Meet the crew: Kelsey

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

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!

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.