Private Kaneohe Bay Sandbar Snorkel Cruise & Catamaran Charter - Captain Bruce

Get ready for an Oahu private cruise with Captain Bruce and explore the beauty of Kaneohe Bay on your own exclusive boat rental to the famed sandbar. Perfect for up to 30 guests, this charter is an ideal choice for family reunions, birthday parties, celebrations, or simply enjoying a day at one of Oahu's top destinations. Departing from Heeia Kea Boat Harbor, your stable power catamaran offers ample seating and shade as you glide across the calm waters to the famous Kaneohe Bay Sandbar. Capture stunning photos with the majestic Ko’olau Mountains as your backdrop, snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles on a guided tour of the turtle reef, paddle across the sandbar on a stand-up paddleboard, or relax in the clear, shallow waters.

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

With extensive experience and all of the necessary permits for the Kaneohe Bay sandbar, the local experts at Captain Bruce will take you on a a fun-filled and safe journey to this ocean paradise. Enjoy a guided snorkeling adventure alongside tropical fish and sea turtles, and soak up the beauty of paradise on a family-friendly ocean escape.

Choose from two convenient departure times, in the morning or afternoon, allowing you to tailor your adventure to fit your vacation schedule so you will be sure to find a time that works whether you are an early bird or prefer a leisurely start to the day.

Your ocean adventure at the Oahu sandbar comes with the added benefit of roundtrip transportation from Waikiki and Ko Olina available for a nominal fee. This ensures that getting to Captain Bruce’s is as easy and stress-free as possible.

For added convenience, the Kaneohe Bay sandbar tour is BYOB, giving you the freedom to bring along your favorite snacks and drinks. Create your own picnic paradise on the sandbar, and enjoy the flexibility to indulge in your personal favorites while basking in the sun.

Choosing a private charter to go to the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar means exclusive access and a fully personalized experience. Accommodating up to 30 guests, this private cruise and boat rental is perfect for family reunions, birthday celebrations, or simply spending quality time with loved ones. Customize your day to suit your group’s preferences, ensuring unforgettable memories in one of Oahu's most stunning destinations.

How does it work?

Depart from Heeia Kea Harbor on Oahu's east coast to the Sandbar in Kaneohe Bay. After a brief 10 to 15 minute cruise, you will be greeted by the sight of shallow waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs, setting the stage for a day of adventure at Captain Bruce's exclusive activity point.

As you anchor at the sandbar, Captain Bruce's tour begins where you can stand in the water, allowing guests to ease into snorkeling adventures in the shallows before venturing deeper. The expert crew will also ensure snorkel gear is properly worn, so that you can safely explore the underwater world filled with tropical fish and sea turtles. Guests can even enjoy complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and floatation devices, or simply relax on the boat to soak up the sun.

After approximately two hours at the sandbar, it will be time to pack up your things, and head back to the harbor with lasting memories of your time on Kaneohe Bay.

Local expert tips

• Guests should be aware that at high tide, the sandbar submerges into hip-deep water, transforming into a serene oasis. During low tide, it emerges as a pristine sandy beach, offering a perfect spot to unwind. Regardless of the tide, the shallow waters make it an ideal location for children, novice swimmers, snorkelers, and anyone seeking a tranquil water experience.
• To check when high and low tide is predicted at the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar, click here to be directed to the official National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website
• Don't forget to generously apply sunscreen since there's no shade available at the sandbar. For extra protection, it's recommended that guests, especially children and individuals with sensitive skin, wear rashguards or long-sleeve swimwear, along with a hat, to shield themselves from the sun's rays.
• To safeguard the fragile coral reefs and to maintain a healthy marine ecosystem at the Kaneohe Bay sandbar, it is very important to use reef-safe sunscreen. These specialized sunscreens do not contain the harmful chemicals that could potentially harm marine life.
• Other than soft drinks and snacks, no other food or beverages are available during the cruise, but guests are more than welcome to bring their own drinks and food to enjoy. A shared cooler is provided if you would like to keep your wine, beer, or other drinks chilled, and for safety reasons, glass containers are not allowed.
• All guests must have minimum swimming ability of 16 yards (15 meters) while wearing a life jacket without fins to be able to snorkel at the coral reef. If you're unsure about your swimming skills, it's best to remain on the sandbar where you can participate in aquatic activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and relaxing with comfortable flotation devices.
• If you are driving to the Captain Bob's sandbar cruise, take this opportunity to explore the windward side of Oahu with the towns of Kailua and Kaneohe after your tour. Both areas are popular with locals and feature a number of restaurants and stores.

How to get there?

He'eia Kea Boat Harbor is approximately 45 minutes away from both Waikiki and Ko Olina by car. From Waikiki, you will take H1 to Likelike Highway before heading on to Kamehameha Highway. From Ko Olina, you will take H1 to H3 before heading on to Kamehameha Highway.

While there is parking available at the harbor, be sure that you do not park in a stall that is reserved or for boat trailers only. Should parking at the harbor not be available, there is street parking available along Kamehameha Highway.

Public transportation is available on The Bus on the #60 Kaneohe-Haleiwa route, but due to possible delays and the length of time, it is not recommended.

Complimentary round-trip transportation from Waikiki is also available, and very convenient for guests staying at a Waikiki hotel or resort.

Boat information

The 40 ft power catamaran is certified for up to 30 guests with ample seating and shaded areas on board. There are restrooms available, and guests are welcome to leave their belongings on the boat while enjoying the water.