We had heard that due to the winter months and the current weather that some of the tours were not heading all the way to the coast due to the severity of the waves etc. We actually called to cancel our appointment but upon speaking to one of the representatives, we were assured that the trip would not be cancelled but that if the water was too rough, that the captain would stay mostly on the south side and that the trip would be beautiful even if we didn't see the coast. We felt good about that and showed up for the trip. We should have cancelled.
The captain, named Kauai, was a very nice, young guy. He was upbeat and high energy. We addressed the issue with high waves and possibly not making it to the coast. He assured us that he would try but left it very open to turn around if it got rough. I personally commented that no one wants to be sick and miserable and that staying on the south side would be very enjoyable.
The tour started out well. We did some snorkeling and it was very fun. Everyone was having a good time. As we got closer to the coast, it was very apparent that the water had changed significantly. He asked anyone up front to come to the back of the boat due to water hitting over the boat and approaching 15 foot waves. He then mentioned turning around and having time to see the south side BUT said that he still thought we could make it to the coast and kept calling it "the most beautiful coast in the world". He asked if people still wanted to push through. Those that were up on top with him were okay to go forward and so he ran with it. Several were not happy about it but the decision was made NOT by the knowledge and experience of the captain but by his willingness to let a few tour guests make the call and what felt like his own personal desire to show his mad sailing skills.
We made it the very corner of the coast. By that time most people had buckets next to them and myself and my daughter were in full blown sea sickness and barfing in buckets. The coast was completely hidden under blankets of clouds. So, we basically endured for nothing but torture. I'm still mad at the Captain for taking what I feel was an unnecessary risk that had zero pay off. We were fed a continental breakfast that we threw up and lunch was obviously out of the question. So, the most beautiful coast in the world, sadly, I still haven't seen it, and I was in th catamaran that actually made it there. I basically paid this company to make me sick. Never again.