Seahorsing Around

The next time you're on the Big Island, check out the Ocean Rider Seahorse Ranch. An aquafarm that raises and sells seahorses, Ocean Rider offers tours of their facilities, during which you can actually "shake hands" with a pregnant seahorse, which as you probably know, are the males in the bunch.

The one-hour tour of the 3-acre farm is led by a certified biologist, and there are 3 tour times a day. And if you and the kids love these delicate sea creatures enough, you can buy them, as the ranch raises them for aquarium environments. The only caveat: you'll have to wait until you return home, since the ranch doesn't sell them in the state of Hawaii to avoid having seahorses released into the local waters. That, the special care involved, and the pricetag - most of them are upwards of $100 - should help to avoid any impulse buying.

The Ocean Rider Seahorse Ranch offers tours from Monday through Friday at 10, 12 & 2. Reservations are required; you can either purchase tickets online or call to prepay and reserve a spot. Adult tickets are $35 and children's tickets, good for kids 4-11, are $27. Note: kids 3 and under are free but are not allowed to touch, shake hands with or put their hands in the water with the seahorse, so if you've got kids in both age groups, you might be better off waiting until the youngest is at least 4 to avoid tears. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 808. 329.6840.

Special Offer of the Week - The Chester Grosvenor and Spa

The entrance to the hotel
copyright, The Chester Grosvenor and Spa


If your children are fascinated with fish, sharks and aquatic life in general, this family package from The Chester Grosvenor and Spa, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, will delight them. The hotel is located in the heart of Chester and is a mere 15 minutes from the Blue Planet Aquarium, with whom they've partnered to create this package.

-Two interconnecting rooms for two adults and up to three children
-A family pass to the Blue Planet Aquarium
-An adoption certificate and commemorative photograph for your child's adopted fish (kids get to choose from a Caribbean Leopard Shark, a Clownfish ("Nemo fish"), a red-eared terrapin and a Piranha!)
-An Information pack about the adoptee's species
-Full English breakfast
-24 hour car parking


The Aquatunnel at Blue Planet Aquarium
copyright, Blue Planet Aquarium

Chester is located in the northwestern part of England and the area is well-knowned for its Roman history and striking architecture. Other sights to take in around Chester: the Norman cathedral, the Roman amphitheatre, and the Chester Zoo, Britain's biggest. Take advantage of shopping at Chester's famous 'Rows' and in the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Village.


A Classic Room at The Chester Grosvenor and Spa
copyright, The Chester Grosvenor and Spa

Rates for this package are approximately $750US a night per family and the package is available until further notice. To check availability or to book this package, visit their website or call +44 (0)1244 324024.