Kealakekua and Captain Cook Snorkel Tour
Kealakekua and Captain Cook Snorkel Tour
$129.00
Home to one of the most well-preserved coral reef systems in Hawaiʻi, Kealakekua Bay is a must-see snorkeling destination for visitors to the Big Island. Aboard the 28-foot “Orca,” this half-day tour explores the coastal waters from Kona south to the Captain Cook monument at Kealakekua Bay. Guests will take in the stunning scenery of the Big Island as they zip through the calm Kona waters, looking for dolphins and whales. After some time exploring the reef at Kealakekua Bay, this tour checks out sea caves formed by old lava flows. (*Prices may vary with demand)
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The Ride
Climb aboard the 28’ “Orca” for an exciting ride and spend a day in the ocean. Departing Kona, this tour moves south along the coast, exploring Kona’s nooks and crannies and taking in the sights of the massive Mauna Loa volcano to the east. As you explore the coastal waters, keep an eye out for spinner dolphins, which are frequently spotted offshore. Before arriving at your snorkeling destination, you’ll zip out into the blue to look for other ocean mammals like bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales, and on the way back, check out sea caves created by old lava flows.
Snorkeling
Once you arrive at Kealakekua Bay, you’ll be immersed in a wild aquarium. Kealakekua Bay is home to the Captain Cook monument and is highly regarded as one of the most preserved reefs in the world. It is easily one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii and is home to schools of vibrant fish, coral reefs, and other sea critters like turtles, rays, and eels.
What’s Included
Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are provided during the tour. Basic snorkel instruction is provided, as well as all the necessary gear for snorkeling, such as masks, fins, and flotation.
What to Bring
Show up to the dock in your swimsuit so you can spend more time on the ocean! The Orca is shaded, but hats, sunglasses, and UV shirts are a must. Sunscreen is an absolute necessity, but before boarding, make sure it is reef-safe. Reef-safe sunscreen is the only sunscreen permitted in Kealakekua Bay. Lastly, don’t forget a waterproof camera!
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Nearby Areas:
Kona • Waikoloa • Captain Cook
Kealakekua and Captain Cook Snorkel Tour Photos
Important Information about this activity
| Duration and Meeting Point: | The tour lasts 4 hours, with check-in at 74-381 Kealakehe Parkway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. |
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| What's Included: | Snacks, drinks, snorkeling gear, and flotation devices are provided, along with expert guides offering insights into marine life and history. |
| Cancellation Policy: | Cancellations and rebookings require 48-hour advanced notice for a refund. The tour is suitable for ages 3 to 75, with a group size of up to 18. |
What recent guests are saying
Kona Snorkel Trips is one of Hawaii's most highly rated snorkel operators, and recent guests on the Captain Cook trip describe top-notch snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay and plenty of dolphins along the way. Crew members like Cory and Max are named repeatedly for being funny, personable and full of knowledge about the fish and the island's history. First-timers and families appreciate the calm, patient guidance in the water.
If you wear glasses, ask about a prescription mask.
Our summary of Kona Snorkel Trips's public Google and Yelp reviews, updated October 19, 2026.