Seahorses actually aren’t horses at all, they are fish! They have everything from gills to dorsal fins. It’s not often that you can actually see a seahorse in its own natural habitat. Because of this, the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm is quite popular among tourists. Located in Kailua Kona, it’s a must see for many travelers.
- About The Experience
Hawaii is home to two different species of seahorses and at Ocean Rider you can see a wide variety of these unique fish. The farm offers a one-hour guided tour that is given by a certified biologist that is employed by Ocean Rider. During the tour, a guide will discuss many interesting seahorse facts. Participants will get to watch the thousands of seahorses swim about in various tanks. They will even get the opportunity to feed the seahorses their favorite food, shrimp and touch them in their tanks. Ocean Rider claims to be the first seahorse farm in the world and probably the largest. Overall there are around 20,000 seahorses located here as well as over 20 different species on the farm. When they are not breeding, Weedy and Leafy Sea dragons are on display in addition to the seahorses. In total the farm is 3 acres large and most visitors spend around 2 hours there.
- Purchasing Tickets
Visitors will need to purchase a ticket for a tour. If purchased online at least 24 hours in advance, prices are $40 for those 13 and up, $30 for children 7-12, $28 for children 3-6 and those 2 and under are free. Tickets purchased at the door are $2 more than those purchased online. Visitors may think this is a little pricey, but it costs a lot to operate the farm. More than 50% of their revenue is spent on feeding the seahorses.
- Hours Of Operation
Visitors can take a tour Monday through Friday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. However, Ocean Rider recommends calling ahead of time to ensure that tours will be happening during the specified time during the day of visit. They are closed on major holidays including Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm first opened its doors in 1998. It was originally called “The Seahorse Farm In Kona”. It prides itself on being a family business and it currently breeds more than 25 different species of seahorses. Their goal is to breed every species of seahorse on the farm one day and to help keep endangered animals from becoming extinct.
