6 Stars of 5: Recommend! Flexible Fun in the Sun, On the Water


Josh / Sandbar Snorkeling Tour 2nd Tour

6 Stars of 5: Recommend! Flexible Fun in the Sun, On the Water

Honolulu locals, we headed out with Capt. Bruce’s outfit with a group of out-of-town family friends, 8 in total, a second trip for some in my group.

Friendly, accommodating staff made us feel comfortable from the beginning. Safety was first all along, from clear directions, watchful lifeguarding and situational awareness. Boat was nice, clean and in good shape. There are seats in the sun and 2/3 boat is canopied. Get there first to secure your choice! Two bathroom options at the marina before/after trip. Little shop to buy BYOB alcohol, if you forgot–which IS allowed on the boat–and the shop has incidentals, snacks souvenirs and ice cream. A burger-type restaurant next door, too. Snacks, soft drinks provided by the boat were welcome, including SPAM musubi!

Fairly short ride the mile out to the world’s largest salt-water sandbar. Outfit has a permanent float there that they maintain for equipment (SUPs and floaties and life vests). Their snorkeling equipment is high-quality and sanitized. They have an organized way of storing your personal stuff; I never worried about losing my wallet, sunglasses or other belongings.

A strong swimmer, I had a bad snorkeling experience last time while going out myself, but this experience brought me back to confidence and loving it. I would say 100% that most would feel comfortable doing this experience. There were newborns and small babies on board. There is great snorkeling, for we saw many (10) sea turtles on way out and snorkeling, lots of fish and reef. However, you don’t have to snorkel but can chill on the boat (gorgeous scenery, including distance sets of Jurassic Park and Lost) and awe-inspiringly powerful planes and helicopters operating at the US Marine base nearby.

The trip is unconstructed/flexible enough so even members of your own party can find their happy place.

We had some 75 yo + folks in our party that the guide took specific efforts to make snorking safe, comforble and fun, working directly with them. Same for a few folks who couldn’t even swim! NOTE: some older party members needed extra care/assistance on the ladder up to the boat from the sandbar (entry from dock faily easy). Crew of three for about 25 guests felt apprropriate.

Weather was perfect, but can get windy and is rainier than Honolulu. Check weather if booking shorter notice.

A separate time we aimed to kayak to the bar. We didn’t make it and got caught in a bit of a dramatic, scary nature event. That’s it own thing, but highly recommend this Capt. Bruce trip.

The state park right next to the harbor is nice, though with no beach, is a great place for a picnic

Bring out of towners HERE. Scenery at the site–and on the trip there– is gorgeous, unique and different from Waikiki and Honolulu-based cruises.

⚓Aloha,

Wow—Thank you so much for such a detailed and heartfelt review!

We’re truly happy to hear that our ʻohana had the chance to visit the sandbar and enjoy the beauty of the bay. And knowing that some of your group came back for a second voyage—there’s no greater compliment.

We hope this experience rekindled your love for snorkeling, and we’d be honored to welcome you aboard again for more fun in the sun, on the water! A hui hou🌺

Captain Bruce Hawaii


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