.

It was a bit on the expensive side, and I was hesitant, but I decided to sign up since it was a special opportunity. The instructor and the camera person really encouraged us, even though we didn't understand English, and I made friends with the Americans who participated with us. I definitely want to work hard and join again! ♪

ちょっと高めだし、悩んでいたんですけどせっかくだからで申し込みをしました。インストラクターのお姉さんやカメラさんも英語のわからない私たちを盛り上げてくれて、一緒に参加したアメリカ人とも仲良くなりました。　またがんばってぜひ参加したいです♪

After reading various experiences, I was worried that it might be quite intense, but I decided to participate. However, on the day of the event, the sky was clear, there was no wind, and the waves were calm—perfect conditions. Apparently, it was a great day for beginners. I’m so glad! Thanks to that, I was able to comfortably splash around in the sea. I believe there was a lot of consideration from the tour staff behind that. Thank you very much.

体験談をいろいろ見せていただくと、かなりハードな内容かもしれないと心配しながら参加することにしました。しかし、当日は、空は晴れ渡り、風もなく、波は無く、絶好のコンディションでした。何でも、初心者向け日和だったとか。よかった～。お陰様で余裕で海の中をぽちゃぽちゃすることができました。その陰にはツァーの方々のご配慮がいっぱいあったと思います。ありがとうございました。

Guide Takao, photographer Maeda, and Captain Mr. Don were all very friendly, making for a fun experience. During the car rides and while on the boat, they taught us various things about dolphins and the local area, which was easy to understand. They even prepared warm tea, fruits, and rice balls, which was truly attentive service. The wetsuits are available for rent for a fee, but I recommend borrowing one.

ガイドのタカオさん、カメラマンのマエダさん、船長のMr.ドンさん皆さんがとてもフレンドリーで楽しい思い出となりました。車の移動中、船での移動中に色々とイルカのことや現地のことを教えていただき分かり易かったです。温かいお茶やフルーツ、オニギリまで用意してくださり、まさに至れり尽くせりでした。ウエットスーツは有料ですが、借りることをオススメします。

It was our first time experiencing the glass bottom boat tour. Although it wasn't what I was expecting from the title of the tour, but it was fun. The boat consisted of boxes with glass bottom you can look down to see underneath the boat. During the shallow parts of the water, you can see fishes and of course it's not a guarantee on what or what not you would see. But, wish we would have seen more!

The captain and his partner were friendly and nice. We went during the first tour at 9am, so we basically had the entire boat to roam around with another family. They offer drinks (water, bud light, soda) and restroom on board, which was great!

We were also lucky with the day that we went. It was sunny but during some parts of the tour, the clouds covered the sun, so the breeze was nice. So all in all, it was a fun experience.

This glass bottom boat trip gives one a new view to look at while experiencing a cruise. Not only is the view amazing but you get to see a side of wild life you don't usually get to look at. We got to see a few different types of fish and a number of turtles.
Our captain and his partner were also hugely helpful. Answering all questions and giving us interesting information on the sea and boat life here in Waikiki. But do understand, you can't control wild life, so some days or seasons might be better to go than others. And while what wild life you see may depend on a number of different things, the view is always enjoyable and relaxing.

I felt refreshed! The breakfast was a buffet, and I enjoyed it deliciously! After the meal, I went up to the deck, lay down on a chair, and relaxed while feeling the sea breeze—it was the best! I was also able to see whales in the distance! I would like to participate again when I go to Hawaii in the winter!

気分爽快でした！朝食もバイキングでしたが、おいしくいただきました！食後は甲板に上がり、イスに横になり、海風にあたりながらまったり最高でした！クジラも遠目でしたが見ることができました！また冬時期にハワイに行くときは参加したいと思います！

It was a very valuable experience since it was the first time for the whole family on a submarine. The guide also made jokes in Japanese, so we had a fun time throughout. It was a bit disappointing that there weren't many fish, though.

家族全員が初めての潜水艦だったのでとても貴重な体験ができました、ガイドの方も日本語で冗談を交えて案内してくれたので終始楽しい時間でした、魚があまりいなかったのが少し残念でした。。

Workers there need better customer service the experience was amazing just the workers there could be more friendly. The driver was the only one with a great attitude.

The dolphins are so cute! We watched the show (in English), fed them (additional cost), and explored the not-so-large zoo-like area. We checked in ourselves, used the lockers, changed, and gathered. This locker system can be confusing for those who don't understand English. First, you need to buy a special coin for the locker at the counter (the check-in counter is separate from the one for purchasing items) for $3. You use that coin for the locker. For Japanese people, it can be unclear whether the coin is for the locker or change, and I saw someone struggling to figure out how to close the locker, thinking it was change. Although it said "deposit," it is not a deposit, and the money is not refundable. We couldn't fit all our bags into one locker, so we used two. A Japanese guide kindly explained in detail what to do for the activities, and we put on life jackets and received explanations in English. I wear contacts, and when I asked if I should wear goggles, I was told that my head wouldn't go underwater, so it was fine to keep my contacts in, but I was advised not to wear goggles. I learned the names and origins of the dolphins, and one dolphin had appeared in a movie with Johnny Depp 15 years ago, but all that information was in English. I could only understand about two-thirds of it, and although I heard the movie's name, it was one I didn't know. I couldn't find out about it after returning to Japan either.

Swimming with the dolphins was more about completing five activities: kissing them sideways, kissing them face-to-face, holding them from underneath, swimming while holding onto the dorsal fins of two dolphins, and being pushed by two dolphins while swimming, all while posing for photos and videos. At first, we all signaled each other and felt like trainers, feeding the dolphins and petting them. It was great to see their impressive jumps and tricks up close. However, the price is just too high, so I give it four stars. While I'm happy to interact with the dolphins, 25,000 yen per person is excessive. At that price, I would expect all explanations about the dolphins to be in Japanese. Since we had a very kind Japanese guide, it would have been nice to have that. It feels like they think Japanese people are just cash cows. Additionally, the prices for photos and CDs were shocking. About 5,000 yen for a set of five photos times three is no joke. But when I saw the CD being played, I really wanted it. In the end, I bought the CD and two photos each. The person with the camera was okay and explained in English, but the man filming was rude to Japanese people and had no friendliness at all. He was extremely unpleasant. There are changing rooms, but I wished there were showers.

On the bus ride there, the guide suddenly stood up and explained that there are many photo spots for first-time visitors to Hawaii, so we should have our cameras ready. I don't like taking pictures through the window, so I didn't take any, and the kids were sleeping. I also found it hard to catch everything since the guide spoke quickly in English, so I only understood about two-thirds of it. However, I was able to summarize it for the kids on the way back, so I think I understood to some extent. I was surprised because I hadn't experienced anything like this on other tours, but then I realized it was a sightseeing bus. Since it was a sightseeing bus, it made sense that the guide would explain things normally. I think it's great for those who understand English, but I wish they would speak in Japanese for those who don't. By the way, I heard that there are hardly any places in Hawaii that use plastic bags. Sometimes they are used in supermarkets, but Hawaii has decided not to use plastic bags for environmental reasons. When I tried to get a plastic bag because the photos might get wet, that was the explanation I received. I recommend bringing your own plastic bags in advance.

Also, even if tips are not listed in the "included items" on this site

イルカかわいい~！！ショー見て（英語）、餌やりをして（費用別）、あまり広くはない動物園のような園内を見て、自分でチェックインして、ロッカーを使用し、着替えて集合。このロッカーも英語がわからない人にはわかりずらいけど、まずはカウンター（チェックインカウンターと物を購入するカウンターは別）でロッカーの専用コインを3ドルで購入。そのコインでロッカーを使用します。日本人にはロッカー用コインなのかお釣りなのか分かりにくく、お釣りだと思ってロッカーをどう閉めるのか悩んでた人がいました。このロッカー、確かデポジットと書いてあったのにデポジットではなく、お金は戻らないロッカーです。うちは3人分の荷物が入りきらず、ロッカーを２つ使用しました。あとは日本人のガイドさんが丁寧に何をどうすればいいのかアクティビティについて詳しく説明してくれて、胴衣を着て今度は英語で説明を受ける。コンタクトしてるけど、ゴーグルした方がいいのかと聞いたら、頭は水につけないので、コンタクトでもかまわないけど、ゴーグルはしないように言われました。イルカの名前や由来、1頭のイルカはジョニーデップと一緒に１５年前に映画にでたという話でしたが、その辺の話は全部英語。私も２／３くらいしか理解できず、映画の名前も聞いたけど、知らない映画でした。日本に帰ってから調べてもわからなかったです。イルカと一緒に泳ぐ！というよりは、５つの項目：キス横顔、キス真正面、イルカを下から抱っこポーズ、2頭の背びれにつかまって泳ぐ、2頭に足を押されて泳ぐ、というのを順番に写真やビデオにポーズをとりながらこなして行く感じでした。最初はみんなで合図をだしてトレーナー気分になったり、餌をやったり。身体をいい子いい子したり。すごいジャンプや芸も間近で見られてよかったです。ただ、あまりにも金額が高すぎるので星４つです。イルカと触れ合えるのは嬉しいけれど、一人25000円は高すぎでしょう。この値段なら、イルカのことなどの説明も全部日本語でしてほしいです。せっかく日本人のガイドさん（しかもとても親切）がいるのだから。最低限のことだけ通じればいい、というのはイルカには優しいけど、お客様には優しくありません。日本人はただの金づるだと思われてるな、と感じます。更に写真やＣＤが高くてびっくり。5枚セットで5000円くらい×３なんて冗談じゃない。でもＣＤが流されていて、見るとやはりほしい。結局、ＣＤと写真2枚ずつ買いました。カメラの人は英語の説明をしていてまあまあ感じいいのですが、ビデオを撮影した男は日本人をばかにしていてまったく愛想がない。超感じ悪かったです。更衣室はあるけど、シャワーがほしかったです。行きのバスの中で途中から急にガイドさんが立ちあがってハワイ初めての人は写真スポットが沢山あるからカメラを用意して、と言って色々説明してくれました。わたしは窓ごしの写真はあまり好きではないので撮りませんでしたし、子ども達は寝ていました。私も英語で早口なので２／３分かったかどうか…。でも帰りに子ども達にかいつまんで話せたので、ある程度は理解できていたと思います。他のツアーではこんなことなかったのでびっくりしましたが、そういえば、バスが観光バスだなと思いました。観光バスなので普通にガイドさんが説明するのだと。英語が分かる人にはとってもいいと思います。分からない人は日本語で話してほしいと思いますが。ちなみにハワイにはビニール袋を扱っているところはほとんどないそうです。たまにスーパーなどで使っているけど、今ハワイはエコのために、ビニール袋を使用しないように決められているのだそうです。写真が濡れるからビニール袋をもらおうとしたらそう説明されました。予め自分でビニール袋を用意して行くことをお勧めします。

あと、このサイトの「含まれるもの」にチップと書いてなくてもチップが含まれているオプションも沢山ありました。いちいち１５％~２０％？と最初はまじめに考えて計算していきましたが、現地で各ツアーに電話で確認しました。ほとんどいらなかったです。まず、チップが必要なものでも２０％は払いすぎ。アメリカ人は１５％が普通だそうで、それも面白かったら払うだけで、必ず払わなければいえけないわけではありません。なんか日本人は英語が話せない人も多く、チップを多め多めに払うようで、すごくあきれられています。全く当たり前のように払わないのも問題ですが、あくまでも定額以上の仕事をしてくれたら、です。

A completely different look at what Hawaii has to offer. Very much worthwhile

was a unique experience going underwater. had a lot of windows to look out at all angles and toured many wrecks and reefs. got to see sharks sea turtles and a large assortment of fish. good value

had a great time, the staff were very friendly and helpful. They had an assortment of drinks for the passengers. great value

I participated in the morning whale watching tour. Perhaps due to the cloudy sky, the whales didn't show up. Since I was returning home that day, I couldn't use a rain check. It's unfortunate, but it's nature, so there's nothing to be done. However, as a birdwatching enthusiast, I was relieved to see the rendezvous flight of the white tern from the boat.

午前のホエールウォッチングに参加しました。曇り空のせいか、クジラさんは出てくれませんでした。その日に帰国するので、レインチェックも使えず。自然が相手なのでしかたないのですが、残念でした。バードウォッチングが趣味なので、船上からシロアジサシのランデブー飛翔が見られたのが救いでした。

While the experience was great I would have rather not gone in rough seas. The sea was really rough and was very disappointed that the captain did not scratch the trip. My nephew got sea sick and wasn't able to go in the water and ruined his experience. The rest of our group went in the cage and was bounced around so much that taking pictures were next to impossible. When we got back the captain told us his GoPro did not work. So no pictures.I would have like the captain or company to be more considerate of the conditions.

Boat trip and sea was quite rough on the day we went. Guides were humorous and helpful. Good visibility of sharks and plenty of them. Cage had 8 people inside which i personally felt was too many given the waters were so rough. All in all was a good experience.

The view from the submarine was great. I wish I could have explored the seabed a bit more. The moving boat was rocky, so I was glad I took motion sickness medicine. I was also disappointed that I didn't receive the premium free perks.

潜水艦からの眺めは良かった。もう少し海底散策をしたかったです。移動の船が揺れたので酔い止めを飲んで助かった。またプレミアム無料特典がもらえず残念でした。

Everyone on the boat was sea sick and was vomiting the whole time. The sub scooter was fun, but there are lots of pressure. If you get claustrophobic or sea sick easily I don't recommend this active. We got to see a lot of fishes. The crew member on the other hand are no really nice.

It would have been "a once in a lifetime" opportunity in the Pacific ocean in Hawaii. Unfortunately the three of us anxiously awaiting our turn on the underwater scooters became seasick. Had we known the swells of the ocean, from tropical storm Darby, may have affected us negatively, maybe we could have prepared better. Perhaps somewhere in the confirmation the vendor could have mentioned motion sickness and recommended we take or put on something "just in case" we might be affected. My son made it into the scooter gear but came up because bubbles kept getting in his nose, eyes. Others on the boat did have a great time! We won't go again. We will snorkel next time. It just didn't work out for us.

We were both very satisfied with the underwater trip that we normally wouldn't experience. My child was glued to the window the whole time, watching the ocean floor (laughs).

普段は体験できない海底旅行に親子共々大満足です。
子供は終始窓にへばり付くように海底を眺めていました（笑）

There aren't many Japanese participants. As expected, the Westerners had nice reactions and shouted "Wonderful!" after seeing the sharks (laughs). The boat and cage do sway a bit strongly. However, I am very satisfied because I was able to have an experience that is quite rare.

日本人の参加者はあまりいないです。
さすがナイスリアクションの欧米の方々はサメを見終わると素晴らしい！と叫んでいました(笑)
船やケージは少し揺れが強いです。
ですがその分なかなかできない体験を出来たなと大満足です。

This is my eighth time being taken care of by VELTRA. Every tour has been a hit, and this time's submarine tour was also very satisfying. I signed up for the Japanese guided tour at 10 AM, and it was a great decision! With the earphone guide tour, I believe the guide is the same for the entire itinerary, but I was able to get explanations about the fish swimming right in front of me in real-time. Thanks to that, I didn't miss seeing the sharks napping, the rays gracefully swimming in threes, or the sea turtles gliding by. The weather was on our side, with clear blue skies and calm waves. According to the captain, "Even if the sea is a bit rough, the underwater experience is hardly shaken." Departing from Waikiki Beach meant a short travel time, allowing us plenty of time for activities in the afternoon. I will look for more fun tours to join next year, so thank you in advance!

ＶＥＬＴＲＡさんにお世話になること8回目。
毎回どのツアーもハズレなしでしたが，今回の潜水艦ツアーも大満足。
10時の日本語ガイドツアーを申込みましたが，大正解！
イヤホンガイドツアーだと，きっと全行程共通のガイドだと思いますが，
リアルタイムで目の前を横切るお魚達の説明をしてもらえます。
おかげさまで，昼寝中のサメや３匹で優雅に舞い泳ぐエイや，
ウミガメの遊泳も見逃すことはありませんでした。
お天気も味方してくれて，青空の下，波も穏やかでした。
船長さん曰く，「海上が少々荒れていても，海中は殆ど揺れません。」とのこと。
ワイキキビーチからの出発で所要時間も短く，午後からもタップリ行動できました。
来年もまた楽しいツアーを見つけて参加しますので，よろしくお願いいたします。

The crew of knowledgable marine biologist/safety made swimming with out a shark cage very do-able! I would absolutely do it again! It was less scary than sky diving!

What a great experience! !!!
My family (husband, daughter 13, son 6 a I ) would do all over again! !! The sharks look great and there are a lots of them!!!
We had a Gopro and we could take wonderful pics!
It's very exciting! !!