Swimming to a beautiful turtle reef to see where many of Hawaii's honu (green sea turtles) live - remember to always keep your distance; Hawaii's honu are a protected species. Gather up the family or a group of your closest friends and experience one of Oahu's true hidden gems: the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar.
Located in the middle of Hawaii's only barrier reef-protected bay, the Kaneohe Sandbar is an ideal spot to discover Hawaii's diverse waters. From the transparent turquoise waters of Kaneohe Bay to the dolphin-friendly stretch of deep-sea beyond Ko Olina, our trusted fleet of Oahu boat charters have been cruising the island's diverse shoreline for over three decades.
Located in the middle of Hawaii's only barrier reef-protected bay, the Kaneohe Sandbar is an ideal spot to discover Hawaii's diverse waters. From the transparent turquoise waters of Kaneohe Bay to the dolphin-friendly stretch of deep-sea beyond Ko Olina, our trusted fleet of Oahu boat charters have been cruising the island's diverse shoreline for over three decades.
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Captain Bruce's history traces back to one of the island's first Kaneohe Sandbar tours-right here on Oahu in 1983. We'll show you exactly why Hawaii's third-largest island has rightly earned its moniker, "The Gathering Place".
Thanks to the island's prime location in the Pacific Ocean, dolphins, humpback whales, monk seals, and sea turtles are just some of the wild marine animals that flock to Oahu's warm surrounding waters and pristine stretches of sandy shores.For a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience, take to the seas with Captain Bruce, Oahu's oldest and most renowned boat rental and private boat charter company.
Thanks to the island's prime location in the Pacific Ocean, dolphins, humpback whales, monk seals, and sea turtles are just some of the wild marine animals that flock to Oahu's warm surrounding waters and pristine stretches of sandy shores.For a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience, take to the seas with Captain Bruce, Oahu's oldest and most renowned boat rental and private boat charter company.
Gather up the family or a group of your closest friends and experience one of Oahu's true hidden gems: the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar. Located in the middle of Hawaii's only barrier reef-protected bay, the Kaneohe Sandbar is an ideal spot to discover Hawaii's diverse waters. Perfect for a family-friendly day out on the water, our Captain Bruce private boat charters out to the Kaneohe Sandbar comfortably fit groups of six or less.
We at Captain Bruce, a trusted private boat charter company on Oahu since 1983, have got you covered with our fleet of private speed boats, luxury yachts, and catamarans. Considered to be the world's largest saltwater sandbar, the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar is a three-acre, mile-long white sand island only accessible at low tide.
With the Ko'olau mountain range serving as an impressive and rugged backdrop, Oahu's Eastern or Windward Coast is known for its scenic drives, verdant hiking trails, and of course, the islands' largest sheltered inlet: Kaneohe Bay. Thanks to the barrier reef-it's the only bay in Hawaii to have one-Kaneohe Bay is protected from large swells, allowing sea turtles, rays, and plenty of fish to swim in its safe waters.
Alcohol BYOB is allowed, but cans only, not bottles. Please note Alcohol is not allowed on a 3 days weekend, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Yes if the seats are available. However, we recommend you to make early reservations since our tours will be sold out several days earlier most of the time.
Reviews (21)
Cindy Nguyen
Feb 05, 2022
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Stephanie Q.
Nov 19, 2021
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Rosa V.
Nov 04, 2021
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This was a last minute booking but boy this did not disappoint. This group took us out to a wonderful sandbar about a mile out from the coast. A quick ride out, dropped anchor and we were out grabbing Snorkle gear and what ever else we needed. I'm not a swimmer but I could effectively use the Snorkle gear. The kicker was being led out by the crew Crystal took me out safely while I Snorkeled I saw fish and even better turtles massive beautiful turtles. This crew has great has great respect for the coral reefs, the animals and it shows. I will def do this again with this great crew ! Crystal
Gristle M.
Nov 04, 2021
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Our family took the pontoon boat tour out to Kaneohe Sandbar last Saturday and it was by far the best day of our 9 day trip to Hawaii. If you have an extra half day on Oahu, please consider this a must do! Our Captain, Kekoa, was so knowledgeable, safe, and thoughtful every step of the way. I would have gone again the next day on the group tour had I applied adequate sunscreen on our trip. Their communication and service was top notch- from the shuttle pick up to drop off at our hotel in Waikiki and every moment in between. Thank you to the whole crew at Captain Bruce's for the magical
Liz A.
Oct 25, 2021
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Tony
Oct 16, 2021
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Aj P.
Oct 15, 2021
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Mia D.
Sep 30, 2021
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Omg the highlight of our trip!!!!
Capitan Bruce was on top of everything and made our experience A1!
At no additional cost, a shuttle came close to our hotel to get us. There were others on this shuttle but it's huge and very cold!
We had our own boat w our captain, Kekoa! There was 4 of us total and I dressed up w my Hawaiian dress and flowers and took pictures before swimming. It was so dreamy w the water and sandbar.
We saw a few turtles, we paddle boarded, we snorkeled and Captain Kekoa even pulled us around when we got too tired to swim so we can see everything under water! He absolutely
Capitan Bruce was on top of everything and made our experience A1!
At no additional cost, a shuttle came close to our hotel to get us. There were others on this shuttle but it's huge and very cold!
We had our own boat w our captain, Kekoa! There was 4 of us total and I dressed up w my Hawaiian dress and flowers and took pictures before swimming. It was so dreamy w the water and sandbar.
We saw a few turtles, we paddle boarded, we snorkeled and Captain Kekoa even pulled us around when we got too tired to swim so we can see everything under water! He absolutely
Kristin F.
Sep 13, 2021
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HOLY MOLY, THE CAPT BRUCE SANDBAR IS A MUST!!! What an incredibly breathtaking experience! You will be awe of the stunning backdrop of Oahu and won't believe you are in the middle of the ocean. I felt that we had plenty of time there and did not feel rushed. We could've definitely stayed another couple of hours tho!
Sandbar:
-An easy 10 min boat ride to the Sandbar. Life vests, assorted snacks, hot coffee, and assorted drinks.
-LOVED how they have a floating shack int he middle of the Sandbar to hold free paddle boards and assorted floats.
-Once your group feels like they are ready to
Sandbar:
-An easy 10 min boat ride to the Sandbar. Life vests, assorted snacks, hot coffee, and assorted drinks.
-LOVED how they have a floating shack int he middle of the Sandbar to hold free paddle boards and assorted floats.
-Once your group feels like they are ready to
Ayleen D.
Sep 03, 2021
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My boyfriend and I had such an amazing time on this tour! We took the tour on 8/30/2021 at 1pm. The directions on finding the departure point were very easy. We parked in the lot, got our stuff, and checked in to get on the boat. The captain (I'm so sorry we forgot his name) was super helpful in explaining everything. When we got to the sandbar, there were snacks and refreshments for everyone! We brought our own seltzers and alcohol so we were able to store it in the cooler. We could easily access our stuff on the boat. Once we got to the sandbar, there were paddle boats and other water activities
Sharon E.
Aug 26, 2021
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This place has the best customer service ever! From booking the tour, having to rebook due to weather, even arriving to the boat slip and our captain Robin. He was so kind and knowledgeable. I have been to Oahu many times but this is the first time doing this and I will never come out here again without taking one of Captain Bruce's tours!!
Shir D.
Aug 16, 2021
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Called to make a reservation and was told they had space available but that I needed to book online. I booked immediately after we hung up, put in my credit card info, and then got a text that the seats were given to someone else. They suggested a different day, which we accepted. The day before the scheduled tour, I realized I didn't have the information about the tour. When I checked in, they said they didn't have a reservation for us and called to inform us they were fully booked. Everything else was also fully booked. Completely unprofessional.
Beth S.
Aug 12, 2021
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This is absolutely the best tour we've ever taken in Hawaii. The crew was fantastic! The boat was in great condition, very clean and the tour was absolutely phenomenal. Jamie and Z were AMAZING. They were so kind, interactive and informative. I brought my parents to Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary. My mother really wanted to snorkel but she had some minor health limitations. This tour was perfect for them. They brought us out to an area where my mom could easily stand up in the water. The boat was easy for her to get on and off of. The tour consisted of a short beautiful ride to
Mina D.
Aug 03, 2021
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Make sure to go to the morning tour because you'll have a higher chance of seeing the sea turtles. The staff were friendly and nice. The boat has snacks and drinks for the passengers. At the sand bar, they have paddle boats, inflatable tubes, beach balls, etc. to play with. My mother, who has a fear of the ocean, was assisted by Captain Robin. He kindly helped her float to see the sea turtles. Courtney and Crystal were also very friendly and nice too.
Cara C.
Aug 03, 2021
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This was such a fun excursion. We booked their afternoon slot on Saturday at 1p. There was no parking in the lot when we arrived, so we parked on the street which was just a super short walk. Check-in was quick and easy! Our guides were Jason and Kevin and they were so awesome. Super friendly. Boat didn't feel crowded at all. They took us by a heart shaped reef before getting to the sandbar. It was just a 5 minute boat ride to the sandbar. The tide was high, so the water was waist deep.
My husband and I played in the water for a bit before deciding to go snorkeling. Kevin sprayed our goggles
My husband and I played in the water for a bit before deciding to go snorkeling. Kevin sprayed our goggles
Filip D.
Jun 15, 2021
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This was the highlight of my trip in Hawaii! Captain Trevor and Kevin were super awesome and fun! They were super patient and outgoing, making this boat trip even more fun.
I would definitely recommend this boat ride! If any of my friends are vacationing in Hawaii, i'm telling them about Captain Bruce's first
I would definitely recommend this boat ride! If any of my friends are vacationing in Hawaii, i'm telling them about Captain Bruce's first
Cheryl G.
Jun 14, 2021
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Booked this excursion through Groupon thru viator.
We had Captain Jason & Rob. Went out for 1pm excursion on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. We had an amazing time on the water in Kaneohe sandbar. We saw so about 5 turtles and so many fish on the coral during our snorkel tour. We didn't expect to have snacks on board but they had granola bars, chips, soda and water. Crew was super kind and helpful and definitely a memorable trip for us. Recommend Captain Bruce Kaneohe sandbar tour.
We had Captain Jason & Rob. Went out for 1pm excursion on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. We had an amazing time on the water in Kaneohe sandbar. We saw so about 5 turtles and so many fish on the coral during our snorkel tour. We didn't expect to have snacks on board but they had granola bars, chips, soda and water. Crew was super kind and helpful and definitely a memorable trip for us. Recommend Captain Bruce Kaneohe sandbar tour.
Delisia J.
Jun 06, 2021
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So impressed about the tour and staffs, they were so friendly and helpful, especially everything in the boat they keep it very clean.
Don't forget to bring fruit, food, and cash to tip for those hard working tour guiders , you won't regret
Definitely will come back with all of my family in the next few month.
Always support local business
Don't forget to bring fruit, food, and cash to tip for those hard working tour guiders , you won't regret
Definitely will come back with all of my family in the next few month.
Always support local business
Madonna M.
Apr 16, 2021
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I can't express how thankful I am with this team. Unfortunately, we missed our tour. To make a long story short, Hector and Aya worked out something for me and was able to accommodate my other family members instead. The fact that they listened to my request of rebooking my tour for my other family members was so touching. They are kind and and easy to talk to. They were very accommodating and I really appreciate them for understanding my situation.
Hector and Aya....thanks so much for your patience and kindness. I hope to meet you when we go back on vacation again. You guys are awesome!
Hector and Aya....thanks so much for your patience and kindness. I hope to meet you when we go back on vacation again. You guys are awesome!
Katy Y.
Apr 03, 2021
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No availability so we called and Hector was very kind. He opened up a boat for us! We booked it for the next day 3 hrs PM excursion from 1-4 pm. Kevin and Jason were our hosts and they were amazing, patient, friendly, and thoughtful! They had snacks for us. We brought canned drinks and they had this floatie for us to put our drinks while we hung out at the sandbar.
The snorkeling experience was phenomenal! The life vests made it so easy to snorkel! Even if you're not a strong swimmer, you will be able to snorkel out far and see so many fish and sea turtles.
They had snorkel gears available
The snorkeling experience was phenomenal! The life vests made it so easy to snorkel! Even if you're not a strong swimmer, you will be able to snorkel out far and see so many fish and sea turtles.
They had snorkel gears available
Anna T.
Mar 25, 2021
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We had a great time with Captain Bruce Charters back in January. It was rainy and windy the day we went- we had the option to cancel, but wanted to go anyway. The views on the sandbar were gorgeous. We booked another trip for April for when our family is in town again. Definitely recommend using this company.
