We booked this trip (4 of us; 2 were locals) to see the beautiful coastline and do some snorkeling. Other reviews are stellar, so hopefully this is an anomaly and just a bad day. It was an odd couple of hours with mixed experiences. The bilge pump quit working, so I'm sure that affected the crew's focus and attitude.
Captain Jen seemed script-like and a little militant from safety requirements to historical info. She shared rote cultural and local facts, but didn't come across as interested in conversing with guests. I love thrill rides, but event I thought she "drove" a little fast for conditions.
The boat was a cool rubber-raft style with big pontoons on either side. That’s where guests sit. The ride is advertised as family friendly, but I would have been nervous with kids on board. A couple of the guests slipped around and had a hard time hanging on.
We made a few stops to see the volcanic formations, which were spectacular. At the first stop the bilge alarm came on and the assistant on board had to manually pump water at each subsequent stop.
We got to the snorkel area and the captain quickly gave us instructions on where to get in, which dangerous areas to avoid and where to meet in 45 minutes. But after about 20 she motored over and urged everyone out quickly (that was after we heard someone yell “shark!” which was disconcerting. lol) But she clarified that she needed to get the boat back with the bilge pump issue and they would try to give us some sort of credit.
She gunned it back with no break for weary passengers who were hanging on tight through the big waves. One giant wave sent a woman flying into a step in the floor, and two older passengers nearly ended up there as well. She was on her phone most of the time, probably arranging for repairs? But it was concerning.
We weren’t offered snacks or beverages (which were supposed to be included), and guests also are not allowed to bring their own. I understand it was called short, so it likely didn’t have the typical amenities as a regular excursion. We did receive a 50% credit within a couple day, which we thought was forthright and reasonable. But I hope they see this as an opportunity to enhance their focus on safety and guest interaction.
Before you go: bring reef-safe sunscreen (they also sell it). There was very little cover, so you’re in the sun for 3 hours (on a normal excursion 😉) Bring gear if you have some. They provide it, but my mask leaked – wish I’d brought my own. They also rent a wetsuit top if you tend to get chilly.