Hang Loose Boat Tours — Attraction in Hawaii

Incompetent captain in a stressful situation during bad weather which lead to injury, hysteria and panic on board.

On the way back to the marina after our snorkeling experience, our boat got caught in very choppy water. I’m not a regular boat rider, but it seemed like we were riding very fast on very strong waves. The boat was jumping from wave to wave, and water was drenching people - which was fun at first - but as the waves became more intense, someone fell off her seat with the baby she was holding, and hurt herself (she was unable to get up from the ground for the remainder of the trip). It was at this point that the captain finally stopped the boat and turn it to roll with the waves instead of bouncing against them. At no point was there any announcement from the captain as to what was happening, what the plan was, or if this is normal or expected.

The two crew members were very attentive to those injured and laying on the floor crying hysterically to save their babies, and they also checked on the wellbeing of the rest of us. Those of us sitting in the rear of the boat were completely wet, but fine – but none of us knew what was going on. Were we stuck in the ocean? Was there something wrong with the engine (in fact, there were some engine issues eralier)? Were we sinking, or in danger of that?

Children were crying and hysterical, people were terrified. And no official word from the captain. Or some assuring words. When we finally arrived at the marina, an ambulance was called and took away the injured person who had been lying on the ground, and another elderly woman was left with a severe limp walking to her car.

In retrospect, a few things the captain did, or ways he behaved, complicated the picture. He never introduced himself to anyone, was very dismissive and **ss to his crew. He kept moving the boat during the snorkeling experience without announcing it, so people that were approaching the boat or trying to get to the ladder were left unable to reach it.

My expectation is that the captain is a leader – someone you, quite literally, trust with your life as you set foot on his/her ship. This captain – no trust, and I would advise people to stay away. Captains show their character not during good weather or on good days, but rather when the sea is rough and things are not going as planned. In this, our captain seriously failed.

I will say this – It was certainly a memorable experience.

Again, though, the crew were professional, friendly, and helpful in this situation – and we really appreciated that. Our trip was on 5/19. Hopefully there will be an investigation...

The manta ray night dive was absolutely amazing and breathtaking! But it’s not an “easy” excursion…

The staff was absolutely amazing, friendly, caring and kind. 6 out of 5 stars for them! They were there to help us with absolutely anything.

The experience with the mantas was indescribable. They come so close, and they are just so stunning and peaceful! It was magical!

The boat ride there was thrilling as it goes very fast. It took about 25 minutes. The stars on the sky were stunning!

We got a wet suit jacket, lots of snacks and drinks. There is a bathroom on the boat. You just can’t flush anything including toilet paper. They also provide snorkels if you don’t have your own, and you can rent a go pro for $40. They give you the sd card at the end. They also walked around spraying our snorkles to defog them! Very helpful!

Then once they anchor, they set up the manta boards and lights and let us just jump in. The water is dark, but safe- they keep a very good and close watch! So we had no fears.

You hang onto the manta boards with your arms straight out. It’s a workout. The water moves quite a bit, some people already got sea sick in the water. I believe we were there for about an hour just enjoying these gentle butterfly giants. They feed on the plankton so there is a lot of white little snow like specks in the water. They give you a noodle for your legs so you can remain flat On the water.

For me the water was cold. Hanging onto the board was a workout- you need to be somewhat strong. A lot of people got out very quickly. Literally after 5 mins. Then they started to trickle away one by one until about 15% of us were left. That’s when they call every one back onto the boat.

The boat- Oy. It was like a movie. Probably a good 35-45% of people were puking over the railing. The boat is VERY rocky. It sways a lot.

As for the mantas. YOU CANNOT TOUCH THEM!! And of course the idiot beside me did. He got taken of the railings and put back on the boat. Their immune system is on the outside of their bodies. If we touch them we take it off- they can get sick and even die. They are there to enjoy visually, it’s not a fluffy golden retriever.

Overall an incredible experience. If you like fast boat rides. A bit cool water, have strong upper arms, can swim it’s beautiful! ( some people come to this excursion not knowing how to swim- you have to swim out to the boards. They are close but you still have to swim yourself to them)

You don’t need to bring anything but a bathing suit- towel and some cash to tip the amazing staff at...

We did this excursion the end of October 2022. This was by far my family’s highlight from our Hawaii vacation! My husband and I along with 6 of our kids went on this excursion. We when arrived to the boat ramp, I pulled up my reservation only to realize that I hadn’t made a r for myself (I was apprehensive about going into the ocean at night!). Though the tour was full, they were going to allow me on the boat with the rest of my family. Lo and behold, once they started checking us in, I HAD made a reservation for myself (chemo brain is NO JOKE!) so it wasn’t an issue, but I was thankful they were willing to work with me. The captain was a riot and reminded me of a pirate, and the younger guys helping out were awesome. All but my 8 yo were strong swimmers, and though they have these lightweight life vests available, speak up if you want one when getting your gear! The boat ride out to the location was surprisingly warm and one of my favorite parts. Took about 20 mins to get out there. There were other boats out there when we arrived but they were just wrapping up their time in the water. So by the time we got in to the water, we were the only boat out there. They let the strongest swimmers go out first since they have a little further to swim, then the more tentative folks go out last. This part was slightly terrifying but we were all fine. It takes a few moments to get everyone set up with their pool noodle under their feet, but then the show begins! Truly the most incredible sight I have ever seen! I am terrified of the ocean so I only stayed out for about 10 mins, but the rest of my crew stayed in the water nearby the entire time. Later, a smaller personal boat and light device came out and because there light was brighter, the manta rays hung out closer to them. I think it would actually be advantageous to have multiple boats out there to concentrate the light and attract more plankton and thus manta rays. Still an amazing experience! Definitely worth doing once...