Extreme Hawaii Adventures

Adventure X Rafting goes ziplining at Umauma Experience

2011-06-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

Aloha,
My name is Kelsey and I work with Adventure X Rafting. I just wanted to write briefly about my experience at Umauma Experience if you are looking for another great adventure on the Big Island (and let them know you are Adventure X Rafting guests you get a great discount, keep reading for more details).
Umauma is located just North of Hilo, and well worth the drive for you Kona visitors. My husband and I did the 9 line zip- a course almost 2 miles long. They even have lines that go side by side that you can race your partner down. Not only did we have an incredible time ziplining, maybe overcoming some fears, but the guides are so great and fun and most importantly professional and the views are spectacular. I was so impressed with their visitor center, beautiful views of the river, snack shack, and very friendly people that capture the aloha spirit. Go further up the property where you enjoy the views of the Umauma falls and can meander through the tropical gardens. It's another adventure you don't want to miss.

So as Adventure X Rafting guests: I'll either write you out a coupon or call them to confirm you were indeed guests on our trip and you receive a special discount off their 9-line course!

If you are Umauma guests and want to go on a spectacular adventure to Swim with Wild Dolphins- call us and bring in your receipt of your Umauma adventure to recieve a special discount off our 3 1/2 hr morning trip!

CALL 808-937-7245 for more details TODAY!! OR email me at kelsey@adventurexrafting.com.

Meet the crew: Kelsey

2011-05-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

Kelsey: I moved to the Big Island from the beautiful state of Colorado. Colorado Springs to be exact.

What do you love the most about Adventure X Rafting excursions?

Kelsey: Well, you can't beat the wild life we see out in the ocean. From whales to dolphins to turtles and more...everyday is different on what you see and how the animals are behaving. During our Swim with the Wild Dolphin adventure, I love helping people back into the boat as they tell me (with BIG smiles on their face) how close they got to the wild dolphins and/or what the dolphins did to interact with them. And again, every story is different...that's what you get with wild animals:)

What's been the best whale sighting witnessed on one of your trips you've worked?

Kelsey: My favorite whale experience was witnessing a triple breach. I tell you, not only did these whales do a triple breach, but they must have breached about 25 times. Our guests in the boat started ranking their performance with numbers..."I think I'd give that whale a 9".

Other thoughts about the trip, captain or crew?

Kelsey: I really think that the whole atmosphere of the boat sets us apart from the other boating trips. Not only do our guests get to experience Captain Casey's humor:), but they get to feel a part of the family. And that's what we are a BIG Ohana out in the water. Where everyone is experiencing this once in a lifetime opportunity...and we all get to take away cool stories and pictures:) Oh, and I love that we don't have to deal with the crowds. Because we leave so far North of Kona-town, we feel like we have the ocean and dolphins to ourselves!

What makes our trip different from other boat trips?

Kelsey: Gosh, I guess I got a head of myself in the question above. So I guess...see the question above:)

What do you like most about the Big Island?

Kelsey: I love the sunshine:) But , really, I love the people and the culture the Big Island represents. This island has its own unique history, even from the other Hawaiian islands. And with all that this island has to offer i.e. hiking, backpacking, beach-hopping, restaurants, waterfalls, gardens, boating adventures...one gets to experience the people and the culture!

What was the biggest adjustment from the mainland to the Big Island?

Kelsey: I would have to say the food, which I'm now enjoying. But I would go to a restaurant, especially in Hilo, and with a quizzical look on my face ask, "What's lau lau or chicken katsu or oxtail soup or spam musubi?"

What's your favorite place to eat here on the island?

Kelsey: I like Kens House of Pancakes open 24/7 over on the Hilo side. Over on the west side? I must say that Cafe Pesto is wonderful too in Kawaihae (and Hilo).

What's your favorite thing to do (outside of the boat)?

I am learning to kiteboard! If I'm not working, most likely you'll find me somewhere on the west side kite and board in hand!

Middle of May

2011-05-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

Adventure X Rafting just had 3 great trips in a row Swimming with the Wild Dolphins. Not only did we get a grand tour of the beautiful Big Island coastline at 40 mph and an incredible snorkel experience, but all who came on our trip got in the water and swam with these beautiful creatures. And it wasn't just from a distance, each person encountered dolphins in an up close and personal way. But don't take my word for it, read some of the comments below (one taken from a blog of one of the people on board the boat).

"Thank you so much for one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Casey and crew totally 'get' how to make the experience awesome and not seem like a dumb touristy excursion. The pics on FB are awesome."-Lucy

"They are absolutely stunning creatures! We found a pod of about 40 dolphins today. I was trying to interact with them... and boy they sure decided to like us and hang with us today! Four different times I dove down about 10-15 feet and kinda spun around to invite them to play with us. All four times I would have dolphins surround me (usually three) and kind of corkscrew around my and play near me an a couple other people. (it was almost like they were playing ring around the rosie around me, and instead of falling down they would swim away. It was really cool though!) The last time I did, four dolphins surrounded me and played around. One was so close that his tail bumped into the back of my head as he passed by me! It was such a cool trip!"-David (Colorado)

Thanks for all who came aboard! What an incredible adventure. We look forward to seeing you again.

To see pictures: Visit our facebook site and "Like" us AdventureXRaftingHawaii.

We are back!

2011-05-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

After being dry docked for almost a month for maintenance, Adventure X Rafting is back in the water. This time better than ever! So don't delay-call today to join us for one of our two outstanding trips. 808-937-7245 or email us at kelsey@adventurexrafting.com.

3 1/2 hr Swim with the Wild Dolphins-Whether you are from Hawaii or somewhere across the globe, it's most people's dream to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. Well here is your chance. Adventure X Rafting not only gets you to the dolphins, we get guests in swimming with these magnificent creatures. So come aboard- let us take you for a adventure you will never forget!

2 1/2 hr Afternoon Snorkel- Come aboard and relax on our afternoon snorkel trip where we take you to spectacular coral reefs to discover the beauty of the underwater life. Home to brilliantly colored fish, coral, turtles, and manta rays, this trip will captivate the snorkeler as your tour these underwater habitats.

Meet our crew

2011-04-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

Many of you who have been on our trips have met Kim. Kim, a woman of many talents, joined Adventure X Rafting in January and has fallen in love with the ocean and its wildlife. Dedicated to safety and service, and loves having a good time, Kim shares her thoughts about life on the big yellow boat.

Where are you originally from?

Kim: I am originally from San Francisco, California.

What do you love the most about Adventure X Rafting excursions?

Kim: Being on the gorgeous water!!! Also, I enjoy the fast, zippy boat. Last, but never least, the fun captain and crew, of course.

What's been the best whale sighting witnessed on one of your trips you've worked?

Kim: Hmm, that's a tough one because we have seen so, so many fabulous sightings. I guess the best was a mom and baby

whale that kept circling the boat. The baby was extremely curious and the mom was allowing her to be very close to the boat. I loved looking at the baby's new and still wrinkly skin. At one point, I thought the baby might try to jump up so we could pet it it was that close. They hung out with us for a very long time.

Other thoughts about the trip, captain or crew?

Kim: I like working with the best, and Captain Casey is definitely the best!

What makes our trip different from other boat trips?

Kim: Our trip feels more personal, up close, and personal.

What do you like most about the Big Island?

Kim: I love that it's quite a small island after living here for just a short time and everyone is interwoven in one way or another.

I think people respect each other more here because of the closeness.

What was the biggest adjustment from the mainland to the Big Island?

Kim: Picking up take out from my favorite Bay area restaurants. Also lack of public transportation. I miss BART! Waikoloa Beach Resort to Kona and back would be one nice train ride!

What's your favorite place to eat here on the island?

Kim: Holuakoa Cafe in Holualoa

What's your favorite thing to do (outside of the boat)?

Kim: Paddle board, although I've heard Captain Casey just bought the boat a paddle board!

I also love hiding away with a good book or magazine in a cabana, with the sparkling blue shades of the bay and Pacific beyond.

We are back!... and better than ever

2011-04-11T22:31:00.000-07:00

Aloha!
Adventure X Rafting's blog is back! So be sure to "Follow" us to stay updated on pictures, videos, stories, shout outs, promotions, and more!

As some of you have heard, our official whale watching season is over, but that hasn't stopped us from seeing whales. In fact, just yesterday on our 3 1/2 hour swim with the dolphin trip, we witnessed a magnificent breach close to the boat-absolutely breath-taking!

Wanted to do some shout outs to folks who were able to join us for our whale season (December-early April) and share their feedback about the trip.

"Best time we've had in the islands! We are returnees. We'll be back and we'll recommend to all we know."-Roger and Linda
"This is the best whale watch ever!!! Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo!" -Pat (Los Angeles, CA)
"Life's a breach! Thanks Casey and crew for an awesome day" -Mark and Kerrie (Sydney, Australia)
"Captain Casey and crew were fun, safe, and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend this trip!" -Theresa (Colorado)
"Experience of a lifetime"-Carol (Vancouver, WA)
"This could not have been more amazing! We loved the triple breach! It was as perfect as it could possibly be". -Kristen and Abby
"Had a terrific time! Beautiful day, very informative and good tunes" -Allen (Titusville, FL)
"What a fantastic day out. Spinning dolphins all around us. Lots of whales so close to the boat too. Thanks to all the crew for an unforgettable trip!" - Wendy and Ivan (San Francisco, CA)
"Fantastic. Worth the trip" -Claire (Dublin, Ireland)
"Two awesome trips in 2 days." Thanks and see you next Feb"-Rich (Millbury, Ohio)

And for all the folks who joined us this whale watching, Mahalo! We are looking forward to seeing you all next year. But don't forget, Adventure X Rafting is continuing the fun with our Swim with the Wild Dolphins - a 3 1/2 hr. morning excursion, where you get to swim with the dolphins, snorkel beautiful coral reefs, witness magnificent coast only seen by boat, enjoy cold drinks and delicious snacks, and relax- it's your vacation! We also have a 2 1/2 hr. Afternoon snorkel. Call us for more details or visit our facebook site! Be sure to "LIKE" us on facebook to get the latest info!
808-937-7245
kelsey@adventurexrafting.com
kim@adventurexrafting.com

Norman The Humpback Whale

2009-04-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

Kohala Coast 2009 Whale watch with Adventure X Rafting! This is one of the more remarkable whale watch tours of 2009. This encounter lasted nearly 45 minutes. Norman was affectionately named by the guest on board that day. The engines were off during the entire encounter and as you will see it is obvious that Norman was just as excited about meeting us as were to meet him. At times it seemed he was reaching out. He often was within inches of our boat but never did he touch the vessel. He circled many times passing right beside or just beneath the boat. He seemed to respond when the guest's cheered him on for more. Please enjoy Norman!

Here's the link to a slide show of Norman
link

2009-04-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

Aloha! What a wonderful and exciting whale season this year has been! We observed dozens of mother calf pairs so it appears the Humpbacks continue to flourish. We had so many close encounters again this year it is obvious that these whales are losing there fear and are beginning to trust humans as friendly inhabitants on planet earth. I hope we can continue to gain their trust and live in peace with these magnificent creatures. One growing concern of ours is collisions with whales and boats. Last year we bumped a whale while traveling at approximately 17 mph, we immediately stopped to verify the whale was OK and saw it dive with in close proximity. We determined it was an adult whale because we had a good look at it's tail when it sounded. Passengers at the back of the vessel saw the whale pass beneath the back of the boat. The witnesses said they had a good look at the whale and there was no visible damage and there was no blood in the water. None the less it was a traumatic experience for everyone on board, not to mention the whale and myself. Of coarse we reported the collision to the authorities. This year we voluntarily reduced our speed to 15 mph. while transiting to reduce the risk of collisions with our friendly whales and we had five near collisions. We further reduced our speed to 12 to 13 mph. which seems to be a safe speed for them. Currently there is no speed limit for recreational or commercial vessels in the Humpback Whale Sanctuary. We do post look outs and are vigilant in looking out for whales after all it's the worst possible scenario you could imagine while out on a whale watch and we certainly will not let that happen again! We began to wonder though how is it possible for a whale not to hear our boat approaching at such a moderate speed of 15 mph? Are they sleeping just beneath the surface? Has there hearing been damaged? We don't know. I sure wish someone could enlighten me on this. It just doesn't seem to make sense that they are so vulnerable. I say this because we are out here everyday during the whale season and we observe other vessels routinely traveling at 20 to 25 mph plus and I cringe to think about all the young calves, yearlings or just whales sleeping or nursing that are at risk. We wonder how many collisions go unreported? We do know for a fact that Kawaihae Bay is a heavily used nursery ground for these whales and I would support a speed limit during the whale season. So although there are a few whales still here most of them have headed back north to the feeding grounds. We have ended our whale watch tours and are offering snorkeling encounters with our local resident spinner and spotted dolphins. We have a 98% success rate finding and swimming with the dolphins. Come join us for a magical lifetime experience!
Mahalo and aloha, Captain Casey

Extreme Whale Watching Hawaii

2009-03-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

2009 continues to be phomominal whalewatching! Were having close encounters nearly every trip. Yesterdays 7:30am tour we were stopped to listen with the hydrophones when a Mother, calf, escourt appeared near by. We turned on a recording we took earlier in the season and played it over our eight speaker entertainment system. The conditions were epic, the water was glassy calm, there wasn't a bredth of wind, the air was clear, views of the five volcanoes were stunning. Suddenly we saw a torquois flash under the boat. Ten feet below the vessel lay the escourt whale. The white undersides of the pectoral fins appear a brilliant blue -touquois against the clear blue Pacific. He was listening to the whale songs being played over the stereo. Then scaring everyone mother and calf exhaled with a loud burst of air on the other side of the vessel. All three whales continued to circle around and right beneath us for another fifteen minutes or so. We were ecstatic with the encounter and were hesitant to leave but all around us were other whales doing dazzelling displays of breeching, pec fin waving and tail slapping. We ended with a competition pod of males agressively challenging each other for favors of a female who happened to have a young calf.