Marine Excursions

Sights go far beyond tropical fish and the occasional sea turtle when you venture out with this dive company - although odds are good of seeing a turtle or two. However, thanks to special-access permissions, the company can take people out to unknown, untrafficked places off the coast where beaked whales, nudibranches and other rarely seen creatures dwell. Blue water dives, wreck dives and night dives are available. Classes range from beginning to advanced to medic training. Rates start at $145 for an introductory dive. By reservation only.

Leisurely cruises and sedate snorkel tours are fine, if you are in the mood to relax. If you want something a little more fast-paced though, hop on a Jet Ski for a few minutes of adrenaline-inducing fun. Anyone who has ridden a jet ski knows that it is fairly simple to operate. Aloha Jet Ski offers rentals by the half hour and hour; rates can be per rider or per couple. The rental office is centrally located at the Kailua Pier. Instruction and safety gear are provided. Rental rates start at $20 per person, per half-hour.

Get a fuss-free view of Hawaii's underwater world on this deep-sea tour. Get up close and personal with tropical fish, sea turtles and coral kingdoms while you dive to depths of as deep as 100 feet without getting wet. No gear or training is necessary, but be sure to call and book one of the daily tours. Tours depart from the Kona Pier at 10:30am, 11:30am and 1:30pm. Atlantis also facilitates snorkel, whale watching (December through April) and helicopter tours.

One of the largest and best known fishing charter companies on the island, this boat is equipped to carry small groups in style. The covered cabin can provide adequate sleeping space, making this one of the only boats that can handle overnight charters. It is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment: Gold Penn International reels, Shimano reels, a fighting chair and etcetera. The crew and the passengers place in major tournaments regularly. Call for pricing and reservations.

Located near some great waves, Boss Frog's will suit you up with everything you need to enjoy the ocean. It is one-stop shopping for snorkel rentals, surf and body board rentals, tour booking, time share information, and Hawaiian swag. You can also purchase snorkel and surf gear, along with sunglasses, apparel, and shoes. With stores on a few Hawaiian Islands, you can rent gear for the duration of your trip and drop it off at any of their locations. Check out the website for tour information, and various resources to help you get the most out of your vacation. - Nora Dunn

This full-scale booze-and-buffet adventure is for adults (21 and over) only. The festivities take place aboard a vessel large enough to be described as a barge. Tourists are shuttled from their hotels in the late afternoon and the boat leaves the Kailua Pier just before sunset. Guests are invited to eat and drink as much as possible, and live local entertainment is provided. Shuttle service is provided from the Mauna Kea, Waikoloa and Kailua areas.

Each winter season when the humpbacks come to rest in Hawaiian waters, most marine tour companies offer a whale watch excursion. However, Captain Dan is a devoted whale researcher and marine activist who leads tour groups out to commune with whales year-round. His tours take people to the lesser-known whale hang-outs, places which he has found by dint of extensive research. While most whale sightseeing companies offer various guarantees about sightings, Captain Dan McSweeney's Whale Watch is dedicated finding you whales. If you don't get a glimpse of the magical creatures, there policy is, "See a Whale or Come Again Free" and the offer never expires. Tours last three hours. Check website for pricing and tour times.

Exhilarating and unforgettable, this excursion is one for the young at heart. The vessel is a sturdy hard-shell jet-powered raft. The route travels the stunning Kona coastline to Kealakekua Bay, a pristine marine preserve. Not many people get to see this bay, as it is a protected area and only accessible to a few tour companies. Guests can snorkel above a coral reef, swim, explore sea caves and above all, enjoy the ride! A light lunch is provided. Call for more information and prices.

This company operates dive boats off the Kona-Kailua coast on the west side of the Big Island. The boat carries about a dozen divers out to various reefs, lava tubes and underwater canyons. Ghost shrimp, squirrelfish and other exotic sea life hide in the caverns and around the reefs, while spinner dolphins and humpback whales can often be seen from the dive boats. Introductory courses and resort dives are not offered. Call for pricing and reservations.

Learn about Hawaii's history while falling a little bit in love with the state's favorite creatures. The husband-and-wife duo that runs these tours take very small groups (about five people) out to sea in a motor-powered raft. The journey travels the Kona coast, visiting Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve for snorkeling. April is the last (and warmest) month of the humpback whale season. Pilot whales, sperm whales and gleeful dolphins can be spotted year-round. Call for more information.

If you are looking to plan a Hawaii vacation and can't decide where to start, look no further. Eco-Adventures Hawaii can assist you every step of the way. From lodgings to adventure hikes to activities, you will find your game plan quickly taking shape. Eco-Adventures plans your complete vacation package, from airfare quotes to luaus. Specials are available on dive packages, heli-tour packages and more. All you need is an idea of what activities interest you; Eco-Adventures can take care of the rest.

This sturdy, comfortable craft is perfect for families and leisure groups. Captain Chip and his knowledgeable crew are happy to teach beginners or to swap fish stories with longtime fishermen. Marlin, mahi, tuna and spearfish have all been caught from this boat. While some of them have been enormous, this boat doesn't necessarily go after the monsters all the time. Rates are low, starting at $295 to charter the entire boat for a half day. There is a six-passenger maximum.

This company offers both morning and afternoon deluxe cruises. Morning trips include breakfast, a barbecue lunch and all necessary equipment. Afternoon trips include snacks, drinks and equipment. The boat comes equipped with an experienced crew, sun deck, water slide and restrooms. Cruises circle the Kealakekua Bay, stopping at some of the best snorkel spots in the area. See ancient burial caves, sunken lava flows, coral beds and plenty of tropical fish.

This is a good boat to charter if you're fishing for fun. While catching fish is important to the crew, they understand if people are more interested in snorkeling or sailing. They won't encourage a guest to go after a 500-pound marlin when a couple of 30 pound tuna will do just as well for dinner. The boat is new and comfortable, equipped with all kinds of fishing gear.

Many of the fishing charters and scuba dive boats that operate on the West Side dock at this harbor. It's located just four miles from the Kona Airport, across from ever-popular local restaurant Sam Choy's. Among the vessels docked here are the Prime Time, the Kona Spirit and Hustler. A few restaurants and sundry stores are also onsite, most notably the Harbor House Restaurant. The Charter Desk has a fish weigh-in twice daily.

This charter company offers some of the most personalized service around, with accommodation for as many as six guests per sail. Specializing in birthdays, honeymoons and other special occasions, Honu offers delicious local and barbecue-style dining, a comfortable space and spectacular views. See all kinds of tropical wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins and even the occasional whale. A rainbow of tropical fish is always a part of the snorkeling expedition.

This charter company holds the record for the largest Mako Shark ever caught. While most people can not expect to reel in a 1,200 pound monster the likes of that one, fish between 30-100 pounds are caught regularly. Fishermen can expect to hook marlin, mahi, tuna and wahoo among others. The spacious boat is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and live bait fishing is the norm. It regularly outfishes all the other teams in the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament.

View schools of tropical fish and exotic sea creatures in their natural habitat. This glass-bottomed vessel, Marian, takes adventurers out to the coral reefs just off the shore of Kailua. Tours depart daily on the hour starting at 10:30am. The charter company's office is located in a little hut on the King Kamehameha property, near the pool and across from the hula complex. Private cruise reservations are also available for groups fewer than 24 people. Adults: USD25, children ages 5-12: USD10, children 4 and under are free.

Sailing enthusiasts will without a doubt want to call this company at some point during a stay on the West Side. It claims the distinction of being the only sailing catamaran in Kona Town. The catamaran is large enough to accommodate 24 people, but usually carries fewer. People who shun large tourists crowds should appreciate the peaceful, friendly feeling aboard this boat. Half-day tours include sailing, snorkeling and a light lunch.

This 32-foot Force boat was constructed in Hilo and is specially designed to navigate Hawaiian waters. It is a 2000 model, equipped with top quality gear such as Vetus bow thrusters and Penn International Reels. The boat is new, but its captain is certainly not a newcomer. He has been hunting in Hawaiian waters since 1968. He holds seven IGFA World Records. Full-day and half-day charters are available, as well as tournament rental. Tag and release is encouraged. Call for pricing and more details.

Owned and operated by a Marine Ecologist, this tour company aims to educate guests while allowing them to view Hawaii's majestic Humpback whales. During the rest of the year, the boat visits waters populated by spinner dolphins, pilot whales, killer whales, bottlenose dolphins and other sea mammals. The vessel, named Spinner, accommodates only six passengers. Captain Tom Bottrell gives each passenger individual attention and hands out educational pamphlets during the voyage.

Make a getaway aboard this sturdy, four-cabin yacht. The captain is an avid sailor and an expert on local waters. He can help passengers make the most out of brief half-day excursions, or he can lead a small group of people into the open sea for a three-day excursion that goes all the way to another island. Kitchen and bath facilities are located onboard. Charter groups from 2-12 passengers can be accommodated. Reservations are recommended.

The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa gives you the opportunity to live through an experience of a lifetime, where you can see the graceful Manta Rays, also known as 'devil fish' perform great feats in water. Hotel guests are fortunate enough to see the Mantas from their room lanais (balconies), but if you're playing for a better view, then you can head down to the hotel's special viewing areas and see the enormous fishes up close. If you've still not had enough of the manta viewing, then Sheraton offers you another chance with its scuba diving program, which is conducted by professionals. This can give you a chance to literally swim with the fish while they feed on the plankton.

Technically this is a dive boat, but it can (and does) accommodate all other kinds of aquatic excursions. Everything from snorkel trips to swimming with dolphins can be done. Fishermen take note: This boat actually lets you take your catch home! Diving is the specialty though, especially night dives. Expect to see everything from eels to manta ray: Can you handle it? A two-tank daytime dive costs $85. A sunset cocktail cruise costs $28.50 per person. Dolphin swims cost $200 per person and only take up to 10 passengers. Boat dives can handle a maximum of 12 or 14 passengers; snorkel cruises take a maximum of 25 passengers.

The Big Island of Hawaii is known to have some of the world's best stargazing. These sunset and stargazing tours begin with sunset at the summit of Mauna Kea (at 13,800 feet). Enjoy one of the island's most breathtaking views while your guide educates the group on Hawaii's natural history. Once the sun goes down, you will get in-depth information about the Hawaiian night sky. View the cosmos through a telescope; you will leave with a lot of new and fascinating knowledge. Warm clothing and a light meal are provided. Cost is USD175 per person.

So you are in Hawaii, but you have never really tried an ocean sport. That is no reason to stay out of the water! The experts here are perfect to see you well on your way, whether your interest is in scuba, surfing or paddling. Get personalized attention in learning the water sport of your choice, while you enjoy the pristine, sheltered, tropical surroundings of Kealakekua Bay. Tour guides are all knowledgeable Big Island locals.

All manner of marine and aquatic activities can be enjoyed via this full-service charter company. The company's fleet includes luxury craft, a racing catamaran and a glass-bottom boat. Marine excursions include sunset sails, snorkel sails, two-tank scuba dives and glassbottom boat rides. Private charters are also available. This is also the right place to contact about sailing or windsurfing lessons. The Ocean Sports hut on Anaeho'omalu Bay rents kayaks, snorkel equipment, body boards and more.

This boat is equipped for all kinds of fishing, whether it's bottom fishing, reef fishing or fly fishing for the biggest of big game fish. In addition to the standard big game fish (marlin, tuna, wahoo, etc.), the captain of this boat knows where to look for snapper, amberjack and reef shark. Call for reservations.

Do you love the idea of scuba diving, but feel slightly intimidated by all the gear and training involved? If so, SNUBA is your perfect alternative. SNUBA is a system that allows for safe, shallow reef diving, without requiring a heavy tank as an air source. Instead, the air source is contained within a hose attached to an elongated snorkel. Both morning and afternoon tours are available by reservation. Each tour includes all gear and plenty of personalized instruction. Ages eight to 88 are welcome.

Experienced divers will want to see about visiting the many attractions off Big Island shores with Captain Steve Myklebust and his crew. With more than 11,000 Kona dives under his weight belt and a Marine Biology degree, he is definitely an area expert. Night dives are offered regularly, as are boat dives to the better sites around the island. Instruction and certification are also offered. All kinds of gear can be rented, from snorkel equipment to weight belts to underwater cameras.

Sea Paradise helps you to explore the Hawaiian seascape like no other. With tours in snorkeling, scuba diving and sailing, this organization offers you a wide range of water sports to choose from and also organizes guided tours. While the daily tours take care of the hoards of tourists, it is the arranged tours like 'dinner sail' and private charters, which can be booked for a small group or a special occasion. This ensures an intimate experience and one that you'll have special personal memories of. The rates differ with each tour, starting at around USD65. So go ahead and have a royal splurge!

Motor-powered rafts are an exciting, fast-paced way to cruise Hawaiian waters. Sail along the Kona coast, stopping to visit sea caves, lava tubes, Place of Refuge and the Captain Cook Monument. Tours are kept small, with a maximum of six guests per trip. This is a far more rugged snorkel trip than most; young children and those with health concerns can't be accommodated. However, it's not necessary to be a strong swimmer.

Big game fishing is the name of the game on this boat and the prizes are often quite generous. In addition to reeling in some impressive specimens, guests have the opportunity to compete for cash prizes. At the moment, Why-Knot is offering a $3,000 cash prize to the person that brings in the first grander (a marlin weighing more than 1,000 pounds).