All Reviews for Marine Wildlife Encounters

This was exactly what my husband and I had hoped for in a whale watching experience. By being on a sailing craft we were able to enjoy a sail as well as watching for those amazing humpback whales. The crew was fantastic and very informative. Our driver Shannon picked us up at our hotel and was delightful. Chad the captain of the catamaran was most interesting and had a lot to share about the island and the activities.
After hearing that Hawaii was the place to see the humpbacks during the winter months this was a "must do activity", we were not disappointed.
Great Experience - We would do it again.

The pickup was smooth without any waiting, and the boat was average. Since it was a no-meal course, my main goal was to see whales, but in the end, I could only see the whales' backs. The locals mentioned that there have been fewer sightings this year, and I didn't see any jumping. It's partly luck, and it's understandable since they are wild animals.

On the way back, I wanted to walk to downtown instead of taking the bus, so I communicated that to the driver, who kindly agreed and even guided me along the way.

ピックアップも待つことなくスムーズで船も普通で食事なしコースだったので鯨を見るだけが狙いでしたが…結局鯨の背中しか見ることができませんでした。今年は少なくジャンプしてる姿は見ていないと地元の方もおっしゃっていました。半分は運ですね。自然の生き物だから仕方ないですね。
帰りもバスに乗らず歩いてダウンタウンに行きたかったからドライバーさんに伝えると気持ちよくOKして道案内までしていただきました。

I participated on March 9. While I didn't see any spectacular jumps from the whales, I was able to catch glimpses of their backs and tails. I originally joined with the mindset of "It would be nice to enjoy the view of Waikiki from the ocean while also seeing some whales," so I was satisfied to see the beautiful scenery from offshore and get a close look at the whales. It was also great to see Diamond Head from a direction I had never seen before.

I chose a plan without meals, but since the boarding time wasn't very long, it felt like a waste to spend time eating, so I think it was a good choice. The price with transportation included is very reasonable, and I was glad to make good use of my morning. I recommend bringing binoculars.

3月9日に参加しました。
クジラそのものは豪快なジャンプが見られたわけではなく、背中や尻尾をみることができたくらいではあったのですが、元々「船に乗って沖からワイキキを眺め、ついでにクジラも見られるといいな」というくらいの気持ちで参加したので、沖合からの素敵な景色も見られてクジラも近くで見ることができて満足でした。
ダイヤモンドヘッドも見た事のない方向から見ることができてよかったです。
食事なしのプランを選びましたが、乗船時間があまり長くはなく食事をしている時間はもったいないような気がしますので、これでよかったのではないかと思います。
送迎付きでこのお値段はとてもお得ですし、午前中の時間を有意義に使えたので参加してよかったです。
双眼鏡を持って行くことをお勧めします。

I booked a whale watching tour on the last day of March. The boat itself seemed to have little rocking, and it looked like those participating in wheelchairs were comfortable. There were plenty of observation spots on the deck, and the weather was nice, so I had high hopes, but unfortunately, we didn't encounter any whales. The guide even came to let us know that we could try again that afternoon or on another date, but I had to decline this time due to scheduling constraints. I hope to try again someday.

3月の最終日にホエールウォッチングを申し込みました。
船自体は揺れも少なかったように思います。車椅子で参加されている方も快適にされているように見えました。
デッキでの観察場所も十分ありお天気も良かったので期待しましたが、残念ながらクジラには出会えませんでした。
ガイドの方がわざわざ同日午後や別日程で再チャレンジできることも伝えに来て下さったのですが、今回は日程に余裕がなく断念しました。いつか再チャレンジしてみたいと思います。

We had a very good time, we got to see many whale while we were out on the ocean.

My husband and I had such a great experience! The catamaran was huge and very clean. The crew was very knowledgeable and always made sure your drink was full (did I mention that beer and wine drinks were only $1?? Can't beat that!) We felt that we were on a private, luxury tour the way that we were treated! Not to mention that we got up close and personal with an entire family of humpback whales!!! We followed them for awhile, watching them play and jump. It was the best tour we did in Hawaii and will definitely be doing it again next time we visit Hawaii!

I really enjoyed this trip! The boat was comfortable and crew very nice. It was a great experience with whale sightings that even the crew was excited to run out and see! Unfortunately, not easy to capture on camera. The whole trip was well organized and easy for the attendees.

My family and I went to a afternoon 2 hours whale watching. We couldn't see whales this time but we all enjoyed on catamaran cruise.
I love this catamaran, we sat on front of boat most of the time. We saw great views of the ocean, harbor, beach, diamond head,
coco head, and building of waikiki city. We also saw beautiful rainbow.
The captain and crew were very friendly and knowledgeable. They provided us free snack and soft drinks, you can get beer if you pay $1 that is good deal.
The captain gave us a free ride ticket because we did not see whales. So, we definitely come back to tour again when we come back to Hawaii!!
I also satisfied customer service of Hawaii activities when I book this tour. They also called me for remind the tour the day before,which is help us.
I definitely recommend this whale watching tour book by Hawaii activities.

SPECTACULAR, HOWEVER I WISH WE COULD HAVE SEEN SOME DOLPHINS ALONG WITH THE WHALES.

There were not many fishes as I thought, but I saw two sea turtles.

This is by far the best whale watch in Honolulu. I've been on both Navatek and Star of the Sea whale watches and they do not compare to the experience you get with this whale watch. The catamaran is very clean and the crew was great! They were not only observant to everyone's safety on board they were hilarious! My family (including a two year old toddler) had an amazing time. I was very fortunate to have found this activity through Veltra. I was hosting a friend who had never been on a whale watch and it was an amazing experience. We chose the late morning tour and it was perfect. The boat went out and the crew was able to find whales within 30 minutes from take off. There were an estimated 5 male humpback whales swimming together and we circled them while they dove. They were so magnificent and during the time we were watching them the crew members told us much about their behaviors. they told us why it wasn't unusual that a group of males would be traveling together and they also told us what would've been different if we had spotted a mama and her calf. Although none breached out of the water we saw them come to the surface many times. It was so amazing to see so many of them at once! At one point we saw all five come to the surface and blow water from their backs at the same time. Talk about a magical vacation moment!

I'd book this again in a heartbeat!!

Great afternoon with a wonderful crew. The boat was wonderful, the crew was very nice and helpful and we totally enjoyed ourselves. Would give the whole experience and A+++. Enjoyed the drinks and snacks. Drinks very very affordable and snacks were free and good. We also got to see whales so that made it even better.

The cruise before boarding the submarine was enjoyable, and once we were on the submarine, the waves were calm, allowing us to see many fish, which was great. It was brief, but I was lucky to see a sea turtle swimming.

Inside the submarine (especially at the feet), it was cold due to the air conditioning, so I thought it would be good for those who are sensitive to cold to have something to wear.

Next time, I want to take my parents with me.

潜水艦に乗るまでのクルーズも楽しかったですし、
潜水艦に乗ってから、波も穏やかで沢山の魚など見れて良かったです。
一瞬でしたが、ウミガメも泳いでるのがみれてラッキーでした。

潜水艦の中（特に足元）はクーラーで寒かったので、寒がりの人は
何か羽織るものがあれば良いかなっと思いました。

次回は親を連れて行ってあげたいです。

we just went to this activity last Wednesday 8.30 am and it was great! We arrived a bit early and just took a walk around the park. very nice area. They have easy parking next to the Marina where you can park for $1.00/ hour. The crew on the cruise was very nice and made us feel welcome right away. We were only 6 on the cruise witch made it very intimate. I think that is one of the great advantages of the morning cruise, We took a drink and sat on the front nats until we saw turtle and dauphins and finally on the way back a couple whales. The whales were the least impressive as you stand far away and they don t really jump out of the water as you see on TV. It was one mother and one maybe and they basically just came up to the surface to breath every so often. Everything considering, this was a great way to spend morning. Maybe a bit overpriced but the crew and amenities were great.
Compare to the huge ships, I would choose this one every time just so you actually feel like you are on a boat .
Snacks could use improvement and the way back to marina was a bit rushed

Great whale watching cruise!! nice crew ,good food and we saw whales !!!

I was able to interact with dolphins for the first time. It's a rare experience that you can't easily have, and I can brag about it to my friends after returning to Japan. The price is high, but I think it's worth it. There's a huge difference between doing it and not doing it.

初めてイルカと触れ合えました。こんな貴重な体験はなかなか出来ないしにほんに戻った後も友達に自慢出来ます。料金は高いですがやる価値はあると思います。やるのとやらないのでは全然違いますよ

I was disappointed because I had only seen the sea turtles once, despite reading experiences where people encountered them multiple times. Since we had to wear life jackets, I couldn't dive in, and I just watched them swim by, which felt anticlimactic.

It depends on the weather and the experience of the guide, so I understand that it's not always possible, but I had hoped to see them for a longer time. I think those who are not used to snorkeling might have seen even less.

Regarding the tip, I hadn't made any special requests, and there was no particular service provided, yet I was quite forcefully asked for a tip. I reluctantly paid, but it was the first time I had been asked for a tip on an optional tour. I was not satisfied with that.

　　【何回もいるかに会えました】の体験談を読んでいたためか、一度しか見られなかったので、残念でした。ライフジャケットを着用しなければならなかったので、潜ってみることも出来ず、海の中を通り過ぎていくのを見ただけで、あっけなく終わってしまいました。
　　当日の気候や、引率の方の経験に左右されるので、仕方のないことですが、もっとゆっくり見ていられると期待していました。シュノーケリングに慣れていない方は、もっと見られなかったと思います。
　　それからチップに関してですが、、特別なお願いもしていませんでしたし、対応もされてなかったのですが、チップをかなり強引に求められました。仕方なく払いましたが、オプショナルツアーで、チップを求められたのは、初めてです。納得できませんでした。

The catamaran was the perfect vessel to get up close to Dolphins, turtles and other sea life. From the minute we got on board the entire crew had welcomed us and made us feel comfortable. The captain explained what we would see and the rules of the vessel and was ready and willing to answer any questions or address any issues. I was impressed that they offered sunscreen to use and oil for motion sickness. It was thoughtful of them and they really cared about their passengers having a good trip. They had refreshments and juices for free. They offered beer for ($1) and mixed drinks for ($2). The drinks were strong, too. : ) We saw several pods of Dolphins, turtles and a whale. It was an awesome experience. I would take my children next time we go to Hawaii. Thank you to all the crew. You were the best!

I was worried about seasickness and the possibility of falling into the sea while traveling with my almost 2-year-old and 6-year-old, but those worries were completely unfounded. At first, we only caught a glimpse of a dorsal fin, but before we knew it, we were treated to the spectacular sight of 3 or 4 whales diving one after another! Both the kids and the adults, including the captain, were thrilled. On the way back, we were also able to see dolphins.

One thing… I would have appreciated a bit more for breakfast. However, we returned to the hotel by late morning and were able to make very meaningful use of our day.

もうすぐ2歳児と6歳の子供連れで、船酔いの心配や万が一海に落ちたら！などの心配をしてたのですが、全く杞憂でした。
最初は背びれを少し目撃するだけでしたが、気付いたら3.4頭のクジラが次々豪快なダイブを見せてくれました！子供も大人も船長さん（笑）も大興奮でした。帰りにはイルカたちも見ることが出来ました。
あと、一つ…やはり朝食が…もう少しだけ何かあれば嬉しかったです。
ですが、お昼前にはホテルに戻り、とても有意義に1日を使うことが出来ました。

The hotel pickup was at 7:20 AM, and we were back at the hotel by noon. It was a meaningful tour where we got to see the cruise and whales. Right near Waikiki Bay, we saw many spouts as if they were waiting for us.

朝の7時20分ホテルピックアップで、昼前にはホテルに戻れて
クルーズとクジラも見れて有意義なツアーでした。
ワイキキ湾のすぐ近くで、待っていたかのように多くの潮吹きが見えました。

Did this activity 18 March 2015 and thoroughly enjoyed it. All seats have amazing views, informative and fun guide and plenty of one-off photo opportunities. We saw turtles and sting rays along with huge fish and an array of pretty smaller ones. Would be happy to do this activity again! Thank you!

I have seen wild dolphins several times before, but this was the most exciting experience yet. First of all, I was amazed by the number of dolphins! There must have been at least 100 (and that's not an exaggeration). I was really glad to see so many dolphins. The staff members were also a fun group. During the snorkeling time, I encountered a turtle. I wished I could have stayed in the ocean even longer.

これまで野生のイルカは何度か見ましたが、今までで1番興奮しました。
まず、イルカの数にビックリ‼100頭はいたでしょうか？（大袈裟ではないです）
あんなに大勢のイルカを見れて本当に良かったです。
スタッフの方々も楽しいメンバーでした。
シュノーケルの時間も、亀に出会えました。
もっともっと海に居たかったです。

The large ship was stable, and my wife and son, who are prone to seasickness, had no issues. Although we didn't see the dynamic whales like in the pictures, we were able to spot a few whales that surfaced and spouted water.

大きな船で揺れもなく、船酔いする妻と息子も問題ありませんでした。
写真で見るようなダイナミックな鯨は見られませんが、数回姿をあらわして潮を吹く鯨を見ることが出来ました。

My family of four had a great time on this cruise. We did have some trouble finding the boat in the slip at the harbor. Directions could have been better. Once we were on the boat, everything was what was expected. The crew was very nice and helpful. We found a pod of whales right away and then went and snorkeled at a reef because we had time. Drinks were great along the way.

We boarded on February 27th. We encountered many whales just off the coast of Honolulu. While having lunch, we went out on the deck to watch, and on board, there were activities like a handmade lei class, hula dance class, and live Hawaiian music, making for a very enjoyable experience.

私たちは2月27日に乗船しました。ホノルルからすぐ近くで沢山のクジラに出会えました。
ランチしながらデッキに出てウォッチングしたり、船内では手作りレイ教室やフラダンス教室、
ハワイアンミュージックの生演奏と充実した内容で、とても楽しかったです。

I was able to see dolphins, sea turtles, and even whales from a distance. Right after departing, we discovered a group of dolphins and were able to swim close to over 50 of them. I was also able to swim within touching distance of sea turtles.

The staff and other participants were friendly, making for a very enjoyable experience. Although there were some engine troubles along the way, the staff's quick thinking allowed us to enjoy that as well. Since it was the end of February and the water was cold, I borrowed a wetsuit, but I thought a rash guard might have been sufficient.

I'm glad I participated.

イルカもウミガメも、そして遠くからですがクジラも見ることができました。
出港してすぐの浅瀬でイルカのグループを発見し、５０頭以上と間近で泳ぐことができました。
ウミガメにも触れそうな距離で泳ぐことができました。

スタッフの方も他の参加者もフレンドリーでとても楽しく過ごすことができました。
途中エンジントラブルがあったりしましたが、スタッフの方の臨機応変な対応でそれすら楽しむことができました。
２月の終わりで水が冷たいとのことでしたので、ウェットスーツを借りましたが、ラッシュガードなどでもよかったかな〜と思いました。

参加してよかったと思います。

Our guide and marine biologist, Adam, was very knowledgeable about the whales and the area and explained everything we needed to know. The pod of baby whales we saw (5 of them) gave everyone a great show all the way back to the pier. I hope everyone that takes this cruise gets the same opportunity to see what we saw.

The weather was nice and it was a pleasant cruise, but it wasn't as good for watching as I had hoped. A couple of whales spouted, but I think many people missed them because they were small. I guess it's just luck, isn't it? Diamond Head was clearly visible and the scenery was beautiful!

お天気も良く気持ちいいクルーズでしたが期待していた程のウォッチングではありませんでした。2頭ほど塩は吹いてくれましたが小さく見逃した方も多くいらしたと思います。
こればかりは運ですかねぇ〜ダイヤモンドヘッドは良く見え美しい景色でした！

We couldn't see the dolphins up close during the dolphin watching, so it seems the kids didn't enjoy it as much. However, it was nice that there was food and drinks available in case the kids got bored.

イルカウォッチングほど近くで見る事が出来なかったので、子供も今ひとつ楽しむことが出来なかったよう。子供が飽きてもご飯や飲み物があったのが良かったです。

We were lucky that the sea was calm, and we heard that dolphins were swimming nearby, so we set off on the boat. I put on my fins and goggles and slowly eased into the water (since I can't swim, I went in feet first). With the guide's shout of "Look down!", we began our search for dolphins. Even though I can't swim, I was able to see a large pod of dolphins and then a mother and baby dolphin swim right beneath me on two occasions.

My daughter, who is a good swimmer, was able to stay close to the dolphins for a longer time and seemed to see them many times. Since we were in shallow water, the dolphins were swimming slowly and were quite close, but for me, who can't swim, it felt like they passed by in an instant.

The ride to the point where we could see sea turtles was also enjoyable on the speedboat, and the scenery was great. There were plenty of sea turtles and fish, and just floating in the water allowed me to fully enjoy the underwater world. I learned that sea turtles come up for air every 20 minutes, but they would come up right in front of us without caring, which made it memorable as I had to dodge them to avoid a collision.

On the way back to the dock, we spotted a whale, and I was able to see its tail clearly as it blew water and dove down. I really think we were incredibly lucky and had the best time.

I was initially worried, but the wetsuit (rented for $10) was a long-sleeved, long-pants suit that kept me warm, and wearing a life jacket allowed me to float without worry, even though I can't swim. I also brought a jacket, towel, and sunscreen onto the boat, but I didn't need to touch them at all; I just left them under the central table. Other belongings were securely stored in a large box on the dock before boarding the boat, so I felt safe leaving them there.

There wasn't any specific guidance about changing clothes for the return trip, so I think it would be best to quickly go to the restroom and change while waiting for the bus on the way back. Lastly, chasing after the dolphins and swimming quickly here and there can be tiring, so I think some fatigue is to be expected.

運が良く海が穏やかだった為かイルカが近くまで来ているとの事でボートで出発するやフィンと水中メガネを付け海にトボ～ン(私は泳げないのでゆっくり足から水中へ)、ガイドさんの「下見て~」の掛け声でイルカ探しです。泳げない私でもイルカの大群、次にはイルカの親子と2回も
イルカが私の下を泳いで過ぎるのを見る事ができました。
同行した娘は泳ぎが得意なのでイルカのそばに長くいる事ができ、たくさんのタイミングで見られたみたいでした。
浅瀬での対面だったので、イルカはゆっくり泳いでいるし距離的にも近いとの話でしたが、やはり泳げない私には目の前を一瞬で過ぎて行ってしまったと感じてしまいます。
ウミガメに会うポイントへの移動も高速ボートで気持ちが良いし景色も見れて良かったです。
ウミガメもお魚も沢山、この時は自分が浮いているだけで海の中の世界を充分に楽しめました。
ウミガメは20分に1度息継ぎの為に水面に上がって来るとの事ですが、水面にいる私達におかまいなしで上がってくるのでぶつからないよう避けるのに焦った事が印象的です。
桟橋に戻る途中ではクジラを発見、潮を吹いて最後に潜る姿では尾びれをしっかりと見れました。
私達は本当に運が良く最高だったと思います。
私が不安だった事ですが、ウエットスーツ(10＄でレンタル)は長袖長ズボンのつなぎで寒さ対策にもなりましたし、ライフジャケットも装着するので泳げない私でも心配なく浮いていられます。
また、ボートに持ち込む荷物として上着、タオル、日焼け止めを持ち込みましたが、全く触らず中央の台の下に置いたままだったので何も要らない感じですし、他の荷物はボートに乗る前に桟橋にある大きなボックスに入れ鍵をしてくれたので安心して預けられます。
帰りの着替えに関しては特に案内はされなかったので、帰りのバス待ちの時間、サッサとトイレに行って着替えを済ませてしまった方が良いと思います。
最後に、イルカを追いかけあちらへ、こちらへと速く泳がないといけないし、多少なりとも疲れは出ると思います。