All Reviews for Snorkeling Cruises & Tours

My childhood dream was to swim with wild dolphins. Before I knew it, I had progressed in swimming to the point where I could participate in national competitions.

Dolphin University made that dream come true for me. Staff member MAKI provided us beginners with thorough and entertaining explanations, complete with jokes, which brought smiles to the faces of the Japanese participants!

And I underestimated the sea. I experienced seasickness for the first time in my life here.

On the boat, there was unlimited drinking water and hot water, but at that moment when I could barely stand… MAKI brought drinks around, and I was so touched by that perfect timing. Additionally, she shared gum to help with the nausea and regularly checked in on us, providing excellent care that made my seasickness much better, allowing me to enjoy swimming with the dolphins.

Thanks to MAKI and my experience at Dolphin University, I learned so much about the importance of nature, the value of living creatures, and the joy and excitement of the sea. I truly feel lucky.

For participants, you can learn the Japanese joke for free from MAKI.

Thank you for the unforgettable memories. Next time, I will definitely participate again!

私の子供の頃の夢は『野生のイルカと泳ぐこと』
そのために始めたスイミングも気付けば全国大会に出れる程にまでなりました。笑

そんな私の夢を叶えてくれたイルカ大学。
スタッフのMAKIさんが初心者の私たちへの丁寧で面白いギャグ込みの説明をしてくれ日本人参加者たちのお顔も笑顔に！

そしてナメてました海。
船酔いです。
人生初の嘔吐もここで経験させて頂きました

船内には飲み放題のお水やお湯があるのですが、立つことも辛くなってしまったそのとき…MAKIさんが周りに飲み物を持ってきてくれて、そのベストタイミングに感激でした
そしてそれ以外にも（酔いを紛らわす為の）ガムを分けてくださったり、定期的に声をかけてくださったりととても手厚いケアに、船酔いもかなり良くなり楽しくイルカと泳げました

スタッフのMAKIさん、そしてイルカ大学での経験から、自然の大切さや生き物の尊さ、海の楽しさや感動など多くの事を学ばせて頂けた私は本当ラッキーです。

For participant
You can learn the Japanese joke for free from MAKI

忘れられない思い出をありがとうございました。
次も、必ず！絶対！間違いなく参加します。

I would definitely do this again when visiting. Our instructor Faith was so sweet and professional.

We were worried about the distance to Turtle Island, but it was close enough that there were no problems. The ship's departure point was Waikiki Beach, making it very easy to find. We enjoyed ourselves without realizing the passage of time, watching many fish and turtles. The friendly staff guided us safely and helped us see the turtles better. It was fantastic! Refreshing drinks and great music added to the atmosphere.

This was a great experience for those who aren’t very active. The staff and crew were super friendly and the live music was awesome and they were super engaging.
However, if you’re looking for more of an adventure this is not the trip for you. Mind you, this is not a criticism at all. At the sand bar, the water is knee high, and they make you wear a life jacket for snorkeling in water where you can literally touch the ground. All other activities also require life jackets in knee deep water.
We personally would not do this trip again, but we would definitely recommend it for those who want to be in the water but don’t want to take any risks.

Great time, good people, beautiful views and an awesome experience!!!

I was disappointed by the coral and fish more than I expected. Was it due to the environment? Perhaps because it was mid-March, the water was cold, and I could only manage to stay in for about 20 minutes.

思うほど珊瑚も魚も残念感がありました。
環境のせいでしょうか
3月の中旬ということもあるのか水も冷たくて20分ぐらい入っているのが精一杯でした。

We had the best time ever with this snorkeling adventure. My husband doesn't really like snorkling but does it just for me. With our new personal snorkel gear and the fantastic friendly crew , he said this was the first time he enjoyed it. The weather was perfect and the turtles were amazing. We will definitely use Moana catamaran next time we come to Honolulu.

I have enjoyed snorkeling abroad before, but I have never encountered so many fish in such a clear cove; it was a valuable experience. The entrance tickets are so popular that they are hard to reserve, but the convenience of a tour is appealing.

今まで、海外でシュノーケリングを楽しみましたが、透明度の高い入江でこれほどまで多くの魚に出会えたことがなく、貴重な体験でした。入場チケットも予約が取れないほど人気な場所ですが、ツアーならではの楽ちんさが魅力的です。

We loved everything about this tour! The boat was comfortable and clean and there was plenty of room for our gear. The food was excellent. My husband and I are omnivores, but we thoroughly enjoyed the vegan lunch and breakfast! The snorkeling was so much fun and we were fortunate enough to have perfect weather. We brought our own snorkel equipment and fins, but the boat was equipped with all of that plus life vests, pool noodles, inner tubes, sun screen and anti fog spray for masks. Last, but most importantly, the crew was amazing. Everyone was so caring and helpful and made sure we felt comfortable and safe in the water and out. We will be sure to book with Fair Wind Cruises again when we travel to the Big Island.

Loved this trip! My group and I had the BEST time. Loved the floating platform for hanging out, having some drinks, dancing (we brought our own waterproof speaker).

Some of our group also liked trying the stand up paddleboarding (though noted the area you're allowed to go in is pretty small) and the snorkling.

Would definitely recommend for a big group, such an easy way to get everyone out to the sandbar and enjoy the stunning turquoise waters. We did it as part of our wedding week with guests.

My husband and I really enjoyed the Sunset Snorkel Cruise! The views were beautiful and the crew were so nice! I was nervous about trying to snorkel but the crew was super helpful and I felt safe (life vest and I was able to use a floatie as well) and we saw lots of colorful fish and sea turtles! The cocktail service was great, tasty and generous. Unfortunately during the return portion of the cruise, I felt a bit seasick (did not really affect my enjoyment of the cruise though) so only ate rice for dinner but my husband enjoyed the food which was plentiful. If you are prone to motion sickness (which I am) that would be my only advice, I forgot my accupressure wristbands which do actually work fairly well. I liked that the group was small and we had the freedom to move around and sit and stand where we wanted and all the guests were pleasant and we felt comfortable socializing and getting to talk to other people. I highly recommend this cruise!

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the entire family was unable to participate, so it was just my second son and me. However, thanks to our experienced guide, we were able to thoroughly enjoy Hanauma Bay!

急遽、家族全員で参加出来なくなり、次男と2人だけの参加でしたが、ベテランガイドの方のお陰で気持ち良くハナウマ湾を満喫出来ました！

The waves were high, so we stayed in the calm waters, but on the contrary, sea turtles came into the calm area, and we had a great time. There is preparation, a briefing, and changing clothes, so swimming lasts about an hour, but it can be quite wobbly. The guides, D who speaks Japanese and C who is Japanese, were very friendly and accommodating.

波が高く内海のみでしたが、逆に内海に海亀が入ってきてくれて、とても楽しめました。準備、講習、着替えがあるので泳ぐのは1時間程度ですが、結構ふらつきます。ガイドさんは日本語の話せるDさんと日本人のCさん2名で、とてもフレンドリーに対応してくれます。

The crew was super friendly, accommodating, efficient and fun to be around.
The snorkelling was as expected - lots of people, and commercial but we got to check off swimming with sea turtles off our bucket list on our final day on the island
Gear was clean and in great condition. The boat was immaculate and the drinks were flowing and the adult ones were strong!!

I am 64 years old. I participated because I wanted to see manta rays. The sunset was beautiful and wonderful. However, diving from the boat took courage. Swimming from there to the manta spot was tough, and I had to be pulled by the staff member. It was difficult to float while holding onto the frame and breathing through the snorkel, so I started to observe from the center of the floating frame, which was enough for me. I wonder if I was the only one who felt exhausted. I hope that the enjoyment of watching (which lasted about 20 to 30 minutes) could be a bit easier from the start. I was lucky that I could lie on the frame, which allowed me to use both hands freely for filming, but it was a bit tough until I settled down.

64歳です。見たかったマンタなので参加しました。
夕陽も美しく素晴らしかったです。でも、船からのダイブは勇気がいりました。そこからマンタスポットまで泳いでの移動もしんどくてスタッフのお兄さんに引っ張ってもらいました。両手で枠につかまりながらシュノーケルで息をしながら浮いて見ているのが辛かったので途中から浮き枠に乗って枠の中央から観察させてもらいましたが、それで十分でした。しんどさを感じたのは私だけなのでしょうか。観る楽しさ(20〜30分だったのでしょうか)も、最初からもう少し楽に楽しめたらいいなと思います。私は枠に腹ばいで乗れたおかげで両手が自由に使えて撮影も余裕でできたのでラッキーでしたが、落ち着くまではちょっとしんどかったです。

Although it was a very cloudy, overcast day, the staffing crew still made the trip a lot of fun.

Must see when in Hawaii it’s about a 20 minute boat ride out to the sandbar and there’s few companies have monopoly on it. However, they do make it enjoyable and relaxing. They have stand up paddle boards and kayaks for use but it’s only a small area you can go. This is just for relaxing and viewing Hawaii from a really beautiful location. Snorkeling isn’t the best because you’re only able to see a few fish. So what they could do better… selling or including drinks onboard. You have to bring everything with you although if you pay the fee you receive a bag of chips, a sandwich and juice/water. I didn’t like that we had to wear a life vest to snorkel, but maybe it’s to protect the coral so you don’t stand on it. Other than that the live music was awesome and everyone had fun.

This is my second time participating. The kids really wanted to go, so we chose the morning snorkeling. With breakfast and lunch included, we had a great time for two and a half hours. Thank you!

今回は２度目の参加となります。子供達が絶対に行きたいと希望したので朝からのシューノーケルにしました。朝食と昼食が付いて2時間半、たっぷりと楽しめました。ありがとうございます

The Japanese staff explained everything kindly and thoroughly, which was reassuring. The sea in March is a bit cold, so it's better to have a warm cover-up since you'll be taking the bus back in your swimsuit.

日本人スタッフの方が丁寧に優しく説明してくださって、心強かったです。
3月の海は少し冷たく、水着のままで帰りのバスに乗るので、あったかい羽織物ある方がよいです。

Went for spring break and had an amazing time. SHOUT OUT TO CALEB NICOLE AND NOAH they were an awesome and attentive crew! Definitely would recommend, we saw at least 2 different turtles and a whole bunch of different schools of fish. The boat was super nice and we got nice pictures. we had perfect snorkeling weather too!

Great experience from pick up to a relaxing day at the beach enjoying Hawaii’s beautiful landscapes!!
Capt Bob and his crew were excellent.

Embarking on the snorkeling and kayaking adventure at Sanbar was an unforgettable experience that truly encapsulated the essence of exploring nature's underwater marvels while enjoying the serene beauty of the open waters. The crystal-clear waters offered an unobstructed view of vibrant marine life and mesmerizing coral formations, making the snorkeling experience nothing short of magical. Each moment spent underwater felt like being in a different world, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors and life.

The kayaking segment of our adventure was equally impressive. Paddling through the calm waters with the sun casting a golden hue over the landscape was incredibly peaceful and allowed for a unique perspective of the Sanbar's picturesque coastline. The kayaks were well-maintained and easy to maneuver, making the experience enjoyable for both beginners and experienced kayakers alike.

What truly made the experience stand out was the exceptional guidance and support from the staff. Their expertise and passion for the marine environment were evident, as they pointed out interesting flora and fauna, ensuring we didn't miss any of the hidden gems beneath the waves or along the shore.

Overall, the snorkeling and kayaking experience at Sanbar is a must-do for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, whether underwater or gliding on the surface. It's an ideal adventure for those seeking tranquility, excitement, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

I was inspired to participate after seeing a former professional baseball player use this service on a TV program during his trip to Hawaii.

I was picked up at the hotel and arrived at the port while enjoying the view of the steep cliffs on the way to Kaneohe Bay. After using the restroom next to the parking lot, I took off my shoes and boarded barefoot.

We moved while observing heart-shaped coral reefs and honu, anchoring near the activity boat displaying the international A flag. Due to the spring tide, the morning tour had lower tides, but it was fully booked. The water depth was about 90 cm. Although the sun was out, the waves and current from the offshore wind felt strong.

I snorkeled with my wife and was able to see the coral, honu, and fish beautifully. Stand-up paddling (SUP) was more challenging than I expected.

On the boat, I enjoyed coffee, apples, and spam while chatting with a female staff member about her trip to Japan, and before I knew it, it was time to return to the port. She pointed out my eye color and told me I have hazel eyes, which led to an interesting discussion about mixed genetics. (We also laughed about what the lesson from Urashima Taro might be.)

After boarding the bus, I realized I couldn't find the belt where I had put my cash. I searched with a staff member who also had hazel eyes named Franky. I was about to give up when I saw Franky desperately searching even in the restroom trash can, and then I noticed something at my neck... Sorry, it was there all along.

We arrived safely at the hotel. Thank you so much!!!

I wanted to try the malasadas from Leonard's Bakery, which the shuttle driver highly recommended, but there wasn't enough time to stop.

I recommend everyone bring marine shoes, a waterproof case for your smartphone, and a hoodie.

Thank you so much to all the staff. See ya!

TV番組で元プロ野球選手が、ハワイに行った際に利用したのを観たのが参加するきっかけとなりました。
ホテルでピックアップされ、カネオヘ湾に向かう途中の急峻な崖を観ながら港に到着。駐車場脇のレストルームで用を足し、シューズを脱いで裸足で乗船。
ハートマークの珊瑚礁、ホヌを観ながら移動、国際A旗が掲げられているアクティビティー船近くに錨泊。
　大潮で条件としては朝のツアーの方が、潮が引いていたのですが、予約が埋まっていました。水深90CMくらいかな。日光は出ていましたが、沖からの風で波、潮の流れがきつい様に感じました。
　妻と一緒にシュノーケリング。珊瑚、ホヌ、魚を綺麗に観られました。
SUP　思った以上に立ってパドリングするのは難しかったです。
　船の上でコーヒー、りんご、スパムを食べ女性スタッフと、日本に旅行しに行った話しをしていたら、あっといううまに帰港の時間。瞳の色に着目され自分がヘーゼルだと教えてもらい、遺伝子がミックスされる事が面白いという思考が有るのを教えてもらいました。（あと、浦島太郎の教訓はなんだろうって事も笑）
　バスに乗車後キャッシュを入れたベルトが見当たらない事に気づき、その女性スタッフと同じヘーゼルの瞳を持つ　FRANKYと一緒に探してもらいました。見つからないので、諦め掛けていましたがFRANKYがトイレのゴミ箱まで開け必死に探している姿をみたとき、何気に自分の首元に視線が、、、、、ごめんなさい。有りました。
事なき得て無事ホテル着。 本当にありがとう！！！

　シャトルの運転手さん激押しのレナーズべーカリーのマラサダ食べたかったけど、寄る時間無かったのね。

　みなさん　マリンシューズとスマホ防水ケースあとパーカー持参がおすすめ。

　スタッフの皆さん　Thank you so much.　See ya!
　

I heard that a wetsuit is essential for the ocean in Hawaii during winter, so I thought it would be convenient to have it included in the tour price without any additional fees. Since I was a beginner in both Hawaii and snorkeling, I hoped for a tour without needing to rent a wetsuit. We went at a leisurely pace and had an incredibly valuable experience, going to very deep spots. The kids seemed to be impressed as well, saying they were scared but excited to see the fish!

冬のハワイの海はウエットスーツ必須ですよ、とのことだったのでもう先にツアー料金に組み込んで頂き、追加料金の発生が無いと便利だなと思った。ハワイもシュノーケルも初心者だったため、ウエットスーツは頼まずツアー希望していた。ゆっくりペースでとても深いところまで行ったりしてすごく貴重な体験をした。子供達も印象的だったようで、怖かったけどお魚さん見れた！と興奮していた。

I went right around Valentine's Day. The crew explained various things in Japanese. The heart-shaped coral made me feel very happy! When I go to Hawaii, I will definitely visit Sandbar Captain Bruce's Paradise again! It's the best every time!

ちょうどバレンタインデーの時に行きました。
クルーの方が日本語で色々説明してくれました。
ハート型の珊瑚ですと、とても幸せな気分になれました♪ハワイに行った時は必ずサンドバーキャプテンブルース天国の海へ行きますね！
何度行っても最高〜

It was a beautiful experience, lots and fun activities to do and the boat crew were super friendly!! We would definitely do it again, we had so much fun!! Thank you!

It was the coolest thing to do! Wasn't quite sure what to expect, but loved it. Getting that close to the fish underwater. Amazing.

Although it's called a sandbar, it seems that it only becomes a sandy beach for a few days a year.

In the deepest part, it's about 1 meter deep, I think.

It's nice to be able to enjoy relaxed marine leisure activities in the sea.

There were also some foreigners who brought beer and other drinks (on boats and floating islands).

It doesn't feel like marine sports, so I was able to enjoy it leisurely while taking in the beautiful scenery.

サンドバーとはいうものの、実際に砂浜になるのは年数日だそうです。

１番深い所で1メートルくらいかな？

海の中で、ゆるめのマリンレジャーができるのは良いです。

外国の方はビール等を持ち込んで飲んでいる人もいました（船や浮島で）


マリンスポーツという感じではないので、良い景色を見ながらゆる～く楽しめました。

We had an amazing time. It was a really easy process from boarding and check in to the snorkeling to getting back to the dock. We got to see lots of fish and turtles. Anna and Zane were super helpful in making us feel comfortable especially since this was our first time snorkeling, I would recommend this especially if you are a first timer, we had a great time and really enjoyed every second of it

**Positive Points**
• There are staff members who speak Japanese.
• The staff are kind and provide attentive service.
→ They frequently checked if we were warm enough and were gentle with the children.
• There is a good selection of drinks and snacks.
→ There are warm beverages like tea and cocoa, as well as juice and water.
Spam rice balls are limited to one per person, but you can eat as many snacks as you like.
• The transfer to the sandbar is done by a small boat with a limited number of people.
→ It depends on the number of participants, but this time everyone was Japanese.
• There are plenty of items like floaties available.
→ There were large floaties and floatie boats that children could enjoy.
There was also a boat with a clear bottom to see underwater, so even small children could enjoy snorkeling.
They also lend wet suits when it's cold.
• The bus driver for the transfers was kind.
→ Although he couldn't speak Japanese, he made an effort to communicate.

**Negative Points**
• The restroom is small and not suitable for changing.
→ There is a restroom at the port, but there is a long line, so those with transfers are likely to be late and return wet.

The day we participated, it was quite cold with light rain and a north wind, but we were still able to enjoy ourselves.
In a previous tour, we departed on a large boat with many people from various countries, and after the explanation, it felt like we were free to do as we pleased! However, this time, since it was a smaller group, it was great that we could quickly confirm anything we didn't understand.
Even in bad weather, the staff made various suggestions to ensure our family could enjoy the experience, which greatly increased our satisfaction.

For those participating in a sandbar tour for the first time, I think it would be reassuring to have Japanese-speaking staff and a small group.

Although the price is higher compared to other tours, it was a tour that made me want to participate again.

※良かった点※
•日本語が話せるスタッフが居る
•スタッフの方々が優しくきめ細かいサービス
　→寒く無いかなど沢山声をかけてくれた。
　　子供たちにも優しく対応してくれた。
•飲み物やお菓子が充実している
　→お茶やココアなど温かい飲み物や
　　ジュース、水がある。
　　スパムおにぎりは一人一つ、
　　スナックは好きなだけ食べることができる。
•サンドバーまでの移動が小さな船で少人数
　→参加人数にもよると思うが、今回は全員日本人だった。
•浮き輪などのグッズが充実している
　→大きな浮き輪や浮き輪ボートなど
　　子供達が楽しめるものも沢山あった。
　　海の中が見えるボートもあったので、
　　小さな子でもシュノーケリングを楽しめる。
　　寒い時はウエットスーツも貸してくれる。
•送迎のバス運転手さんも優しい
　→日本語が話せない方だったが一緒懸命
　　コミュニケーションを取ってくれた。

※残念だった点※
•トイレが小さく着替えられない
　→港にトイレがあるがめちゃくちゃ並ぶので
　　送迎がある方は時間に間に合わず
　　濡れたまま帰る確率が高い。

参加した日は小雨が降り北風が吹いてかなり寒いという
悪天候の日だったが楽しむことができた。
以前参加したツアーは大きな船で色んな国の方と
大勢で出発するため、説明を聞いたら後はご自由に！
という感じだったが、今回は少人数だったため
分からないことがあればすぐに確認できるのが良かった。
悪天候の中でも私達家族全員が楽しめるように
色々提案してくれたりして満足度は高かった。


初めてサンドバーに参加される方は
日本語スタッフが居て少人数なので
安心して参加できるのでは無いかと思う。

他のツアーに比べて金額は高いけれど
また参加したいと思えるツアーだった。