(All Reviews) Marine Life Tours & Cruises, Big Island tours & activities, fun things to do in Big Island | HawaiiActivities.com

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All Reviews for Marine Life Tours & Cruises in Big Island

Overall Rating

4.54 4.54 / 5

Reviews

770 reviews

Kohala Sunset Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar - Ocean Sports [Dec - Mar]

Wonderful wildlife sightseeing

Reviewed by: Flavie, 2024/03/25

We had a wonderful time! We were super lucky to see a lot of dolphins and whales. It was for sure a once in a lifetime adventure. The entire crew was awesome! Thank you so much!

  • Dolphins

Comments from activity operators

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Sunset Cruise. We're so happy that you enjoyed the trip and your interactions with our crew, and got a chance to see so many cetaceans!
We know there are a lot of of ways to watch a sunset when you're on the Big Island and we're honored you chose to spend one of yours with us.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2024/03/23
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ホエールウォッチングクルーズ <12~3月/軽食付き/英語ガイド/カイルアコナ発>

何回か見ることができました

Reviewed by: まんぼう!, 2024/03/17

64歳と57歳の夫婦で参加しました。
2月の旅行だったので鯨に確実に遭遇できるだろうと期待に胸を膨らませて乗船。
潮吹きや大きな息遣いも目の当たりにした約2時間のクルーズでした。
もっと大きな鯨が近くで見られると思っていたので少し残念ではありました。
船が揺れるので軽食は食べませんでした。
貴重な経験ができて良かったです。

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/23
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Waikoloa Snorkel Tour & Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch & Drinks [Dec - Mar]

Shake watch and snorkel

Reviewed by: Girls trip, 2024/03/05

It was great experience. We have don’t this tour many times. Saw lots of whales. Crew was friendly and helpful and informative. It was fun and enjoyed every minute.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Whale Watch Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, your interactions with our crew, and most importantly, got to see a lot of Humpbacks!
We know there are a lot of activity providers to choose from when you're on the Big Island and we're honored you chose to join us aboard.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2024/03/03
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Kohala Sunset Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar - Ocean Sports [Dec - Mar]

Awesome whale watching adventure

Reviewed by: Lava Lava Girl, 2024/03/03

We were very lucky to sail on a lovely evening with lots of whales surrounding us and they were quite active. The crew were great, we enjoyed the snacks and drinks. It was just about perfect, loved the boat, could have stayed out on the water for hours if allowed. Definitely will do again and recommend this cruise.

  • gorgeous sunset on board the Sea Smoke

Comments from activity operators

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Sunset Cruise and also for including that beautiful photo. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, the onboard amenities, the whales, and your interactions with our crew!
We know there are a lot of ways to watch the sunset when you're in Hawaii and we're honored you chose to spend one of yours with us and that we've earned your recommendation.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/05
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Exhilarating Night Adventure Watching Manta Ray Under Your Feet

Reviewed by: LarryC, 2024/02/28

Are ready to try an adventure that is unique? Water activities are great but what about doing something at night, in the water and mysteriously fun? You must do this! A night time viewing of majestic Manta Rey fish! Oh boy, so fun. The day came, I drove down to the facility early (good thing I did, I got lost) and introduced myself to the host. Maybe her name was Iruka, but a very friendly girl greeted me and accommodated any questions I had. She offered a wetsuit fins and mask/snorkel combo however, I bought and brought my own (because I know what it means for things not to fit right). We took off on time with about 13-15 people out into the abyss. Light was shimmering off the water as the sun was setting down. Very beautiful to see it on a boat. We took a short ride to the spot where other boats were anchored and the crew pulled out a square like raft. It had special lights in the middle to draw fish and Manta Ray. The special lights draw the plankton towards the light and the fish eat it right away.

Everyone slowly dropped ourselves over the side and crew members helped us swim to the floating raft. We had to hold a small rope handle and given floating noodles to place under our feet to make everyone horizontal. This is to keep our feet from kicking underneath the raft and scaring the fish. This also kept everyone relaxed, well until we started seeing strange fish.

So much fun! The ride back was scary fun. Traveling through the dark without any lights but the moon illuminating on the water in front of us Wow! This is something you'll never forget. Highly Recommended.

Video https://youtu.be/t4VJHokd3DI

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2024/02/13
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Awesome once-in-a-lifetime experience

Reviewed by: Veronica, 2024/02/25

My family did the sunset cruise and it was amazing! We got to watch the sunset in the water and got to see dolphins and look for whales before heading to the snorkeling spot. I have kids ages 12 and 9. While my 9 year old struggled a bit with the snorkel, my 12 year old had no problems at all. The crew was super fun and engaging, dancing to music and generally infecting the crowd with their great attitude. Snacks and drinks were provided as well as hot chocolate afterward. They also took videos for us and were happy to airdrop them to anyone that wanted them. I would definitely recommend this experience and this company!

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2024/02/02
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ホエールウォッチングクルーズ <12~3月/午前/軽食付き/ワイコロアまたはカワイハエ港発>

良く見られてよかったです。

Reviewed by: 胆石おやじ, 2024/02/25

以前にオアフ島でホエールウォッチングに参加しましたが、その時はほとんどクジラに会えなかったですが、今回は早い時間帯から次ぐから次に見ることができました。
帰りには、船の周りをイルカが来て、ジャンプまで見せてくれて、最高のホエールウォッチングになりました。

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/01/31
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ホエールウォッチングクルーズ <12~3月/軽食付き/英語ガイド/カイルアコナ発>

クジラいましたー

Reviewed by: ぽん, 2024/02/24

英語だけどみんな優しくて楽しいスタッフさん達でした。
クジラを何度も何度も追いかけてくれて、どうにか体を見せようとしてくれているのが伝わります。
チップスやら飲み物は一階に置いてあるので手ぶら(薄い防寒があればベター)で参加で大丈夫です。
酔い止めは飲んで行ったほうがいいと思います。

Comments from activity operators

Mahalo for joining us leaving a four star review! We are happy to know that you enjoyed yourself! Best wishes to you and yours!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/23
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

THE BEST!

Reviewed by: Sammy’s Mom , 2024/02/10

This boat was by far the best option for whale watching. We took my 3 year old son for his birthday, so glad we chose this one. Our captain was determined to have everyone witness all of the amazing sights of whales in their natural habitat including, breaching, Mom and baby, whale tail waves, even the smell of anchovy whale breath! Will definitely be doing this one again! This was the highlight of our trip, an unforgettable experience! Mahalo Hawaii Nautical!

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2024/02/08
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe

fun!

Reviewed by: blake, 2024/02/02

fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/02/15
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Perfect whale watch!

Reviewed by: Jan, 2024/01/21

A most enjoyable experience! Once we spotted a spout in the distance, we motored to it for a wonderful mother-baby whale show! Only recommendation would be to improve the directions to get to the check-in location on the beach.

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2024/01/19
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

pretty good experience

Reviewed by: joe pang , 2024/01/18

wonderful and first experience of my life. i 'll want to there again soon, this is my dream.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Joe! Thank you so much for joining our Manta Ray tour. We are so happy that you had a great time and that is was a dream come true. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/12/20
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Loved the Whales!

Reviewed by: Marissa, 2024/01/10

My whole family enjoyed this experience! There were plenty of whales breaching and splashing all around us, they gave us a great show. The entire crew was friendly and knowledgeable about the whales and the catamaran too. I would recommend this trip to anyone during the whale season! We will do it again on our next trip. Thank you for such a wonderful experience.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2024/01/06
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ホエールウォッチングクルーズ <12~3月/午前/軽食付き/ワイコロアまたはカワイハエ港発>

ホエールウオッチングクルーズ

Reviewed by: ヤス, 2024/01/06

英語のみの解説、鯨は潮吹きと背びれが数回遥か彼方にしか見えず、期待に反して満足度はもう一つでした。船上からの眺めは最高でした。 

  • 鯨は写っていませんが景色は最高でした。

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/12/17
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Kona Glass Bottom Boat & Coral Reef Tour with Marine Naturalist

Perfect activity!

Reviewed by: Megan O, 2023/12/17

We had 6 adults and 2 toddlers, this was the perfect activity for all of us to do. Short enough, interesting and interactive.

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/11/26
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Hawaii Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Cruise from Waikoloa | Kids 0-5 Ride for Free

Most Amazing

Reviewed by: Questing Beast, 2023/12/13

Fun and exciting. Nice view of the ocean and beaches. Saw lots of fish, a green turtle, an eel, and amazing coral. Staff was very knowledgeable. Of the two glass bottom trips I took, this was by far my favorite. was the one with the most fish.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/12/11
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Kona Sunset & Moonlight Wild Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Wahine Charters

Great Fun!

Reviewed by: Rich(Lawrence KS), 2023/12/06

I was not sure what to expect but I was very pleased with this experience. The crew was very pleasant, patient and knowledgable. They were very patient with some older guests and made sure they were safe and comfortable.
We ended up meeting several other boats so we had a lot of plankton for the Manta. Those beautiful fish did not disappoint! Although touching the manta is prohibited, they come close enough to touch! Bring your underwater camera for some great pictures and video memories!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/12/04
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Hawaii Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Cruise from Waikoloa | Kids 0-5 Ride for Free

Great little ride

Reviewed by: Jacquelyn Ginter, 2023/11/11

I like that it was short, and that we were able to get on the water, we saw many little fish and a turtle.
The staff was excellent!

Comments from activity operators

Mahalo for your feedback! We enjoyed having you aboard!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/10/21
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

AWESOME EXPERIENCE!!!!

Reviewed by: Mary H, 2023/10/31

We attended on Monday October 16. The 4 guys did such a fantastic job making it fun for all of us. It was a unique and exciting experience. I can not say enough good things about it. I highly recommend it and would even go so far as to say it is a MUST DO on the Big Island!!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Mary! We are so happy that you enjoyed our Manta Ray tour. Thank you so much for joining us. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/10/16
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Amazing guides, lots of mantas and fish, beautiful scenery, and fun learning experience.

Reviewed by: E & C Flores-Montoya, 2023/10/27

My husband and I booked this tour for our honeymoon on the island. It was truly amazing to see the many fish and mantas in their natural habitat! I was that person who forgot their motion sickness meds. If you get motion sick/sea sick definitely take them so you can enjoy the whole experience without feeling queasy. If you come from colder climates you may not need wet suits. My husband and I didnt get them as we come from a cold climate and did fine temperature wise. The captain and his crew, Diego, were very knowledgeable and friendly. They also helped out a bunch when I wasn't feeling well. Would recommend this tour to anyone!

  • Not my best image but I don't want to give away all the fun!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha! Thank you so much for joining our Manta Ray tour and for choosing Iruka! It makes us so happy to hear that our guests are loving their experience. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/10/25
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

An absolutely unforgettable time!

Reviewed by: Kristen, 2023/10/21

We are SO glad we booked this tour with Iruka; we had an absolutely incredible time with tour guides Trevor, Diego and Tamaya (so sorry if I'm misspelling your names or missing anyone) who were so knowledgable and accommodating. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to the Big Island; a bunch of the rays got so close to us, we felt super safe and loved the hot chocolate afterwards!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Kristen! Thank you so much for joining our Manta Ray tour and for sharing about your experience. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time with us. Please come back soon! Mahalo

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/10/12
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

awesome!

Reviewed by: Stefanie Säuberlich, 2023/10/10

We always felt safe. The support was great. We were there with our 2 sons (4 and 11 years old). Everything worked great and everyone was very attentive. We were able to enjoy it completely as a family. Seeing the manta rays was an unforgettable experience.
Highly recommended!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Stefanie! Thank you so much for choosing Iruka and for sharing about your exciting experience. We are so happy that you enjoyed your time on our Manta Ray tour. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/10/08
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Deluxe Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Cruise from Keauhou Bay - Hula Kai

Definitely add this to you itinerary if you haven’t yet!

Reviewed by: Jules, 2023/10/01

The crew was great, the manta turn out was amazing, and the boat ride is short (which is ideal for when you’re cold and ready to get warm again haha). We got lucky that it was a small group so there were plenty of options to sit and have a lovely view of the sunset while heading out. 10/10 would do again.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/09/29
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Atlantis Kona Submarine Tour & Undersea Adventure - Descend up to 100 feet

Outstanding fun! With air conditioning!

Reviewed by: Brett Lapp, 2023/09/25

It was very cool. Every one was very kind and accommodating. Guide was informative and pilot was very good. We saw a couple sharks and tons of other fish. Kids loved it! (12 and 10) Mahalo!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/09/22
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Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour - Small-Group Adventure from Keauhou Bay

A Wondrous Experience

Reviewed by: Kathy M., 2023/09/23

We couldn't have asked for a better trip. I especially appreciated the small group size - eight people - which meant that we were able to watch the mantas without getting in each other's way. My sister and I were at the end of the line, opposite each other. This meant that as the manta rays turned over and swam upside down just under the light board - only a few inches away from us - we could look right down their throats. I was amazed at how clean and empty their large mouths were. It was fascinating to see their gills from the inside as well as the outside.

It was wonderful to watch the mantas swim. They move so smoothly they hardly seem to be propelling themselves. The patterns on their backs fluoresce in the light, so they're easy to see.

We watched by lining up on either side of a board, holding on to it and floating stretched out away from it, with flotation devices like pool noodles under our ankles. This keeps our bodies away from the mantas, which is for their protection, not ours. (The mantas are harmless. No teeth, no sting. They eat plankton, not people!)

Two tips:

1. The staff had us put the pool noodles under our ankles, but in that location, it's easy to lose the noodle. Try putting it just below your knees instead. It's much easier to keep in place that way, and if your knees are at the surface, the rest of your legs will be also.

2. If you do lose your noodle, don't panic or kick. Keep your head down, relax, stay as flat as you can, and allow the water to support your body. Staff members will retrieve the noodle and slip it under your legs again. Kicking disturbs the mantas, and the stress is bad for them.

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2023/09/07
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

10/10, would recommend. Manta rays are a must see!

Reviewed by: Maggy, 2023/09/18

This was such a breathtaking experience! Trevor and Diego were excellent captain and crew, with a great sense of humor too. They ensured I felt safe which was huge because I had never snorkeled before. I would recommend this company to anyone who asks, they provide everything you need including prescription goggles which was an amazing surprise. Diego also gave us manta ray facts as we were snorkeling and we loved it. The night began with a sunset boat ride, leading into the manta ray snorkel, and then a quick boat ride back to the harbor with snacks and hot cocoa. I will never forget this experience.

  • Manta rays come right up to you and flip around to eat. So so cool.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Maggy! We are so happy that you had fun on our Manta Ray tour. Thank you so much for joining us. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/09/15
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Great Evening

Reviewed by: Kara, 2023/09/18

We were happy we got to see some mantas, it was so fun to have a night experience!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Kara! Thank you for choosing Iruka and for sharing your positive feedback. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time on our tour. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/08/04
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Kona Sunset & Moonlight Wild Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Wahine Charters

Amazing snorkeling

Reviewed by: Mandy, 2023/09/16

We had a blast and seeing the manta rays was amazing. We also saw a bristle worm, which was cool too. The team was fabulous and knowledgeable. We will do again next time we swing into Kona. We recommend this excursion 100%. You won’t be sorry. If you get seasick, take the anti nausea medicine first. It can be a bit harder on your stomach in the dark.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/08/23
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Epic Experience!

Reviewed by: Alex, 2023/09/02

The boat crew went out of their way to make sure each and every one of us was taken care of and having a good time. The mantas were surreal. This is something everyone needs to experience!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Alex! Thank you so much for joining our tour and for sharing about your experience. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time with us. Please come back soon! Mahalo

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/08/31
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Deluxe Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Cruise from Keauhou Bay - Hula Kai

So Cool

Reviewed by: Diana P., 2023/08/26

It was a once in a lifetime experience. The manta rays came right up to us and almost brushed up on us. It was so beautiful as well as seeing all the glowing plankton and other fish. the staff on the boat were friendly and informative. at the end they gave us hot chocolate and soup to warm us up. definitely recommend this company.

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/08/18
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