Marine Excursions

Enjoy some of Hawaii's most famous sights, sounds and tastes aboard this large Polynesian catamaran. For USD55 adults and USD33 children 4-11, you get an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet, a mixed drink, live entertainment and round-trip transportation from Waikiki Beach. Dinner, show packages and cruise upgrades are available, starting at USD68 for adults and USD54 for kids. Of course, no matter what trip you take, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Oahu's coastline at sunset.

Hop on board Captain Bob's Barefoot I for a fun-packed day on the water. The glass-bottomed catamaran is designed for optimal viewing of sea life and maximum stability in the water. After pick-up from your hotel, you'll enjoy swimming, snorkeling and Hawaiian water volleyball in the dazzling clear water of a secluded bay, followed by a barbecue picnic. The boat sails by noted landmarks like Chinaman's Hat and Gilligan's Island. Book a few days in advance.

Head to the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel's private beach to show off your amateur surfing skills. And no harm if you stumble and fall, as only beginners are around for company. You can rent a surfboard from the Aloha Beach Service, who also provide a bodyguard, just in case you lose your balance while trying to impress! But if you are a complete novice, enroll yourself in the classes on offer. Go for snorkeling, if surfing has failed to excite you—equipment is rented out for that too.

In addition to owning and operating the popular Navatek I and Atlantis Submarines, this company works in conjunction with several major Honolulu attractions to provide guests with deeply discounted tour packages. Visit Sea Life Park, splurge on a dinner cruise/show package, or take a ride in one of the submarines. Call or check the website for more details.

For a real underwater adventure that doesn't even get you wet, take an excursion in a 100-foot passenger submarine. At 160 tons, this air-conditioned giant is decked out with special ports for viewing the coral and sea life as far as 150 feet below the surface. Tours depart daily, starting at 8a, from the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Various cruises are available for booking including the Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise and the Premium Submarine Tour.

Book It Hawaii is a free booking service that allows you to plan all your vacation activities in one convenient place. Swim with dolphins, fly over the active volcano, cruise for whales on a whale-watching expedition, feast on a traditional Hawaiian Luau, tour historical Pearl Harbor or sail into the sunset on an elegant dinner cruise, all with tickets booked through this Web site and delivered to your home or hotel.

This was the first dive company to operate a Jet Drive dive boat in Hawai'i, as well as the first to use Super Aluminum tanks. In addition, the Captain Bruce's team is committed to practicing and promoting ecological awareness. It offers charter excursions from east and west O'ahu. All dives are led by highly trained professionals. All levels of experience are welcome. Free shuttle service is offered from the downtown area. Contact the office for details.

Experienced divers and novices are welcome aboard this boat. A number of charters are available, as well as several different diving courses. For first-timers, a "Discover Scuba" is offered. Instructors guide the student through the first dive, step by step. Five different PADI certifications are also available: Open Water Certification, Advanced Open Water Certification, Open Water Referral, Dive Master Certification and Rescue Diver Certification. Specialty courses are also available. Clark's has spent years seeking out the best dive spots around the O'ahu coast. Call for more information.

One of the most popular images of Hawaii is that of swimmers cavorting with dolphins. This tour company offers visitors the opportunity to see the friendly creatures up close—and, if conditions permit, to swim with them. The U.S. Coast Guard certified Zodiac takes passengers out to Ka'ena Point on the western tip of O'ahu. You can also expect to see tropical fish and maybe even sea turtles. Needless to say, photo opportunities abound. Excursions leave at 9am; free shuttle service is offered. Admission: USD70 Adult; USD45 Children under age 13.

Located inside the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel, this dolphin habitat draws visitors from up and down the island of Oahu. Dolphin Quest offers a variety of programs and encounters for everyone from children to couples. Guests and visitors have the chance to learn about these extraordinary creatures through fun and educational programs. To learn more, visit their website.

Famed for its beautiful horseshoe-shaped sandy beach and clear, calm turquoise waters, this natural marine sanctuary is home to thousands of colorful tropical fish. The waist-deep water inside the reef is perfect for novice snorkelers to explore. More experienced snorkelers might want to check with the lifeguard before venturing beyond to deeper waters to see sea turtles and other marine life. The Bay is least crowded in the early morning or late afternoon. Admission: non-resident adult visitors USD3, free to all others. Parking fee is USD1 per vehicle.

This tour company invites value comparisons with any other company. It guarantees customers the most complete tour value for the lowest price. For only USD17.95, tourists receive shuttle transportation to Hanauma Bay Marine Preserve and snorkel equipment once the destination is reached. This price does not include the price of admission to the bay. The first shuttle is at 8:30am. Other packages are also available. Gifts and equipment are sold at the shop.

Hanauma Bay boasts some of the best snorkeling in the entire world. You can see schools of exotic fish without even wading out past hip-level. However, if you're unfamiliar with the ocean or you've never tried snorkeling before, it's nice to go with an experienced guide. The price of a snorkeling tour includes transportation, instruction and equipment. Depending on which package you choose, you can spend up to four hours at the bay. Call for more information.

Take the hassle out of planning your Hawaii adventure and book tickets to activities, tours and attractions on-line at competitive prices. Popular activities sell out weeks in advance; book early before you arrive in Hawaii to avoid disappointment. Ticekts, maps, itineraries, and directions are delivered free via either e-mail or U.S. mail, to your home or your hotel. Spend your time experiencing Hawaii, and leave the work of the planning to the professionals.

The Hawaiian Island chain has many sights to behold. If you are in the mood for an excursion around these natural wonders, Hawaii Yacht Charters is just the ticket. What are you looking for? Day cruise, dinner cruise, sunset cruise, or even your own private cruise-- Hawaii Yacht Charters should put a sparkle in the eye of anyone keen on a luxury marine outing. If you reserve a private charter on a sunset cruise you'll be able to plan a customized route so you can choose exactly where you sail. If you select the Dinner Cruise you'll be able to spend the day drifting wherever you choose while enjoying the tasty offerings of your own personal chef. The Day Cruise allows you to enjoy the benefits of the sunshine by stopping at key areas for you to swim or snorkel to your heart's content. If adventure is more your thing, Hawaii Yacht Charters is happy to take you out for some sportfishing in a stylish sport fisher. There you can enjoy the sea and sun for a fishing experience you'll never forget. For those looking for a bit of history, a vintage 1929 Power Yacht is available for charter in addition to their other modern yachts. In any case, make sure to book in advance and plan to spend a pretty penny. It will all seem worth it once you're out at sea taking in the beauty of the Pacific with a tropical drink in your hand.

Oahu's oldest charter company offers reasonable rates on yachting excursions and private charters. Daily excursions travel around Waikiki, Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor on a luxurious 54-foot yacht. A variety of sailboats, yachts, and powerboats are also available for daily and weekly rental. Looking for a special way to tie the knot? This company offers a two-hour sunset wedding cruise, complete with wedding ceremony, champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

Picture yourself paddling your way over the crystal blue waters of the Hawaiian islands with the sun bathing you in its soft light and bouncing off the water. Well, with Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks you don't need to imagine it. You can just do it. This rental place offers guided tours by kayak or sail boat or even paddle boat to the nearby Mokulua Islands. If a group tour isn't your thing, you can always rent out a Kayak and go adventuring on your own. This rental shop offers various eco tours or rentals to choose from — windsurfing, kayaking, kite surfing, snorkeling etc. So take your pick and take the plunge.

During low tide in Kane'ohe Bay, a sandbar known as Ahu O Laka, emerges, forming a temporary beach in the middle of the bay. The Kane'ohe Bay Sandbar is a favorite spot for recreational boaters to drop anchor, fire up the hibachi and enjoy a cold beer. The panoramic view from the sandbar is breathtaking. The calm turquoise water is home to abundant marine life including turtles and hammerhead sharks. Several tour boat operators run snorkeling and dive tours to the sandbar from Hee'ia Pier in Kaneohe. The tours usually include the use of water toys and lunch. - Shiyana Thenabadu

This 4,000-acre, former working ranch in Windward Oahu has been turned into a giant outdoor activities park. Facilities include horseback riding, jet skiing, canoeing and kayaking, windsurfing, freshwater fishing and a shooting range. You can tour the movie sets used in filming Jurassic Park and Godzilla, or relax on Secret Island, a secluded fantasy beach. There's even a petting zoo for the kids. Activities start as low as USD16 per person. Various full-day packages start at USD65 for adults, USD39 for children ages 3-11. Reservations are required.

Sail the seas on the Ku'u Huapala, a 55-foot custom Sampan yacht. The boat can be chartered privately or shared with others. It carries a maximum of six passengers. Troll the waters off Honolulu for Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Ahi and Wahoo, as well as other fish. You can rent the boat for a full, three-quarters or half day. Share-fishing parties are also available. Call for rates and availability. Disabled persons, please give the crew enough advance notice to make arrangements for your comfort.

Since 1950, this operation has been catering to serious sport fishermen and women. The biggest Marlin caught by this outfit was a whopping 1277-pound beast in 1995. While you might not get one that big, they do have a 95% catch success rate based on a full-day outing. You can be fairly certain that you'll bring something home. With air-conditioning on every boat, as well as top quality fishing gear and electronics, Maggie Joe Sportfishing is your best bet for a luxurious fishing experience. Private and shared excursions run daily. Four vessels are available for customized charters.

If the idea of a calm, elegant dinner cruise bores you, this might be the kind of marine excursion that you like. The sleek, 44-foot craft is the fastest in all the islands, thanks to its custom-designed mast. It cuts through the waves at speeds of up to 20 knots—though not without a little splashing. In the daytime, the Maita'I takes passengers on a 90-minute cruise to Diamond Head, while the evening cruise sails straight into the sunset. Sunset MaiTai Sail $34 adults, $17 child 13 and under, includes beverages, TradeWind Sails $23 adults, $12 child, 3 and under free.

The designers of the 6.5 million-dollar Navatek I utilized cutting-edge technology and advanced design techniques to make it one of the most stable small boats in the world. Even people who tend to get motion sick should be fine on it. Lunch and dinner cruises are available. Prices range from USD50-120 for adults and USD30-72 for children 2-11. Call or check the Web site for detailed information on each of the cruises offered and ask about their specials and package deals.

North Shore Shark Adventures will fulfill your thrill-seeking fantasies. After an initial safety instruction briefing, the tour sets sail. If you're lucky, you might spot Hawaiian Green Sea turtles, humpback whales and dolphins. Then the piece-de-resistance, being lowered in the water from the safety of a cage and getting a glimpse at sharks ranging from 5 to 15 feet in length. It's also a good leap of faith for those who have a phobia of sharks. Tourists are encouraged to bring their snorkels, masks and underwater camera. As safety is a priority, the boats are limited to 6 passengers, so make your reservations early. They have variable rates and discounts. And if you notice the word Kailolo on the boat, it just means "water crazy"!

Touted as a Barefoot Fun Cruise, this adventure is perfect for just about any age. It starts off with a mellow ocean cruise. Later in the day, the ship moors in a secluded cove. Passengers can snorkel and swim in the blue ocean waters; a waterslide and water trampoline are provided. Hamburgers, hot dogs, teriyaki chicken, vegetables and fruit are served during the lunch cruise. The morning cruise, which features a full American style breakfast, is less expensive.

Enjoy the sights, sounds and sensations of the O'ahu coastline on this tour company's luxury ships, the Starlet I & II and the Star of Honolulu. The Diamond Head Odyssey Cruise is appropriate for families. The half-day cruise takes passengers to the bay by Diamond Head, where they can snorkel with sea turtles, float on rafts, sunbathe on the deck, or waterslide into the ocean. This cruise costs USD50 for each adult, not including transportation. The Sunset Grill Cruise departs at sunset, and includes dinner and live entertainment. It is USD32 per adult, and lasts for two hours.

Dolphin and sea lion shows, a Hawaiian monk seal center, a sea turtle lagoon and a seabird sanctuary are a few of the highlights at this 62-acre ocean theme park on the coast of East O'ahu. The park's newest attraction is Pirate's Lagoon, a themed play area for kids. Serious marine biology takes place at the rehabilitation center for endangered marine life. Other facilities include eateries and gift shops. Admission: adults USD25; USD12.50 children age 4-12. Children 3 and under free. Interactive dolphin programs and reef walks are also available.

Operated by Roberts Hawaii, this company books package tours of any of Oahu's eight most popular excursions. Activities include the Grand Circle Island Tour, Ali'i Kai Catamaran Dinner Cruise and the Pearl Harbor Coastal Cruise. Itineraries can last between one and five days. The two-day "Best of Oahu" package costs USD65 and includes the Grand Circle Island Tour and Ali'i Kai dinner cruise. The Wiki Wiki is USD149 and includes the Grand Circle Island and Stars and Stripes tours as well as the dinner cruise and cocktail show.

This aquatic gear shop has a huge inventory of high quality merchandise. Name-brand boogie boards, beach chairs, masks and everything that you will need to have a good time in the sea or on the beach is available for rental and sale. Bob has a free 24 hour inter-island express gear return service, meaning you can buy on one island and return on another. The staff can also assist you in purchasing tickets for marine excursions and local activities.

Surf n Sea is a staple on the North shore landscape, built in 1921 and housing the premiere surf shop since 1965, SurfnSea has it all. Surf gear and apparel for most ocean activities, not to mention tours, lessons, sales and rentals, plus plenty of souvenirs. They specialize in Surfing, Scuba Diving, Bodyboarding & Snorkeling. The look, feel, and location of the building makes it easy to envision the past. Surf legends and current top professionals from around the world have set foot inside this historic shop. To this day it sits alone on the World Famous Haleiwa coastline and you couldn't ask for a better place to find what you need for a great day at the beach. In the winter, ask about their prize patrol program where they give out a free sticker and you can win prizes if seen sporting the sticker around town. -Rex Davidson

The best of Oahu's attractions are at your fingertips. Low rates are offered on submarine dives, city tours and other popular activities. Day tours to other islands are also available. Visit Maui (The Valley Isle), Kaua'i (The Garden Isle) or the Big Island. The highlights of each island are included in the tour, along with airfare. Single-day tour costs start at around $15 (Pearl Harbor and City Tour) and go up to about $149 (Big Island Circle Tour). Overnight packages are also available. Call for details.

All kinds of private charters are available through this company. Half-day and full-day fishing excursions and snorkeling cruises are available year-round. Whale-watching excursions are offered from December through May. Special charters include overnighters, wedding ceremonies, renewal of vows and memorial services.

All kinds of excursions can be arranged through this company. Almost every excursion operates as a charter. Dolphin swims, whale watches, sailing charters and snorkel adventures are all available. The company allows a maximum of six passengers on each charter, and the minimum is only two! It's a world apart from the crowded catamaran tours and whale watches offered by many companies. Excursions take place off Oahu's Leeward shore. Call for more information or to get a price quote.