Question 1

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We are on the Big Island of Hawaii so please do not confuse that with being on Oahu. It is important that you know where you’re going for your tour. Your confirmation email will have full step by step directions to the meeting place.

Question 2

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Please arrive at least **15 minutes** early and allow time for traffic when driving to the harbor. We do not have restrooms on the vessel, so please come early to use the restroom at the harbor. We have a very strict 48-hour cancellation policy and we do not issue any refunds for no shows, late arrivals, cancellations for any reason within 48 hours of your scheduled tour. If the tour is canceled prior to departure due to weather conditions Kaimana Ocean Safari will issue a full refund. If the tour is canceled during the tour we will issue a partial refund. We run tours back to back so you must be on time for the tour. If you are late for your tour, we’ll give you a 10-15 minute window for traffic etc. Any later than that, we’ll have to depart from the dock if we have other guests onboard. If your tour is private, any late time comes out of your tour time on the water.If you need to reschedule your tour for any reason please speak to our staff to cancel or reschedule 48 hours in advance before your scheduled tour. *We are here to help to meet the needs of your travel, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns and our staff will accommodate you in the best way possible.* Here at Kaimana Ocean Safari, we understand time is valuable during travel, so we’ll do our best to find a solution in scheduling.

Question 3

Is there a minimum for a tour to run?

Accepted Answer

We need four full paying guests to run a tour. If the day hasn’t filled you will have the option to buy the additional seats to make the boat run! If that doesn’t work for you we will work hard to find a similar tour to ours with another company we trust to take you out. If none of those options work, you’ll get a full refund.

Question 4

Will we snorkel on the Ocean Safari?

Accepted Answer

Yes! All of our tours include snorkeling, however, we cannot alway guarantee in water viewing of wildlife. Depending on the species and their behavior, we may decide it’s not the best time for in water activity with wildlife nearby. This may be for your safety or the safety of the animals. We care just as much about the animals well-being as we do yours. Please respect that we are on the water here every day and know the animals very well so trust our judgement. Your snorkeling abilities are also a determining factor so please practice beforehand if you haven’t done it before and want the opportunity to see wildlife in the water.

Question 5

Can you guarantee any specific sightings on the Ocean Safari?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we cannot promise that you can see any specific wildlife. Every day on the ocean is different & the animals are constantly moving around. We do our best to follow recent trends in our area to find you the best possible sightings, however, it is truly up to the ocean of what we can see that day. The search is part of the fun so please come with an open mind and heart. Just being on the ocean, snorkeling in the beautiful Hawaiian waters, and seeing the dramatic coastline is enough to be in awe! If you didn’t see what you wanted to see that day, understand that is no fault of the crew or the company and don’t penalize them by leaving a bad review.

Question 6

What is the difference between the Ocean Safari & Kealakekua Bay tours?

Accepted Answer

The Ocean Safari is a tour that is 4 hours & focused on finding wildlife & the Kealakekua Bay tour is 3 hours & to one beautiful reef location. Both tours do include snorkeling but the Ocean Safari’s goal is to find wildlife.

Question 7

Do you take pictures during the tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our two package options are:
Professional photo package: We offer a professional underwater photo package to capture your adventure of 25-50 photos taken on a DSLR camera in an underwater housing to be post processed & edited by our highly qualified photographers! This is at an extremely affordable rate of $100 per group! You will also receive the GoPro footage of the tour included in that taken on our GoPro hero 10! Adding on this package allows you to stay in the moment and let the photographers worry about capturing your experience! To purchase, just select this option at checkout. You can also add this on while on your tour. Please note that photos take up to a week to process & will be sent via email.
GoPro package: Allow our safety divers to capture your day via the GoPro hero 10 for only $25 extra per group! All footage taken will be video footage on the newest GoPro on the market. To purchase, just select this option at checkout. You can also add this on while on your tour. Please note the footage will be sent via email within 24-48 hours of your tour.

Question 8

I get seasick, is this a good tour for me?

Accepted Answer

We have found an amazing non-drowsy motion sickness solution linked here:
https://amzn.to/3PBHX15
Please consult your doctor before taking any medication. There is always a risk of getting sea sick on a boat but taking motion sickness medications starting the night before & again the morning of can often alleviate symptoms.

Question 9

What are the requirements for the tour?

Accepted Answer

MUST be over 4 feet tall, MUST be under 280lbs, MUST NOT have any neck or back injuries, MUST NOT have any pre-existing heart issues, MUST NOT have had any major surgery in the past 6 months, MUST be able to climb vertical ladder (for snorkeling tours), There is inherent risk when being on a boat & snorkeling.

Question 10

Do I need to be able to swim?

Accepted Answer

Yes! For your safety and the safety of our crew we ask you be able to swim when coming on any of our tours. If you can’t swim but want to watch from the boat that is a great option! You can often see a lot from the boat.

Question 11

What gear do you provide?

Accepted Answer

We provide masks, fins, and snorkels but do not provide wetsuits.

Question 12

Can children join the tour?

Accepted Answer

We love teaching the next generation about the ocean! However, we do require a height limit of 4ft to ensure the safety of your ohana. Being on a boat has inherent risk and seas can become rough which is why we have the requirements.

Question 13

Why do you have a weight limit?

Accepted Answer

We have a weight limit of 250 lbs to ensure the safety of our crew & our guests. If there were to be an emergency in the water, the staff on the boat needs to be able to pull the person out of the water back onto the boat.

Question 14

Do you offer military, kama'aina, senior, or kids discounts?

Accepted Answer

We offer a military and kama’aina discount. Please text 808-990-0013 proof of residency or active military and we will provide you with a promo code.

Question 15

Is everyone welcome on your boat?

Accepted Answer

While we do have some requirements for safety, our business welcomes and celebrates diversity, including LGBTQ+ individuals & all races & ethnicities.

Question 16

Do you offer scuba diving?

Accepted Answer

No, our tours are snorkeling only.

Question 17

What sunscreen should I buy?

Accepted Answer

We only allow reef-safe sunscreen on our tour which means only zinc or titanium under the active ingredients. Here are a link to some we recommend:
https://amzn.to/387ehIe
https://amzn.to/3NxJJyD
The health of our reefs are of upmost importance to us and we will not allow any chemical sunscreen to be used. We often have some on the boat for your use.

Question 18

How many guests can your boat hold?

Accepted Answer

We can accommodate up to 6 passengers at a time. This number cannot be altered as it is a Coast Guard regulation. Smaller groups are amazing for animal interactions and meeting new friends! Skip the huge boats with crowds and join us in an intimate setting where you’ll get to know everyone onboard and enjoy more time in the water with no waiting.

Question 19

Is Kealakekua Bay where the captain cook monument is?

Accepted Answer

Yes! This is one of the top rated snorkeling spots in the entire state! On our tour we will focus more on educating you about the Hawaiian history of the beautiful area as it is first Hawaiian land.

Frequently asked questions

Where are you located?

What is the cancellation policy?

Is there a minimum for a tour to run?

Will we snorkel on the Ocean Safari?

Can you guarantee any specific sightings on the Ocean Safari?

What is the difference between the Ocean Safari & Kealakekua Bay tours?

Do you take pictures during the tour?

I get seasick, is this a good tour for me?

What are the requirements for the tour?

Do I need to be able to swim?

What gear do you provide?

Can children join the tour?

Why do you have a weight limit?

Do you offer military, kama'aina, senior, or kids discounts?

Is everyone welcome on your boat?

Do you offer scuba diving?

What sunscreen should I buy?

How many guests can your boat hold?

Is Kealakekua Bay where the captain cook monument is?

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KAIMANA OCEAN SAFARI

+1 (808) 990-0013

74-425 Kealakehe Parkway Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Tours

OCEAN SAFARI

KEALAKEKUA BAY ADVENTURE

KAIMANA CRAFTED SUNSET CRUISE