Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How soon should we reserve?

A: That depends on the time of year and the flexibility of your schedule. Holidays, vacation times, winter whale season are times that we typically have limited space. Best rule of thumb is as soon as you have decided to do our tour make the reservation! That way you will insure that you get to go on the best experience on your trip to Hawaii!

2. How does weather affect the trips?

A: We are fortunate to be on the Kona Coast of the Big Island. Our side of the island is protected from wind and weather by three volcanoes, so we are rarely affected by bad weather. However, should we have to cancel due to adverse weather or ocean conditions, you will not be charged and may reschedule without penalty. But remember, we are on tropical island, so weather at your hotel can be different than where we are located and especially where we are taking you!

3. Why do you leave from Honokohau Harbor?

A: Honokohau harbor is one of the best harbors in the state! Since we go from that area we have the greatest chance of finding spinner dolphins since they hang out at many areas and the harbor is one of the areas they frequent. Also the humpback whales tend to stay on the northern edge of Kailua-Kona so we commonly sight a lot of whales just outside of Honokohau harbor. Sure some other companies leave from areas closer to the snorkel stop, but they miss the best opportunities for spotting marine life and they miss Kailau-Kona from the sea.

4. Can I bring a good camera?

A: You sure can! The ride is generally dry, though occasionally we will have some light spray. We will instruct you to keep good cameras covered and you do bring them at your risk, but we do not see a problem with cameras that people bring. If you are worried about it, the current underwater cameras on the market take great above the water shots!

5. Is there anyone who should not go on this ride?

A: Due to the sometimes bouncy nature of our ride, people with bad backs, older people who are frail, and children under 4 years old are not to take our tour. Also, we do not allow pregnant women on our tours.

6. What is your cancellation policy?

A 48 hour notice required for cancellations of these special discounted fares. You are guaranteeing your seats, so within 48 hours of the tour there are NO refunds.

For parties of 6 or more, the cancellation policy is a 72-hour advance notice. Any cancellation less than 72 hours is subject to full charge.

7. Are the boats covered?

A: No, because that takes away from the "raft" experience! Wear sunscreen and a hat and you will be loving it! We also are able to get under the sea caves BECAUSE we do not have a covered raft!

8. I have never snorkeled before, is it hard to do?

A: No, snorkeling is one of the easiest water activities you will ever do! Our captains are experts in teaching newbies and they are very patient too! We have flotation boards for beginners and for really lazy snorkelers. We also have flotation vests for weak and non swimmers (yes - non-swimmers can learn to snorkel too!). Non-swimmers will snorkel near the boat when wearing the flotation vest.

9. I have my own gear, can I bring it?

A: Yes you are welcome to bring your own gear! If the mask is brand new you should rub the inside lens with white tooth paste to remove the factory created film otherwise you will have problems with your mask fogging up.

10. Why don't you snorkel more than one spot?

A: We used to snorkel two spots during our tours, but most of our visitors were saying one thing: Why didn't we snorkel Kealakekua Bay the whole time and forget the other stop? We listened and learned that it was better for our guest to spend an hour and 30 minutes snorkeling only Kealakekua Bay than dividing up the time between two areas. Quality not quanity is best in this case!

11. Our last question we hear a lot: Why is the water so blue and clear?

A: Take our tour and you will find out! Aloha Captain Zodiac

12. What about Tipping, what is customary?

A: Our Captains and Crew work very hard at making your tour enjoyable, informative and fun so a bit of reward is a welcome and appreciated gesture. The typical 15-20% of the tour cost is customary, remember they are entertaining you for several hours, more than any waiter or bartender you encounter.