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Oahu
We chose this company due to the reviews, but unfortunately we were disappointed with the reality. The guy checking us in was fine, but very serious and not really friendly. The weather was pretty windy, so the conditions were not easy. However we were given no guidance from the staff on how to deal with this, or any tips. When we asked where we should aim for to reach the sandbar, we had the very unhelpful advice of 'its kind of where that yacht is now, so head for that'. Bearing in mind the yacht was moving! It would really have helped to have some clear markers or something to aim for, especially when wind and tides are taking you in the opposite direction! We got lots of don't go here or here' but not much else.
While the sandbar is around 1.5 miles out, so not too far, it really required knowing what you are doing, and some real strength to cope with strong winds and currents to reach it. Otherwise it could have been very dangerous. The sandbar was really interesting to see when we got there, but the strong winds bashed the kayak around so much we couldn't stay too long. Obviously that's not this company's fault though. Overall it wasn't what I expected and a bit disappointing unfortunately.
Aloha, I am very sorry to hear that your experience was a disappointing one. Unfortunately the wind/conditions are something we cannot control, and 1.5 miles in ocean conditions is quite a long paddle. You are correct, it definitely does require a good bit of strength and paddling ability. So, it's great that you made it to the sandbar in those conditions. It sounds like you did a good job finding your way and paddling in some challenging conditions. I am more sorry to hear that you didn't find our staff's instructions or briefing to be helpful. They limit how many characters my response can be, but we'd love to give you a better answer to your concerns if you want to email us directly. But I'm sorry our instructions fell short and weren't as helpful as they should have been, and sorry that led to a disappointing experience. Thank you for your feedback. That is very much appreciated, and hopefully something that we can use to improve our process for the future. Mahalo.
the experience is very pleasant throughout the whole tour, the staffs are very friendly and answered all our questions.
Our families had a great time! We loved the banana boat ride, and Enjoyed the live music! Staff were so friendly and inviting and always put our safety first! Definitely will do this again!
Mahalo \nm/. We were on the afternoon ride on 4/26
My wife and I had an awesome experience on doing the sandbar and beside the goodtimes we had in the water, i think the live music made it perfect!
Highly recommended and for sure going to book again next time we are back in the island!
We booked the afternoon ride and had an awesome time. The crew is great. They are very friendly and helpful and have such amazing attitude. The guys playing music are good too. The lunch sandwich was good, I loved the salad. The boat has changing rooms and restrooms! First time snorkeling and very much enjoyed this time with my kids. Its about 4ft deep.. Would do it again. Leave tips!
We came from Canada to Oahu and wanted to visit the sandbar. The food, staff, entertainment, everything was beyond our expectations!! This is a great great tour !! dont hesitate and get a ticket!!! You will LOVE IT!!
Thank you to all the amazing staff !
First time snorkeling for my husband and I. Zola was very thorough and showed us all kinds of sea life! 10/10 recommend!! Will have to try scuba diving with Zola next!!
We had a wonderful time and we enjoyed all the activities at the Kaneohe Sandbar. We did the paddle board, kayak and snorkel with breathtaking views. The live music was so relaxing during the boat ride. Thanks to the captain, crew and singers who were all so friendly and amazing! Overall, it was an excellent service provided by the Kaneohe Bay Ocean Sports! I definitely will book again on my next trip and recommend them to my family and friends.
It was fun, the staff very friendly and what they offered was at the price
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience kayaking to the sandbar! It was easy to follow the instructions and the map to get to our destination. It is quite tiring, but the view is breathtaking. We did start our kayaking adventure around 9am, so those that had an earlier reservation at 8am were already at the sandbar, so we were on the lookout for the bright yellow kayaks when making our way there, but I can definitely see some getting lost if they went early in the gloomy morning. Weather conditions do vary on how visible and shallow the sandbar is, but we were lucky to get to see the sandbar exposed!
Aloha Lucy,
Thank you so much for joining us for a kayak adventure! And thank you for taking the time to leave such an awesome review for us! We really appreciate that. Stoked you made it to the sandbar. And your feedback about the conditions, wind, tide, visibility, distance, difficulty level, all of the above is all very true and great feedback for people to hear. So we appreciate that as well. Stoked to hear it sounds like you had an overall good experience and good workout kayaking out there. Hope to see you again soon! Mahalo!
I'm a local resident and this was my first time at the Kaneohe sandbar. This experience was amazing! I wanted to do something that my roommate & I haven't done for her birthday. I recommend getting the package to ride the banana boat & the bumper ride! Also it's BYOB, bring snacks, food, & change of clothes because they have restrooms/changing rooms on the boat. I will definitely will be booking again with my friends!!
They called to let me know I needed passes to Hanauma Bay (which I didn't realize). This saved our whole day because I didn't realize I had to be there so early to secure 4 tickets to the park which sell out by 8:30 am (latest). This info was a life saver as we showed up to rent our snorkelling gear by 7:30 and were at the park before 8am to secure walk-up tickets. Tip: get your tickets to Hanauma Bay online at 7am 2 days in advance (they sell out in 2 minutes). Then you don't have to wait in line at the park on the day of.
Great place!!
We really enjoyed this activity. We had six people in our party, but the waves were big on our day, so they split us up into two groups. Captain Russell was amazing. He spent a few minutes with us on the beach before the outing to set our expectations. Then, we went out on the water. He was really patient with us and made sure we had good rides. It was a great experience in a really wonderful setting.
The best experience on our whole trip, plan to go back. I found this activity from a YouTube review which depicted the activity perfectly. We upgraded to the Banana boat and bumper ride, which is just a quick few minutes ride each. There was so much to do and explore, the 3 hours went by too fast. The musicians on board was the perfect touch in creating a fun relaxed atmosphere, their music set the tone for the trip and was the fun that pumped us up to enjoy the whole trip. My elementary school kids enjoyed all the different activities. We brought our own food and drinks. We brought our own snorkel gear. We enjoyed the included refreshments. I invited my best friends family to join us and they felt the same. Will book again.
Overall very good. Thank you! Overall very good. Thank you! Overall very good. Thank you!
The staffs are super friendly and the activities are well managed and safe!
even though I couldn't make it all the way to the bottom scuba diving cause I couldn't get my breathing/hyperventilating under control I still had the best time ever just being able to experience what I did. The small Asian girl and both guys as well as the captain were awesome and the two in the water instructors were patient and encouraging. They def made it a good time and an experience in Hawaii that will last a lifetime. thank you Waikiki Dive Center. we will be back again our next trip to Hawaii. 5 STAR SERVICE!!!
The best time on the island. Staff super helpful professional and knowledgeable, kept us entertained and throughout the day. Food was great, provided us water and drinks throughout the trip (BYOB) to keep us hydrated. Will recommend to anyone looking for a snorkeling adventure.
Had an amazing time on a morning tour out to the Kaneohe sandbar. Very fun and friendly staff, with an additional perk of the best live music onboard. Would highly recommend!!
We had a wonderfull day, the live music, activities available and the whole mood of the trip was so much fun and relaxed!the food was just a small salad and croissant sandwich with chips and a water so if your very hungry get I’d advise you to get some food at the cafe by the docks, it’s super yummy! The trips also byo friendly so we had our own food and drinks! The staff and entertainment were amazing!there were families, children, couples and friends like our group! It was well blended and I will defiantly be coming back on my next trip to hawaii! Mahalo!
Our family was really enjoying the Kaneohe Sandbar.
The crew are so kind and helpful, too.
We had a fantastic time overall!
It is a must when you visit Oahu whether it is your first time or you have been to the island more than once. It was definitely the highlight of our trip. It was also family-friendly and parties with infants and children can definitely enjoy this tour.
My family of 8 went jet skiing and parasailing to celebrate my daughters 19th bday. It was such a fun and successful time in the water. We truly enjoyed how organized things were done and how we didn’t have to go somewhere different to do Both things.
Staff were friendly patient helpful WE HAD A GREAT TIME! Thank you
We had a great time. Everyone was so nice and welcoming from the ladies at reception, the gentleman who drove us out to sea and prepared us for our parasailing and jet ski experience. We will also use this service for our future experience
Perfect for the family! The water was not too deep for my 6 yr old, my 11 yr old got to paddle board and snorkel for the first time!! The view and the water … the colors.. WOW!! Beautiful location! I love that they have life guards in the water so you won’t float out to the deep!! Everyone on the crew was so friendly!!
We loved our Excursion to The Sandbar. The transportation to the doc was prompt and fairly quick. The lunch was better than I was expecting and the boat was nice and roomy to walk around. The staff and the live music were great. We thoroughly enjoyed our day at The Sandbar I would definitely recommend this company. They also have a floating dock with chairs where you can sit and relax and look at the beautiful scenery around you which was really cool!
We went on April 8th 2 adults 2 kids 7 and 13. Not worth the money. Crew and live music are fantastic ( this is why we gave 3 stars). Not good snorkling place. Lots of scared kids ( even our younger one was bit anxious). Not enough sport equipment to share. Important they only allowed 2 pieces snorkling gear so if you have anything different you are not allowed to use it. Some people resigned from snorkling because of this.
We had a wonderful time. The staff were all very friendly and energetic.
Live music was a bonus. The day was full of energy yet, relaxing.
Would definitely recommend it and we may do it again before we leave.
My wife and daughter enjoyed the experience. I did as well but swallowed too much salt water during open swim and got sick off the side of the boat. The crew was very professional in dealing with me. I did get to enjoy feeding the fish before my unfortunate sickness. I would definitely recommend this adventure. It is a very unique experience!
