Small-Group Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook, Big Island
Description
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.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important 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.
- Not recommended for travelers with neck problems
Reviews(499)
We had a great experience on a snorkeling trip in the Kealakekua Bay with Hawaii Oceanic. Because the trips are capped at 12 max, we had a very personalized experience from our wonderful guides, Alan and Sara. Our 5-year-old is not yet a strong swimmer but they patiently enabled us to take him in the water with a life vest and he was super excited to see lots of fish! I would book again in a heartbeat!
Such a great snorkeling trip! Communication was excellent, our guides were knowledgeable, safe, and helpful. The smaller group was so nice. We would definitely book again!
The snorkel trip to Kealakekua Bay was amazing. We went on the early tour and there were only a few others in the bay when we got there. Very peaceful with calm water. I saw dozens of different fish. I wish I had studied the names ahead of time so I could better identify them when I was in the water. Going to the bay, we saw a small dolphin pod that we slowed down to get a good look at. We saw a different pod leaving the bay. On the way back we enjoyed the coastal views along with some history. I rented a Go Pro, which allowed me to capture images safely. It was worth it. Alexis and Eliza were amazing as captain and guide. We would definitely do this tour again.
The snorkeling at Capt. Cook was by far the best we experienced on the big island. The crew were very friendly and knowledgeable. The smaller boat makes for a great experience.
Terrible experience The zodiac didn’t offer any shade, the captain Rudy was racing with it , the information shared very poor. They dropped us in the water and seemed very bored. The speed on the way back was insane and injured my back. I would not recommend.
This has to be our best snorkeling ever! There is so many fish in this bay and so much to see, you could literally spend hours here! Our guides were great and answered so many of our questions. They're very knowledgeable on the fish and marine life in this area.
Alexis was great loved the history
This was a highlight of our trip. Captain Cook is a wonderful location to snorkel with a huge variety of fish and sea life to experience. And on the boat ride back, we encountered a pod of dolphins that were happy to swim around and play with our boat! Also, the tour guides were absolutely amazing. One of them had a degree in marine science, and the other had a degree in Hawaiian history, so they brought a wealth of knowledge and stories to the experience. And they were super friendly and accommodating. We couldn't recommend this tour more.
Did the oceanic snorkel with Alexis and Carmel and it was awesome. They were super helpful and prepared everyone for the adventure with tips and tricks. Alexis was our historian and she shared so much knowledge about the Hawaiian culture, traditions and legends. Carmel was very helpful and friendly as everyone prepared for the tour. I loved that these ladies were gentle and helped calm my friend’s anxiety as it was her first time snorkeling. I liked that this tour did not require flippers, it was an option. When we got back in the boat, the ladies had a cooler ready with cold drinks like water, a variety of sodas and island drinks like POG. They also provided fresh pineapple and snacks like chips and fruit snacks. On the way back, Alexis continued to share history about Captain Cook and Pele. Carmel made sure the boat was organized and helped everyone gather their items and locate their shoes. All in all, I would book this tour again. We saw a ton of fish that Alexis helped us identify using the fish guide. We were out on the water for about an hour and a half. I had so much fun! Highly recommend this tour again:) ps. Bring a water case for your phone if ya want footage :) and please do not step on the reef !
Amazing experience. Justin and Caleigh were patient and kind when our 9 year old was scared in the open ocean. Really appreciated everything, including a tutorial on how to cut a pineapple for sharing.
