Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday Snorkel
4.5
Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday Snorkel
By Ocean Encounters
About
from per adult
$64.63
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-100, max of 30 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Features animals
- Snorkel Mask and Fins
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Soda/Pop
What's not included- Reef safe sun block, towels.
- Departure details
- Bite Me Sport Fishing- Kona Deep Sea Fishing Charters, 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy #1, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 30433P13- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- How much is Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday Snorkel?
- Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday Snorkel price starts from $64.63. Discover and book Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday Snorkel on Tripadvisor
- What is the Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday Snorkel cancellation policy?
- Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday Snorkel cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday Snorkel on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday Snorkel?
- Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday Snorkel is hosted by Ocean Encounters. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Ocean Encounters on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday Snorkel on Tripadvisor
- How much time do I need for Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday Snorkel?
- On average, this experience will take approximately 3h. Discover and book Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday Snorkel on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 30433P13
Reserve your spot
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- You'll start atBite Me Sport Fishing- Kona Deep Sea Fishing Charters74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy #1, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USASee address & details
- 1Honokohau Marina & Small Boat HarborStop: 30 minutesOn this 3-hour excursion you can expect to see and snorkel with as much sea life as possible. Trust our Captains and Crew with their knowledge of the Kona Coast and all the beauty it has to offer. Keep your eyes out for spinner dolphins, turtles, whales, colorful schools of fish and vibrant reef. Our crew will be happy to share some fun historical facts, snorkel tips, and fun fish stories. Strap on your snorkel gear and get ready to jump into the warm Hawaiian sea, for the Ultimate Ocean Encounter.Read more
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
Ocean Encounters
402
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Joined in December 2012
#67 of 186 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Kailua-Kona
- arlenb00Best manta ray experienceWhat a great experience with Captain Rachel and Eden. They did a great job explaining all about the manta rays. Once in the water we were guided to the best spots to see the mantas up close.
- Luv_lax2000Amazing and exhilarating!Amazing! This was truly a once in a life time experience. We all had so much fun and hanging with the mantas was a great experience. The crew was fun, safe and educational. We told them about our son’s birthday, and they led everyone to sing “happy birthday” to our son. It was wonderful and he was so happy. We highly recommend this company and the nighttime Mantas rays snorkeling. We would do this again and again.
- 354anni00Wonderful crew, horrible desription/reservation systemLet me begin with, the crew was AMAZING... My family searched numerous sites for a wheelchair friendly snorkeling tour that my husband and I could ride along on while they went in the water. My husband uses a walker so we figured that if was "wheelchair friendly", it would easily accommodate him. It made us nervous when the snorklers in the famly attempted to check in and were told that all the pax for the 0830 excursion had already been checked in. Considering that the fmaily had a confimation showing a reservation for 6pp and we had a reservation for 2pp, we knew that was incorrect. The crew quickly realized they were dealing with "another booking issue" and found that we were, in fact, supposed to be going out on the 0830 boat. When we got down to the slip, it was obvious that this excursion was DEFINITLEY not wheelchair friendly. We had to leave the walker at the dock and balance my husband down the steps onto the boat. It was evident that this excusion was overbooked. There were just barely enough seating and some was toward the front with minimal circulation, making it difficult to get air when numerous people got seasick on the wavy water. The crew was wonderful, the overall experience as not.
- FarAway4558446479900Best snorkel experience.This was so amazing. Momi & Taylor were super awesome the whole. We saw more sea life than I was expecting and the sites we went too had amazing blue water. Exceeded my expectations. 🐬🐠🐙🐙🦈🐟 worth every penny! I’d go again.
- JHoeppner9200Adventure of a Lifetime!!!Oh. My. Goodness!!! This was an amazing adventure of a lifetime!!! It was so cool to see the Manta up close. It was spectacular!! And Momi and her crew took such amazing care of us!! Fun and exciting!!! Go do it!!!
- RuoshuiW100Not very satisfiedNot very satisfied. 1. Their departure port is very far away from the viewing spot(40 minutes of sailing). There are other option with much shorter distances, do consider this if seasickness is a concern. 2. Their float (the thing you grab when watching manga) is very narrow, which made the experience very uncomfortable and exhausting. 3. Their snorkeling gears were terrible. My mask kept leaking during the whole time, and there were at least three more people had the same experience with me.
- BoerneBob00Love Manta RaysIt was a special trip just to swim with the Manta Rays. The first night was a little weak, but the next night was near the airport and saw 12 . I counted 8 at one time.
- meldelriod00Impressive operationsThis adventure is one of the highlights of my trip. The experience is very unique, and the folks were very helpful in easing us into this wonderful world of manta rays. It’s actually more than just the manta rays. The boat ride was very nice. Going out to the sea at night, and we had a full moon and it was such a beautiful night to remember. The whole system of paddleboard, light, swim noodles was such a simple method but it works!
- E8294WAtiffanym00Aaaaaammmmmaaaazzzziiiiinnngggg!!!!!!This is a MUST do when visiting the Big Island. Our crew were knowledgeable, kind and helpful! Patrick was sincere, friendly and you could feel how much he respected the animals and the ocean! ❤️ We learned so much and can’t stop talking about this magical experience!
- midwestmom9900Dangerous procedures!We went on the Manta Ray night snorkel. It's about a 45 min boat ride to the spot and then again on the way back. My 14 yr old daughter ended up getting seasick. I tried to grab the trash can next to us, but the crew wouldn't let us use it. Instead they quickly rushed her to the back of the boat to throw up over the edge. The boat was traveling very fast and was EXTREMELY rocky to walk on. My daughter was stumbling and I was terrified that one trip would send her over the low rails. Seems like very dangerous protocol. Why not give everyone sick bags or something so they don't have to stumble around?
- christineaG3209ES00Manta ray night snorkel.My family really enjoyed the manta ray night snorkel. The crew (Alan, Sean, and Patrick) was really helpful, friendly, and ensured everyone was safe and had fun. We were provided wetsuits, snorkel gear, and noodles to help our legs stay afloat. Patrick was thorough in his explanation of what to expect while in the water. Great crew and definitely recommend this company for manta ray night snorkel!
- CBD83700Wonderful experience with a great crewI highly recommend this tour. Seeing the Mantas was once in a lifetime. The crew were very helpful. Some people were nervous and they really did their best to make you feel at ease. We had to jump into the water and swim over to the surfboards that we would hold onto to watch the mantas. They said if you are a strong swimmer and confident please go first because you will need to swim out the furthest. This allowed those without much ocean or swimming experience to only have to swim to the surfboard closest to the boat. My husband is more experienced with this type of thing than me, but he stay near the end for me and we had a great time. The older man next to me was struggling pretty hard and lost his snorkel and really couldn't get the hang of having the pool noodle under his legs. The young lady from the crew assigned to be near our group had a very calming reassuring voice and she tried her very best to keep everyone calm. Keep in mind you are out pretty far from shore, in the ocean at night...in the dark so you need to prepare yourself to be calm and just enjoy the time. I get severe motion sickness so I took preparations beforehand like taking Meclizine the night before and that day, I wore Scopolamine ear patches and I have a Reliefband that I use. Normally, I am the person who can't say the word Boat without getting sick, but taking those precautions allowed me to have a wonderful evening. I never once felt dizzy or sick at all. I had read on hundreds of reviews on different sites say that motion sickness was a huge factor for this type of activity, so prepare for it. We brought our own snorkels- the kind that fit over your entire face and you just breath normally- I highly recommend this kind- people were super jealous. They give you a partial wetsuit- looks like a jacket- I also wore a thinner type surfing wetsuit and bikini underneath and I was still freezing- I was shaking so bad I almost couldn't hold onto the handles. You will need to wear more clothes than you think. I would go out on an adventure with this Crew any day.
- 518MarcC00Best Crew everThis was awesome- even after I lost my mobile phone while jumping into the ocean to see the Mantas but the $250 diver cell case had a “made in China” strap that snapped upon going under the water and there goes my iPhone 📱 for its own 80 ft deep dive. Luckily, while I was hopeless 😩 for the return, I did mention it to the Ocean Encounters crew and between Alex and Momi(surely spelled wrongly) they ended up diving and finding it, by the time o got back in the boat after teh once in a lifetime Manta Rays encounter, I was extremely relieved that these fine people at OE love their job and surely had no trouble finding and retrieving my phone full of existing and new memories formed right at that moment. Just grateful, speechless, and blessed for this great crew. The encounter alone is worth everything however that above me beyond just tops it off. #thankyou
- Davee206d00Fantastic Experience!Wonderful experience!! Fascinating to swim with the Rays!! Our guides, Cher and Maddie were so friendly and helpful! They explained so much about the Rays and their behavior! They also made the trip out to the reef and the ride back fun by talking with us and sharing stories! We would definitely go with this tour group again. Professional but laid back so it was fun!! The boat was warm enough on the way back!!
- 770candiej00Best crewMe and my husband booked this trip so we could spread my moms ashes with the manta rays and we were blessed to have a supportive crew. My husband is also deaf and the crew was very attentive to this as well. The whole experience was the most beautiful thing. I also want to give major props to the captain, as he was very kind and attentive to our needs and without him I don’t believe the experience would have been as special.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
21 reviews
Excellent
19
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
1
ndser
Belize348 contributions
Mar 2022
We booked the Ocean Encounters (or was it the Bite Me Company ... hard to tell .. they seem to use both names and boats) mid-day snorkel tour in March using a combination of a Groupon, an additional discount and a Groupon credit that reduced the cost to less than $10 for the two of us. I wish I could say it was worth that much. We have dived & snorkeled in the Caribbean, Fiji, Cook Islands, Australia, Bali, Central America, Canada, and I have to say that I have never encountered such a poor selection of dive sites, a staff so uninterested in their customers or such unethical behaviour. Where to start?
First, the dive sites – one just south of the harbour entrance and one in an area just south of the airport – were barren with virtually no live coral, few fish and very poor species diversity (although clarity wasn't bad, it wasn't much of a benefit with little to see).
Second, the crew's interaction with their customers almost non-existent, consisting of a very brief introduction to explain procedures then ... nothing. When the boat was running, they disappeared – either forward near the head staring at their electronic devices or talking to each other, or up on the flying bridge with the pilot. When we were snorkeling, they were off on their own, totally ignoring their customers as they looked for their prey. When we were re-embarking, they were out of sight, offering no help to the people climbing up the ladder with their gear (and many were inexperienced and needed the help), something I have never seen before with any other operator.
Third, and in my mind, most importantly, was the unethical practice that we observed. One of the staff caught an octopus, which she showed to a few customers as she brought it back to the boat. We watched her as she swam surreptitiously to the bow, hoping to get a photo when she released the animal. We were quite shocked when she killed the animal and passed it in a plastic bag up to the pilot standing in the bow. Now, I don't know what the Hawaiian recreational fishing regulations might be, but that isn't the point. This was advertised as an ocean encounter, not a hunting trip. I had to wonder if the sites were chosen, not for what the customers might see, but for what the crew might take home for dinner.
In summary, bad snorkeling, bad crew, and an apalling level of unethical behaviour. Avoid this one regardless of the price.
First, the dive sites – one just south of the harbour entrance and one in an area just south of the airport – were barren with virtually no live coral, few fish and very poor species diversity (although clarity wasn't bad, it wasn't much of a benefit with little to see).
Second, the crew's interaction with their customers almost non-existent, consisting of a very brief introduction to explain procedures then ... nothing. When the boat was running, they disappeared – either forward near the head staring at their electronic devices or talking to each other, or up on the flying bridge with the pilot. When we were snorkeling, they were off on their own, totally ignoring their customers as they looked for their prey. When we were re-embarking, they were out of sight, offering no help to the people climbing up the ladder with their gear (and many were inexperienced and needed the help), something I have never seen before with any other operator.
Third, and in my mind, most importantly, was the unethical practice that we observed. One of the staff caught an octopus, which she showed to a few customers as she brought it back to the boat. We watched her as she swam surreptitiously to the bow, hoping to get a photo when she released the animal. We were quite shocked when she killed the animal and passed it in a plastic bag up to the pilot standing in the bow. Now, I don't know what the Hawaiian recreational fishing regulations might be, but that isn't the point. This was advertised as an ocean encounter, not a hunting trip. I had to wonder if the sites were chosen, not for what the customers might see, but for what the crew might take home for dinner.
In summary, bad snorkeling, bad crew, and an apalling level of unethical behaviour. Avoid this one regardless of the price.
Written March 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alwayz_on_vacation
Michigan515 contributions
Mar 2022
A disappointing experience.
We fortunately used a Groupon making the afternoon snorkel excursion under $60 for the two of us.
Our trip was changed from 1 pm to 2:30 the day before departure and instead of being a 3 hour trip we were back to the marina after 2.5 hours.
Later realizing the same boat left at 5:37 for the manta ray night sunset and snorkel so obviously why we were back early.
The boat, amenities, etc. were disappointing and the service even worse.
The crew was uninterested in educating, assisting, interacting and hung out on the upper level with the captain and in the water snorkeling on their own and then at the end asked for tips . . . really?!?!
We stopped at 2 snorkeling spots with somewhat rough conditions and limited fish.
Did see a small eel at the second stop.
I cannot recommend this excursion/company!
We fortunately used a Groupon making the afternoon snorkel excursion under $60 for the two of us.
Our trip was changed from 1 pm to 2:30 the day before departure and instead of being a 3 hour trip we were back to the marina after 2.5 hours.
Later realizing the same boat left at 5:37 for the manta ray night sunset and snorkel so obviously why we were back early.
The boat, amenities, etc. were disappointing and the service even worse.
The crew was uninterested in educating, assisting, interacting and hung out on the upper level with the captain and in the water snorkeling on their own and then at the end asked for tips . . . really?!?!
We stopped at 2 snorkeling spots with somewhat rough conditions and limited fish.
Did see a small eel at the second stop.
I cannot recommend this excursion/company!
Written March 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paradise814885
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
I've been snorkeling before, never while in Hawaii, but other places and this excursion was amazing. We had a great boat crew that was informative and enjoyable. They brought us to different sites to snorkel and were in the water to help us find and/or identify and sea life we saw. Our group of 9 which consisted of 2 adults, 2 teenagers, and 5 young adults(18-20 yr. olds) all had a great time. We would highly recommend this tour!
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pretty T
9 contributions
Cher, Zack & Sage made this experience amazing. Cher is extremely knowledgeable and answered all the questions, pointing out things to check out. Knowing that we had certified life guards and boat loaded with all the safety equipment helped to lesson my anxiety.
Written April 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juliet1320
Homestead, FL7 contributions
These people were amazing! Not only were they very experienced and knowledgeable but they were FUN! Sooo fun! Everyone was having a great time, such cool people running this tour. By far our favorite tour! Brian and Nalu were amazing, and our captain too! They were a whole mood, great music and fun times. The snorkeling was very nice we saw an octopus that Brian found, and there were lots of schools of bright yellow fish! There were snacks and refreshments on the boat too so you don’t feel like you’re stranded (I mention this because I’ve felt like this on yours before). I hands down recommend this snorkeling experience, we loved it.
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Couples
Captain Lena snd crew made the trip a great time. Very chill attitude, relaxed easy going. Snorkeled in two locations. Good tunes too. They offer a ride along rate for the spouse that does not care to snorkel.
Written February 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tami J
6 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
The BEST part of our girls trip! We had the greatest time sailing with Lina, Mylee and Rubee. They were friendly, helpful, and fun to adventure with! We had a great time snorkeling, but then they helped us spot two whales that we were able to see up close. Then the fun continued when we spotted several dolphins that we were able to follow and encounter for about 20 minutes. Everyone was squealing! We all had the best time. Thank you so much! We would highly recommend!
Written January 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Montana S
1 contribution
This was awesome!!! We all had a blast! The crew was great, everyone was nice and easy going. They explained everything and were really helpful. It was not my first time snorkeling, but it was nice to know they were there to help. Awesome for all ages, I took my grandma with me and she had a great time. The animals I saw and held were so cool! I held a Collector Sea urchin and a cool starfish, touched a octopus, saw multiple different fish. As well as a manta ray, and a pufferfish! Last but not least but they gave the option of having a pool noodle to have with you as your snorkeling which I found super helpful actually. Thank you!!!
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah F
4 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
What an awesome experience for my family! Our boat crew (Leena, Madi and Ree) were first rate. They were helpful, informative, and made our experience a memorable one. I highly recommend this Ocean Encounter trip.
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
acousineau
Highland, CA1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
The best snorkeling we have experienced after coming here for 5 years. The crew was great and very helpful to all. We saw all kinds of fish and a giant sea turtle. Can’t wait to go back.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Product Overview: Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday Snorkel
| Prices From | $65 |
|---|---|
| Number of Reviews | 21 |
| Number of Photos | 15 |
| Duration | 180 minutes |





















































