Compare All Kaneohe Sandbar Tours
Shared catamarans & private charters – something for every group and budget. All depart from Heʻeia Kea Boat Harbor, Kāneʻohe.
⛵ Compare All Tours · KBOS · Captain Bob’s · Captain Bruce
Three operators run Kaneohe sandbar tours: KBOS, Captain Bob’s, and Captain Bruce. All depart from Heʻeia Kea Boat Harbor and reach Ahu O Laka, a 3-mile sandbar in the middle of Kāneʻohe Bay, in about 20 minutes by boat. Tour styles range from a catamaran with live Hawaiian music, to a laid-back snorkel trip with Hawaiian green sea turtles, to private charters for groups. Prices run $121 to $189 per person.
⛵ Shared Catamaran Tours
Three licensed operators, daily departures, snorkeling and water sports included on every tour.
Kaneohe Bay Ocean Sports (KBOS)
Snorkel, kayak, SUP & live Hawaiian music on the 70-ft Action Club catamaran. 6 packages available – Standard to All-Inclusive with banana boat & bumper tube.
⭐ 4.69 | 1,062 reviews | From $121.47/adult
Mon–Sat (closed Wed) | Morning & Afternoon | Waikiki pickup available
Captain Bob’s Sandbar & BBQ Lunch
The original Kaneohe sandbar experience. Two-stop tour: sandbar + coral reef snorkel. BBQ hamburger lunch included. Exclusive permit for secluded sandbar area.
⭐ 4.38 | 2,116 reviews | $189.00/adult
Free Waikiki hotel pickup | 46-ft twin-hull catamaran
Captain Bruce Sandbar Tour
SUP, guided snorkel & round-trip Waikiki transportation. Morning and afternoon departures. BYOB welcome with shared cooler. Relaxed, friendly vibe.
⭐ 4.49 | 1,424 reviews | From $125.00/adult
Free pickup from 12 Waikiki hotels
Which Shared Tour Is Right for You?
Compare prices, activities & inclusions side by side.
| Feature | 🎵 KBOS | 🍔 Captain Bob’s | 🐢 Captain Bruce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | $121.47/adult | $189/adult | $125/adult |
| Reviews | ⭐ 4.69 | 1,062 | ⭐ 4.38 | 2,116 | ⭐ 4.49 | 1,424 |
| Boat size | 70-ft catamaran | 46-ft catamaran | 40-ft catamaran |
| Capacity | Up to 100 | Up to 65 | Up to 30 |
| Duration | 3.5–6.5 hrs | 4–6.5 hrs | 3–6 hrs |
| Snorkeling | 🏄 Bay snorkel (casual) | 🤿 Guided coral reef | 🤿 Guided Turtle Reef |
| Water Sports | ✅ SUP, kayak, volleyball | ✅ Water volleyball | ✅ SUP |
| Live Music | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Banana Boat | ✅ Add-on packages | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Lunch | ✅ Afternoon only Turkey croissant | ✅ All packages BBQ hamburger + sides | ❌ Snacks only Spam musubi, chips |
| BYOB | ✅ $20 corkage fee | ❌ No outside drinks | ✅ Free (canned only) |
| Waikiki Pickup | ✅ +$31.41/person 6 locations | ✅ Free 9 hotels | ✅ Free 12 hotels |
| Best For | 🎉 Big groups, water sports | 🍔 Families, full meal + reef | 🐢 Intimate turtle snorkel |
| View KBOS → | View Captain Bob’s → | View Captain Bruce → |
How to Choose the Right Kaneohe Sandbar Tour
With three operators and over a dozen packages to choose from, picking the right Kaneohe Bay boat tour comes down to a few key questions.
What’s your group size?
For couples or small groups who want a personal experience, Captain Bruce’s shared tour (up to 30 guests) or a private speed boat charter is ideal. Larger groups and corporate events fit perfectly on the KBOS Action Club catamaran, which holds up to 120 guests with full catering options.
Is snorkeling a priority?
All three operators include snorkeling, but the experience varies. Captain Bob’s takes you to an exclusive coral reef site with guided instruction. Captain Bruce is known for turtle sightings at their dedicated Turtle Reef snorkel spot. KBOS offers casual bay snorkeling alongside kayaking, SUP, and other water sports. For the best Kaneohe Bay snorkeling, Captain Bob’s and Captain Bruce are the top picks.
Do you need Waikiki pickup?
Captain Bob’s and Captain Bruce both include free round-trip Waikiki hotel pickup. KBOS offers pickup for an additional $31.41 per person. If you have a rental car, all tours depart from Heʻeia Kea Boat Harbor with free parking available.
What about food and drinks?
Captain Bob’s is the only tour with a full BBQ lunch included on every package. KBOS includes a turkey croissant lunch on afternoon departures. Captain Bruce provides light snacks (spam musubi, chips) but welcomes you to bring your own canned drinks at no charge. KBOS allows BYOB with a $20 corkage fee.
Still not sure? Check out our guest reviews to see what real visitors say about each tour, or browse our complete sandbar guide for tips on tides, what to bring, and the best time to visit.
⛵ Private Charters
Perfect for birthdays, proposals, corporate events, or families who want a personalized experience.
Six private charter options for groups of 2 to 120 guests:
- Captain Bruce Speed Boat: Up to 6 guests. The most intimate experience on the bay.
- Captain Bruce Pontoon: Up to 6 guests. Stable, open deck. Great for families.
- Captain Bruce Catamaran: Up to 30 guests. Shaded seating, restrooms, guided snorkel.
- Captain Bob’s Private Charter: Up to 65 guests. BBQ lunch, exclusive sandbar access.
- KBOS Hoku Ao: 12 to 35 guests. Banana boat, SUP, kayak, snorkel.
- KBOS Action Club: 100 to 120 guests. Live music, full activities, catering available.
Still comparing? See the head-to-head guides
Captain Bob vs Captain Bruce · Captain Bob vs KBOS · Captain Bruce vs KBOS