In operation since 1994, Ocean Safaris Kayak Adventures in Kona has taken nearly 100,000 visitors on successful, exclusive kayaking adventures and is waiting to introduce thousands more. This family-owned and operated business has introduced countless visitors to the breathtaking beauty of the island while creating a wonderful experience via the fast-growing sport of kayaking. These safari tours are catered toward small groups, which means that a fun and safe experience is the top priority.
While there are many types of safaris, you can choose from with Ocean Safaris, each and every kayaking experience is unique, even the same exact tour. For example, you might see a group of dolphins, spot a whale or two, explore a sea cave, try your hand at snorkeling or maybe even work up the nerve for cliff jumping. Each tour will offer its own surprises. Tidal pools could contain all sorts of treasures from colorful tropical fish, to sea turtles and even eels.
The guided tours are all led by experienced professionals who are all fully insured Hawaii Lifeguard Certified. You can instead choose to go exploring on your own and rent a paddleboard or kayak from Ocean Safaris in the Keahou Bay. Each rental comes with all the safety gear and instruction you need to safely operate your kayak or paddleboard, including paddling techniques and local knowledge of water conditions.
Ocean Safaris features three main professionally guided kayak tours you can experience while on your Hawaiian vacation. All are applicable for ages five and up. The most popular of the three is the Keauhou Sea Cave Kayak Tour. This 3.25-hour tour features crystal clear waters and unreal sights as you make your way from Keauhou Bay southward to the cliffs of Kuamoo Bay. Don’t be surprised to see turtles, dolphins, and manta rays throughout your journey there. During your coastline travel, you will paddle over coral gardens, under lava tubes, and arrive at the calm cool cave.
You will be given ample time to snorkel once the tour reaches the predetermined snorkel spot for the day (this will change based on water conditions). After snorkeling, you can even exit the water and climb up to the high vantage point above the cove and enjoy some cold drinks and snacks. This vantage point provides a tempting jump off either a 12 or 25-foot cliff into the deep waters below. If you are game, you can jump or just sit back and watch the others try their luck. Don’t worry, guides will never encourage you to jump off any cliff that isn’t known to be a safe jumping area.
Another popular tour by Ocean Safaris is the Kayak with Dolphins Big Island Tour, lasting two hours. This tour starts early in the morning and takes advantage of the coolest part of the day with the calmest waters. After an instructional orientation on the beach, you will set out into the water in search of pods of dolphins who frequent Kona’s waters. The third tour option is the Keauhou Bay Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) Tour, which lasts two hours. This gives you the opportunity to explore the warm pristine waters of Kona on a stand-up paddleboard. You will be instructed on how to properly use a paddleboard while enjoying all the amazing sites that Keauhou Bay has to offer.
The overarching beauty of the Hawaiian Islands cannot be beaten, and there is simply no better way to experience the water, the marine life, or the island views than via kayak or paddleboard. This allows you to actually get out into the ocean and see it all for yourself. Thankfully, with Ocean Safaris, you know your kayak experience will be safely guided by skilled, certified professionals who know these waters like the back of their hands. Guests rave about their experience and identify these tours as being one of the best parts of their entire vacation experience.
Insider Tip:
There is a guest weight limit of 250 pounds for all guests for kayak and paddleboard tours.