Oahu Submarine Scooter Adventure

When it comes to memorable ways to explore Oahu’s vibrant waters, the Submarine Scooter Adventure offers a unique combination of ease, fun, and stunning sights. This tour caters to those wanting to try something different—without the need for prior diving experience—yet still get close-up views of Hawaii’s colorful marine life. It’s a great choice for travelers eager for a quick but engaging underwater experience with a dash of adventure.

What truly makes this tour stand out is the chance to ride your own electric underwater scooter—a gadget that allows you to glide silently beneath the surface, observing sea turtles and tropical fish in their natural habitat. We also love the scenic cruise past Diamond Head Crater and the convenience of all gear being provided. However, it’s worth noting that this tour isn’t a full-day adventure, and the water conditions can be rocky, which might lead to seasickness for some. Still, it’s ideal for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a guided, hassle-free underwater experience.

If you’re comfortable with the idea of a 2-hour tour that mixes boat cruising with underwater exploration, this adventure could be just right. It appeals especially to those who want a snapshot of marine life without diving gear or extensive training.

Key Points

• Combines scenic boat cruise with underwater scooter exploration
• No prior experience needed; all gear is included
• Focus on marine life like sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral
• Around 2 hours total, including briefing and underwater time
• Guided by friendly, knowledgeable staff
• Suitable for ages 10 and up, with some physical considerations

An In-Depth Look at the Oahu Submarine Scooter Adventure

What’s Included and How It Works

This tour begins at Bob’s Hawaii Adventure, a conveniently located meeting point in Honolulu—just a short trip from many hotels. Once you check in 30 minutes early and sign your waiver, you’ll be given all the equipment needed, including wetsuit tops, snorkel gear, and your electric scooter. The price ($188.49 per person) covers everything, aside from transport to the meeting point, since no hotel pickups are offered.

Once aboard the power catamaran, you’ll cruise past Diamond Head Crater, enjoying expansive views of Maunalua Bay. This part of the trip alone is worth the price, offering picture-perfect vistas of one of Oahu’s most iconic landmarks. The boat ride sets the stage for the underwater portion—quiet, scenic, and relaxing.

The Underwater Experience

After approximately 20 minutes of cruising, the guides will help you gear up and prepare for your underwater scooter ride. The scooters are self-propelled and electric, designed to be user-friendly. No special skills are required, and guides are available to assist every step of the way.

Once underwater, you’ll glide through a marine environment filled with tropical fish, vibrant coral, and—if luck is on your side—green sea turtles. Several reviews mention the joy of swimming alongside these gentle giants, with guides pointing out particular fish or coral formations. One reviewer described it as “an amazing experience,” emphasizing the patience of the crew and the chance to see a large variety of sea life.

However, some participants noted that the scooters themselves might not meet expectations for performance or novelty—some felt they didn’t get the full control or thrill they anticipated. Still, the underwater environment and the chance to observe marine animals up close seem to compensate for this.

The Guides and Crew: Making It Special

Multiple travelers praise the crew for their friendliness, patience, and professionalism. Guides like Micah are singled out for doing “an awesome job of pointing out cool sea life,” and many mention feeling very safe underwater thanks to the staff’s attentiveness. This sense of safety and guidance is especially important for first-timers or those uneasy about being underwater.

The Marine Life and Scenery

What sets this tour apart is the quality of the marine environment. Participants consistently report seeing sea turtles, schools of fish, and coral. One reviewer pointed out, “We got to swim with turtles and too many fish to count!” Others appreciated the opportunity to feed fish and watch a turtle eating. The underwater world is lively, but a few noted that the variety of coral might be limited, which is understandable given the nature of such tours.

Food and Snacks

Snacks and drinks are included, providing a welcome refreshment after your underwater adventure. Travelers mention enjoying the provided refreshments, which help re-energize you after the two-hour experience.

Practicalities and Considerations

• Age and Physical Requirements: The minimum age is 10, and participants need to be at least 4 feet tall. The maximum weight limit (350 lbs) and height (6’8”) ensure everyone can safely use the scooter.
• Seasickness: Several reviews mention how rocky boat rides can cause seasickness. If you’re prone, consider taking motion sickness medication beforehand—many recommend Dramamine or patches.
• Weather Dependency: Like all outdoor water activities, this tour depends on good weather. Poor conditions mean possible cancellation, but you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.
• Group Size: With a maximum of 30 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate feel while allowing plenty of individual attention.

Who Should Book This?

This adventure suits travelers looking for a beginner-friendly, guided underwater experience that combines sightseeing with casual marine exploration. It’s especially appealing for families, first-time snorkelers, or those who want a quick, fun activity without the hassle of planning multiple stops. It’s not ideal if you’re seeking advanced diving, large coral reefs, or a highly adrenaline-fueled ride—this is more about the joy of floating on a scooter and observing marine life in a manageable, friendly setting.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a great value for its scope. The boat cruise, underwater scooter, and all gear included make it a hassle-free way to enjoy Oahu’s marine environment. The staff’s friendliness and their efforts to point out sea turtles and fish mean you’ll likely come away with plenty of memorable moments. It’s particularly well-suited for beginners, families, or anyone eager to try a new way of exploring the ocean without diving experience.

While the scooters themselves might not thrill tech enthusiasts expecting high performance, the underwater environment, guided safety, and the chance to see green turtles up close make this a worthwhile experience. The inclusion of snacks and the scenic cruise add to the overall value.

If you crave a gentle, guided introduction to Hawaii’s underwater world with the convenience of all gear included, this tour will likely meet and even surpass your expectations.

FAQ

Do I need experience to ride the underwater scooter?
No, all equipment and instructions are provided, and no previous experience is necessary. Guides are there to help you through every step.

What is included in the tour?
All equipment, wetsuit tops, snorkel gear, snacks, and drinks are included. The tour does not include hotel pickup.

How long is the underwater part of the tour?
You’ll spend approximately 20 minutes underwater on your scooter, within a total tour duration of about 2 hours.

Is there an age limit?
Yes, participants must be at least 10 years old and 4 feet tall. Minors need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

Can I see sea turtles?
Many reviewers report swimming with or observing green sea turtles during their underwater ride.

What should I wear?
Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel and sunscreen. The wetsuit top is provided.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. In case of cancellation due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the maximum is 30 travelers, ensuring personalized guidance and safety.

Final Words

This underwater scooter adventure offers a solid blend of scenic boat cruising and engaging marine observation. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, guided experience without the need for snorkeling or diving certification. With friendly guides, opportunities to see turtles, and all gear included, it’s a safe and convenient way to add a splash of adventure to your Oahu trip.

If you’re after an activity that balances fun, safety, and memorable sights—especially if you’re traveling with family or first-timers—this tour delivers good value and plenty of smiles. Just remember to consider seasickness and weather conditions, and you’ll likely leave with a few stories about swimming with sea turtles in paradise.