What
do I need to bring and what are the rates? We
provide ice-cold drinks, snacks, along with continental breakfast
on morning charters and dinner on sunset/evening charters. You can
bring anything else, if you like (a bottle of wine is nice for sunsets!),
and throw it in the cooler. Be fully prepared to guard against sunburn,
the sun in the tropics is very intense. There is shade on the boat,
but much of it is unprotected .Sunglasses (polarized will give you
the optimal experience), hats, towels and cover-ups are needed, even in
the shade. It is usually best to put SPF 30+ sunscreen on before
you leave your hotel room, and again while on your adventure. No spray-on sunscreens please! They over-spray all over the boat becoming a safety hazard, or land on others who may not be appreciative!
We
supply snorkel gear, but we do have a limited supply of fins. Its fine to bring your own equipment if you have, ensuring
you a good fit. If you would like to rent equipment while on the
islands, we suggest AquaZone - Scuba
Diving and Water sports Center 808-923-343 Outrigger Reef Hotel,
bottom floor or Waikiki Beach Marriott Shops.
If bringing your own, pack your mask between your clothes so the lens won’t take a beating by the airline's luggage handlers. If you are bringing fins, pack them near the outside of your bag. Fins are tough and will help protect the more delicate things in the center.
Sailboats
are known for their smooth "cut-through-the water" rides.
But if there is any possibility for sea-sickness, you may want to
start popping ginger pills about a week before the charter date,
and/or use sea-bands. Sea bands are elastic wrist bands that work
by acupressure, usually available where you would find other motion
sickness remedies. They take about 45 minutes to work so put them
on ahead of time...
For those who are prone to sea-sickness, always stay out on the
deck, looking at the horizon. Avoid going below deck. Here is an excellent article with lots of alternative suggestions tto combat or prevent sea sickness.
Black
soles make major scuff marks on boat decks :-( But barefeet are
fine!
See Rates page for our prices, and please be aware that on top of the quoted price is State tax and harbor fees, and a $5 fuel surcharge per person.
Where
are you located and how do we get there? We
have a printable map page
that also contains reminders of what to bring and the boat's (unlisted!)
telephone number.
I've
been looking into the transportation thing (buses, taxis, etc.)
and it seems the overall best bet (time and cost) to get yourselves
here is to rent a car. Check discount rates and reservations for
rental cars here. Here's an invaluable
review on why you should always rent a car while on
Oahu, along with other great information on things to do on your
own.
The
bus trip costs only $2 (adults) each way, but may double your time
to get to us (figure 2+ hours at dark thirty in the morning with
the air conditioning frosting the windows). The ride home is much
more pleasant. You may want to take a taxi and ride the bus back
(or be real sweet to other passengers with cars!). If you are interested
in the Bus mode of transport, you can get detailed information by
calling the City Bus Information Dept. at (808) 848-5555, daily,
5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time, or sending an email
to custserv@thebus.org
Taxi's range anywhere from $60 to $110 each way.
What
time do we leave and what is the approximate return time?
Half
days are 3+ hours (however long it takes) and we leave the harbor at 8am with a 7:30 check-in. Sunset charters
leave about one hour before sunset. We have a very short twilight
time here in the tropics! Due to the nature of our tours (optimal time based on the
behaviors of the animals), and courtesy to other guests, it is very
important that you are on time .
What
if something comes up and we can't make it, and are there other
policies I should be aware of?
Our Terms and Agreements in full Cancellations
can be made up to 10 days ahead of time with no charge. If we cancel
due to weather, safety precautions or any other reason, there is
no charge. Cancellations made within the 10 day period before departure
and "no shows" will be held responsible for the full price.
If we cancel, we will either reschedule or you will be refunded in full. Our first concern is for passenger and vessel safety. Our decisions to go out, cancel, put people in the water (or not), or return to the dock are all carefully considered on an ongoing basis for each and every charter. We will always make our decisions based on "safety first", and then what is in the best interest of our guests and the marine life.There are occasional instances when the ocean seems okay at the start of the day and then worsens while on the water. If we return to the dock early, a fair compensation will be provided, or we may opt to travel to a area where conditions are better.
Any requests to be changed from
a confirmed date will be subject to a 15% fee of your total rate.
What is the weather like there and what should I wear? The weather is usually moderate year-round, typically ranging from the low 70s to upper 80s. Evenings can be cool and breezy, so you may want to bring a sweater or windbreaker. Summer-type clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts, casual pants and sundresses or sarongs are appropriate almost everywhere in Hawaii.
A hat and polarized sunglasses are also a good idea to protect your face from the sun. And, of course, bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and cameras! No spray-on sunscreen onboard please, overspray can create a safety hazard.
This would be our last day on the island, where can we store our luggage? You can ask for a late check-out, or if your hotel will let you store it there. Otherwise, Honolulu Baggage Storage stores luggage from a few hours to
several weeks, they pick up and deliver in Waikiki, the Honolulu Airport,
the Honolulu Harbor or you can drop off and pick up
your luggage from thier warehouse near the Honolulu
Airport. 808-447-9096.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
~ Bananas
are considered bad luck on boats all over the world. Please leave
them at home! Although
not in any way necessary, if you have a good day on the water, tipping
of the crew is appropriate. (10% to 15% is standard)
Dolphin
and Whale photos
Dolphin
Encounters l Whale Watching l Turtle Encounters l Night Sail Boat Tours l Hawaii Snorkeling l
Rates, Prices l Online
Booking l Whale and Dolphin Hawaii
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