Phenomenal! Exceptional! - This was hands down the best excursion I did my entire two weeks visiting the Hawaiian islands. This might also be one of the best travel excursions I’ve ever done period. We had at least 6 mantas around us, and someone said they counted 9 at one point! This experience was way more than I could have thought or imagined it. The proximity to these graceful snd magnificent creatures was truly remarkable. Honestly words cannot properly describe the feeling and the beauty of being so close, and yet being so respectful to let them be themselves. Fair Wind and crew is the only way to go. Don’t consider any other. After getting out of the chilly water, there was delicious soup w/ fresh rolls, and hot chocolate too warm you up. Delicious !! Kudos to the kitchen staff. If I had another day they’re, I would have done a day snorkel or trip with them, just because this is the level of service travellers hope to receive. Fair Wind absolutely delivers on every level. Thanks for the treasured memories.

It was an amazing experience, I will do this again next time I come to the big island! - This is a trip I highly recommend for everyone…..this was an amazing experience. The crew and boat were great. They made everyone feel very comfortable getting in the water at night, great learning experience, the crew’s knowledge and willing to teach was great.

The highlight of our trip! - An experience of a lifetime! The boat was very nice, and the crew made it very easy by giving clear instructions. The manta rays came within inches of us. They are so majestic. Absolutely amazing!!!

Absolutely Amazing, Graceful Creatures - First of all, Thank you Fairwinds for an AWESOME tour! Capt Isaac, Sam, Aubrey and Jamie were outstanding host! Aubrey educated us on the life of a Manta Ray, Isaac backed her up with the rules and what to expect. Jamie was in the water with us answering any questions, and Sam was ready with warm Cocoa and soup when we came back aboard ship! The Manta Rays put on the most elegant underwater ballet show as they gracefully swam loops (sometimes in what seemed like formation) as they had their mouths open to catch the plankton. Absolutely amazing creatures. Remember to look left and right while your face is in the water, or else you will be quite startled when one of the Manta Rays brushes up against your arms!

Amazing! - Fair Winds crew are top notch, and the platform attracted loads of plankton. 4 manta rays danced around below us and came right up close. It was amazing! We had done this snorkel with another group a few years ago, but this was so much better. AMAZING!

The best and most luxurious manta tour on island - This is, without a doubt, the premier manta ray tour on the island. From start to finish, the entire experience was seamless and unforgettable. We were fortunate to have perfect conditions on the night of our tour, which made the encounter all the more magical. The boat was spacious and impeccably maintained, providing a comfortable setting for everyone onboard. After the dive, the homemade soup and hot chocolate were the perfect touch, adding warmth and a sense of hospitality that truly sets this tour apart. Highly recommend to anyone seeking an exceptional adventure!

Not to be Missed Manta Ray Night Snorkel - This tour is a 'NOT TO BE MISSED' once in a lifetime experience! Cannot say enough good things about this tour, the crew, and the set up that made it possible. All equipment needed is provided, including wetsuit and snorkel gear. First, the boat - the Hula Kai is a large catamaran with dual ladders extending several steps down into the water, making getting off and getting back on the boat easy for me. At 70, I was concerned about being able to get out of the water and back into the boat safely. So easy with the ladder extending down into the water about 5 steps. Seeing the manta rays was a concern for me in the dark nighttime water, as I have low light vision difficulties! No problem. With the manta rays lit from below and lit awash in the blue light from the float we anchored ourselves to in order to stay above the action, I could see the manta rays clearly. Some of them swimming just inches from my nose. The only discomfort I had was having my feet up on the noodle seemed awkward, but you get used to it. The motion of the lighted float in the ocean is enough to create seasickness, so please do remember to take your dramamine or other motion sickness medication. You'll be glad you did. The 2 additional features that are an advantage of going with Fair Wind for the tour - the trip out to see the manta rays is short, less than 10 minutes & there are 2 swimmers in the water with you at all times to help with anything you need. I also appreciated the refreshments post swim. The hot drinks were a hit with my whole family, especially my 7 year old grandson. We might not be converts to Ulu Chowder soup but the hot chocolate was excellent. If you have a chance, don't miss this snorkel adventure. The sights you see will stick with you for a lifetime. Note: My video formats are unable to be recognized by TripAdvisor, but you can go out to youtube or view the videos for manta rays available on Hula Kai website. Mohala!

Awesome experience - Awesome trip in the ocean with the rays. I did this on my own , but did not feel awkward at all, staff are super nice. Friendly staff helped me with a short wet suit and snorkel, making sure everything fitted ok. Sort walk along the jetty to the boat and 5 min ride into the bay as the sun was setting. Bright lights were shone off the front to attract the plankton and rays, during which time a short talk was given, what to expect , how to behave . Not touching the rays. No peeing in the wet suits! As the rays appeared, we were instructed how to enter the water, and given a noodle to hold onto. We swam to the bar towed off the boat and held on, looking down into the ocean with our snorkels. The rays are huge, beautiful and gentle. They swim underneath then circle up, upside down so close they sometimes brush against you. Just an incredible experience. During the spaces when there were no rays around, it was amazing just to watch the plankton. I stayed in right to the end, although some got out sooner. Hot chocolate to drink, and a bowl of soup was very welcome. Only issue …is it really necessary to scream when the rays swim past ? No. It’s beautiful.

Don't miss this tour! - This was our second tour with Fair Wind. The Manta Ray Tour was unlike anything we have ever experienced. The manta rays swam within inches of us, and sometimes they even brushed up against us as they fed on plankton and tiny fish illuminated by underwater ultra violet lights. The crew was great, very helpful. Hot cocoa and soup at the end of the tour was a welcome treat. If you go to the Big Island, you can't miss this!

Best manta ray snorkeling tour you can take. Highly recommend - This trip was awesome. We seen over 9 manta rays. Most over 10 feet wide. They had the best lighting to attract the manta rays and keep them close. We snorkeled for 45 minutes and had manta rays in front of us all the time. The manta rays swam under you within inches.The crew was excellent. They really did a great job helping you get ready and helping you if needed while snorkeling. The boat was easy to got off and back on. They had soup and hot chocolate on the way back to dock. I would highly recommend them. Can’t wait to come back and go again