We booked this Kaneohe Sandbar snorkeling tour after seeing many reviews describe it as beginner-friendly. As first-time snorkelers traveling with a child, our experience did not align with those expectations. Equipment distribution was poorly handled. Masks were handed out with little to no instruction, and basic questions were met with a rude and dismissive attitude. Overall communication and service were lacking. Once in the water, guidance was minimal and inconsistent. The experience felt rushed and disorganized, with limited support for guests who were new to snorkeling. The tone and treatment we received also made us uncomfortable as Asian guests. After sharing feedback, the company clarified in writing that they do NOT advertise or position this as a beginner-friendly snorkeling tour. Based on both that clarification and our experience, I would strongly recommend that beginners or families looking for clear instruction and attentive guidance consider other operators. Sharing this to help future guests set accurate expectations before booking. read more

Captain Bruce - Tour boat dock and ramp - Boat Charters Near Me - Kaneohe, Hawaii

We had a hiccup with the third party that we booked through but Karen who works at Captain Bruce was AMAZING. she made sure that we were taken care of and received what we originally booked. It was hectic given we had to board right away but she was so helpful and kind when I was feeling under pressure. I really wish I can give more than 5 stars just for her service itself. As for the rest of the trip, everything was SMOOTH sailing. Casey, Jared and Mahiki were WONDERFUL as well. I highly recommend this to everyone wanting a great experience. To note, we had 4 kids with us too! read more

We went with the Captain Bruce team over for a half day snorkeling trip to Kaneohe Sand bar (really just a shallow sandy spot as the sand bar seldom comes above the water). We met Capt Dee with crewman Allen at the dock and boarded the large pontoon style boat. They take around 30 people per boat and had two boats going out. They are one of only three companies with permits (issued by HI) to visit these protected areas and each company has a separate and distinct location far from each other so NO CROWDS (which was fantastic!). Most of the other guests were Japanese and novice swimmers/snorkelers so we were allowed off a couple minutes early to start our swim along the arching reef which was absolutely teeming with a very wide variety of fish; we even saw two moral eels. The 2nd Capt Bruce boat started out using all the water toys in the warm water then after about an hour, they switched to snorkeling and we switched to toys. The crew kept careful track of everyone throughout and took the bigger group on more of a guided snorkel. As a part of the trip they have tons of free snacks, soft drinks and spam/sushi. You can also bring along your own food and even adult beverages if you so desire. We were back on land around 12. This is a great activity and a much better snorkeling experience than Hanauma Bay given the small group size, variety of fish and free snacks. Recommended read more

Captain Bruce - The boat - Boat Charters Near Me - Kaneohe, Hawaii

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As someone who's still gaining confidence in the water, I couldn't have asked for a better crew. Captain Crystal was so welcoming and organized, and Britt was incredibly patient and attentive throughout the dive who also showed me an amazing giant sea turtle They truly care about safety and enjoyment. Thank you, Crystal and Britt, for the wonderful memories! read more

Captain Bruce - Boat Charters Near Me - Kaneohe, Hawaii

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The staff were friendly and professional, boat was very clean, stocked with great snacks (love the Spam masubi!!). Snorkeling and hanging out in the water was amazing! This was our second time on this tour and will continue to come back!! read more

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OMG. I cannot fully express how amazing our experience was at Kaneohe sandbar with Captain Bruce's boat. Captain Alan was in charge of our private pontoon boat (the private rental was worth EVERY DOLLAR). We snorkeled, stand up paddled, swam, partied, saw turtles, fish, took amazing drone shots, did everything we could imagine. If you're wondering if the price for a private boat is worth it, let me say, we were in Hawaii for three weeks and we all agree, Captain Bruce's rental (and ALAN) was fantastic and we would all do it again. read more

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My friend and I celebrated her big birthday by going on the Kaneohe sandbar tour with Captain Bruce, and we had a wonderful time!! Our Captain was Crystal, along with 2 crew Jason and Nahoa. We enjoyed the relatively smaller group of tour, about 20 people were on ours. Included round-trip transportation from Royal Hawaiian hotel inWaikiki on a small but very comfortable bus. There were many Japanese tourists, and both the American bus driver as well as Jason on the boat, spoke fluent Japanese, I thought that was super awesome! The Captain and crew were very professional, fun, and ensured we were briefed well on safety topics and continually kept an eye on us as we snorkeled. They had great clean and new life jackets for everyone, not the old ones that get stinky . While snorkeling along the sandbar, all 3 crew were in the water right along with us with boards and lifeguard rescue tubes as well, in case they were needed. We felt very safe with them! They gently reminded snorkelers to keep distance from the MANY large honu aka Hawaiian green sea turtles that we were lucky to see swimming about I estimate we saw at least 15 to 20 different ones. The catamaran was plenty of room for all onboard, and generous amounts of canned soda, juices, and water were available in an ice filled cooler, a coffee station, as well as a variety of snacks such as granola bars, chips, and even spam musubi! Mahalo Captain Crystal, Jason, and Nahoa for a wonderful time it is obvious that you enjoy what you do, truly care about the people you serve, as well as care for the ocean you are so privileged to work closely with daily Will definitely return and I have already recommended your company to a friend who is arriving to Oahu today!! read more

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This was a great outing!! The sandbar was super nice, and snorkeling was so memorable. We got to see so many fish and lots of turtles up close! Captain Robin was fantastic, and he was so good about guiding and helping our 9 year old safely navigate the waters, and enjoy a truly memorable experience. He even dove down to the ocean floor and retrieved a live sea cucumber for us to hold in our hands! It was amazing. The whole crew was super friendly and attentive, the boat was stocked with yummy snacks and drinks, and the whole experience was fantastic. We will definitely be coming back! The only thing we wish they had was diet drinks in the cooler. It looked like they had just run out, but otherwise this was a perfect adventure. read more

If anyone is looking for recommendations for tour companies to take tourists to the sand bar...please join me in NOT recommending Captain Bruce: Personally witnessed their snorkel guides feeding fish a granola bar at the sandbar this weekend. When confronted, one of the guides got an attitude and asked if I was born and raised here. Like it matters??? It's everyone's responsibility (kuleana) to be care takers of our resources (Malama Aina). Especially those that these exploitive businesses rely on for profit. And when I say 'confronted' - I mean, as I was snorkeling I stopped to ask if they were feeding the fish, and the response was "it's just a little", so I responded saying it's against the law and harmful to the environment and to please not feed the fish. Which is when the young lady leading the tour got an attitude. Feeding fish in state waters violates HAR § 13-232-57.1, and modifies typical fish behavior - endangering the reef and the entire ecosystem. It's rare to find a healthy reef and fish ecosystem in our waters any more, and this sort of careless baiting just for tourists entertainment is a major contributing factor. Soooo....yeah. I do not recommend Captain Bruce and reported the fish feeding to DLNR. read more

Captain Bruce so far was really good. They gave us free drinks and spam musubi's. The snorkeling was fun and the paddle boarding. We saw many turtles and other sea animals. However on the bus it was lowkey bad because there was this girl that was coughing, eating her boogers, and itching her butt. She was also touching EVERYTHING. Anyways everything was pretty good!!! 9/10 would recommend. read more

Captain Bruce - Boat Charters Near Me - Kaneohe, Hawaii

A friend told us to book with Captain Bruce . If you're looking for a truly unforgettable snorkeling experience, this sandbar tour is a must! From the moment we arrived, the crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sandbar were breathtaking. Overall, this was a magical day that combined natural beauty, adventure, and top-notch hospitality. I can't recommend it enough for anyone looking to create lasting memories on the water! Captain Robin and crew too acre of everyone . They were friendly and very knowledgeable. A passenger bus picked us up near our hotel in Waikiki and took us to Kaneohe. It was awesome my wife doesn't know how to swim but Captain Robin guided her through the process of snorkeling, she went through with it and was glad she did it . Great experience! read more

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Captains were all nice and knowledgeable about the sea and sea life; made everyone feel welcomed and safe, no matter the individual's swimming/snorkeling experience; plenty of snacks and drinks on the boat; plenty of time in the water for play and observing the reef life. NOT crowded in the water. The boats take turns in each area, so it feels like a private session in the ocean. read more

Did the 1st tour for the Kaneohe Sandbar Snorkeling Tour. What can I say other than fantastic! From the complimentary transportation (driver: Jimmy-on time, kind, good driver, speaks both English and Japanese) to the captains on the catamaran (Captains Robin, Karen, and Casey) everyone was great! All the captains were so kind and helpful from the paddle boards (thanks for the instruction and for knowledgeable tidbits about how the sandbar came to be, Captain Casey!) the snorkeling (thanks for helping us enjoy it to the fullest, Captain Robin), and the boat crew (thanks for your kindness, Captain Karen). Even the crew from the other catamaran were kind also (kudos to you, Captain Jaime). I can't speak for the other tours, but everyone was absolutely exemplary and kind. I don't need to say much about the sandbar because if you're thinking about visiting, you should. The place is amazing! But you just can't miss with this tour because of this crew. Do it! read more

The scenery on the Sandbar Tour is beautiful -- clear water and a very relaxing environment. However, the captain's guidance was quite weak, especially for beginners. There was little to no instruction on how to properly use the equipment (such as the mask/snorkel). When questions were asked, the explanations were minimal and not very helpful. At times, the captain also seemed disengaged, rude and not very responsive to questions, which made the experience feel unfriendly and unsafe for first-time participants. read more

Five stars all around for the crew that took care of us, Capt. Robin, Capt Yuka, Josiah and co. Best snorkeling in Hawaii. The captain runs a tight ship: everything has a place and a place for everything for safety reasons. The last thing you want is slipping on water or tripping over misplaced bags and missing out. You can read experience in the whole crew's synergy and how they go about it all. They will take care of every detail smoothly so you can relax and enjoy the trip. They are very knowledgeable about the area, the marine life habits in the sand bars and have a keen eye to spot them! And they will go the extra mile to make sure that everyone, young and old, will have the best time. Thank you!! read more

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A high five to our Captains V and Karen! These ladies ran the show, and provided snack and refreshments. While it was well organized, the spirit was relaxed and playful. I would easily come back and have a do-over. read more

Captain Bruce - I had a blast playing in sandbars and snorkeling! - Boat Charters Near Me - Kaneohe, Hawaii

An absolute must anytime we visit Oahu! We've been going to Captain Bruce every year for the past 4 years and have an amazing experience every single time. The whole team is always so sweet and truly put so much energy into making sure everyone has a great time. Special shoutout to Karen, Hannah, Jamie, Hosanna, and Ryan for always giving us the most amazing experiences! read more

Sending everyone that reads this a fair warning: DO NOT BOOK THE PRIVATE BOATS. it's not worth the extra $$$. Just join the group charter because that's what you'll be limited to, as for activity wise. I paid for the pontoon which was around $1350 for 6 people. We read the details and were under the impression that we would be able to cruise around the sandbar to various snorkeling location but that's not the case. We were going to book the group snorkeling sandbar tour which is only $140 per person to hang around a very limited area. In my video you'll see how small the sandbar area is, captain Bruce's real estate of the sandbar is extremely limited. The entire video is short n simple. I also circle n highlighted the ONLY area that you're allow to snorkel at, its about 20ft wide n barely any fishes. The 1 star given is for our designated captain who drove the boat. He was very informative, giving us some history of the island because there wasn't much to do on our boat. read more

Captain Bruce - The only designated snorkeling area - Boat Charters Near Me - Kaneohe, Hawaii

We went on the tour after my cousin recommended it and omg hands down it was the best time ever! We've been to Oahu a couple times and never went on a boat tour but this was the best activity we've ever done here! The staff was so helpful, funny, and energetic. They guide you the entire time. We saw a bunch of fish and 3 sea turtles! After snorkeling, you're able to just chill or go on paddle boards. There are plenty of snacks and drinks (water, soda, coffee, and tea) that they provide on the boat. But you can take your own canned alcohol beverages. I also recommend you take a light lunch like spam musubis! We are definitely doing this tour every time we go to Oahu! Totally worth it!! Our entire family said this was the highlight of our trip! read more

Captain Bruce - Inside the boat - Boat Charters Near Me - Kaneohe, Hawaii

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We enjoyed the hell out of this excusrion. Profssional, timley, and overall fun. The instructors were all trustworthy and amazing, the boat ride was amazing, and the scenery was just breathtaking. I would reccomend it to any friend who wants an island experience. Spam musubi as a food option was really appreicated! read more

Captain Robin, KC, Karen and the crew were beyond amazing. Our 2nd time out in the sandbar. This time with our friends. We all enjoyed our time immensely. The crew was friendly, and helpful. Definitely would do a third, fourth time read more

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We highly recommend Captain Bruce Sandbar tours for those with young children (folks who aren't swimmers). Our trip to Hanauma Bay on Wednesday was followed by a visit to Kanoebay sandbar with Captain Bruce yesterday, where we observed approximately 20+ turtles swimming all around us, schools of fish, and a thriving reef. In comparison, we favor this experience over Hanauma Bay. We highly recommend the sandbar snorkeling tour! This company also goes above and beyond with the team members Aloha spirit. For those who don't want to snorkel, feel free to stand on the sandbar and for those who do, jump right in! My 5 year old was also provided a Zayak so she could tour the deeper area of the Reef without physically going in. After snorkeling was over we did the paddleboard experience and it was super scenic! Calm tranquil waters and an amazing crew, with a dozen turtles and fishes and thriving reef. What else could you ask for? read more

Captain Bruce - A Zayak for my 5 year old where she saw fishes, turtles and the reef! - Boat Charters Near Me - Kaneohe, Hawaii

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Kaneohe sandbar trip was great fun. My mother girlfriend and I had a a lot of fun. They were super nice and Captain Robin helped pus learn to snorkel. Highly recommended. read more

Made Yelp just for review. Captain Casey, Captain Robert, and translator Izumi, is the best! We saw so many turtles and fishes. If your Kids are scared of ocean or are Shy, Ask for Captain Casey!!! Casey is an Angel. My son and daughter has not stopped asking to get in Ocean now and talking about fun with Case and Sandbar! The tour/company was good but all of the Captains and Crews working here are the true beautiful part of experience. Tips the crew! We request for Casey every time now. He's so welcoming, fun, and keep us the safest. Mahalo! Aloha! read more

Great time! I was expecting a bigger boat, but it was comfortable and enough space for all of us. We got there about 1hr early and we were able to find parking. There's a ton of parking for trailers, but parking shouldn't be an issue if you have either the early or later time slot. It was a short boat ride and they took us to see some sea turtles swimming around. Once we got to the sandbar, we jumped off to get our life jacket. They had beach toys to keep busy and they escort you in a half circle to snorkel. We came on a bad day and it was super windy and cold as heck. My kid was a trooper, but I could tell he was having a rough time with the cold and wind. One of the employees helped him out. One the ride back, they provide drinks and snacks (musubis were delicious). Overall, this was one tour I was looking forward to on my Hawaii trip and even with the cold, it was a cool experience. I hope to come back again to really enjoy the water. read more

Outstanding customer service! There was heavy rain the morning of our cruise. They checked in with us before our bus arrived to double check whether we still wanted to go. Upon arrival we learned that a brown water advisory had just been issued and that we wouldn't be permitted to get in the water. They still took us on an hour cruise to spot turtles. AND they issued a full refund! No questions asked. Disappointed in the weather but the Captain Bruce team handled it so well. Hope to go again. read more

My wife booked Kaneohe Sandbar tour with Captain Bruce. We got picked up by our shuttle driver Kaplan at 8am at a pick up point only 5 min walk from our hotel. We got to the bay a little before 9am. Captain Robin with crew Casey and Yuka were wonderful throughout the whole tour. It was mostly cloudy and cool and had a light sprinkle as we headed back to dock. They provided light snacks and refreshments. Would highly recommend and will be back for future trips. read more

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Last minute booking for my kids 7 and 9 years old, husband and myself. They have free pick up options so we decided to go with that. The pick up is in a shuttle that makes multiple stops to pick up other guests. After about 4 more stops we were on our way. Our driver was a sweet Chinese man who was very informative and points out places to eat. Once we got there the captain and his two partners were awesome. We went to the sandbar and played in the water and paddle boarded. Great time to take gorgeous photos, then you snorkel around the nearby reef for about an hour. Vest and snorkel provided for adults and children. Kids had a blast seeing all the fish in their natural domain. We even had a turtle swim right under us. The staff are really good about pointing things out and engaging the kiddos. Highly recommend read more

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Booked this excursion through Groupon thru viator. We had Captain Jason & Rob. Went out for 1pm excursion on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. We had an amazing time on the water in Kaneohe sandbar. We saw so about 5 turtles and so many fish on the coral during our snorkel tour. We didn't expect to have snacks on board but they had granola bars, chips, soda and water. Crew was super kind and helpful and definitely a memorable trip for us. Recommend Captain Bruce Kaneohe sandbar tour. read more

Captain Bruce - Our first stop, heart shape rock formation. So cool! - Boat Charters Near Me - Kaneohe, Hawaii

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We booked the "Private Sunset Cruise with a Chef" from Ko Olina on the 65 foot Coppelia Yacht. The cruise, boat, and crew were all fantastic ! We want to thank Captain Barry for a great, safe, comfortable , informative , beautiful cruise. Thank you Chef Lorraine for a delicious 4-course meal ! And finally a huge thank you to Yachtie sisters: Sydney & Miranda ! You guys could not have been more friendly & attentive ! You 2 are definitely a huge asset to the Captain Bruce company. read more

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Came to visit Hawaii and this Sandbar excursion was recommended by friends who have done it multiple times. I was skeptical because I don't like being in the middle of the ocean but said I would try it. We were greeted by Captain Robin and his crew. They were all friendly and engaging. The tour included water and snacks but you could bring your own food and alcohol. When we arrived on the sandbar, there were floats and boards for use. Then we ventured out to snorkel. Here's what made the trip for me. I can swim but again... I'm not a fan of ocean swimming. Something about not seeing the bottom and shark. Listen... I'm just not here for it. However, captain Robin wanted me to experience the fish and snorkel. This man was so patient, so calm, so relaxing. He took the time out to snorkel with me personally. I wanted to go back to the boat but he coaxed me in a calm, helpful manner. I'm sooooo glad I listened. I saw so many fish and turtle. He also fed the fish granola to get them to come closer so that I could get the full experience. I can't stress enough how grateful I was for his gentle push and his amazing crew. When I return... I'm coming back for Captain Robin. read more

An amazing experience! Snorkeling near sea turtles, seeing them sleep and swim, and swimming among fishes was a fantastic experience. DO: Bring extra snacks or food (even though they have some snacks on board), Bring a waterproof lanyard for your Iphone for underwater pictures, Pack towels, and Bring a rash guard (just in case it's cold). Do NOT bring extra life vests for adults (kids yes) nor snorkeling gear. The tour provides them. The trip started with Captain Robin, Reyes, and Ichigo (misspelled) greeting us with big smiles. They soon took us to a sandbar (about 3 feet high). On the way there, we saw a turtle float to the surface for a breath of air. A brief preview of our future fun. Once at the sandbar, we enjoyed paddle boarding and wading in the water. Afterwards, our snorkeling adventure began. So much fun! Once beyond the sandbar, you will see some coral and then a larger drop full of ocean life, fishes small and large (about two hand sizes). Then the magnificent turtles. Through our trip, our three hosts shared their love for the ocean and sea animals. They are very friendly and made the trip comfortable, exciting, and fun! If you ever wanted to swim with sea turtles and see ocean life with your own eyes just an arms length away, then you need to take this trip! Go check them out! read more

I am an avid repeat customer of Captain Bruce. We've been going out with them since my daughter was in high school and continue to take visiting relatives out spanning my parents in their 80s to young adults in college. We've done tours on the west side, south side and east side. They have all been fantastic. But what sets Captain Bruce apart is the spirit of aloha and ohana of everyone who works there from the boat crews to the bus drivers to the office workers to the owners. I remember in particular when we had to reschedule a charter because my in-laws died how amazing they were. Also recently, when my elderly parents and aunt with us out in Kaneohe, they treated them like they were their own elders. Also my dad left his prescription sunglasses behind and everyone pitched in to look for them, find them and then get them across the island to me. I cannot recommend Captain Bruce enough. You'll have a great time and feel like you are with family. What more could you want? read more

Captain Bruce - Kaneohe Sandbar - Boat Charters Near Me - Kaneohe, Hawaii

what a pleasure to join the captain Bruce sandbar tour, we were picked up by Jimmy our bus driver, he was very informative and funny, then our crew lead by captain Robbin and 2 other crew member that are very attentive, helpful and friendly, capt Robbin assisted my wife who does not know how to swim with the snorkeling part, we did SUP, the crew was very helpful they took our pictures as well as other tour members, they have snacks and drinks included and spam musubi which the kids really liked, the snorkeling part was the highlight, was saw multiple species of fish and a huge turtle , the best bar none, highly recommended, you gotta try Captain Bruce's Kaneohe Sandbar Tour !!! 6 read more

Captain Bruce - Boat Charters Near Me - Kaneohe, Hawaii

My wife and I went on the sandbar excursion with Captain Bruce. We got to hang out at the sandbar on paddle boats, and then got to snorkel with sea turtles. What made this experience even better was the team that led the excursion. The crew was super friendly and fun to be around. Highly recommend going out on the water with Captain Bruce. read more

Our trip to the Kaneohe Sand Bar was the highlight of my son's birthday. The beauty is unparalleled. We saw so many sea turtles during our short boat ride. When we anchored, we had about an hour to engage in water play. Captain Bruce has a barge full of water toys to choose from - floats, paddle boards, footballs, etc. After that, our guides handed us our snorkeling gear, and we went out to the reef. We saw so many fish and swam with a sea turtle. My family had so much fun snorkeling and paddle boarding. Spam musubi, chips, water, juice, coffee, and tea were included, and they allowed us to put our adult beverages in their cooler. The guides were outstanding and always put our safety first. A couple of us were stung by jellyfish, which are prevalent in the bay, but the reward was worth the risk. Our driver to the marina, Ken, was one of the most memorable people I've ever met. Mahalo Ken. read more

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Captain Bruce's team, Captain Robin, Captain Casey & Yusumi were all amazing. Incredibly welcoming, informative, & funny . This was our second visit to Kaneohe Sandbar using Captain Bruce's tour guides and both times have been great. Paddle boarding and swimming in the middle of the ocean amidst a beautiful scenic backdrop, it's definitely worth it. Thank you Oahu for your beauty and thank you to our Captains for making our sandbar visit an unforgettable experience for my family of 3. read more

What an absolutely amazing experience! We came to Oahu for my Mom's 70th birthday and I suggested this as an activity. It's a short trip to the sandbar (10 minutes) and you're free to play around upon arrival. The boat was very clean and organized and the crew was extremely friendly. Once we arrived to the sanbar we were allowed to get off the boat and play in the water. They provided tubes to float in, paddle boards, and snorkeling equipment. I played around on a paddle board for most of the time. I tried snorkeling but was a wimp when it came to getting off the sandbar into deep water. Haha! They gave very clear instructions on what to do and what not to do. Especially when it came to snorkeling near the coral reef, which can cut you up. Of course, some people didn't listen and a girl that was on the boat decided to stand on it. Just as the warned her foot got a pretty good cut. They were very attentive and helped get it cleaned and wrapped up. The trip also includes snacks and drinks which was very nice after playing in the water for a few hours. They had a great selection and enough for everyone. I will definitely plan another excursion with them in the future. If you're looking for a good time with great people, I suggest Captain Bruce. read more

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We decided to do the private boat tour instead of the group. There was 6 of us and we got the speed boat tour. Shuttle arrived on time, we arrived and were greeted and given instructions on where to go and where to meet once we completed the tour. We met with our Captain Kekoa. He was very polite, attentive to our group and very down to earth, and treated us like family! Kekoa took us to an area where we were able to photograph some turtles, then hit the sandbar for some fun on floaties, paddle boards, music. We got to determine when and if we even wanted to snorkel. After some fun on the sandbar our group decided it was time to snorkel. Kekoa was great! He took us around couple times and we still had extra time to relax and have some more fun time on the sandbar. Snacks, water, soda was provided and some great spam musibi! Kekoa made our time out there great and fun! We chatted it up for a bit laughed and he was great! We would definitely recommend it, and if we return we would like to ask for Kekoa again. Thanks Keoka read more

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This tour was one of the highlights of our trip. The captain and crew were friendly, engaging, and all-around amazing. Relaxing at the sandbar was a treat, and we were able to see and swim alongside a variety of fish while snorkeling around the reef. I'd recommend this tour to anyone. read more