Adventure X Boat Tours
Adventure X Boat Tours
Adventure X Boat Tours
5
Scuba & SnorkellingSwim with DolphinsBoat ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
"With our safe, custom, luxury adventure boat we specialize in Whale Watching, Snorkel Adventures, Manta Ray night snorkel tours, and private charters. We operate in a remote area on the west side of the Big Island, along the Kohala Gold Coast, away from the crowds and congestion of Kona. We promote respectful encounters of our ocean animals, and sustainable practices as we pride ourselves as an eco-friendly business. From our many reviews online, we have found that our guests love our excellent customer service, as everyone who comes on board is ohana (family), we truly care, and will do everything we can to make sure you have a fabulous time. We provide snacks and refreshments! In addition we have a bathroom on board.
Puako, Hawaii
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
570 reviews
Excellent
529
Very good
24
Average
5
Poor
5
Terrible
7
Chad Cox
Montrose, MN45 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
This was our second trip with Adventure X, and it was our best to date! First of the ladies running the boat were very sweet, and so much fun! They offered us delicious gluten free banana bread, sandwich wraps (which I didn’t eat because we had so much whale activity around us), cookies and fresh pineapple. We saw everything on this trip: mama whale ✔️ Baby whale ✔️ Adult male escort whale ✔️ Baby spy hop ✔️ Adult breaching ✔️ Getting mugged by all of them ✔️ It was awesome! Captain Tess was great as well, lots of jokes that were, whale, pretty funny... she got us in position to see lots of activity and even would re-position the boat for better lighting taking pictures. This really is a must do excursion and one we will be doing at least once every trip back to the Big Island! Thank you ladies!
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill G
2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
This company is wonderful! We had a wonderful time on our boat ride out and loved the energy and friendliness of the staff and captain. The sunset and songs he played as we made our way to the bay made for an unforgettable experience. One of the crew chatted with us about Mantas as they set up our viewing area and we learned so much! They handed out noodles and snorkel sets as it began to rain a little. The water began to get more and more choppy and as the sun went down the crew and those from other boats around all anxiously watched the water waiting to spot a Manta. We all listened to instructions on how to get into the water and what to do and we were all in the water floating and waiting in no time!
Unfortunately we floated around for an hour trying to find Mantas as the rain beat down harder and harder and the water got even choppier. We watched as the microscopic fish ate plankton and the big fish ate those in the glow of the light. Quite interesting, but no Mantas.
It was so cold from the rain and I was so disappointed to not see Mantas, but our guides seemed even more shocked and sad. I know they worked hard for us and cannot control Mother Nature. We were told they see Mantas 98% of the time.
Go and enjoy the boat ride and hopefully you will have better luck than us!!! Take Dramamine!!! Our whole crew took it and we were fine, but several other passengers were SO SICK!
Unfortunately we floated around for an hour trying to find Mantas as the rain beat down harder and harder and the water got even choppier. We watched as the microscopic fish ate plankton and the big fish ate those in the glow of the light. Quite interesting, but no Mantas.
It was so cold from the rain and I was so disappointed to not see Mantas, but our guides seemed even more shocked and sad. I know they worked hard for us and cannot control Mother Nature. We were told they see Mantas 98% of the time.
Go and enjoy the boat ride and hopefully you will have better luck than us!!! Take Dramamine!!! Our whole crew took it and we were fine, but several other passengers were SO SICK!
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim E
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Friends
This excursion was one of the most amazing nights I have ever had and never knew I needed on my bucket list. My parents and friend and I were super excited, but my mom was a quite nervous to be in the Pacific at night. But the crew of Lori, Lindsay and Captain Casey made everyone so comfortable about the experience. They were very knowledgeable and walked you through and were with you for the entire experience. And the Manta Rays, oh my, it was like they knew how scared my mom was and 3 of them kept coming right in front of us doing flips over and over under water inches from our faces as if they could sense her fear and said, look, we are hear and we are not going to hurt you. All they want to eat is the plankton. We bought these awesome shirts afterwards and wear them with pride. The crew even provide snacks and beverages afterwards for the ride back. We looked at other excursions but this group in Puako was first class and the only way to go. Super close to our hotel at Kings Land. We had such a great time we booked the whale watching tour a couple days later with Lindsay, Lorraine and Tes. Can’t thank you all enough for the amazing experience and memories.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HulaFan
Chadds Ford, PA24 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Our captain and two mates, all women, did a great job making us all, including two elementary school age kids, feel welcome. They knew and explained a lot about the whales and their habits. The underwater mike to hear whales "singing" was really cool. They served banana bread, fresh pineapple, and chocolate chip cookies along with drinks. The boat is a zodiac type -- fairly small, and you are close to the water. I was able to sit on the tube with a foot in the water. It was a great morning!
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaley C.
7 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We had originally reserved with another company that had to cancel last minute. Adventure X was able to accommodate our large group of 9!
The crew was very professional and friendly!I loved that the greeted each of us individually, very personable crew! Adventure X crew was great from start to finish!!!!
One of our kids (7yrs old) got scared at the moment we spotted the Mantas. Not only did they keep him calm by reassuring that it was completely okay but they allowed him to stay in the boat while we all viewed the mantas in the water! Once we got onto the boat the child that didn’t go in the water told us how much fun he had with the girls on the boat and he was the captain for a few minutes! Can not thank them enough!!!!
Once out in the water they were very informative and educated us on which manta we were seeing! What an experience! Nothing like a 6ft+ wide manta swooping towards the light board right in front of you, inches away!
Highly recommended!!!!
Just book the trip! You’ll never regret it!
The crew was very professional and friendly!I loved that the greeted each of us individually, very personable crew! Adventure X crew was great from start to finish!!!!
One of our kids (7yrs old) got scared at the moment we spotted the Mantas. Not only did they keep him calm by reassuring that it was completely okay but they allowed him to stay in the boat while we all viewed the mantas in the water! Once we got onto the boat the child that didn’t go in the water told us how much fun he had with the girls on the boat and he was the captain for a few minutes! Can not thank them enough!!!!
Once out in the water they were very informative and educated us on which manta we were seeing! What an experience! Nothing like a 6ft+ wide manta swooping towards the light board right in front of you, inches away!
Highly recommended!!!!
Just book the trip! You’ll never regret it!
Written June 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BennyBurkman
5 contributions
Feb 2022
We went on a morning whale watching tour. As we were heading back to the harbor at the end of the tour, we spotted large breaches in the distance. The captain turned right around and headed straight towards the breaches. We watched a female, male, and calf breach and play for the next 20-30 minutes! We even saw a triple breach (all three in the air at the same time) which is extremely rare. The crew was just as excited as we were. The crew asked if it was alright if we stayed out a bit longer and of course everyone agreed. We spent an extra 30-45 min on the boat because no one wanted to miss out on the spectacular show. The crew were fun and knowledgeable and you could tell they love what they do. Highly recommend this tour!
Written March 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary R
Honolulu, HI7 contributions
Mar 2020
Great day on Puako Bay with Adventure X. I was a bit apprehensive about going out whale watching on a small boat but I found the boat very stable and comfortable with room to sit or stand. The small boat allowed for maneuverability to keep up with quick moving whales. Plenty of room to move around from one side of the boat to the other. Dry storage out of the way for my belongings. The crew was outstanding. Very knowledgeable and passionate about their work which made for a great experience. We saw a competition pod of 3 whales, a mother and calf in shallow waters, and many more whale sitings. One of the coolest things was hearing the whale songs when they dropped the hydrophone into the water. So glad I took my camera. Highly recommend, especially the 11am trip for those who are staying down in Kailua-Kona. (They also offer a sunset whale watching trip too.) I would definitely go out with this group again.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura L
4 contributions
Jul 2023
Loved the Manta Ray evening snorkel. (7:00PM) Been to the Big Island three times and this was hands down my favorite activity yet. Crew was competent and friendly. Tour size fairly small. We were the only boat viewing these beautiful sea creatures which was wonderful. No crowds! The sunset boat ride to the viewing location was fun and only about ten minutes from the launching point. The boat launch was only about 15 minutes from Waikoloa making quick travel to and from our lodging.
I did not know what to expect from this experience. Would I be nervous around these animals? Turns out they are so graceful and gentle, after a few minutes I was entranced and enamored by their majesty. If you think you might feel skittish then I recommend choosing a spot on the surf board further away from the light where the plankton congregate and the rays directly feed.
This is a once in a lifetime memory that I highly recommend.. But know yourself. Know the people in your group. If someone isn’t open to the experience, don’t force it. For the sake of everyone else on the boat. =)
I did not know what to expect from this experience. Would I be nervous around these animals? Turns out they are so graceful and gentle, after a few minutes I was entranced and enamored by their majesty. If you think you might feel skittish then I recommend choosing a spot on the surf board further away from the light where the plankton congregate and the rays directly feed.
This is a once in a lifetime memory that I highly recommend.. But know yourself. Know the people in your group. If someone isn’t open to the experience, don’t force it. For the sake of everyone else on the boat. =)
Written July 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AustinFitz99
Charleston, South Carolina, United States4 contributions
Mar 2021
Loraine and Kelsey provided an astounding whale trip! My only complaint was that they brought along their booking agent, whose phone kept ringing. She proceeded to talk loudly on the phone with customers so that myself and others around her were unable to hear what the tour guide (Kelsey) was saying.
Also, they kept turning on the boat radio instead of letting us hear the amazing sound of the whales breathing.
Other than these noise disturbances, the trip was amazing and I highly recommend Adventure X!
Also, they kept turning on the boat radio instead of letting us hear the amazing sound of the whales breathing.
Other than these noise disturbances, the trip was amazing and I highly recommend Adventure X!
Written March 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dec
Cottage Grove, WI7 contributions
Feb 2020
Definitely worth doing the Manta Ray excursion. One floats on the surface and the Rays are attracted to the abundant plankton, which are present because of lights. The Rays glide in and literally do summersaults feeding within inches of you. Cool experience to get close up to these creatures with 8-14 foot wingspans.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A review by “GnarGnarPowPow” for the Adventure X Boat Tours was overall positive with the exception of being disappointed in the snorkeling not due to X Boat Tours but due to “Hawaiian restrictions on snorkeling options”. Can anyone elaborate on what this might entail? GnarGnar is not currently accepting any P questions according to Trip Advisor.
Written October 30, 2018
Perhaps they're referring to how bothersome of the dolphins you can be? Other than that, can't think what they're talking about. We got dropped off for three passes through the dolphin pod. Past a certain point in the day (i.e. getting closer to lunch time) they don't want to be interacting with the dolphins because that's when the dolphins typically start entering a sleep cycle, and you need to leave them alone.
Note: there is talk about changing whether or not tour companies will still be allowed to do this at all. You might want to call the company before your trip and verify that nothing has changed. As long as the company says they are still allowed to do it, I stand behind my original review: this was a great company to go out and try to swim with the dolphins, one of the best you're likely to find in that area (or likely any other).
Written October 31, 2018
ryankrysiak
Saint Louis, Missouri
What is the boat size you guys use? And rough wave size you “typically” deal with? Most of my whale watches have been out of Gloucester mass, in 7-8 foot waves. I have issues with sea sickness and it about killed me last time, just seeing if it’s a little more calm there?
Written October 3, 2017
Boat capacity for our trip was 20. We had 11 and there was lots of extra room. Waters are relatively calm. I have a tendency for motion sickness and had zero issues on this trip. I think part of it is the crew mixes up the powered movement with very short drifts, and it makes that part easy.
Written January 14, 2018
Hi. Is the price the same for each person whether they swim with the dolphins, or is there a seperate price for one who just is along for the ride with their spouse. Do you pick up at the hilton hotel?
Written September 27, 2015
The trasportation issue is a concern for me as well. I can see how if a business depends on attracting customers from all over the island how hitting each motel/resort would not be that feasible.
On the other hand I am considering attending a conference at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort which according to Google is 0.8 miles from Adventure X Boats. I have no intention of renting a car and wouldn’t want t depend on taxi availability to arrive on time.
I was considering one of their daytime and one night time excursions. Walking 0.8 miles in Hawaii each way carrying my own snorkeling gear wouldn’t be the worst way in the world to spend some of my time off but that is also valuable time that could be spent doing more rewarding activities...
Anyone here who stayed at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and went to Adventure X Boats that did walk their or came up with a solution that didn’t involve rental cars or taxis? A rental bicycle per trip from the resort would be a nice and “green” option.
Written October 31, 2018
Hi, I noticed on your site that you have pricing for whale watching for ages 3 and up. Does this mean under 3 is free or not allowed? our son is two. Thanks
Written February 8, 2015
I don't know, but it probably is not too safe for such a young child. The seating is on pontoons and very bumpy and it might be very hard to hang on yourself and hold a child at the same time. I could not do it. Call and ask however.
Written February 9, 2015
Staying at the marriott beach resort in Waikoloa is adventure x whale close?
Written December 23, 2014
Yes. It's close. However, have breakfast , get there early Don't be late. Bring a towel, and light jacket. Sometimes cool on water early. They also have light weight rash guards for sale. A must have doing water activities on the island. Drys quickly but blocks the sun. Checkk in then get in line so you can get good seat. The crew is amazing. You will love it. Kelsey is a sweetheart. She can also book your swim with Rays. Just ask.
Written December 23, 2014
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