Ocean Riders Adventure Tours
Ocean Riders Adventure Tours
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About
The Original Lanai tour established in 1988. Only Ocean Riders circumnavigates the island of Lanai on a continual, year round basis. Nobody knows the island better. Others have tried imitating our trip but it cannot be duplicated. Our boat is the perfect vessel for handling what Lanai has to offer and the others just can't or won't do what we do. No timers to call you back from the water and cutting your time short (the other tours can't say that).
Lahaina, Hawaii
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Ocean Riders Adventure Tours
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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
482 reviews
Excellent
452
Very good
18
Average
4
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Gail N
Madison, WI8 contributions
Mar 2023
We love to snorkel and this trip delivered. I was a little worried when we booked this trip reading in a guide that the craft we were taking was not for everyone. Thankfully I read a lot of the online reviews and saw the great reviews so we decided to give it a try. Having this type of boat allowed us to move in and around Lanai's coast in ways that a larger boat never could, and the small group factor makes the snorkeling even more enjoyable.
We went on a very windy day and we definitely had a "wild ride" across the channel. We are in our mid-sixties and I think the other passengers graciously allowed us to sit in spots that were not on the side of the boat so this was helpful for us. The day flew by and the openness of the boat kept anyone from feeling a bit sea-sick, despite the bumpiness.
Captain Chad (and his first-mate) are pros and you can tell that they have a plan for the snorkeling that Chad adapts based on the conditions, insuring the best experience possible. We did see whales, but because of the waves Captain Chad reminded us that he couldn't slow down for them, and that we were "speed whale watching". The snorkeling was really the best we have done in Hawaii in a lot of years. We loved the fact that each stop was timed based on how long the group wanted to be in the water. We never felt rushed.
We thoroughly enjoyed the day including the snacks, the delicious lunch and highly recommend it for anyone who loves to snorkel (or is wanting to try) and is up for a bit of an adventure! Thanks to the crew, including sweet Bogey for creating a very memorable experience.
We went on a very windy day and we definitely had a "wild ride" across the channel. We are in our mid-sixties and I think the other passengers graciously allowed us to sit in spots that were not on the side of the boat so this was helpful for us. The day flew by and the openness of the boat kept anyone from feeling a bit sea-sick, despite the bumpiness.
Captain Chad (and his first-mate) are pros and you can tell that they have a plan for the snorkeling that Chad adapts based on the conditions, insuring the best experience possible. We did see whales, but because of the waves Captain Chad reminded us that he couldn't slow down for them, and that we were "speed whale watching". The snorkeling was really the best we have done in Hawaii in a lot of years. We loved the fact that each stop was timed based on how long the group wanted to be in the water. We never felt rushed.
We thoroughly enjoyed the day including the snacks, the delicious lunch and highly recommend it for anyone who loves to snorkel (or is wanting to try) and is up for a bit of an adventure! Thanks to the crew, including sweet Bogey for creating a very memorable experience.
Written March 10, 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.
ECA
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Couples
Hang on tight, indeed! And get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Our entire day was filled with wonder and awe at the beauty and power of the natural elements. You will be grateful for Captain Chad’s experience and seaworthy skills. He started the day with an overview of our upcoming adventure and immediately put us at ease with his attention to detail and our safety. Different from other snorkel cruises we have taken, he allowed his passengers to pretty much drive the amount of time we spent at each location and generally offered an open timeline for the day’s adventures. The three different snorkel locations he selected gradually added something different and more spectacular each time. As one of the few tours (if any!) that circumvents the entire island of Lana’i, we felt that this excursion was like a private event for the passengers on our boat given that no other boats were seen during the entire trip around the island. Chad stopped at several other locations to showcase interesting spots including shipwrecks, a blowhole, and a royal burial site. A continental breakfast and tasty lunch was provided. (A tip for coffee drinkers: grab a cup before your arrive.) Attentive and engaging, Chad and his first mate, Brandon, along with his seafaring dog, Bogie, offered an adventure that exceeded our expectations.
Written July 22, 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.
Brian H
Eau Claire, WI10 contributions
Mar 2022
If you are looking for an adventure, this is the excursion that you want! Captain Chad's tour is a great way to snorkel in areas and see scenery close up around the island of Lanai that many others who visit Hawaii do not get to experience. We saw some historic shipwrecks as we started our journey around Lanai before getting a chance to swim up to an isolated beach for a little break between the journey and the start of snorkeling. Chad took us to 3 different snorkeling spots, all with different sights to behold. Along the coast on the sheltered side of the island, Chad cranked up the speed and took us close to the rocks and sea cliffs so we could get a great view of the unique geography of Lanai. The deli lunch was also great, and gave us a little break between the 2nd and 3rd snorkel stops. The only thing I would caution against, is if you don't like rough seas, this may not be the trip for you to take. We experienced some large swells from the north, and the ride back to Maui from Lanai was interesting, to say the least. Chad navigated the large waves with expertise, but if rough waters intimidate you, be prepared for the potential that this could be part of the trip. Overall, we had a lot of different levels of snorkeling expertise in our group of 15, and Chad made sure that everyone felt safe, and encouraged those who were a little fearful to experience the ocean. But even if you don't want to snorkel, and just want to see the sights, this is a great way to do it!
Written March 30, 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.
Justine Y
5 contributions
Apr 2022
Had a wonderful day on the boat with Captain Chad and Selwyn. Was on this tour with our entire family, including younger kids (10 and 8). Operations of the day were super smooth, they offered a light breakfast with fruit, juice and granola bars. We loaded up and were off to 3 snorkeling sites off the coast of Lanai. Along the way we got to explore a beautiful, remote beach, saw old shipwrecks and explored some really cool caves. It was an small intimate group and best of all, we had Bougey (captain chad's amazing Schnauzer) on board with us. Just be sure to bring layers as it gets a bit chilly when you are out of the water and riding the waves.
Only snafu we encountered was being called less than a week in to ask us if we could change the date of our trip. Because we so badly wanted to do this excursion, I ended up canceling restaurant reservations and other excursions. It was a bit last minute and in Maui, everything gets booked up in advance. More advance notice about schedule changes would be ideal.
But overall, the trip itself was fun, safe and my kids said it was the highlight of their trip! thanks Captain Chad and Selwyn!
Only snafu we encountered was being called less than a week in to ask us if we could change the date of our trip. Because we so badly wanted to do this excursion, I ended up canceling restaurant reservations and other excursions. It was a bit last minute and in Maui, everything gets booked up in advance. More advance notice about schedule changes would be ideal.
But overall, the trip itself was fun, safe and my kids said it was the highlight of their trip! thanks Captain Chad and Selwyn!
Written April 27, 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.
jryancb
Park City16 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Spectacular day-long journey around the island of Lana'i.
Boisterous waves greeted us for the send off on an exciting trip across the channel to the island where a WW2 era shipwreck was observed before visiting a supreme, golden beach without any other visitors.
Then, off to wonderful snorkeling into the reefs and sea life around the island. Spinner dolphins amazed both crew and guests alike.
Generous deli-style lunch helped power the remainder of the trip.
Great guidance by Capt Chad whose knowledge and experience were abundant.
Great day for losing the crowds while owning the shoreline of a beautiful island.
Boisterous waves greeted us for the send off on an exciting trip across the channel to the island where a WW2 era shipwreck was observed before visiting a supreme, golden beach without any other visitors.
Then, off to wonderful snorkeling into the reefs and sea life around the island. Spinner dolphins amazed both crew and guests alike.
Generous deli-style lunch helped power the remainder of the trip.
Great guidance by Capt Chad whose knowledge and experience were abundant.
Great day for losing the crowds while owning the shoreline of a beautiful island.
Written July 15, 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.
Ariana B
32 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
My husband and I had a great time on the Circumnavigate Lana’i Adventure. Captain Chad and Selwyn created a very relaxed and fun environment. An added bonus is that Captain Chad’s dog Bogey comes along for the ride, and he is extremely well-behaved and cute. The boat goes fast so expect some bumps - which add to the adventure! The snorkeling is great and the views of the cliffs of Lanai are incredible/breathtaking. It was very cool to see the ship wrecks as well as some scenic blow holes along the cliff sides. Recommend putting on plenty of sun screen and wearing a sun protection shirt and longer shorts or pants if you want to avoid burns - learn from my mistakes :)
Written June 7, 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.
Hawaiionmymind89
Fairfield, VT8 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
I’ve done the larger boat excursions but know that Lanai’s reefs are plentiful and mostly untouched. Heard about this company here on TA and was looking forward on our recent trip to Maui to getting to do this. Chad had to coordinate the interested parties to get us out on a day where the ocean was calmer than the 50 mph winds that had been around for a while. Total of 8 customers on the boat, so lots of room. Great lunch. What a way to feel insignificant in this world, being the only ones on a white sand beach and our snorkeling locations were empty as well. Just incredible! Chad is a wealth of information about under the ocean as well as the island. Thank you, I will be back!!
Written November 27, 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.
Relax552554
9 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Captain Chad is very knowledgeable and skilled. Storm swells made the journey from Maui to Lanai a little more adventurous- but we knew we were in good hands as Chad did a great job navigating. We took the tour circumnavigating Lanai and loved the snorkeling spots. Beautiful scenery, breaks spaced out between rising, snorkeling, lunch. Definitely recommend
Written July 15, 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.
Bullfrogmom
Angels Camp, CA84 contributions
Mar 2022
We enjoy snorkeling in small groups at sites where big tour boats don’t go and this trip didn’t disappoint. We went to three snorkeling spots and only our boat was there. We also stopped at a sand beach to swim and stretch out. It is a long day of of power boat excitement and the captain does not have a set schedule, other than to take you around the island of Lanai. We saw a couple of wrecked vessels from over 50 years ago, a lot of whales, and very few other boats all day. Our deli lunch was perfect. The caption takes the boat in close to the island cliffs and near some blow holes along the trip. It is a great day if you enjoy adventure! Our boat was 14 passengers, the captain, his son, and friendly dog. We highly recommend if you prefer going off the beaten path of the big boats and are a seasoned snorkel fan. If you have never snorkeled, you might prefer a bigger group on a big boat. If you get sea sick, this is not the boat for you!
Written March 17, 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.
Stavro54321
Edmonton, Canada73 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
The circumnavigation of Lanai was a wonderful adventure. Great boat ride, scenery and snorkeling. The captain and crew were amazing and the food for lunch was fantastic. All around a perfect day. Highly recommended. Incidentally, the online booking and waiver process was also superior to many of the other sites we have tried during this vacation.
Written November 23, 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.
Hi, is there a minimum age for the tours? We have a 20 months old with us, is she allowed? Assuming you guys have lifejackets for babies? And is the tour to see the shipwreck heavily weather dependent?
Written December 12, 2019
I would not recommend this for anyone under age 9-10
Written October 21, 2022
how many guest so on one boat? Are you with other vacationers. We have a family of 4
Written November 11, 2019
Plenty of room 14-16 peeps no problem It’s by far the best choice for the $ Capt Chad and crew ( boogie) love their work and it shows you hit spots the cattle boats will never touch can’t to slow ! Fun fun fun
Written December 18, 2019
I'm considering taking my family on this excursion. Is there a place on the boat that stays safe and dry - - - a place to store non-waterproof items like cell phones? I'll definitely take my GoPro and waterproof point and shoot, but I was wondering if there would be somewhere safe to stash my cell phone and sunglasses. I wouldn't want to lose them! Thanks.
Written October 2, 2017
You can put any valuables you don’t want to lose in chads truck. There is a waterproof stowaway area for towels/ shirts. Sunglasses go by the boat controls while snorkeling & there isn’t any cell service around Lana’i but if you want your phone for photos you can always put it in a plastic bag in the crate onboard
Written November 3, 2017
When we had gone in Jan 2017 it was $139 US and you arrive at the marina at 6:30 in the boat just after 7 am and return between 3 & 4 pm depending on the day and what you see. They provide lunch.
Written March 11, 2017
We are tossing up between Ocean Riders or Lanai Explorer (no landing) combo with whale watching. We are a family of 4 (2 adults & 2 teenage children). They like excitement but are concerned about getting seasick if it is rough,also is there anywhere my daughter can go to toilet if we get off the boat? Do you think we will get to see whales on the trip?
Written January 4, 2015
We enjoyed the Ocean Riders tour which incorporated several snorkeling stops near reefs and some near land. There is no place to use an actual toilet, but the ocean didn't mind the occasional pee break. If there is any chance that someone may get seasick, this isn't the tour for you... the fun and excitement of it all is riding the waves and cruising through the ocean, which is what my 2 teenagers enjoyed the most. We did not see any whales since we were there during the summer when they are not common, but we did see a school of dolphin (and rode along with them in the boat!) and our tour guide brought up an octopus for us to see and touch. Ocean Riders is very exciting and worth it!
Written January 4, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.