The Eco Sail and Snorkel Tour is offered at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. Passengers are escorted by expert watermen and seasoned divers who explain Hawaii's varied marine life, reef ecosystems and overall geography of the Hawaiian Islands. One full hour is dedicated to high speed sailing several miles off Waikiki in search of dolphins, whales and other sea life that inhabit the area, which is part of the National Marine Sanctuary. At least another full hour is dedicated to snorkeling and exploring the reefs and underwater caverns with an experienced guide.
The cost of the two-hour Eco Sail and Snorkel Tour is $37 per person. All cruises include snorkeling and safety equipment, and free non-alcoholic beverages. To make reservations, call the Outrigger Catamaran at (808) 922-2210.
The Outrigger Catamaran typically will anchor at the clear outer reefs near Diamond Head Crater, where Waikiki's greatest variety of reef fish inhabit the labyrinth of reef and coral formation. The jagged reef formations, which are unpopular for surfing, are perfect for marine life and snorkeling. The snorkeling locations are inside the bay of Waikiki and sheltered form winds and currents by the high cliffs of Diamond Head. The locations, such as the one referred to as "turtle canyon" because of the abundance of Green Sea Turtles, are far enough removed from Waikiki's beach crowds so that snorkelers and marine life are undisturbed.
Before hitting the water, passengers are introduced to the beautiful views of Diamond Head and the Koolau Mountain Range from the comfort of a trampoline net stretching across the catamaran's sleek twin hulls. Along the way, it's common to sight schools of Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins, giant green sea turtles and even Humpback Whales during the winter months.
The Outrigger Catamaran is located right on the beach in front of the Outrigger Reef hotel. At 45 feet long and 24 feet wide, it is the biggest and most comfortable boat on Waikiki beach. As a Trans Pacific speed record holder, it is also the fastest, and therefore smoothest at cutting through swells. On a typical tradewind day, it is not unusual for the boat to reach speeds over 20 knots.
Features include a full service bar, deluxe comfort cushion seating, a restroom with hand washing sink, all new USCG safety equipment, a sun tanning trampoline net and CD surround-sound stereo system. Bright teal hulls and sail designs make the Outrigger Catamaran easily identifiable and one of the prettiest boats on the beach.
The Outrigger Catamaran is independently owned and operated. The Outrigger name is used under a special trademark licensing agreement between the catamaran owners and Outrigger Enterprises.
For hotel reservations or information, call your preferred travel professional or Outrigger Hotels & Resorts toll-free at 1-800-OUTRIGGER (688-7444) within the U.S., Guam and Canada. Elsewhere call 303-369-7777. For online information or reservations, log onto www.outrigger.com. Outrigger's e-mail address is reservations@outrigger.com.
