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Open Ocean Safari Podcast Show Notes
I interviewed Byron, the owner of Kona Honu Divers (my favorite dive shop in Hawaii) about a truly unique experience, the Open Ocean Safari. This is a once in a lifetime experience where you can go out on a fast boat that takes you into blue water. You’re getting into the open ocean where pelagic (non-reef living) animals pass by. If you have ever wanted to swim with dolphins, sharks, whales, or manta rays, this is a day trip that could make it happen. This is an adventure of a lifetime and not your average snorkeling in the bay experience. Press play above (or listen wherever you listen to podcasts) to learn more.
Why Should You Experience an Open Ocean Safari
You get to be up and close with wild animals. You might come across a pod of pilot whales, whale sharks, sperm whale, manta rays, sharks, spotted dolphins and more. You probably aren’t going to come across a pod of whales in the bay, but if you take a high-speed boat out to the blue water, that’s where you can pop on a snorkel, mask, and fins and get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.
There are over 13 different cetaceans in the Kona area, plus random other animals that come through.
If you are a water person, freediver, snorkeler, and ocean adventure lover, then this is an experience you should not miss out in life. This is an experience that will stick with you. This is not your average day on the beach, this is a day that you will never forget.
Byron’s First Time on the Open Ocean Safari (Swimming with Whales, Sharks, and Dolphins in Kona Hawaii)
They jumped on the boat (which is a Navy seal boat). It goes about 70-80 mph, but normally they drive about 50 mph, depending on the water conditions. As soon as they left the harbor they ran into spotted dolphins (which is rare to see around Hawaii). They headed north and swam with some Manta Rays then headed into the open ocean and found a sperm whale. The sperm whale is the largest predator in the world and it’s a very special experience to see and experience a sperm whale. On their way back in, they swam with a pod of pilot whales. A bull pilot whale can get up to 15 feet. Byron was right in a pilot whale’s face.
At the end of the day, they went to Kealakekua Bay by Captain Cook’s monument, which is a beautiful place to end the day.
Tips for This Bucket List Experience
Byron has done this trip 4 times, and 3 of the 4 times, they saw animals in the water. You may want to book this experience multiple days in a row to maximize the number of animals you might see. You’re on a safari, you’re heading out into the open ocean to find these huge creatures.
You are getting in the water with big creatures, so you do need to be cautious.
How Does the Open Ocean Safari Differ From Swimming with Dolphins in Kona
Snorkeling with dolphins in Kona is for everybody (or almost everybody). While the Open Ocean Safari is for those who truly want a bucket list adventure in the open ocean.
Requirements for the Open Ocean Safari
- Must be able to stand for 4 hours. You are standing on the boat pushed up against the backrest so they can move faster.
- Very comfortable in the water, specifically the open ocean
- No back issues
- Can’t be pregnant
- Over 4 feet tall
- Under 280 pounds
- No major surgeries in the last 6 months
- Be able to climb a ladder on the side of the boat
- Freediving skills (Check out this freediving course in Kona to get the full benefit of this day)
Gear Needed for the Trip
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Good hat (that will stay on)
- Towel
- Rash Guard
- Swim Suit
- Mask and Fins (if you don’t have these, they will be provided)
Worst Time to Do this Trip
- Around the time of a storm
- Winter (could have swell conditions)
- Busy holidays (unless you book in advance)
When To See Specific Whales and Sharks in Kona, Hawaii
- Hammerheads – January/February
- Humpback Whales – Late January through March
- Whale Sharks – December/January
- Pilot Whales- Year Round
- Oceanic White Tips – Year Round
Summer typically has the best conditions.
The Cost to Do This Trip
It’s only $160 (at the time of this interview) to spend a half day on the ocean looking for whales, sharks, and dolphins. Which is much cheaper than a liveaboard trip in Dominica, Tonga, etc.
Where to Book This Trip?
Book this trip with Kona Honu Divers or Kona Freedivers.
Join an epic expedition in search of Hawaii’s biggest and best marine life. The open ocean safari delivers opportunities to see whales, dolphins, whale sharks, big pelagic fish, sharks, mantas, and more. The Ocean Warrior is Hawaii’s fastest boat! Step on board and you’re able to cover miles of coastline, giving you the best chance for large animal encounters. The Big Island of Hawaii is home to 13 different species of whale and many can be seen year round. With an ability to travel ph+ over the water, finding and swimming alongside large marine life is only a matter of time. Join our partner company for the thrill of a lifetime.