We returned here for our third time, each time has been great. Kayak across the bay to the spot…read morewhere Captain Cook met Kamehameha and lost his life. Now it's a nice snorkel spot. Pick up your gear at Honaunau Poke - eat there after your trip. Ask for a discount.

Rented kayaks from here to specifically look for the dolphins in the Kealakelua Bay…read more Rental is right on the water so it's really simple to get into the bay. Equipment was good so no complaints. Saw a pod of 20 dolphins and the snorkeling was also amazing near cooks monument.

Grant was an awesome guide. Led the process from getting outrigger canoe from the beach into the…read morewater, explaining the proper technique, providing information about the location and directing the paddle experience. Saw a large pod of dolphins that swam right by us - we stopped to keep our distance, but the dolphins didn't follow the rules so we got an amazing show from them. Added bonus was the paddling workout.

Had a great time kayaking through Kealakekua bay with Evan and Steve and then snorkeling near…read moreCaptain Cook's monument. This was our second time and it was just as fun, if not more! The early morning kayaking through the bay is soothing for the soul. We also got lucky and saw some dolphins. The snorkeling is out of this world with such clear water and variety of colorful fish of all sizes. Evan and Steve were both very attentive to all the kayakers and super knowledgeable as we learned a bunch about Hawaiian history, Captain Cook's arrival (and demise), and the lasting legacy of that episode on Hawaii's history. After all the snorkeling, the sandwich lunch hit the spot. It also came with a souvenir water bottle! I had a last minute dietary request and they graciously accommodated. Even though this was our second time, we still had fun and actually learned new details about the history and conservation efforts happening in the area! If you want a fun, yet respectful and ethical experience, this is it!

The highlight of my trip! Easy to rent and very friendly and helpful…read more Lots of tourists in the water, easy directions, great views and water and smooth experience.

Had an amazing day renting a 2 person kayak and snorkel gear. Beautiful bay, great snorkel, and…read morefriendly service! Thanks for a fun adventure!

We did a Captain Cook snorkeling tour with Sea Quest Hawaii today and were very impressed. Erin,…read morethe phone representative, was friendly, patient, and answered all my questions, which made me choose this company. Captain Natalie and Assistant Anna were fantastic, knowledgeable, funny, and very attentive throughout the trip. Captain Natalie shared interesting stories about Captain Cook and the surrounding lava caves, and she even helped me with my snorkeling gear and inflating the vest. The snorkeling spot near Captain Cook Monument was incredible, and we saw so many fish. They also provided fresh fruit, chips, cookies, and soft drinks. Thanks to Captain Natalie and Anna, all six of us had a great time and would highly recommend this company.

Hands down one of the coolest things I've ever done. We popped over to the Big Island with cousins…read morefor Spring Break and didn't book until a couple days out because of weather. Thankfully, they had space for our entire group for the sunset time (615pm check-in) and we didn't have to wait for the late-late slots. Online booking was easy-peasy (no kama'aina discount, unfortunately). We checked in (parking is street parking and there are several boats leaving from the same area, so it can be a bit of a challenge) pretty easily - there were folks out front directing us where to go for Sea Quest. I decided the $35 for the GoPro rental was a steal compared to trusting my waterproof phone pouch and I have no regrets - you can leave the camera running the whole time and they give you the SD card at the end. It was no trouble to do that once we got there, as I didn't add that when booking. They have a decent gift shop and the keiki in our party bought themselves some stuffed souvenirs. We got fitted for shorty wet suits and prescription masks if needed, and then waited for them to split us into boats and groups. We were accompanied in the water by Wylen (sorry if I butchered the spelling) and Abram, and they had the perfect blend of aloha, humor, and information. Super chill, but you also knew they meant business about Rule Number 1. From there, we boarded the boat, a small zodiac-style craft, for the 5 minute journey to Manta Village. The website made it seem like we could leave things on board, but that really wasn't the case. We left all bags, clothing, towels in a secure room on shore, slippers got collected on the pier, and small things like eyeglasses were stored in a bin on the boat. No trouble, but I wouldn't plan to take anything with you on the boat. Getting into the water was easy, and we had one keiki who was a little apprehensive about everything - they took great care to lower him into the water, and when he wanted to go back to the boat a little early, they accompanied him back to the ladder no problem. There were plenty staff around to help and also identify the mantas by their markings. And there were SO MANY mantas! We had an amazing evening watching them - I lost count and forgot many names, there were so many swimming past. We had 30-40 minutes in the water and we had multiple mantas around us the whole time. I thought the time was plenty - by the time we had about 5 minutes to go, my stomach was ready to be back on land. My only regret is not stretching my triceps beforehand - I was not expecting my arms to be so sore after holding onto the bar around the light board! We paid $135ish plus fees per person (all ages) and it was the highlight of the trip, for sure.

Everyone RAVES about the manta ray experience. However, it's the manta ray company you choose that…read morewill determine if you want a personalized, memorable trip where you actually learn about manta rays versus float in a big ring in the ocean staring at them. We chose the first option. Smaller size (6 people max), ecofriendly, and kid friendly. Anelakai crew is exactly that! Personable! Wealth of knowledge! Professional, yet fun! I believe it's the only company where you get to paddle out on a canoe to view the manta rays. Nothing to fear! It's a super easy paddle out and back! If my 9 & 10 y/o kids can do it, so can you! It's very ecofriendly. The exhaust from the neighboring boats was nauseating. It's too bad they haven't followed suit. The crew took care of the kids 100%. From helping them with snorkel masks, assisting getting in and out of the canoe (my 10 y/o freaked out a little and they calmed her down in an instant), and just teaching them (and all of us) all about manta rays! The viewing was amazing. I couldn't keep track of how many we saw, but we do recall seeing Big Bertha, Greyson, and Queenie. Yes! They have names! And the crew will identify them for you and how they got their names! Props to: Kono, & the younger guy (forgot his name) Thank you for the wonderful tour! If we're ever back on the island, we'll pay another visit. The kids can't stop talking about Big Bertha and Queenie, all the backflips the manta rays take, seeing plankton up close, and paddling their first canoe IN THE DARK WITH A FULL MOON. You've inspired one of my kids who has a love for marine animals to one day work closely with them AND/OR if ever so lucky...to identify a new manta ray (if not in the database) and name it "6 - 7".

Anelakai was such a magical experience! It felt so unreal to see the manta rays and a huge relief…read moreoff of everyone's back to do it in an eco friendly way. Our tour guides were awesome, well informed, and friendly. The only thing I'd warn is to take seasickness precautions - I'm prone to seasickness and did not consider how rough the waters could be, and it's definitely enough to feel unwell. Luckily, they bring ginger ale onto the boat which is greatly appreciated! The manta rays were amazing and we got lucky to see ~15 of them. We did have initial issues finding our meeting spot, so if you experience that, it was right at the dock. Overall, great experience!

We always have a great experience with Fair Wind Cruises. My family goes on this snorkel trip every…read moreyear during our annual Hawaii vacation, and it has become such a fun tradition for us. I usually suffer from sea sickness but I never feel ill on the Fair Winds boats. The staff is always so nice and friendly, which makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. We do miss the BBQ burgers they used to cook for lunch on the boat, but the vegetarian menu they offer now is still pretty good. We also really appreciate their efforts to be environmentally friendly, which makes us feel even better about supporting them. Overall, it is always a memorable and enjoyable trip, and we look forward to it every year!

Went on the fair wind with my family, and we had a blast. There was some good vegan food ( the…read moresliders weren't my favorite) and free root beer. The scenery around was really pretty and I saw lot of coral reef and mountainous views from the water. The staff there was awesome and they attended to everyone needs well. I love snorkeling now.

We didn't rent out kayaks from them, but we met the owner while we were at the bay. The owner is…read moreamazing and super nice. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot with our kayak on our car (we rented from Kayak Central), the guy rushed over to help us unload it and carry it down to the ocean. We didn't even ask for his help! At first we thought he wanted something because obviously, we weren't going to rent anything from him...but he's just a friendly guy! He gave us a bunch of tips, set-up our kayak and eventually helped us carry it back to our car (all by himself!). I definitely recommend renting from him...not only because he is super nice, but because his kayaks are already at the bay so you don't have to worry about damaging your rental car or straining yourself. His baby nephew is also super adorable.

The best place to rent kayaks at kealakekua bay to make a trip over to captain cook for amazing…read moresnorkeling. No need to haul a kayak around becauae Lani and his crew will set you up right and keep you safe!

Winfield was our amazing guide! The kayak excursion took us about 3 miles out to the cliffs and…read morecave at the "end of the world". The water was pretty calm so snorkeling was so nice. I highly recommend this excursion for everyone.

Fantastic kayaking and snorkeling experience with Winfield! He was knowledgeable, experienced, and…read moreensured everyone had a great time! Highly recommended!

We bought a gift certificate off of somebody, so it wasn't quite as expensive (about 40 percent off…read morethe regular price). It was good for a manta ray snorkeling trip for 2, expires in March. Before I even got to the island, I set up a snorkel trip for the day after we got here. We were told to go to the harbor and wait for them at 5pm. We got there a little early, at 4:30, just so we wouldn't miss them. Around 5, we started hanging around the boat launch, and nobody showed up. Finally, after 6, I called them and nobody answered. I got a call back a few minutes later from Kris, who said he was sorry he forgot to call me and let me know they were cancelling the trip due to weather. I just planned my entire day around this trip, and was blown off like I didn't matter...maybe because I just had a gift certificate? Okay, I tried to be understanding and just asked that he call me when they go out next. No call for the entire week. I called every day and left a message asking if they could let me know if they were going out. No answers, no call back. Finally, today, with two days left in my trip, I call and get Kris on the other line. He says no, they aren't going tonight because they don't have any "paying" customers and I don't count because I only have a gift certificate, and they probably won't be going while I'm here, but "they'll see what they can do." I'm sorry, but this is the sorriest excuse for customer service I have ever encountered. I will never, EVER go through these guys again - and because we have a house on the island, we will be here a lot. I will not only not recommend this company, I will tell everybody how poorly I was treated and I will recommend to go with anyone but them.

Wow. What a fun time. I did the Kohala Coast Waterfall tour and what an advenuture. Captain Kris…read moreand his crew were great, educating us on the local folklore and also the beautiful sites we were exploring on our tour. I was afraid at first to go on the boat, because I've been known to get seasick, but the ride was calming and relaxed, yet extremely adventureous. We didn't see any dolphins on this trip, but our next visit to Hawaii will definitely include his Dolphin encounter and snorkeling adventure. Can't wait.