Kona Manta Ray Snorkel & Night Dive Tour at Keauhou Bay - Sea Paradise
Overall Rating
4.54
Sea Paradise Sunset Sail-NO Sailing!
Reviewed by: Mae, 2021/05/15There was no sailing on this trip.The Manta rays are close to where the boat goes in the water. I thought we would have a nice sail while the sun was setting and then get in the water but that was not the case. This experience was both boring and exciting. You are in the water for 45 minutes lying flat with arms outstretched holding onto the handle on one of several connected "light boards"while you have your snorkeled face in the water, and are balancing a noodle under your ankles. You brush up against the people on either side of you.The motion of the ocean gets to be a bit much for many people. I heard a crew member say to another "at least no one puked this trip". I have never been sea sick but started feeling queasy and did get out with about 10 minutes to go. You can raise your arm and be escorted back to the boat at any time.You are provided with a half wet suit but still you get chilled. If you have any shoulder problems I would think twice about doing this trip. All that being said it was so cool when the Mantas did show up and swim right past you! There weren't many but I got some good video and stills with a camera that I borrowed from a friend. Maybe there is a better time of day or year to see more mantas? If you're positioned on a middle light board you have time to get the camera set because you will hear the people at the ends of the the light boards ooh and aah and cheer! I probably would not do this trip again but notice I didn't say never! The boat was nice , the crew was fine.
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Activity Date: | 2021/04/19 |
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A true must do experience
Reviewed by: Adam, 2019/08/22PLEASE READ, IT WILL HELP! Truthfully I was skeptical when the tour started, we were the last boat to the area and the last in the water and you could see everyone getting a little edgy seeing other groups experiencing the odd Manta whilst we were still on deck. The staff kept telling us to relax, it would be great. When we finally got in the water we waited a short while for the first Manta and it is exciting, however we didn’t know what was to come. Their plan worked a treat, the other boats all started to leave as they are
On strict timeframes (although we didn’t realise this with our heads down) and we were swarmed by Mantas. The crew counted 7, I thought there were more but perhaps that was my excitement. These giants come so close you can’t believe they don’t touch you belly to belly as they barrel roll. THIS IS AN UNBELIEVABLE EXPERIENCE. The crew are very careful not to damage the environment with their anchor placement and so respectful of the Mantas. I cannot recommend this experience or this operator enough.
STILL SMILING
Thanks for coming out with us Adam and for taking the time to write this great review! Sounds like you had a fantastic manta showing, we're happy to hear it. We appreciate you noticing all we do to provide this experience to the public as safely and respectfully as possible. We hope to get the opportunity to have you out with us again sometime soon.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2019/08/15 |
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We were able to meet Manta Ray as soon as we entered the water.
Reviewed by: Gold lan, 2018/08/23We were able to meet Manta Ray as soon as we entered the water. ~ I was surprised at the big size but it was a very enjoyable experience. I would like to enjoy Manta Ray by diving after winning the scuba diving certificate
Thank you for taking the time to review your manta snorkel. We are happy to know you enjoyed the experience. Aloha!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2018/08/11 |
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Seriously glad we did this!
Reviewed by: Sharon, 2018/05/11The Sea Paradise crew gave us a great experience, from setting us up with wet suit and snorkel gear to teaching us how to "behave" in the water (#1 rule - Don't touch the Manta Rays, #2 rule - don't pee in the wetsuits - haha! - they provide a bathroom on board), providing drinks and snacks, including hot chocolate which was welcome after the snorkeling. They also made sure we weren't needlessly floating around in the water before the rays showed up, but got us in there in plenty of time to see 4 different rays swimming literally inches below our faces! So cool to see them somersault and glide beneath you. Completely worth the cost! Do this!
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Sunset did not disappoint on this Sunset Cruise![]()
Sunset with palm trees while leaving the bay![]()
The boat was very steady and well equipped. Plenty of room for everyone and their stuff. Also has a bathroom on board!![]()
Dropping anchor near the other boats - you have to "share" the rays with the other boats, but they still came to us often. Sorry no pics of rays-they are on my husband's GoPro. But they turned out cool!
Thank you for taking your time to review your manta tour with us. We are happy to know you enjoyed it! Thanks for joining us.
A Hui Hou!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2018/05/05 |
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It was sick!
Reviewed by: Cheonga kim, 2018/04/11I had a really wonderful time! Mantaray was really huge...
Glad you had a wonderful time. Aloha!
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Activity Date: | 2018/04/08 |
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Amazing experience!
Reviewed by: Luca, 2018/02/19Snorkelling in the night with manta rays was an awesome experience.
Everything was perfectly organized: Captain and "Mermaids" were professional, nice and helpful.
We did it with our two kids (8 and 11) and they loved it.
Big mantas swam a few cm from us: in many occasions it looked like it was better to keep the breath in order to avoid touching them!!
It was super-fun and safe.
I recommend this activity to everybody!!!!
Big thanks to the crew for the amazing memories we will bring with us forever
Aloha Luca!
Mahalo for your review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed your manta experience with us. Next time you are on the island ask about our frequent customer discount!
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Activity Date: | 2018/02/13 |
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Absolutes Highlight
Reviewed by: Paseba, 2017/11/26Diese Tour fand mit ca. 18 Personen auf einem modernen Katamaran statt. Man befindet sich ca. 45min im Wasser, wobei man neue Neoprenanzüge trägt. Der Trip wurde professionell durchgeführt, es fanden sich neben den Teilnehmern stets 2-3 Sicherheitsschwimmer im Wasser. Wir sahen 5-6 majestische Mantarochen - selten was eindrucksvolleres erlebt. Ich empfehle Mittel gegen Seekrankheit, denn die Tour findet auf offenener See (Wellengang) und bei Dunkelheit statt. Kann diese Tour auf jeden Fall empfehlen.
Thank you for taking the time to review your manta tour. We are happy to hear you enjoyed the experience. Hope to serve you again in the future.
Aloha!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2017/11/05 |
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A stunning experience for all
Reviewed by: Amber Bialy, 2017/10/24My husband and I were both nervous, I get seasick and he has a fear of deeper water and has never snorkeled. Captain Morgan was amazing and the crew was super reassuring. They gave me ginger candy when I got on. I only felt a little queasy, it wasn't as bad as I thought. Short ride and they got us in the water and we had a full display of barrel rolls by 2 mantas! My husband had an amazing time and he enjoyed it more than he thought he would. He would do it again! You stay in the water for a reasonable amount of time, I got out a tad early but we went back shortly after. Tea, soda and fresh pineapple was offered. A MUST do and I couldn't ask for a better crew. Bring your own goggles and snorkel if you have them, some masks leaked a little. Worth it even if you get seasick (lots of ginger and dramamine!)
Pick a day with no wind as Well! We had a great experience.
Thank you for taking the time to review your manta tour. Happy to hear both you and your husband enjoyed the experience. Thank you for joining us and hope to serve you again soon in the near future.
A Hui Hou!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2017/10/21 |
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Manta Ray Swim
Reviewed by: Tony, 2017/07/22I had a great time the guides very very knowledgeable and helpful. It was amazing how close the Manta Ray came to use as we were on the surface hanging to a raft. If I go back this is one thing I will differently do again.
Thank you for taking the time to review your tour with us. Happy to know you enjoyed it.
A Hui Hou!
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Activity Date: | 2017/06/29 |
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Awesome experience
Reviewed by: Lianne, 2017/05/27I had an awesome expierence with the Manta Ray swim in front of our hotel.
Aloha, thank you for taking the time to review your trip. We are so happy to know you enjoyed it. Mahalo!
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| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Activity Date: | 2017/05/21 |
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Gotta try this!!
Reviewed by: Mike B, 2014/11/17This was truly a unique experience that should be done once. It is kind of creepy being out in the open ocean at night, but that is the exciting part and of course the Manta Rays will not disappoint. After about 25 minutes in the water you've seen enough, but definitely a thrilling 25 minutes.
Mahalo for taking the time to write a review. Were glad you had a good time.
Sea Paradise
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2014/10/23 |
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Aloha Mae,
We are so sorry to hear you found your experience less than stellar. We appreciate your feedback. We often do try to do some sailing prior to heading to the Manta Ray Village, however factors of getting the best viewing spot for our guests may have disrupted the sailing part as many times through out the year we'll have northern boats come down to view the manta's if they haven't been seeing any at their usual location. Our best recommendation for hanging on to the light rafts would be to not be tense, this can make for an unpleasant experience for anyone, including people with shoulder problems. It's best to relax and go with the flow of the ocean rather than against it. Although we are sad to hear you didn't enjoy your whole time with us, we are happy to hear you enjoyed the stars of the show. They are truly magical. We hope you'll give us another try on a return visit to the islands. Mahalo Nui Loa!