Reviewed by: boogwa
The staff said they counted 15 sharks down there with us and they were all over. It was really neat to get that close to a shark. They were there the minute we got in and put on a good show. Only downside though was that off shore there was a storm off island that were creating a lot of big waves and half the boat got seasick. Take the dremamine when they tell you and it should be a great time.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2009/03/19 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
Guides Justin & Gabe were great. North Shore is amazing-must do if staying on Oahu. We got to see sea turtles, Waimea Falls, the Bonzai Pipeline & surfing was even an option.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2009/03/16 |
Reviewed by: Tyler
Totally awesome!!!! Let me tell you, I am one of those people who respect sharks so much, I try everything to stay away from them. I am enthralled with sharkweek on Discovery channel, but terrified of sharks. I was very hesitant in taking this tour, however believe it or not I'm the one who signed my wife and I up for it. I'M GLAD I DID! What an amazing experience. The staff were cool and kept things low key, didn't make any problems for anyone. They both were knowledgeable regarding the sharks we encountered. The only thing I would ask to change would be the viewing glass, not as big as I would have liked it, but then again I'm selfish. The other thing I would ask they enforce, or at least remind those in the cage, please don't let your legs go straight out. I kept getting kicked in the back cause the lady thought she could just hold onto the handrail and let herself strectch out...very annoying. Aside from those things...I'm definately going to do this tour again when I co
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2009/03/13 |
Reviewed by: くっきー
Overall, it was fun to run a lot, but my butt got chafed and hurt.
ともかく、たくさん走れて面白かったがお尻がすれて痛かった。
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2009/02/06 |
Reviewed by: Jamie & Bobby
Our tour guide Justin picked us up promptly outside our hotel when expected. He was very laid-back and friendly. We had a small group of 10. The bike ride was wonderful!! I would recommend it to everyone. Justin pointed out the must-see beaches (Pipeline, Sunset, Waimea) and north shore roadside eateries. North shore was unbelievable, unlike anything I've ever experienced. On the second half of the tour, we rode paddle boards which was also a blast! It was quite an upper body workout and was inexpensive too. Justin was very knowledgeable about the history of HI and kept us entertained during the drive. I would highly suggest everyone take this tour!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2009/02/02 |
Reviewed by: TAKA&MAMI
The first ride of 2009 was on January 2 at Gunstock Ranch on Oahu. We drove from Waikiki via H1 → R63 → R83 heading north, passed the Polynesian Cultural Center, and just a few minutes further on the left, we saw the sign for Gunstock Ranch. It takes a little over an hour from Waikiki. On the way, we stopped by Cloverleaf Ranch. Two summers ago, my family of four, including the kids, had our first trekking ride there, which made it a memorable ranch for us. After that, my husband and I started attending lessons at the riding club Crane, where we experience ups and downs in a small arena while practicing canter.
Oahu has a couple of beginner-friendly trekking options, but Gunstock Ranch offers an advanced trail ride, which we eagerly signed up for. Due to poor conditions from the rain the day before, we were suggested to switch to a safer scenic ride. However, after discussing our riding experience with our young and cute guide Stephanie, who had a wonderful smile, we were allowed to canter in a safe area. TAKA had just ridden 15 kilometers along the coastline at Frontier Riding Club in Hokkaido last fall. However, for MAMI, who was on her first outdoor ride, it started with a trot, but by the second and third times, she was able to do a more dynamic canter, which was a thrilling experience compared to the small arena.
The group that rode before us consisted of a mix of three and two people, and it seemed they were trekking at a beginner's pace. They likely make efforts to accommodate as many requests as possible for the riding tour based on group composition and negotiations. I am especially grateful to Stephanie, our guide this time!
2009年の初乗りは1月2日オアフ島のガンストック牧場でした。ワイキキからレンタカーでH1→R63→R83と経由北上し、ポリネシアンカルチャーセンターを過ぎさらに北上、5分も行かないところに左手にガンストック牧場の看板があります。ワイキキから1時間ちょっとってとこでしょうか。行きに途中クロレア牧場に立ち寄りました。2年前の夏、子供たちとともに家族4人で初トレッキング常歩乗馬し、乗馬にはまった記念すべき牧場です。その後、乗馬クラブのクレインに夫婦で通い狭い馬場で駈歩のレッスンに一喜一憂しています。オアフの乗馬ツアーは初心者向けのポコポコトレッキングは2~3ありますが、ガンストック牧場はアドバンスド・トレイル・ライドがあり勇んで申し込みました。前日の雨による悪コンディションのため、安全なシーニック・ライドへの変更を提案されましたが、とっても若くてキュートで笑顔の素敵な女性ガイドのステファニーに乗馬経験を話し、セーフティーな場所でキャンター(駈歩)OKってことになりました。TAKAは昨秋北海道のフロンティア乗馬クラブで海岸線を15キロ走ってきたところです。しかし初外乗のMAMIは最初トロット(速歩)でしたが、2回目3回目とどんどんダイナミックなキャンターが出て狭い馬場との違いに感動充実の時間となりました。私たちの前の時間に乗馬したグループは3+2人の2組の混合でしたが、ビギナーのペースでのトレッキングだったようです。グループ編成と交渉次第で可能な限りの希望通りの乗馬ツアーの実現に努力してくれるのでしょう。とくに今回ガイドをしてくれたステファニーには大感謝ですっ♪
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2009/01/05 |
Reviewed by: おきゃん
On Christmas Day, the only place where horseback riding was available was Gunstock Ranch. Although the prices were elevated for the holiday, considering the Christian culture, it was quite appreciated.
There was no shuttle service from the hotel, so we rented a car with a navigation system and challenged ourselves to drive on the right side for the first time. The navigation guided us to our destination without any issues when we entered the address, and by being mindful of the central lane always being on the left, we found that driving wasn't too different from Japan. (I felt it was convenient to have the postal code handy since the navigation I used didn't have a search function by phone number, etc.)
Now, regarding the horseback riding, besides our family of four, there were also four family members from California and two couples participating.
The owner of Gunstock Ranch led the way, with his wife at the midpoint and his daughter (around elementary school age) bringing up the rear as we set off.
It was the first time for my husband, daughter, and son to ride horses, but there were no issues at all. The very smart horses followed commands for right, left, and gallop, taking us along nicely.
While it's common to see guides leading horses in enclosed areas, riding through the great outdoors while enjoying the scenery was truly delightful.
All instructions were in English, but they were easy to understand. We had a lot of fun participating.
I highly recommend it!
クリスマスの25日に唯一、乗馬が可能だったのがガンストック牧場でした。クリスマス料金になっていたのでコストパフォーマンスが良いとはいえませんでしたが、クリスチャンのお国柄を考えれば、ありがたいことしきりです。
ホテルとの送迎はありませんので、ナビ付きレンタカーを借り、初めての右側車線にもチャレンジ。
ナビは、住所の入力で目的地まで問題なく案内してくれましたし、常に左側に中央車線があることを意識して運転をすると、以外と日本と変わらずに運転ができます。
(ナビの利用には、郵便番号を控えておくと便利だと感じました。私が利用したナビは、電話番号などでの検索機能がなかったので・・・)
さて、肝心の乗馬ですが、私たち4人家族以外にも、4名のカリフォルニアから来た家族と、2名のカップルが参加していました。
ガンストック牧場のご主人が先導し、中間地点に奥さん、そして一番後ろには、娘さん(小学校中学年ぐらい)が付いて出発です。
主人、娘、息子は馬に乗るのは初めてでしたが、何の問題もなく、とても賢い馬は、右・左・ギャロップなどの指示に従ってちゃんと私たちを乗せてくれました。
柵の中で、管理者が引き馬をしてくれるケースはよく見ますが、大自然の中、景色を楽しみながらのお散歩乗馬、とても気持ちが良かったです。
説明は全て英語ですが、十分に聞き取りは可能です。
楽しく参加することができました。
お勧めですよ♪
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2009/01/01 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
Awesome but expensive for what it was ...... 113$ for 2x15mn of boat and only 20mn in the cage with sharks, too short....
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2008/11/04 |
Reviewed by: Redford
The Shark Encounter was fantastic. Beyond my expectations. Clearly the highlight of our cruise to Hawaii. Would recommend to anyone
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2008/10/29 |
Reviewed by: Vanessa
My buddy Jim and I took this tour and we were completely overwhelmed by how incredible the experience was! We have amazing photos from our underwater cameras to show all of our friends and we were astounded by the number of sharks we saw. This is a once in a lifetime experience that you should NOT miss - take this tour, you will not regret it!!!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2008/10/28 |
Reviewed by: H.IKEDA
We are a couple over sixty, and this was our second time participating, following last year. We were able to extend the canter longer than last year, which made it even more enjoyable. Both instructors were kind and attentive. We definitely plan to participate again next time.
私たちは還暦を過ぎた夫婦ですが、去年に続いて2度目の参加でした。去年よりキャンターを長くすることが出来ましたので、より楽しかったです。二人のインストラクターも親切で、丁寧に対応してくれました。
次回も是非、参加しようと思っています。
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/10/16 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
This is a must for anyone visiting the islands. My wife and I agreed this was by far the best thing we did while we were there. The guides were very knowledgeable and helpful. The trip itself was a blast! The sharks were so cool to look at. Seeing them in person is just beyond words!!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/09/29 |
Reviewed by: craig + christina
There isn't a whole lot of words that can really express the experience of looking face to face with a bautiful shark.. except AMAZING!! the whole activity from begining to end was great, the staff knew what they were talking about and eventhough we were to dumbfounded to really talk a whole lot they covered all our questions...we would recommend this activity to anyone.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/09/22 |
Reviewed by: Rickster
I took the biking tour through North Shore. Justin was a very good guide and showed us the ins and outs of the North Shore community. Justin showed me the best routes to take with my mountain bike. The tour was right on time and he was very friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend this tour as it is a great value. It was a nice touch that water and snacks were provided on board.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2008/09/02 |
Reviewed by: hide
I participated this time with three children aged 7, 5, and 3. I searched for various options to let the kids try horseback riding, but most places required participants to be over 10 years old. However, I found one that offered "Keiki (children) horseback riding" and decided to join.
At first, I thought they would be riding small ponies, but in reality, they rode regular horses. The three of them had some experience with ponies, but this was their first time on regular horses.
Two staff members from the ranch accompanied us with three horses, holding the reins as we enjoyed horseback riding for over 30 minutes across the vast ranch.
We didn't just go around in circles; we also climbed up a hill to see other horses in the pasture and even spotted a newborn foal, making for a fun time.
The kids seemed to have a great time and expressed their desire to ride again.
I understand that regular horseback riding tours are for ages 7 and up, so I would like to participate in a tour again in a few years.
Although Japanese is not spoken, I think participating itself is not an issue.
今回7才5才3才の3人の子供連れで参加しました。
子供たちに乗馬をさせてやりたいと色々と探しましたが、だいたいのところは10歳以上という中で唯一「ケイキ(子供)乗馬」というのを見つけて、参加しました。
最初はポニーのような小さい馬かなと思っていましたが、実際は普通の馬で、3人ともポニーは何度か経験がありましたが、普通の馬は初めてでした。
3頭の馬に牧場のスタッフが二人付いてくれて、手綱をもって広大な牧場を30分以上にわたって乗馬を楽しみました。
サークルの中をグルグル回るだけでなく、けっこう岡の上まで上って他の馬の放牧場を見たり生まれたばかりの子馬を見たりと楽しい時間でした。
子供たちもまた乗馬をしたいと、大変楽しかったようです。
普通の乗馬ツアーは7歳以上とのことでしたので、また数年後にツアーに参加したいと思います。
日本語は通じませんが、参加自体は問題ないと思います。
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2008/09/01 |
Reviewed by: Aaron
this is definitely the activity for you. The staff aboard the boat are very friendly and knowledgeable (thanks Jeremy and Phillip!), and there WILL be sharks. I've actually been on a dive with sharks without a cage, so this wasn't as breathtaking for me, but if you've never seen sharks in the wild, I highly recommend this activitiy.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/08/13 |
Reviewed by: michiru
I participated in the advanced course at Gunstock Ranch with my sister. If you're coming from Waikiki, I think it's easy to aim for the Polynesian Cultural Center as a landmark.
We were asked how much experience we had riding horses, and after doing some trotting in the circle, we set off. After walking along the mountain path, we suddenly broke into a canter through the woods. When the lead horse, Sara, started running, my horse quickly followed suit, and my sister's horse behind me joined in as well.
We ran quite a bit. It was my first time cantering in Western style, and I was a bit worried, but it turned out to be quite easy even with the long stirrups. It felt really good.
While observing the condition of the trail, we then trotted up and down the hills. At the top, Sara picked some guava fruit for us and took some pictures. The descent offered beautiful scenery, so we leisurely walked.
The weather was great, and it was a very fulfilling hour. If I have the chance, I would love to visit Gunstock Ranch again.
ガンストック牧場上級者コースに妹と参加してきました。
ワイキキから行く場合、とりあえずポリネシアカルチャーセンターを目指して行くとわかりやすいと思います。
どれくらい馬に乗っているかを尋ねられ、サークル内で速歩などをして、いざ出発。
山道をてくてく進んだ後、木立の中をいきなり駈歩です。
先頭のサラが走ると、私の馬もすぐに駈歩。私の後ろの妹の馬も一緒に走ります。
結構走りました。ウエスタンの駈歩は初めてで、少し心配しましたが、長い鐙でも走りやすいものなんですね。すごく気持ちよかったです。
道の状態を見ながら、後は速歩で坂道を上ったり下ったり。
頂上では、サラがグアバの実を取ってくれて、写真も撮ってくれました。
下りは景色がいいので、のんびり常歩です。
お天気も良く、とても充実した1時間でした。また機会があれば、もう一度ガンストック牧場を訪れたいです。
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2008/07/09 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
Unforgettable. Amazing. Incredible. Awesome. Those are just a few! This was truly an adventure of a lifetime. Enjoyed every second on that boat.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/07/09 |
Reviewed by: Jardie
This was a brilliant trip and definitely one of the highlights of my holiday. To be just inches away from a 12ft Tiger Shark is a remarkable experience. Also got some brilliant pictures with my underwater camera. Loads of big sharks, crystal clear waters, friendly and knowledgable staff - a real must-do!
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2008/06/16 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
The description of the Falls "hike" should be reworded to "casual stroll". All the interesting parts that might be qualified as hikes were barred as off limits for falling rock or just closed off. Also, the change in elevation was laughable. It was more like going to a park.
The waterfall actually had water, but not enough water yet for swimming, which was teh main point of it. That part was very underwhelming.
The snorkeling on teh beach was great. Amazing area and great knowledgeable staff/tour guides. highly recommend that part.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2008/06/16 |
Reviewed by: Marcy
What a great experience our dive was. Thank you, for making my first trip to Hawaii and my first dive with sharks the best. I enjoyed every part of this encounter from the staff to the sharks. We would love to do it again someday. Aloha...
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2008/06/15 |
Reviewed by: Yulia
You have a list called "10 things to do before I die" and you've just marked one thing as 'done' - this is what this tour feels like. Do it, and you won't regret. Just don't forget a pill of Bonine and waterproof camera with a long strap that you can put around your neck. If your camera is not waterproof, take it anyway, because you can take great pictures even from the boat.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2008/05/27 |
Reviewed by: Rodgers Family
So glad we did it!!
Kids loved it. Thrilling.
Captain Rich & Cory were very informative & friendly!
What a trip!
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2008/05/26 |
Reviewed by: Shannon
a fantastic experience! i really recommend this activity u cant explain the feeling u get when ur underwater and face to face with a shark! heaps more sharks around than i expected and they captivate u for every second you're there! amazing!!!
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2008/05/25 |
Reviewed by: Sandra Nilsson
Very very nice! The sharks were much bigger than I thought! Professional and fun people having the tour
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/05/24 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
I really enjoyed this trip, we didn't rent a car in Oahu and this was a great way to see the North Shore. We learned a great deal of Hawaiian history on the way up. And the town and Waimeia Beach are incredible. We snorkeled and swam in the waterfall at waimeia (?), it was a cool day but the water was temperate and so fresh - if you go to the waterfall swim in the lake surrounding it - its really wonderful. Bonzai Pipeline had no waves though so I'll have to go back in the winter.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/05/16 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
Gave us a chance to spend more time at the North Shore (we stayed at Waikiki).
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/05/12 |
Reviewed by: Amy
This was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. I was kind of nervous but the staff makes you feel at ease. There were so many sharks and you get at least a half hour in the tank. It's a nice view from the boat when the other group is in the cage. Sharks are amazing and beautiful creatures. Make sure you take some Gravol before you go. I got very seasick and I usually don't ever get sick. I will definately be doing this activity again when I come to Hawaii.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2008/05/03 |
Reviewed by: Nancy
This was definately the highlight of our vacation. The thrill of being so close to the sharks is an awesome experience. Would highly recommend this adventure to everyone!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/05/02 |
Reviewed by: JRM from Pa.
My wife and I loved the shark encounter! Exhilarating but not dangerous. The staff was knowledgeable and good spirited. We are in our mid 50's - have done lots of stuff and this was truly unique. Besides loads of sharks we also saw a couple whales. Recommend you bring a water proof camera [taking digital videos and pulling frames for desired stills works best], go early because the water is usually calmer, and go on an empty stomach. The time in the cage went too fast me!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/05/01 |
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