Frequently Asked Questions

Each double hull canoe holds up to 6 guests.

If the online booking only shows a few spots available, it means some seats are already taken for that tour.

• Groups of 6 or fewer fit in one canoe
• For groups of 7 or more, or if availability looks confusing, give us a call at (808) 987-0377 and we’ll help you find the best option

→ Book Now

Each canoe holds a maximum of 6 guests. For groups of 7-12 people, we can run two canoes together so your group can experience the adventure at the same time. Please contact us or call (808) 987-0377 to arrange multi-canoe bookings.

Because we're not a big boat tour. Six guests, two guides, one canoe. That's it. While other companies have scaled up to 40+ passengers per trip, we've intentionally stayed small. You're not paying more for the same experience. You're paying for a completely different one.

Absolutely! We love creating custom experiences for families, couples, and small groups. Contact us or call (808) 987-0377 for pricing and availability.

Yes! Give us a call at (808) 987-0377 and we'll add you to the waitlist. Cancellations do happen, especially closer to the date.

As far ahead as you can. Our tours fill up quickly, especially during holidays and peak travel season. If you're visiting during winter break, spring break, or summer, booking a month or more in advance is a good idea.

Yes. We've welcomed guests with paraplegia, quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, limited mobility, and many other conditions that made other tour companies say no. We have adaptive equipment, trained crew, and a genuine commitment to making this work for everyone. Please contact us before booking so we can discuss your specific needs and make sure we're prepared for you.

→ Learn more about our accessibility options

Our tours are 100% human-powered, so we do ask that all guests be willing and able to participate in paddling. That said, if someone in your group has physical limitations or special needs, please contact us before booking. We've accommodated many guests with different abilities and we're happy to discuss what's possible.

Absolutely. This isn't the backup plan. Many guests prefer to watch from the canoe, and the view is incredible. On the manta tour, you'll see the mantas pass directly beneath the hulls. On the Hawaiian Cultural Paddle, you can enjoy the scenery, cultural stories, and wildlife from the canoe. We also have underwater viewing boxes so you can see below the surface without getting wet.

We've had guests in their 80s enjoy our tours. There is a step down from the dock into the canoe (1-3 feet depending on tide), and our crew is there to help. If you plan to get in the water, you'll need to be able to climb a short ladder to reboard the canoe. If you have concerns about mobility, let us know ahead of time and we'll make sure you're comfortable.

Yes, there is a strict 250 lb limit per guest for all canoe tours. Please be honest when booking. We have a scale at check-in, and we reserve the right to refuse service if you are over the weight limit. You will not be refunded. This is for the safety of all guests, our guides, and our equipment.

For the Manta Ray Night Snorkel, you should be comfortable swimming in the ocean and have some snorkel experience. You don't need to be an Olympic swimmer, but we don't allow life jackets in the water, so you'll need to be confident without one. If you'd rather stay dry, no problem. You can watch from the canoe and still have an incredible view.

For the Kayak Tour, you should be comfortable swimming since you'll be on the open water in a kayak.

For the Manta Ray Night Snorkel and Hawaiian Cultural Paddle, yes. You can stay in the canoe the entire time and still have an amazing experience. On the manta tour, you're looking straight down into illuminated water as the mantas glide beneath you. On the Hawaiian Cultural Paddle, the view from the canoe is gorgeous. You've got the coastline, the ocean, and the mountains all around you. Viewing boxes let you see underwater without getting wet.

For the Kayak Tour, you should be comfortable swimming since you'll be in a kayak on the open water.

Our tours are 100% human-powered, and we ask that all guests be physically willing and able to participate by paddling along with our guides. It's a team effort and your guides set a comfortable pace. You don't need to be an athlete, but you do need to be willing to paddle.

If you have physical limitations or special needs, please contact us before booking so we can discuss how to make it work.

Children are welcome on all tours as long as they can sit in their own seat on the canoe without assistance. That's typically age 2+ for the Manta Ray Night Snorkel and 4+ for the Hawaiian Cultural Paddle and Kayak Tour. Young children can stay in the canoe the whole time if they prefer.

For the manta ray tour, we provide wetsuit tops. The water is warm but it gets cool at night, so most guests appreciate them.

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included for all tours. You're welcome to bring your own mask if you prefer. Note: Fins and full-face snorkel masks are strictly prohibited on all tours.

Please do! We have dry storage on the canoe for your belongings, and we encourage guests to capture the experience. Just make sure it's secured to your wrist when you're in the water.

Wear what you'd wear to the beach. Swimsuit, cover-up, and reef-safe sunscreen. For the manta tour, bring light layers for after since you'll be wet and it cools down at night. Leave the valuables and large bags at home.

→ See our full What to Bring checklist

Flip-flops or sandals are fine. You'll take them off before getting in the canoe. No need for water shoes.

Manta rays are wild animals. While we see them on the vast majority of tours, we cannot guarantee sightings. Because it happens so rarely we take it on a case by case basis, with our end goal for you to see Mantas.

→ Learn more about the Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Very likely. The mantas are resident here and feed in Keauhou Bay most nights. We've been running tours for over a decade and sightings are consistent. But they're wild animals, not trained performers, so we can never promise 100%.

We never know exactly. On average, 2-5, but some nights a lot more show up. Part of what makes this special is that you're observing wildlife in their natural environment.

Yes. Manta rays are gentle filter feeders. They don't have stingers, barbs, or teeth that can hurt you. They pose no threat to humans. In fact, it's the other way around. We're the danger to them, not them to us. That's why we ask guests to stay calm, avoid excessive kicking, and never touch them.

 Absolutely not! Manta rays in Hawaiʻi are federally protected, and touching them is strictly prohibited and strictly enforced. Their skin has a protective mucous coating, and human contact compromises it. There are substantial fines, and we take this very seriously.  

→ Learn about our commitment to ocean conservation

We ask for at least 48 hours notice for cancellations to receive a full refund. Weather cancellations on our end are always fully refunded.

Safety is our top priority. If we need to cancel due to high surf, rough ocean, or dangerous conditions, we'll provide a full refund. Tours typically run rain or shine, but we'll always make the call that keeps everyone safe.

Yes! Gift certificates are available and make a great gift for anyone visiting the Big Island. Contact us or call (808) 987-0377 to purchase.

Yes! Please call (808) 987-0377 for details.

All tours depart from Keauhou Bay Boat Ramp in Kailua-Kona.

→ Get directions and parking information

Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time to check in and get situated.

Yes. For the safety of everyone on the tour:

• Fins and full-face snorkel masks are not permitted
• Free swimming away from the canoe is not allowed
• Guests who appear intoxicated will be refused and not refunded

We take safety seriously so everyone can have a great time.