Frequently asked questions
WHAT IS THE BEST TOUR FOR ME?
We offer a range of private tours from fishing, snorkeling with wildlife, sunset cruises, whale watching, to private custom tours. Every tour is catered to your groupʻs wants and needs. If you want to do multiple activities while out on the ocean, we suggest booking the custom tour, as it allows for more flexibility and time within the schedule.
WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?
Bob Marlin Charters operates out of Haleiwa Habor. Located on Oahu’s North Shore, Haleiwa Habor is very close to Turtle Bay Resort, about 15 minutes west, and about 45 minutes from Waikiki. We do not provide shuttle service to or from the harbor.
IS GEAR PROVIDED ON YOUR SNORKEL TOURS?
Yes, we provide all necessary gear for snorkeling tours. We have comfortable dive fins, masks/snorkels on board for your convenience.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED ON TOUR?
We specialize in smaller, private tours. The max number of people on the boat is 6 paying customers and up to 2 crew members.
HOW BIG IS YOUR BOAT?
The Bob Marlin is a 34 foot Luhrs with lots of space. The entire deck is open, while seating is available along the sides, back, as well as plenty of bow space.
DO YOU PROVIDE FOOD AND DRINKS?
We DO NOT provide food or beverages on tour. If you want to bring snacks/lunch for you and your group that is optional, but we do not provide that service. We recommend you bring plenty of water/drinks while you are out on the boat.
ARE ANIMAL INTERACTIONS GUARANTEED?
Because we are dealing/swimming with wild marine life, no animal interactions are guaranteed. Mother nature usually shows up for our tours, but we cannot guaranteed you will see dolphins/turtles etc.
DO YOU OFFER PHOTO AND VIDEO PACKAGES?
YES, we now offer professional photography packages for an additional $200. Your divemaster/crew will take professional photos of you and your group while on tour. If you would like the professional photography package, please inquire before your scheduled tour. If you would rather opt for the video package, that is a $50 additional fee upon booking. We recommend both services as it allows you to give 100% of yourself to the experience/animals around you, without you having to worry about getting the shots on your own.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULE POLICY?
We have a 48 hour cancellation policy for North Shore snorkel tours, whale watching tours, sunset cruises, with a nonrefundable deposit of $125 which is collected when you book your tour, AND a 72 hour cancellation policy with a $150 nonrefundable deposit for North Shore fishing charters. Our full time fishing captain builds his work schedule around fishing charters and our staff need at least a 72 hour notice of changes made to existing reservations. Only medical emergencies are allowed to be refunded, with proof by hospital/doctor. There is no charge for rescheduling if you contact our office within 48 hours of your tour. If you wish to be rescheduled after this time frame, there WILL be a $200 rescheduling fee if time slots are available. If you’d like to cancel and get a refund for your tour after said cancellation date has expired, you must provide a doctor’s note stating why you cannot attend your scheduled tour. This note must be emailed to our office email within 48 hours of your scheduled tour date and from a practicing doctor in Hawaii.
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF SNORKELING?
Snorkeling is a demanding activity, and every guest boarding The Bob Marlin, must assume the risk associated with swimming, snorkeling and boating in the open ocean. The Bob Marlin Charters LLC, their owners, employees, agents, and associated personnel, contractors, workers, and their boats, are not held responsible, or liable for any dangers or injuries, etc. associated with snorkeling and swimming while on our tours.