Kauai Sea Rider Adventure Tours » kauai snorkeling tours

Hawaiian Frog Fish!

CaptainTara — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:21:32 +0000

Not known for their swimming ability, the Frog Fishes movement is jet propelled. They gulp in sea water and are able to expel the water through gill slits, far back in the body past the pectoral fins, to give enable them to “scoot” through the Sea! Most species perch on the reef or bottom substrate and camouflage is their protection. This class of fish are great hunters by just staying still. They have a lure attached to their head that attracts fish and invertebrates and they can consume a fish, by gulping from a distance. Their mouths open to 12 times normal size and a Frog Fish can eat an animal that is bigger than itself!

When we encounter drift nets and plastic on our Sea Rider Charters, I always hope that there are Frog Fish in the flotsam. This Sargasso Fish is not one we would see otherwise on the Hawaiian Reef and we have an opportunity to view one of the most unusual critters of the ocean AND save marine life from entanglement!

Marine Mammal Survey

CaptainTara — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 20:06:10 +0000

Pilot Whales/ Koa Kai Survey "Mark Cotter" U Mass.

This photo is of mother and calf Short-finned Pilot Whales, taken off of Lana’i. Kaua’i Sea Riders charters were left in the capable hands of Captain Rob and Crew Nick! I was fortunate to have a great opportunity as a Field Biologist on the 90′ vessel “Au’kele” as a Marine Mammal Observer. We covered a large area of ocean in the southern part of the Hawaiian Islands, including the sea mounts west of the Big Island. Basically the survey was conducted to locate as many marine mammals as possible and to quantify and observe behavior and collect data on rare odonticae (toothed whales) including the extremely endangered pseudorca (false killer whales)
The survey was for HDR Consulting and the U.S. Navy. Great group of scientists from all over the country, with various experience and backgrounds. I have been busy with Sea Riders, my kids and coral reef , monk seal research, so it was the first time in many years that I have been able to do this type of shipboard research. It was awesome to spend time with peers in the field of Marine Biology and pick their brains about the whales, dolphins and seals they have experienced throughout the world.
At the same time sharing Hawai’i and applying stewardship, science and technology. I learned so much- Mahalo to all who made this survey possible!

Na Pali Eco-Tour – Summer 2010

CaptainTara — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 07:18:58 +0000

Na Pali Coast

“Tara, we just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful Napali Coast snorkel trip. Your efforts to focus on our interests was truly appreciated. I was thrilled to be able to see the Spinner dolphins, Monk seals, Brown Boobies, Sea turtles, and all the tropical fish. It was a biologist’s dream come true. Wishing you a great summer season.” –Karen and Tony Santiago

NOW is the time to cruise and Snorkel Kauai’s NaPali Coast. The Na Pali is gorgeous right now - Sea Caves, Waterfalls, Spinner Dolphin and the rain of winter making the Sea Cliffs an emerald green!

Kaua’i Sea Riders is also monitoring and assisting in the tagging of a new Hawaiian Monk Seal Pup at Miloli’i beach, the oldest fishing village on the Na Pali Coast- What an awesome and remote location for the birth of this endangered species! Please come out with us and enjoy a unique and personal experience!

Seating is limited so please call for reservations:

(808) 332-RAFT (7238)

Novice Snorkelers and Non-Swimmers Welcome!

CaptainTara — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 05:47:49 +0000

Yesterday, we greeted our guests and immediately a female guest vocally proclaimed ” I am terrified of Water!” Loretta, from New Mexico was obviously on a snorkel tour because her family wanted to experience Kaua’i underwater. With floatation devices and a boogie board, she reluctantly entered the sea, where I was able to coax her into putting her head down and view the spectacular vision of Oasis Reef.

For the next 40 minutes, she held on and was guided through schools of Pennant Butterflyfish and all the anxiety of jumping into the Big Blue went away! Her only comment was “How Beautiful!” and “This is Easy!” So all you need as a prerequisite for a Kauai Sea Rider Adventure is patience and the desire to try something new. As beautiful as Kaua’i is topside- the island doesn’t end at the Beach. The Marinelife is abundant and magical!