A.M. DOLPHIN ADVENTURE

Click for Frequently Asked Questions

Come join us for an unforgettable journey with the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins which could possibly change your life forever! Neptune Charlies Dolphin Adventure!

Your journey begins at 9Am (check-in 8:45) at the Honokohau Marina where we head up the Coast line in search of one of our many pods of year round resident Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. Our travels take us up the rugged Kona coastline where we are able to see some of the most beautiful scenery along the coastline which can only be viewed by boat. Along our cruise you can expect to see White Sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise water and a warm gentle sea breeze which will run through your veins.

The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins are our smallest dolphin in Hawaii which reach about the size of an adult human and are very predictable in the areas along the coastline where we regularly encounter them. Some days we locate the Dolphins outside a white sandy beach called Makalawena, sometimes in Kiholo Bay or even Ho'ona Bay, but one thing that remains the same is the magic and the mystique of the dolphins are worth the daily element of surprise.

Once we have located a pod, we are actually able to enter the water and snorkel and have as many as 300 dolphins all around us. That is where the magic begins. Fun, easy and safe our Dolphin Adventure is truly a memorable experience which will last a lifetime!

Book Now!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. HOW MUCH IS THIS ADVENTURE AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?
The price is $130 per person. Included in the price are: snacks, soft drinks, deli sandwiches, snorkel equipment, friendly and professional staff. For a private charter up to 30 passengers, please enquire about availability and price.

2. WHAT TIME OF DAY IS THIS TRIP?
We meet at 8:45am, with departure at around 9:00 am, with return between 12:30 and 1:00 PM. All tour depart from the Honokohau Marina and a printable map to where our boat is located can be found on the Info/Rates page.

3. WHAT IF I WANT TO STAY OUT LONGER?
On Private Charters, you may extend your tour by the hour for an additional $200 per hour. This will give you more time to be with the dolphins, or maybe look for whales (seasonal), or to have lunch in a secluded bay or even just snorkel at a coral reef.

4. HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I EXPECT TO BE ON THE BOAT WITH ME?
Our custom built dive boat is Coast Guard certified to carry up to 30 passengers plus our crew. We seldom take more than 20 except for Private Charters. Our minimum on any charter is 6 passengers.

5. HOW LONG DO I GET TO SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS?
Dolphin encounters can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Being wild and free, the dolphin encounters are different every day. Somedays we find them quite close to our starting point, other days we have to do quite a bit of traveling up the coast line in search of the resident pods. Some days the dolphins come very close to us, other days they cruise by underneath or beside us. Some days the dolphins jump and spin alongside the boat and other days they are more sedate. We just enjoy whatever is in store for us each day, and respect that the dolphins have free will and choice in any moment!

6. MUST I BE A GOOD SWIMMER?
There is no need to be a good swimmer to enjoy swimming with dolphins. Swimmers of any ability can have extraordinary encounters. Just let us know your personal ability so we may give you the attention you deserve. We can work with any skill level and help you become more proficient in the water so you may get the most from your encounter. All of our staff are licensed PADI Dive Instructors and enjoy teaching the basics of snorkeling and freediving to open your world up to endless possibilities you never dreamed was possible! We can cater for all ages from young children to those 90 years old+!! We can also cater for many of those that are handicapped. Please just let us know in advance if there are any health issues, fears, or physical challenges for us to prepare for in advance.

7. HOW WARM IS THE WATER?
The water temperature here in Kona is about 80 degrees year round. Although most of us enjoy this warm ocean temperature with out wearing a wetsuit, they are available upon request in both 3/4 and full length. If you think you might get cold, please request a suit prior to your trip date. Some of our guests wear rash guards ( surf tops ) not for thermal protection but more for preventing sunburn.

8. AGE/HEALTH CHALLENGES/LEVEL OF FITNESS?
We have no age restrictions. Anywhere from toddlers to 90 year olds can enjoy swimming with dolphins. If you have children in your party, please let us know in advance. Pregnant women are also welcome too! Those suffering from severe illnesses (e.g. cancer) can experience the magical healing qualities of the dolphins. Any level of fitness is fine. We will move at your pace, safety always comes first!

9. WHAT DO I BRING?
Obviously, a swimsuit which most people wear underneath their shorts. If you have your own snorkel gear and it fits and is working well, bring it! Should you have any problems with your personal gear, we have plenty of spare equipment on the boat. Also recommended is: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen , and towel. If you want to capture that 'Kodak' moment in the water, we have underwater cameras available on the boat which are re-loadable and shoot 35mm film for just $25.

10. SEASICKNESS?
If you are feeling concerned about the possibility of experiencing motion sickness, please feel free to bring along over-the-counter medication to accommodate your needs. These products are available at any drug store (even Wal Mart). Every problem has a product and by taking the product, you should rule the problem out of the equation! Make sure you buy a non-drowsy formula and take the product a minimum of 1 hour prior to departure. Our personal recommendation (not found in the directions on the medicine box) we have found most effective is: take a half a tablet the night before your scheduled outing, than a full tablet the morning of the trip ( 1 hour prior to departure ) to acclimate your body to the medicine. This gradual introduction to your system increases the effectiveness of the product and reduces the side effects such as hot/cold flashes.

11. GUARANTEE?
The dolphins are truly wild and free to choose where they go any time of day, we cannot promise nor guarantee 100% of the time you will swim with dolphins. However, the dolphins do enjoy human interaction and based upon our previous experiences over the last 10 years, we estimate our success rate at approximately 95% any day of the year. Pretty high odds for wild animals!

12. WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Our cancellation policy is 48 hrs. We do understand that people do fall ill or even change their travel plans. Should you have a change in your plans or just decide you no longer wish to join us on this adventure, you may receive a full refund as long as you cancel or reschedule a minimum of 48 hrs. prior to the departure time of your reserved trip. This allows us enough time to resell your seats. The same cancellation policy (48 hrs.) applies if just 1 or more from your party do not show up. you may be required to pay for their space(s) unless they are resold.