Kaimana Ocean Safari: A Tailored, Intimate Wildlife Experience Along The Kona Coastline
4.9
198 Ratings
Kailua-Kona
Embark on a tailored and intimate wildlife experience along the Kona coastline with Kaimana Ocean Safari. Discover diverse marine life and create lifelong memories on our small-group tours.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- 74 Kealakehe Pkwy - The adventure begins the moment you set foot on our vessel! Our tours are set up safari style which means from the start of the tour we are going to be scanning the gorgeous and dramatic coastline of Kona for any type of wildlife to observe and interact with. With the rapid and deep drop off of the sea floor along the coast, we have the potential to see shallow water animals as well as pelagic (deep, open ocean) marine life. While nature is unpredictable and we cannot guarantee any specific interactions or observations, we have the potential to see sea turtles, various fish species, dolphin and whale species, sharks, and manta rays. We’ll have four hours on the water to provide you with the best experience imaginable. Please note we go into deep water for open ocean wildlife on nearly every tour & the search for pelagic life can take some time. Please note you should be able to swim, have a degree of athleticism, & climb up a ladder to participate in the water. This may not be the tour for beginners or some children. *Please review our cancelation policy & if you are joining from a cruise ship you need to confirm with them 24 hours prior they will let you off of the ship.
What's Included
- Snacks
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Bottled water
What's Not Included
- Towels, rash guards, sun protection are not included. Please bring reef safe sunscreen (zinc only).
Additional Information
Join us at Kaimana Ocean Safari for a curated oceanic adventure with our trained ocean ecologists, boat operators, and marine photographers. You’ll explore the vibrant Kona coastline and interact with a variety of marine species. With a maximum capacity of 6 guests, our tours far outdo the impersonal experience offered by larger tourist vessels. Our excursions operate on a ‘safari’ model, covering expansive portions of the coastline on our vessel in pursuit of diverse marine life. The thrill of the chase is part of the adventure we offer, letting nature dictate the course of your journey. Embark on an unforgettable expedition with us and create memories that will last a lifetime! Please check out our Instagram pages to get a glimpse of the possible sights. A kind reminder, we do not assure sightings or offer refunds in the event of no sightings. We strive to explore as much as we can as marine life is unpredictable in nature.
- We have a 4ft height limit for children
- We have an in-water weight limit of 300 lbs- must be able to climb ladder
Location
74 Kealakehe Pkwy
Kealakehe Parkway
Tours meet at Honokohau Harbor north side bathrooms 15 minutes prior to departure. Enter Kealakehe Parkway from Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy, Make your first right & turn left after the gas station on your left. Park at the bathroom pavilion & meet staff.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(198 Ratings)
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Fraserkelly
Apr 1, 2024
Incredible day. - Stop scrolling and book your excursion with this highly professional, family-owned and operated company.
With your safety and respect for the ocean (and its inhabitants) at the forefront, this knowledgeable team will get you and your group out to all of the amazing spots on the Kona coast.
We had an amazing crew help us get the most out of our day. Capt Cam was able to locate a pod of Pilot Whales and we were fortunate to have a once in a lifetime experience in the water with these beautiful and thoughtful animals. Always wary of “fast movers”, our crew kept a lookout and ensured our safety at every stop along the way. We will not take our good fortune for granted.
Give this company a follow on social media, along with @mermaid.Kayleigh on IG.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
681allic
Apr 1, 2024
Great day with friends out in the blue - We had a fantastic day on the boat with Kayleigh as our guide! Our Captain Shelley was super fun and knowledgeable. We were unfortunate enough to have Pilot Whales, Oceanic White Tips and a hammerhead! They pulled a rabbit out of the hat for us today on Easter! Definitely recommend:)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lenag704
Mar 30, 2024
A wonderful experience. - I had a wonderful time out on the water with Kaimana Ocean Safari. We swam with pilot whales and manta rays. We also saw dolphins and an abandoned net that was a home for hundreds of small fish. The captain called in the coordinates so the net can be removed.
The whole crew was great, knowledgeable, friendly and safety conscious. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fjmcnally
Mar 23, 2024
Rough-toothed dolphin and oceanic white tips - We had an amazing trip. We got in the water to see a pair of rough-toothed dolphin and there were two oceanic white tip sharks with the two dolphin. The white tips were very curious but our two guides in the water were very good at keeping their fins between us and the sharks. The captain found the two dolphin again and dropped us perfectly ahead of them so they came out of the blue and swam right under us, looking up at us as they passed. And of course, one of the white tips had followed us and we enjoyed her trying to say hello. The captain and crew were great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bryanhg9387ty
Mar 8, 2024
Intimate experience on the water - We actually signed up for the whale watch but it turned into a safari. That’s great thing about being with people who care, love, and are passionate about making the time on the ocean with them the best time you can have. We learned so much about whales. Then we learned about the dolphins. We watched as they played with the boat as we searched for more whales. I took some of my best shot on the water with their help they are not the biggest. They take the time to show you so much more than some of the big companies. Who pass by the beauty just to get to another spot. This is not that type of company. Spend time with them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zj60
Feb 29, 2024
Once in a lifetime experience in every way. - Thank you for the most beautiful and amazing morning experiencing a massive variety of marine life. Honestly, a once in a lifetime experience. The team are so knowledgeable and inspiring, the humpback whales were particularly incredible.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Martsih
Feb 26, 2024
Best Custom Snorkeling and Whale Watching Tour (appropriately called an Ocean Safari) - Can't recommend this experience high enough! Best combination of whale watching and snorkeling possible! Amazing value for what you get - small boat (seriously 6 people max and 3 guides/boat captain) on a smaller but powerful and super comfortable boat where you can ride comfortably in the front watching for sea life with great dry storage too. The team clearly all love what they do and are amazing hosts on the water showing you all the best sights including baby sharks, dolphins, whales, and manta rays. As a family of three we had an amazing 4 hours full of excitement, wonder, and fun. I will be recommending this adventure to my close friends and family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mailel2022
Feb 26, 2024
Amazing tour! - Would suggest Kaimana tours to anyone! Small group sizes, knowledgeable guides, drinks and snacks, great gear, and had great communication!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sandra_c
Feb 11, 2024
Outstanding !!!! - had the most epic time!! Saw Manta Rays, and were able to snorkel along side endangered False Killer Whales. The crew were absolutely amazing and made sure the trip was everything we had hoped it would be.
Review provided by Viator
620caseyc
Feb 6, 2024
Amazing - A truly amazing experience. This is so nice because it’s just a small group of people and they really know where to go to find some amazing animals. Highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
