Name: Small-Group Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook, Big Island
SKU: 40277P5
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (535 reviews)

WizardTrip

Small-Group Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook, Big Island

4.8(535)· Big Island of Hawaii· By Hawaii Oceanic Watch the video

Free cancellation

From

€99per person

1 to 11 travelers per booking.

Time

1 × Adult × €99€99

Total€99

About the activity

We cruise from Keauhou harbor out into crystal clear blue waters. While the boat is underway, the crew will point out interesting features along the Kona coastline, which is rich in Hawaiian history. South Kona has a bevy of historically significant Hawaiian Heritage sites, full of mana (spiritual power). Staying close to the Kona coast as we travel south towards Kealakekua Bay, we watch closely for any interesting marine life. We may stop the boat to enjoy the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris) putting on a show. Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins rest close to shore during the day and will sometimes interact with the boat, bow-riding and playing in our wake. After a brief show from the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Humpback whales, and whatever else of interest is found along our way, we arrive at the world-famous Kealakekua Bay, the site of the Captain James Cook monument. After snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay for about an hour and a half, we start heading back to the harbor.

What's included

✓Island sourced pineapple and chips
✓Bottled water
✓Use of Snorkelling equipment
✓Nonalcoholic refreshments

What is not included

✕Bring your own towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and waterproof camera
✕Hotel pick-up and drop off
✕Meals

Activity itinerary

Activity Schedule 3 h Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, the site of the Captain Cook Monument on The Big Island of Hawaii, in a small-group experience. Kealakekua Bay is a protected marine sanctuary, boasting arguably the best snorkeling in the entire state of Hawaii. Due to the state's environmental protections, Kealakekua Bay boasts an abundance of marine life that includes Nai'a (Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins), Caluiflower Coral, Yellow Tang fish, pencil urchin, and dozens of other marine species that call the bay home. Your tour will include a maximim of 12 passengers, which is a more private experience than the "cattle boats" in Kona that carry 100 passengers or more. By being part of a smaller group, it's quicker for the group to enter and exit the boat, which allows for more time snorkeling on the beautiful coral reef. On our way to and from Kealakekua Bay, our Captain and crew will point out historically and culturally significant areas of the Kona coast. We often see Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, and humpback whales (during the winter) on this tour!

Places visited

The Captain Cook MonumentKealakekua BayKealakekua Bay Marine PreserveKealakekua Bay State Historical Park

How to use your ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking

Meeting point and return

Meet us near the boat ramp at Keauhou Harbor.

Please arrive at Keauhou Harbor 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time of departure. Keauhou Harbor is located at 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.

At the time of departure, we will guide you to the boat ramp, where Pueo Kai 2, our 27' Force Marine, will be waiting.

We recommend you apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding the boat. We also recommend bringing a towel, hat, and sunglasses.

A ticket is required for all passengers, regardless of passenger age or whether they will be entering the water. Our boat is certified by the US Coast Guard for 12 passengers, and we can not exceed this limit.

The minimum age for this tour is three years old.

Children 7 and older are welcome on the tour if they can comfortably swim 25 yards in the ocean.

Our boat is certified by the US Coast Guard for 12 passengers, and we can not exceed this limit.

For safety purposes, if you can not comfortably swim 25 yards in the ocean, we ask that you purchase a ticket to ride along on the boat, but not enter the water.

Meeting point

78-7138 Kaleiopapa St

78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, États-Unis

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Practical information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Must be able to swim without the assistance of a floatation device.
Maximum weight of 280 pounds per traveler.
Children 7 and older are welcome on the tour if they can comfortably swim 25 yards in the ocean.
Our boat is certified by the US Coast Guard for 12 passengers, and we can not exceed this limit.
For safety purposes, if you can not comfortably swim 25 yards in the ocean, we ask that you purchase a ticket to ride along on the boat, but not enter the water.
Not recommended for travelers with neck problems

Activity options

Small-Group Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook, Big Island

Duration

3 h

How to prepare for your experience

Arrive at Keauhou Harbor 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding the boat.
Bring a towel, hat, and sunglasses for your comfort.
Ensure you can swim 25 yards independently to fully enjoy the snorkeling experience.
Children aged 7 and above must be comfortable swimming this distance.

Embark on an unforgettable small-group snorkeling adventure to Kealakekua Bay, a marine sanctuary renowned for its vibrant underwater world and historical significance.

Cancellation conditions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Any questions?

Product code: 40277P5

Activity offered by Hawaii Oceanic via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

Adventurous travelers
Snorkeling enthusiasts
Nature lovers
History buffs

Activity essentials

Experience world-class snorkeling in the protected Kealakekua Bay marine sanctuary.
Encounter diverse marine life, including Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins and colorful coral reefs.
Enjoy a more intimate experience with a maximum of 12 passengers.
Learn about the rich history and cultural significance of the Kona coastline.
Spot humpback whales during the winter months.

Big Island of Hawaii: good to know

Currency: United States dollar
Driving: on the right
Power plugs: A, B · 120 V
Emergency number: 911
Capital city: Washington, D.C.

Average temperatures

20°Jan
20°Feb
20°Mar
21°Apr
21°May
22°Jun
22°Jul
23°Aug
23°Sept
22°Oct
22°Nov
21°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum age for this tour?

The minimum age for this tour is three years old. Children 7 and older are welcome if they can comfortably swim 25 yards in the ocean.

What should I bring with me?

We recommend you bring your own towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and waterproof camera. Reef-safe sunscreen is advised.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour will be canceled in case of bad weather.

What is the maximum number of passengers on the boat?

Our boat is certified by the US Coast Guard for 12 passengers, and we cannot exceed this limit.

Reviews

4.84.8(535)

5 stars

501

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Snorkeling at Captain Cook's Monument.
theodorej215, October 2026
The boat ride alone, to and from the snorkeling site (near Captain Cook's monument) was worth the trip. The guide, Carmelle, and captain, Alexis, were exceptional. They not only did a great job narrating the local scenery and history, but they also managed to locate a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins that swam alongside of our ship prior to reaching the snorkeling site. The variety of sea life was amazing - some folks even saw an octopus. We had one person in our group who was not experienced with snorkeling and the guides were very accommodating and helpful to ensure that the inexperienced guest was able to see the wide variety of fish. This was the best snorkeling adventure we had on the Big Island.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
10/10 Snorkeling experience!!
T2588CGlydiah, October 2026
This snorkeling experience was 10/10 guided by Alexis and Carmelle!! A small group of 12, amazing stories and history, and plenty of time in the water. Fun snacks after swimming and we saw dolphins on the trip back! Simple, easy, and such a pleasant experience!! Definitely recommend
★★★★★Viator review
Let’s do this again!
Jennifer_R, October 2026
Great time snorkeling! Sarah and Caleigh were very friendly and knowledgeable. They were constantly on the lookout for sea life as we motored to the bay for snorkeling. We saw a rare whale shark! Lots of sea life in the bay including an octopus. Snacks were a variety of prepackaged chips, cookies, etc. and drinks were a variety of canned soda and bottled water. Plenty for everyone although if you are looking forward to fresh pineapple, it wasn’t offered. Not a big deal for us! The small number of guests (12) made it exceptional. They did not offer flippers, only good quality snorkel gear; again not a big deal for us, but bring your own flippers if you want them.
★★★★★Viator review
Wonderful Experience!
Anthony_Y, October 2026
What a wonderful experience! Lexi and Chamelle were terrific! They made everyone comfortable and safe, providing a wealth of information on Hawaiian history, the reef system and all it offered. After a 20 minute ride from the harbor, we arrived at Kealakekua Bay. Using provided snorkels, fins, and noodles, we jumped into an amazing reef with all kinds of fish. After the swim, we were provided drinks and snacks as well as more history and sightseeing. This an experience one should seriously consider if you're on the Kona area.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Small Group Tour is the Way to Go
mikebW8983CA, October 2026
During our stay on the Big Island, there were several excursions we wanted to be sure to do. Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay was one of them. We booked through Viator, and decided to go with the small group option. The name of the outfit doing our tour, was Hawaii Oceanic. During our stay, we had some challenges with hurricane Nolo, but Hawaii Oceanic worked with us to reschedule our excursion to earlier in the week. I'm glad they did, because it was the perfect day. Started off on the wrong foot, with the tour operators telling us to be at the ramp 15 minutes early....and they showed up with the boat 5 minutes late. When we got on board the boat, we were a bit unsure, as the boat seemed very small and old. But once we were underway, the concerns quickly melted away. Alexa was the Captain, and did a great job of sharing stories and history about where we were going, and what we would be seeing. Cody was the first mate, and made sure we had everything we needed. We were again concerned when we were getting in the water and Cody told us we didn't need any swim fins. Have snorkeled a dozen times, but never without fins. But both she and Alexa said the water in the bay was so calm, we wouldn't need them. They were absolutely right, and it's so much easier snorkeling around without the fins. Now, they had plenty on the boat, and offered them to you if you wanted. But everyone tried without, and no one came back to get them later. A big benefit of the smaller group (it was capped at 12 people), was if very easy and efficient getting into and out of the water, and I'm sure we had extra snorkel time as a result. And the snorkeling was great. Alexa told us we were going to a 100 Reef, which means a reef with over 100 different types of fish. Now, we didn't see all 100 different fish, but I bet we saw 30 or 40. And we saw hundreds of them. Of the 17 days we spent on the Big Island, my wife said this was her favorite thing of the trip. It was definitely in my top 3. So spend a little more and do the small group tour, instead of the "cattle boats", as they call them. It's worth it.

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Frequently asked questions about Big Island of Hawaii

What is there to do in Big Island of Hawaii?

Big Island of Hawaii has 42 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Big Island ATV Adventure at Ohana Ranch », « Kona Signature Catamaran Sunset Sail », « Waikoloa Signature Catamaran Sunset Sail ».

What are the top-rated activities in Big Island of Hawaii?

According to traveller reviews: « Hawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour » (5.0/5, 632 reviews) ; « Big Island ATV Adventure at Ohana Ranch » (4.9/5, 360 reviews) ; « Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, and History » (4.9/5, 7,127 reviews).

Can you cancel an activity in Big Island of Hawaii for free?

Usually, yes: 24 of the 24 most popular activities in Big Island of Hawaii offer free cancellation. The exact terms are shown on each activity page before you book.