We LOVED South Pacific Kayak! We booked the Turtle Reef Discovery tour. The company was very proactive about the weather conditions and alerted us the day before our scheduled tour that it may be canceled due to bad weather conditions (strong winds and high surf). However, they allowed us to simply move our tour to the following morning when the weather was set to improve.

Jake was our guide and was very competent and knowledgeable. He gave a great overview of everything we needed to know about kayaking BEFORE we go on the water. There were 10 of us so it was a larger group but the tour still had an intimate feel.

Waters were a little rough because of the winds but we still made two stops for snorkeling. Visibility was really good, especially given the rough surf and we saw turtles, plenty of fish and even a white tip shark. Jake snorkeled with us and pointed out interesting marine life.

Snacks in the form of granola bars and juice drinks were provided. The snorkel gear was good and the kayak and paddles were in good condition as well. The whole tour lasted about 3 hours and I wish we had more time on the water. It would be a little difficult with kids unless they are good swimmers. We launched at Makena Landing and there is free parking about 100 yards from where you put in.

If you’re considering a kayak and snorkel tour, you won’t be disappointed with SPK!

Ashley H.
Atlanta, GA

I highly recommend a kayak tour with this company! We booked the Pali Cliffs tour and went out with Adam, but the wind kicked up and we had to come in early. Adam suggested asking his boss if we could do an additional tour. We were able to easily join another tour a few days later, this time with Steve, and had an incredible whale watching and snorkeling experience. If you have some flexibility with booking, I recommend calling the company to ask about the best day and location based on weather/wind conditions, rather than just booking whatever sounds best online. Also keep in mind that if you are seeking a controlled, entirely predictable experience, then a kayak tour probably isn’t for you because nature will do what it wants. But if you want a hands-on ocean experience, absolutely book this tour!

Michele G.
Chicago, IL

Our group of four had a guided kayak and snorkel trip with Steve. It was incredible! Steve was extremely knowledgeable, and went above and beyond for our group. One member was very anxious about getting in and out of the boat, and he helped her every step of the way. He also got in and snorkeled with us at both spots we stopped. Not all of the other guides were doing that with their groups.
He taught us about turtles feeding, and led us to spots that would be most likely to see them! We saw so many turtles at both snorkel spots. He also taught us about sea urchins and showed us different kinds. By the end of the trip, we were all smiles! Mahalo Steve and South Pacific kayaks for an incredible day!

Robbie & Shelby
Wailuku, HI

We have been coming to Maui for over 15 years and love it – but it is getting a bit more challenging to find real quality excursions or adventures that we haven’t done…JAKE was our guide and the tour was so fantastic – we will be doing it again next year!

One of the best things is it is a small and intimate group, so there is alot of time for one on one conversation, personalized spots based on the weather, tide conditions and skill of the group, vs. a big boat or group that has a certain route they follow – this is much better and more flexible….

Very personal, knows which spots to go to, accommodates every skill level, very knowledgable about the island, the marine life and a great lunch afterwards – as others have said the whole experience was excellent and truly a great value! You won’t be sorry!

Jennifer C.
Los Angeles, CA

Just do it. You’ll read lots of reviews and it’s hard to pick a company. We had a great experience. We went in early July. Beautiful day in and on the ocean. Swam with the turtles. Our guide, Fitz was wonderful, very relaxed and wanted us to have the best experience possible. We went to two great locations and we could stay as long as we wanted. When we were ready to move on, Fitz led the way to the next spot.
It’s worth mentioning that Fitz is educated in marine science and can answer most any question and always has some useful information about what you see. He helped others with their GoPros, even took photos and videos with our camera.
We did the four hour trip with lunch. We snorkeled off the kayaks, easier than it sounds, but that made it easier and faster to see the really fun stuff. Had lunch on the kayaks between snorkeling. And, it was a very good lunch.
This is not the ‘we’ll ferry you and the other 150 people on our boat and send you all into the water at the same place’ kind of trip. You have to paddle, which is the way to get personal with the water and ocean life. We’re in our early 60’s, in reasonably good shape and were able to have a great time.
Couldn’t be happier with our experience.

Craig A.
Bend, OR

Garret was amazing. This was such an amazing trip. We saw lots of whales breaching in the distance. Flying fish. The weather was perfect. calm waters, sunny and basically a private tour with 7 family members. And just when we thought the trip couldnt get any better, a baby whale surfaced and made its way toward us as we stood still watching him approach. We were so amazed (and thrilled) that this curious little guy was checking out each of our kayaks. The mom was just beneath us as was a very large third escort whale not far off. It was AMAZING!! I took a photo with my underwater camera from the kayak, submerged and snapped a photo as the baby whale was passing (see photo post).

We will never forget this. Garret was such a great guide, knowledgable, and very respectful of the sea. Thanks so much. See you again!! Cheers from all of us.

Eloy d.
Washington, DC

We set up a kayak trip with SPK and arrived and was immediately greeted by our guide Dan.  The next 3 hours was the most amazing experience of our entire trip.  Dan was personable, knowledgable and very informative.  He took us to the best reefs and my 10 year old daughter was amazed from start to finish.  I would highly recommend this company and can’t wait to return and book them again…..and hope we get Dan as our guide!

Elizabeth N.

Elizabeth N. Saint Helena, CA