About
About Kauai Snorkel Tour Captain Tara Leota…
Captain Tara has been sharing her knowledge of and passion for Hawaiian Reef ecology for over 30 years as both a Captain and Dive Master.
As a Marine Biologist and Educator, Captain Tara has developed ongoing programs, from student whale watches to reef walks sanctioned by the DOE that have not only provided the enjoyment of the sea for students and people with special needs, but also promoted safety and environmental awareness through this education. Captain Tara has superior local knowledge of Hawaiian culture, piloting Hawaii’s coastlines’, assessing weather and water conditions, Hawaiian reef ecology and taxonomy.
Kauai Sea Rider Adventures featured in Hawaiian Airlines Magazine, read more >>
Read what guests are saying about Kauai Seariders on Yelp.com >>
Captain Tara at work and play with guests on Kauai Seariders Adventure Snorkel Tours…
Here’s What People Are Saying About Captain Tara
“To the most amazing Captain in the world. A million thanks for finding my husband’s wedding band 60′ deep in the ocean. Second thank you for the most amazing Kauai boat tour. Thank you for being so gentle with Mitch on his snorkel adventure, you really made his trip! He was very nervous to get on the raft, but you made it easy and fun for him. He won’t stop talking about how much fun he had.”
- Rachel & Mitch
“Captain Tara of Kauai Searider Snorkel Tours is one of Kauai’s best kept secrets. Her Zodiac snorkeling tours are small and intimate but of a caliber you just can’t get with the bigger companies. Captain Tara is a lovely mix of Captain, Marine Biologist, Mermaid, Gracious Host, Mom & the Aloha Spirit. She’ll keep you safe, fit you for snorkel gear, show you incredible marine life you’ve never seen before, teach you about Hawaii, it’s history and culture and tops it all off by serving lunch on a tablecloth (it’s a zodiac mind you) with home made chocolate chip cookies she baked herself. Somehow she effortlessly manages to make everyone on the trip feel like ohana (family) from the moment the tour begins and is genuinely dedicated to making every trip a unique and exciting experience for each and every guest. For a truly unforgettable tour, I highly recommend Captain Tara and Kauai Searider Adventure Tours, you won’t find a captain who works harder to ensure you have an epic time.”
-M. Harrington
CAPTAIN TARA’S WORK HISTORY
01/06- Present Kauai Sea Rider Adventures Inc.
Owner and President
Captain and proprietor of a Kauai snorkel and whale watch tour focusing on Marine awareness. Provides excellent customer service, responds professionally to all needs, fears, and questions of snorkelers on board. Shares knowledge of the Hawaiian reef environment. Maintains 24’ Zodiac Rigid Hull Inflatable Tour vessel. Responsible for Coast Guard Inspections, documents and FCC Safety gear. Maintains all Industry standards and Commercial Use Permits through the DLNR. Marketing and customer relations for charter business.
07/95-03/08 Na Pali Explorer
Captain/ Marine Biologist with US Coast Guard 100 ton Master Operator License. Operation and Supervision of Boat Charters for visitors, provided staff training regarding marine life for personnel. Safety and Water Rescue Training, CPR and First Responder Certified.
05/95-11/04 Aloha Kauai Tours
Tour Leader/ In-House Marine Biologist. Guided shore-based excursions as a dive master and Marine Naturalist. Underwater videographer; editing and production. Trained assistant instructors in delivering proper safety briefings.
03/98-11/01 Kauai Magazine
Columnist for Quarterly Publication. Author and Photographer of visitor industry column: “Treasures of the Sea”.Researched and published articles on Hawaiian reef creatures
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified SCUBA Instructor of 25 years
Red cross certifications in CPR, First Aid, Responder
Assisted with Marine research and Marine mammal strandings, through NOAA, National Marine Sanctuaries, Save Our Seas and Pacific Whale Foundation
Certified Welder/ Dock builder and Commercial Diver
Proficient with operation of water quality equipment and assessing scientific data
EDUCATION
1982 BA Zoology University of Hawaii
1982 Certification in Research Technology Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology
1980 AS in Marine Technology Leeward Community College
1980 Master Training Course National Association of Underwater Instructors
1984 US Coast Guard Master License Pacific Maritime Academy
1986 Hyperbaric Recompression Chamber Operator Kauai Veterans Hospital
Information & Reservations Call (866) 522-1113
Na Pali Coast Tours | South Kauai Snorkeling Tours | Kauai Whale Watching Tours