KEALAKEKUA BAY SNORKELING TOUR

Colorful Fish and Corals Up Close

5/5 (257 Reviews)

The Quick Moving And Agile Zodiac Boats Big Island Captain Zodiac Product

Hawaii is well-known for its world-class snorkeling, and Kona is the perfect place to experience it. Join us for an award-winning snorkeling adventure in Kealakekua Bay, which is a National Marine Park and the site of the Captain Cook Monument. This area is one of Hawaii’s premier snorkel spots with incredible visibility and calm conditions. All snorkel gear, high-quality silicone masks, Rx masks, fins, float boards, and detailed instruction will be provided. We can’t wait to show you this amazing snorkeling destination!

Age
4 yrs+
Duration
4-hour
Location
Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Highlights
- Don't worry about the gear, we have you covered
- There is nothing quite like an up close view of a whale or dolphin
- Hear all about these amazing creatures and learn to better appreciate the world around you

BOOK YOUR TOUR

4 Hours Morning Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour
Starting at $142^.00 per adult

Adults
Ages 13 yrs+ $142^.00 + tax & fees
Children
Ages 4-12 yrs $112^.00 + tax & fees

Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour Features

enjoy the views of the kona coast on the way out big island captain zodiac

the zodiacs can get close to the wave powered blowholes big island captain zodiac

visit a remote marine preserve big island captain zodiac

A Fun Ride

As you zip across the waves on this exhilarating and fun expedition, you’ll be able to learn all about Hawaiian folklore and history from your naturalist captain. You’ll also get the chance to see many different types of marine life, including dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and more. The Zodiacs will take you closer to the lava tubes, sea caves, sea grottos, and wave-powered blowholes than any other type of vessel, and you’ll learn about how the island was formed as the captains share their knowledge of the island’s lava flows. This is an adventure that you won’t soon forget!

the site of the captain cook monument big island captain zodiac

join us for an award winning snorkeling adventure big island captain zodiac

Kealakekua Bay Top Snorkeling Destination Big Island Captain Zodiac Product

Incredible Diving

The area between the Napo’opo’o landing and the southern tip of Manini Beach Point is one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. It features caves, crevices, ledges, and spectacular corals in waters up to about 30 feet deep. This is an excellent place to see a variety of sea life, including coral and fish. The best diving can be done in Ka’awaloa Cove (near the Cook Monument) where depths range from about 5 to 120 feet. Here, the diversity of coral and fish is exceptional, and the fish are quite tame. This is definitely an area that you won’t want to miss!

marine life conservation big island captain zodiac

hawaiis premier snorkel spots with incredible visibility and calm conditions big island captain zodiac

Marine Life Conservation

The state of Hawai’i is home to 11 Marine Life Conservation Districts (MLCDs), and the largest of these districts is the 315-acre Kealakekua Bay MLCD. MLCDs are areas of the ocean with an abundance of reef habitats, where the fish population is given special protection against human interference. This protection means that fishing and other consumptive uses are prohibited or severely limited, so that all aquatic life can grow and reproduce. As a result, MLCDs are home to a great variety of species, and the fish in these districts are fairly tame, showing little fear of humans. This makes an MLCD a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and underwater photography.

Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour Details

Highlights

Enjoy The Views Of The Kona Coast On The Way Out
Vivid Corals And Tropical Fish
Top Snorkeling Destination
A Relaxing And Beautiful Boat Ride

Visit A Remote Marine Preserve
The Captains Are Part-Entertainer And All Pirate!
Gear Is Provided
Listen To Real Local History As You Ride

Description

For over 40 years, our captains have introduced visitors to the area’s secret wonders. Zodiacs are the perfect way to explore the marine environment around Kona. They are quick and agile, allowing you to get up close to the lava tubes, sea caves, sea grottos, and wave-powered blowholes. Our captains are educated about the island’s geology and history will share their knowledge with you. You will learn how the island was formed and how the lava flows have shaped it over time.

On our way out, your captain will “talk story” about the Hawaiian folklore and history of the region. We frequently see dolphins, mantas, turtles, and tons of colorful fish as we zip across the waves on this thrilling expedition.

Kealakekua Bay is one of the top snorkeling destinations in Hawaii. The bay is known for its clear water and calm conditions, making it perfect for snorkeling. The area is also home to the Captain Cook Monument, which is a National Marine Park. This snorkeling adventure will take you to some of the best snorkeling spots in the bay, where you can see an incredible variety of fish and corals. All snorkel gear, including high-quality silicone masks, fins, and float boards, will be provided. In addition, our experienced guides will give you a detailed snorkeling lesson to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Price & Availability

4 Hours Morning Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour

AdultsAges 13 yrs+	$142^.00
ChildrenAges 4-12 yrs	$112^.00

Included

Flotation devices if desired
Wetsuits, masks, and snorkel gear
Safety guide
Light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages

Departure & Return

Tours depart daily at 8 a.m. and 12:45 pm
Tours last 4 hours and return to shore at 12 pm and 4:45 pm
Check-In Time: 15 Min. Prior to Departure
Boarding Location: Captain Zodiac

Restrictions

Please note that due to the bouncy nature of our ride we do not allow any persons with back or neck problems or ladies that are pregnant on the tour.

Cancellation

Any request for a refund 72 hours or more prior to the start of the tour or activity is honored with a full cash refund.

No refunds are issued for any cancellations inside the 72-hour period, prior to the start of your tour. There is no refund for no-shows. There is no charge for date change or tour change based on tour availability outside of the 72-hour cancellation period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Get Seasick?

These small, fast-moving boats have a tendency to cause less seasickness than other types of boats. However, as a precautionary measure, motion sickness medicine taken the night before the adventure solves all worries.
I’m Pregnant. Can I Go On The Tours? I’ve Had Back And Neck Problems In The Past. Can I Go?

Due to the sometimes bouncy nature of our ride, people with bad backs, older people who are frail, and children under 5 years old are not to take our tour. Also, we do not allow pregnant women on our tours.
Will There Be Bottled Water On The Boat?

No, but you are welcome to bring your own reusable water bottle. We have filling stations in the office and on the boat. We also have reusable water bottles available for purchase before your trip that will be filled with cold water waiting for you. There are reusable water bottles available for purchase during check-in.
Can I Use Any Old Spray Sunscreen?

No, in accordance with our Kealakekua Bay special use permit regulated by the DLNR, only Reef Safe sunscreen will be allowed on our tours. We have reef safe sunscreen for you to apply at check-in, and also for purchase to have for the rest of your stay.

Are The Boats Covered?

No, because that takes away from the “raft” experience! Wear sunscreen and a hat and you will be loving it! We also are able to get under the sea caves BECAUSE we do not have a covered raft! (We now have one boat that has a small cover on it. Please us know if that is your preference.)
Can We Go On Land To See The Captain Cook Monument Up Close?

Unfortunately, no. The coral reefs are so beautiful in Kealakekua Bay and in order to protect them, we don’t allow anyone onshore. You will use your boat as your beach for the day.