The tour did not include snorkelling with the turtles at Haleiwa like it advertised; this was the deciding factor for me and at least 7 other people I spoke with on the tour. The driver said this has not been the case for 6-8 weeks and was a directive from the company, he didn’t know why, perhaps safety or locals resisting tours he said.
Instead of snorkelling with turtles at Haleiwa after lunch, we stopped at Waimanelo Beach before lunch and snorkelled there. I have snorkelled a few times and this was very disappointing, saw a couple of fish and nothing remotely impressive.
When I phoned the company call line, they said they had no idea why we snorkelled at Waimanelo when it was just meant to be a ‘pass by’ (and at first made out the driver might have gone rogue). I said it didn’t seem that way as multiple Circle Tours from same company were making (and not making) the same stops. The lady said she would make enquires, and get back to me.
I heard nothing back so I phoned a few hours later after lunch after we briefly stopped at Haleiwa Beach for 15 mins. There was plenty of parking in a dedicated beach carpark and we could see a tour group snorkelling with the turtles, so obviously it happens still and neither of the drivers thoughts on why the directive, no longer made sense to me.
So I asked the lady on the phone, how can you all work for the same company and you in the office and sales team, not be fed the same info as the drivers?
I guess I’m upset that the company in it’s brochures, online and through its sales reps on the streets verbally, are all really highlighting the ‘snorkel with turtles’ as the main attraction of this tour, and it just is not the case. There are dozens of tours and this is the edge their tour has - except they don’t do it!
I’m upset because I don’t think it is accidental, if it was just the odd day or last minute change I would understand, but it’s been 2 months! Surely enough time to change online info and tell sales reps. I am suspicious this is intentionally deceptive and false advertising.
From the second phone call, I asked for a refund so I could use the money to book something else to get me out there to snorkel at Haleiwa. She said she would speak to her supervisor and get back to me; I have not heard back yet.
“Haleiwa Alii Beach Park
We have now come upon the highlight of our 16 Point Oahu Circle Island Tour... It's time to go snorkeling with the Sea Turtles. These curious creatures are docile and overwhelmingly cute. They spend their days hunting seaweed crops that are growing on the rocks and coral out here at this beautiful beach known as Alii Beach in Haleiwa. We will be providing all of the mask, snorkels, life jackets, lifeguards, and safety instruction that you need to have a super fun, super safe time. It's official... You've arrived... You're on Vacation, and this amazing snorkeling spot is the proof! “