Kona Kayaking & Snorkeling Sea Cave Adventure at Keauhou Bay - Ocean Safari's
Overall Rating
4.60
Big Island Kayaking FUN
Reviewed by: Mark Mazzuca, 2012/11/10We enjoyed the Keauhou Kayaking Adventure very much. The Staff was outstanding! They were patient and very capable kayakers. One led while the other stayed in the back for those that were a bit slower. We didn't feel rushed or exhausted, as Walter kept the pace based on the group's abilities. We had some pretty decent swells and were not able to get close to the Sea Cave, but the scenery was still incredible. The snorkeling stop was fun, and the Staff had enough masks/snorkels for everyone. There were some first-timers with our group and there were times when they struggled a bit, but in the parking lot afterwards said they had a great time. The Staff, again, was very patient with them and never made them feel like beginners. We own a kayak, so it was easy for us. . .but you may want to rent once on the mainland (or hotel) before you embark on this one, just to make the whole experience a little easier. We were late to the event (got lost), but the Staff waited for us to get
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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More Than We Could Have Expected!
Reviewed by: Vanessa and Josh Alvarez, 2012/10/20This was a great purchase! It was a great experience, the guide was awesome, and it was definitely something that cannot be done back home! My husband and I went on our honeymoon and book this activity for our first day in Hawaii. The description stated, Sea Cave Kayaking Adventure, but we got so much more! We kayaked, went to the sea cave, swam with dolphins, snorkeled, got to jump off a cliff, fed the mongoose, had a nice lunch, and learned a lot about sea life, not to mention the hundreds of different fish and sea life we got to encounter. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and always kept safety a priority! No question about it we would return time and time again!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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Would do again in a hearbeat!
Reviewed by: Liz G., 2012/08/22My granddaughter (14 yrs old) and I did this kayak snorkeling trip last month (July 27, 2012) and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! We had never kayaked before but had snorkled quite a few times over on Oahu. Our group of 11 included both experienced and novice kayakers. The guides (especially Brent) were helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and especially patient with us newbies. Water visibility was fantastic. We saw an abundance of different fish when we stopped to snorkel and were lucky enough to have a pod of dolphins come within 15 feet of us. That alone made the experience memorable. Water bottles were provided on the kayaks and when we stopped we snacked on drinks, chips and fresh delicious pineapple. I would strongly recommend wearing water shoes/sandals in order to be able to easily climb up to the lava cliff to make the jump. Would I do this snorkeling trip again? In a heartbeat!!!
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Kyak
Reviewed by: KayDee, 2012/08/13Was Awesome!
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Amazing Experience
Reviewed by: Christine Noriga, 2012/07/18We were on our honeymoon and decided that we wanted to go snorkeling for our 1st time so I did research and this just sounded amazing to have a 2 in 1, snorkel & kayak! Kayaking is something that neither of us had done before either. We got there nice & early and all of the staff were very friendly. The adventure on the ocean was real cool too, the view from the ocean was beautiful along the coast. When we parked our kayaks, we snorkeled and the coral reefs were so pretty and the fish were bright colors like you see in magazines, it was awesome! We got out of the water and climbed the lava rocks and explored the tide pools in the immediate area while other people on our tour were still in the water watching sea turtles. We were asked if we wanted to climb some rocks & jump off the cliffs and I did it in a heart beat cause it looked like fun and it was. Fresh fruit, snacks & juices were provided to us by our guide Samantha I think was her name(if not something with an S). She was absol
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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Aloha
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous, 2012/07/16We had an excellent time. My husband got sea sick but the staff took good care of him. It was a great experience and worth the money.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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Great Views from the Water
Reviewed by: Missing Hawai'i All Ready, 2012/07/14My family of 6 really enjoyed the kayak and snorkeling trip on the Big Island. The guides were extremely friendly, informative, and supportive. We had a couple of stops on the trip out, where we learned more about the island and its history. The snorkeling was great. It also provided a sense of how deep the water was, which made jumping off the cliff much easier. The guides provided plenty of refreshments, which made the trip back a little easier. Kayaking does require physical activity, so be prepared and drink water (which they will provide).
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Great staff!
Reviewed by: bigislandgurl, 2012/06/19Felt like a tourist but I got to do things I never did before like jump off that high cliff and kayak on my own. It was a LOT of work for me. If you've never done it, go with a double kayak. It's a little easier. The sea caves were non-existent. We only got 2 feet near a small little opening in the rock. The snorkeling was good. I rated the trip 4 stars only because of our guide who was really understanding and encouraging when it came to handling the fact that my daughter's boyfriend could not swim. It was because of our guide, I think his name is Brent, that John became daring enough to snorkel off the kayak and get help getting onto the rocks where he was able to relax a little and enjoy the snacks. The jump off the cliff is scary but fun to brag about afterwards. It was worth it for the experience of paddling a kayak on the open ocean but thank heaven the water wasn't rough when we went!
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Great activity
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous, 2012/06/10We loved the time paddeling the Kayaks it was easy and fun.
The snorkeling was the best!!!
The rock climbing and jumping was great as was the lava tube.
We also saw the dolfins which was great.
My only complaint was we got done too soon. I could have stayed our another 30 minutes at least.
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| Attended as: | Families |
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Great Staff!
Reviewed by: Julie O., 2012/04/15I have to say, the staff was fantastic. We came as a family - 2 adults and one 12-year old. One of us adults (me) got motion sickness on this trip. My 12 year old had to bear the brunt of the paddling as we were sharing a kayak. I was dreading the trip back from our snorkeling stop. The guides could see that we were struggling (because of my nausea and the high seas) and they tethered us to their kayak and helped us in. We continued to work our paddles but I think we might still be on the water today if it weren't for their help. My husband was in a single kayak and he did fantastic and had a great time. We certainly cannot blame anyone for my sea sickness except me but the staff was very nice about it and extremely helpful. Thanks guys for all of your help! My husband and son are ready to go again but I think I'll sit the next one out.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Bring Sunscreen!
Reviewed by: SharkBait, 2012/03/29Great, fun day splashing around off the Kona coast. Nothing wildly new, unless you've never done this sort of thing before. Getting buzzed by a pod of spinner dolphins and the 20-ft cliff jump were highlights. Just be aware: you're looking at several hours of direct sun here, so best buy the aloe first.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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Compact and worthwhile
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous, 2012/03/14It was a compact tour of kayaking, snorkeling, cliff diving and sea-cave watching, though the weather didn't allow sea-cave exploration on that day. The overall experience was worthwhile for a first-timer. The tour made it much easier for route guidance, picking up kayaking tips, tying up kayaks when snorkeling and quick onshore energy supplement. It might be a little demanding physically for individual rowers. Yet the staff were very experienced, helpful (and encouraging for beginners).
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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Kayaking
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous, 2012/03/14Had a good time. I'm athletic so asked for a single but was put in a double kayak with my father since girls are "weak". My father got sea sick so we were towed back even though I wanted to do the rowing. I never did get the exercise I wanted and never saw the sea caves so was pretty disappointed. My brother went on to see the caves in his single kayak. We were told that the activity would be over at noon but my brother came back at 11 a.m. We had to wait around til noon for our ride which was also a little disappointing. Wouldn't do this activity again under the circumstances.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Sea cave
Reviewed by: susan, 2011/12/27This was reccommended for all levels. I do not agree. We had several children who were not able to paddle and it made it very hard for the adult in that boat. My parents are in their seventies, the guides were nice enough to pull them. The tour was great my family was not the type of customer that needed to be on this tour. We were allowed out of the kayak to snorkle, a very nice spot, but we had to climb on rocks to take a break. The sea cave was neat but not exactly what I was expecting. We ahd to ask to jump off the cliffs - I am not sure they usually do that although it is in the description. The dolphin and whales were no where to be seen. think there are better snorkling tours available unless you are strong and love to kayak.
However the staff and company was great.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Ms.
Reviewed by: Kim McMahon, 2011/11/29This was the most fun we had in Hawaii! We snorkeled and jumped off a 20' plus cliff! While snorkeling, about 100 spinner dolphins decided to join us and got close enough some people could touch them! Absolutely awesome!
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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kayak trip
Reviewed by: glenn, 2011/09/10Had a great time! Saw a huge pod of spinner dolphins at the start of the trip - good omen for a fun day!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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making new friends
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous, 2011/08/23This was a very unique experience for us. We felt in very good hands with our guides, considering we were in the open Ocean! Everyone was very friendly, and were quick to point out a pod of dolphins and their new baby! Totally awesome!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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Excellent Experience!
Reviewed by: Leslie, 2011/08/16Guides fun and helpful. Snoring was great...lots of colorful fish. Kayaking was tiring and tough for a beginner, but it was doable. Wear water shoes and a waterproof camera and cash for a tip.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Good Times overall.
Reviewed by: Jessica, 2011/07/05The cave was a bit disappointing. It was so small that we only paddled in 3 feet and turned around.
We actually snorkeled in a bay with cliffs. You were able to climb up and jump off a 30 foot cliff.
They had great snacks up on the cliff: fresh pinapple, cookies, chocolate, cheese and drinks.
The staff was very laid back. We had 3 tour guides for our trip that seemed to not stress about anything. We had one couple in our group that paddled away from the main group and the staff didn't seem concerned about it.
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| Attended as: | Families |
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Fun Activity
Reviewed by: qbc1899, 2011/06/27The kayak/snorkeling adventure was a lot of fun. I was prepared to kayak, but it was still a LOT of work. In total, you end up kayaking for close to two hours. Then we snorkeled for close to an hour or more. Would NOT recommend if you cannot kayak for that long or if you have small kids that cannot help paddle. Just be prepared.
The guides were nice and kept pace in the front with the leaders and in the rear with the slowest of the group. No one was left behind, which was nice. However, at the front of the group, we did do a lot of waiting for others. We went to a few sea caves and then went to a spot to snorkel and have snacks. The snacks were nice, the fresh pineapple was the best by far!
I did not find anything unique about this tour though. I felt like the tour guides have given the same "WOW you guys seem adventerous, should we take them here....or not?" talk a thousand times. Was kind of corny. But the activity was exactly as described and both my husband and I
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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Great!
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous, 2011/05/09The kayaking trip was good despite the weather. The waves were a little rough and we actually tipped over. Our guide was awesome! He answered all our questions and he stopped to help other people in need. Since the weather didnt cooperate, we werent able to snorkle. They are very understandable and refunded some of our mpney. We highly recommend this to anyone!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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kayaking and snorkeling
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous, 2011/04/17It was ok. The only problem I had with it was that the with the snorkeling portion we went to a place where they said theres a lot of fish and there werent, not colorful or of much variety. It was fun to jump off a cliff and go swimming. It was only worth the money because they gave unlimited snacks so you kind of got your moneys worth.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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Great Value!
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous, 2010/12/09I would recommend this activity solely for the caring and knowledgable guide we had! I don't know how long some of the other kayak groups take you out but I thought this one was plenty long for the money. Saw plenty of sea life! Great value and memories!
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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snorkle and kayak
Reviewed by: joshua ( 13 yrs ), 2010/11/16OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this was the best activity we have ever done the guide was great and very informative. i was a little worried for my mom, but she did great. it was easy we both have never kayaked in our lives before, we want to do it again and again and again. thank you so much
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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great adventure
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous, 2010/11/10beautiful trip and experienced tour guide... need a lot energy though~~~ the way back from kayaking was so tired since the wave was stronger than the morning... awesome experiences and three time flip over from kayak... make a record~~~lol~~~lol~~~
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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Fun!
Reviewed by: Sean and Becky, 2010/10/26We had a great time. The cave was a little disappointing, I thought we were going through it, we just went up to it. Definately recommend going with the 2 person kayak, lot less work :)Snorkeling was pretty neat, saw a few eels. The guides were very knowledegable and friendly. I would definately recommend this!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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Great fun!!
Reviewed by: Debbie, 2010/10/08I've never kayaked before and thought this was fun. It was a little windy on the day we went out but that didn't hinder us at all except when it came time to see the cave. Only one or two boats braved this part. Get ready to climb up some lava cliffs (about 4 feet high) and then jump back in too. Hadn't done anything like that in awhile but found it to be fun and refreshing. I sit at a desk all day so this was awesome for me. The snorkeling was beautiful as usual in Hawaii so no disappointment there. Overall we had a great time!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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Kayaking in Keauhou
Reviewed by: jan, 2010/09/25This was one of the highlights of our trip to the Big Island! Our guides, Kevin and Noni, were wonderful with tidbits of history about the island! The kayaking was so much fun as well as the snorkeling. They fed the fish so we could see more fish as we were snorkeling. Kevin demonstrated the jumping off the cliff into the ocean and my daughter followed! It is well worth the reasonable fee for a great workout and exploration of what the Big Island has to offer! Thank you Kevin and Noni for making it such a great experience!
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Overall pretty good, but....
Reviewed by: Tim Evans, 2010/09/05Don't plan on going into this activity thinking you will be in your own kayak.
Oceans Kayaks, who provides the kayaks and tour guides, etc. DO NOT have sufficient amounts of single kayaks to appease their guests. We, as an adult family of four, were looking forward to going on this adventure in individual kayaks. My fiancee and I kayak often and my daughter also has taken to kayaking. We wanted singles and were never (especially when booking online) given the option of singles vs. doubles. When we arrived, we expressed our desire for singles and were brushed off by employees who did not want to think outside the box.
After much debate, we resigned ourselves to complete the activity and it was very enjoyable. We had great guides and we experienced quite a bit. We were hoping to snorkel a little longer, but we had a great time regardless.
We do recommend this activity, but only if you don't mind being forced to take doubles kayaks.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Unbeatable Value
Reviewed by: Rob,Mississauga,Ontario, 2010/08/03As a group of 5, ranging in age from 14-66,experienced and non-experienced kayakers, we had a truly phenomenal time.The expertise and knowledge of our guides Brett and Kevin created a unique and memorable experience for all.This is an activity which we would definitely repeat on a future visit.Water shoes and a good underwater camera are a must!
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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