Reviewed by: Scuba Steve Sr.
I've been on many catamaran snorkel trips on different Hawaiian islands over the years, this one was just OK compared to the others. The things that brought the experience down a bit for my family were the number of people on the boat, it was very crowded, the way food was handled (you're paying handsomely for some chips and a pretty bland sandwich -- they ask you what you want when you sign up for the boat but on the boat it's a free-for-all, so you might end up with something you didn't want or pay for), and lastly (and again) the number of people on the boat. The first 15 minutes of snorkeling was just spent trying to get away from everyone else so you didn't get kicked in the face or torpedoed by some mid-westerner trying to play aquaman by diving under the water and surfacing right into your abdomen. So yeah, it was OK -- wouldn't do it again for the price though.
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Packages: | Snorkel Sail |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2024/08/10 |
Activity Date: | 2024/07/18 |
Reviewed by: molly
Loved everything about this group from the easy registration, the friendliness and professionalism of the crew and captain and you can't beat the location
Thanks for everything
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Packages: | Kohala Snorkel Adventure Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor [Apr 15 - Dec 14] |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2024/07/22 |
Activity Date: | 2024/07/19 |
Reviewed by: Girls trip
It was great experience. We have don’t this tour many times. Saw lots of whales. Crew was friendly and helpful and informative. It was fun and enjoyed every minute.
Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Whale Watch Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, your interactions with our crew, and most importantly, got to see a lot of Humpbacks!
We know there are a lot of activity providers to choose from when you're on the Big Island and we're honored you chose to join us aboard.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou
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Packages: | Snorkel & Whale Watch Cruise from Anaeho’omalu Bay [Dec 16 - Mar 31] |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2024/03/05 |
Activity Date: | 2024/03/03 |
Reviewed by: Leilani Fox
My family and I (two kids 11 and 8 plus my spouse) had a blast on the Spirit of Aloha Kohala Coast Snorkel Tour with Lunch & Drinks - Hawaii Nautical / Snorkel Sail. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer! Our captain was entertaining, the crew knowledgeable, and the facilities were clean. Equipment was sufficient and the waters were clear and calm. I highly recommend!
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Packages: | Snorkel Sail |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/08/21 |
Activity Date: | 2023/08/15 |
Reviewed by: Jane
It was a beautiful day and the crew was friendly and funny. Gear was provided and they had snacks available before lunch. The guava juice was especially delicious.
The swim itself was fantastic. There were so many colorful fish and one of the crew showed us a starfish. We enjoyed the adventure so much that snorkeling is officially our new favorite hobby.
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Packages: | Snorkel Sail |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/07/07 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/30 |
Reviewed by: Caitlin
This was by far the best excursion we did on our trip. The crew was so accommodating and put this adventure over the top. This was my first time snorkeling and they were able to provide excellent training as well as guidance throughout the swim. They dove down to bring up starfish, sea cucumbers, & other creatures for us to check out. We were served lunch and delicious drinks after spending time in the water. The boat was clean, & we had a comfortable ride to and from the snorkeling location. This is a trip you can’t miss!
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Packages: | Snorkel Sail |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/05/16 |
Activity Date: | 2022/05/14 |
Reviewed by: Grandma Tess
Despite a windy day, Captain Cindy was able to find a great place to snorkel. The briefing provided by the captain described the best ways to snorkel. I learned something new! I felt safe as the crew had a member who went on a surfboard to watch over the participants.
I can’t believe the hospitality of the crew— serving drinks, food and snacks with ease.
This was one of the highlights of our trip.
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Packages: | Snorkel Sail |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/12/22 |
Activity Date: | 2021/12/20 |
Reviewed by: Gina and Zachary
The day on the Spirit of Aloha was amazing! Doug, the captain was great! He is fun and funny, and he made us feel safe the entire time. Faith and Cole are two of the crew that work on the boat! What great people! We saw a turtle, eel, and spinner dolphins who swam alongside the boat! I definitely recommend this trip for anyone wanting to have a great day!
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Packages: | Snorkel Sail |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/11 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/09 |
Reviewed by: Tiffany
Fabulous snorkel trip and sailing. Fantastic staff made it really special.
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Packages: | Kohala Snorkel Adventure Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor [Apr 15 - Dec 14] |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2021/04/21 |
Activity Date: | 2021/04/19 |
Reviewed by: Christina
This was THE COOLEST snorkel excursion. First they picked us up from our hotel, RAD. They have a marine biologist on board that taught us a lot about the creatures we'd be seeing and the ecosystem which was fascinating. The area they took us to was a gorgeous reef and we saw some amazing fish and sea creatures. The marine biologist was even diving for starfish that he showed everyone and let us pet while we were in the water. We got a good hour and a half of snorkeling and then it was time for a tasty sandwich bar lunch. On the way back was, yes what you've all been waiting for, an OPEN BAR. Those were the best drinks I got on the island. It was awesome, big shout out to the amazing crew.
Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Snorkel and Watch Watch Adventure Cruise for the Veltra Community (and us). We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the cruise and the service provided by the crew, the snorkeling, and our on-board menu. Thanks for sharing the photos too...so beautiful!
As a locally owned and operated company on the Big Island, we rely heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations, and we're honored by yours.
We look forward to sharing more adventures with you next time you're in our neighborhood!
Mahalo
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/04/11 |
Reviewed by: shawn1677
Two years later and I am still thinking about how much fun we had snorkeling and sailing. Some of the best memories we have from our time on the Big Island. We'll be back as soon as possible!
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Packages: | [2018] Sailing Catamaran from Waikoloa (3.5 hours) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2015/07/06 |
Activity Date: | 2013/07/22 |
Reviewed by: DJS
This is an amazing snorkeling adventure. The staff is very knowledgeable - very attentive - and everyone of them went out of their way to make this a memorable (and safe) experience for us. One of the guides brought up sea urchins and starfish for everyone to enjoy! Highly recommend!
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Packages: | [2018] Sailing Catamaran from Waikoloa (3.5 hours) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2015/05/28 |
Activity Date: | 2015/05/25 |
Reviewed by: Emma
Fabulous time, saw young humpbacks repeat breeches very close to the boat. Best part was when the sails were up. Well worth it.
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Packages: | [2018] Sailing Catamaran from Waikoloa (3.5 hours) |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2015/03/19 |
Activity Date: | 2015/03/16 |
Reviewed by: Bea
This is a great day for an experienced snorkler and, at the same time, individuals less confident in the water. An abundence of sea life, including a manta, a great beach and beautiful vista were all part of the experience. Followed by a smooth but good sail home, it was enough but not too much for a first morning after a late arrival. Food good, crew great and helpful, equipment good and boat comfortable - great for the activity type and well maintained. All in all, a very good experience.
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Packages: | [2018] Sailing Catamaran from Waikoloa (3.5 hours) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/10/05 |
Activity Date: | 2013/09/21 |
Reviewed by: Helt Family
When we go to tropical destinations we make a point of booking a snorkel sail sometime during our vacation.
We have gone on a number of them in the Caribbean and Hawaii and have really enjoyed them all.
Our all time favorite was the Holo Holo charter on Kauai that took us over to Napali.
My wife and I, as well as our 3 boys, really like getting out on the ocean in a smooth running catamarran.
The Black Sand Snorkel sail was a blast. We really enjoyed the Sea Smoke and the awesome crew. Kane was very friendly and knowledgeable, and Captain Pat was great as well.
One of the main reasons I booked this particular snorkel sail was that it was close to our condo villiage in the Waikoloa Beach Resort. I think it may have been the only one available in that area since most of the others were out of the Kona area.
The only things I would not comment positively on were the fact that the breakfast offering was not good. All they served were some sliced oranges. Other sails I have been on ha
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Paul
Excellent. To start, we went out on the Sea Smoke, little did we know, this was owned by James Arness (Gun Smoke TV show) and he raced this from LA to Hawaii and beat the pack by 2-days… So we were sailing on a piece of history.
Crew was awesome and extremely hospitable. Equipment was very good; food and beverages were high quality and fresh.
We arrived at the dive spot and it was amazing, sea turtles to say the least. The black sand beach was amazing and really different than the typical white sugar sand that most beaches are made of.
I would recommend this to all skill levels and all ages.
On the way back they sent up the sails and turned the engine off, we enjoyed the speed and stability that 60’ catamarans are famous for.
If you have a chance, don't miss this opportunity to view the Big Island and its beautiful coastline from the ocean… Well worth the 4-hour snorkel adventure and very convenient to find as this is anchored at the Waikoloa Marriot.
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Gary
The Snorkel Cruise was one of our top two activities. We very much enjoyed the cruise out to the Black Sand Beach. We saw some whales along the route. We enjoyed the snorkeling even more. This was our first ocean snorkeling cruise experience. We had snorkeled a little bit over the years but no where with as much color and marine life. Highly recommended whether you have snorkeled or not. The staff is very helpful and seem to enjoy their job. (if you can call that a job). Makes it a great experience. Very convenient launch from the Waikoloa Marriot. Very nice for us because that is where we stayed. Others were shuttled there and I am sure that was no problem either. Nice activity. Would do again.
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Louise Huckabay
It was my first time to snorkel and I was a little nervous but the staff helped me and my experience was amazing. They went to great lengths to see that my experience was a good one.
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
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Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Snorkel Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the experience and your interactions with our crew. We know there are a lot of activity providers to choose from when you're on the Big Island and we're honored you chose to join us aboard!
Mahalo and A Hui Hou