Oahu, Hawaii: Sneak a peek undersea with this kayak tour

Explore the underwater world while staying dry with a tour aboard a plexiglass-bottom kayak. This unique sit-on-top vessel, with a viewing window at its bottom, has been used for certain tours off  Oahu since early June.

With participants aboard Peekaboo kayaks (made by Ocean Kayak), the Shaka Kayaks tours provide customers a look at coral reefs, tropical fish and more — even World War II wreckage — below the ocean’s surface. If you’re new to kayaking, don’t worry: The guided two-hour tours begin with a demo on proper techniques, and participants have time to familiarize themselves with kayaking before embarking.

Transport to the boat-launch point at Kawela Bay leaves daily from the lobby of Turtle Bay Resort, on Oahu’s North Shore.

Cost: The Turtle Bay Tour costs $100 (including tax), which gets you the following: the transportation to the launch area; usage of a single kayak or a double kayak (the latter doesn’t come with a window); adjustable paddle; padded seat and backrest; a life vest; a waterproof bag; and refreshments.

Note: On the eco-friendly tip, Shaka Kayaks claims to track inventory of all consumable items present on the tour. Then, before departing the beach, guides check them off their list so that nothing ends up left behind.

– Susan Derby, Special to the Los Angeles Times

[Photo: Peekaboo kayaks provide a window to the undersea world. Credit: Shaka Kayaks]

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This entry was posted on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at 12:14 pm by Susan Derby and is filed under Business Travel, Eco-Travel, Family & Kids, Hawaii, Hotels, Islands & Beaches, Oahu, Outdoors & Adventure, Summer, Tours & Cruises. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.