Kealakekua Bay

Set sail on the west coast of Hawaii Island for a 3-hour cruise to Captain Cook’s Monument for dinner, as a local historian shares stories and legends of the sites you will see along the way. First cocktail is on the house! Listen in to live Hawaiian music and enjoy a magnificent sunset as you sail back to Kona. Don’t forget your camera and keep an eye out for dolphins and seasonal whales. Current menu is Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts Local Baby Spinach, Rincon Farms Strawberries, Big Island Feta Cheese, Candied Macadamia nuts with a Waimea Strawberry Vinaigrette (GF) Kona Coffee Braised Short Rib (GF) with Creamy Mashed Potatoes featuring a Kona Coffee Red Eye Demi-Glace (GF) and Island Baked Coconut Dinner Rolls served with Butter (Vegetarian) Vegetarian Option: Thai Coconut Curry with Hamakua Sweet Potatoes, Hawaiian Breadfruit, Carrots, & Bell Peppers (Vegan/GF) and Steamed Jasmine Rice (Vegan/GF) Must be requested 48 hours in advance. Dessert: Chocolate Torte with Raspberry Topping

Cruise coastline, admire marine life, such as fish, dolphins, whales (seasonal), or other ocean creatures we might see on the tour. Explore sea caves and other historical areas where ancient Hawaiians made history and created legends that are still being told to Hawaiian children and visitors who come to Hawaii year after year. Join us for a guided tour of Kealakekua Bay where Captain Cook Monument is located. Adore Hawai'i, doing what Hawaiians enjoy doing in Paradise. Hawaiian style. Living the dream.

* Snorkel Coral Reef at Captain Cook Monument / Kealakekua Bay * Visit Sea Caves, Lava Tubes, Coves & other coastline topography * May encounter Wild Dolphins & Whales * Zodiac RIB navy seal speed boat * Pineapple & water included * Snorkel gear & floatation devices included * Avoid the big crowded boats that take up to 60 people Tour time is NOT EXACT, why? weather conditions, how long you snorkel etc. 2 to 3 hours, 2.5 hour on Average!

Experience the beauty of the Kona Coast at picturesque Kealakekua Bay on an afternoon snorkel cruise. With equipment onboard and expert instruction available, the Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Cruise is great for the whole family. The waters off the Kona Coast, from Keauhou to Kealakekua Bay, enjoy some of the calmest water conditions throughout the day in Hawai’i – protected from stronger easterly winds by Hualalai Mountain. As we head south, Kealakekua Bay’s waters offer some of the best visibility in the entire state and a wealth of tropical reefs to explore. We provide guidance, snorkel gear, flotation devices, and also have a high dive and two 15 foot water slides so that you can enjoy this fantastic site to its max for the afternoon!

If you are new to or have never snorkeled before this is the ideal choice! Particularly good for families with younger children or swimmers who aren’t certain if they are “seaworthy” enough for one of our longer trips. This trip is much slower-paced and affords guests time to become more familiar and comfortable with the exciting and beautiful sport of snorkeling. Our crew will be happy to help you adjust your mask, fins, and snorkel and help you become comfortable viewing the tropical fish while using a flotation assistance device we call a “noodle”. You'll even watch for dolphins and whales along the way! We offer several different times slots to fit your schedule. The times shown indicate the check in time. Tour duration includes time to checkin and receive gear. Snorkel participants must be confortable swimming. Looking for more snorkel time? We also offer a Deluxe Snorkel Tour that includes snorkeling at two different reefs. Check out our other listings for more details.

* Snorkel Coral Reef at Captain Cook Monument / Kealakekua Bay * Visit Sea Caves, Lava Tubes, Coves & other coastline topography * Encounter Wild Dolphins & Whales * Zodiac RIB navy seal speed boat * Pineapple & water included * Snorkel gear & floatation devices included *Avoid the big crowded boats that take up to 60 people.

Set out from Kailua-Kona for a half-day snorkeling activity to Kealakekua Bay/Captain Cook, one of the top snorkeling destinations on the Big Island. Look for dolphins and other marine life in the wild, and then use the provided snorkeling gear upon arrival in Kealakekua Bay. This tour is suitable for all levels of experience and includes a picnic lunch.

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.

Since 1971, we've taken pride in offering a top-tier snorkeling experience backed by decades of expertise and a highly trained, lifeguard-certified crew. When you join us, you’re in the hands of professionals dedicated to safety, comfort, and making your time at Kealakekua Bay truly unforgettable. Our award-winning snorkel tour takes you to this protected marine sanctuary, home to the Captain Cook Monument and some of Hawai‘i’s most pristine waters. Along the way, our crew shares the rich cultural and historical significance of the coastline. Upon arrival, dive into crystal-clear waters, encounter vibrant marine life, or enjoy the thrills of our water slides and high dive. Snorkel gear and a variety of flotation options ensure a comfortable experience for all skill levels. As we return to Keauhou Bay, take in the stunning coastal views while learning about Hawai‘i’s marine ecosystem, coral reefs, and conservation efforts—an experience that stays with you long after the journey ends.

Try your kayak tour, Hawaiian style, with our traditional one-of-a-kind outrigger canoes. We offer Outrigger Canoe Tours to the famous Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay. On this guided Big Island outrigger canoe tour, hear the history of Captain Cook as well as surrounding temples, and, after paddling past the sea cliffs and caves, you'll snorkel and swim in the clear waters of this Marine Life Conservation Area.

Skim across the waves on an exciting Big Island Zodiac tour to Kealakekua Bay, site of the Captain Cook monument and Hawaii's finest marine sanctuary. Snorkel with a rainbow of tropical fish among beautiful coral gardens in the bay's clear, crystal waters. Enjoy the delightful picnic snack provided before you head out again. Our Zodiac rafts allow us to hug the shoreline and get into areas where other boats can't. Join us to explore vast sea caves, lava tubes and the rugged beauty of the coastline.

Shaka Guide is an audio tour app that gives you the benefits of a guided tour with the freedom to explore on your own terms. This Big Island Tour Bundle comes with five socially-distanced audio driving tours: • South Island Epic Coastal Journey (8-10 hour tour) • North Island Jungle Adventure Loop (8-10 hour tour) • Kona Big Kahuna Loop (4-6 hour tour) • Kohala Coast and Backcountry Tour (3-5 hour tour) • Volcanoes National Park Tour (6-8 hour tour) The app uses GPS to give you turn-by-turn navigation to historic sites, popular attractions, world-class beaches and scenic hikes. All Shaka Guide Tours… • Never expire – take them multiple times or buy in advance • Work 100% offline – no data or wifi necessary • Let you take the tour when you want – download the tour and choose the day that works best for you *Please use the link in your confirmation email to download the app* *Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

A three hour tour you won't want to miss! Set Sail down the Majestic Kona Coastline with breathtaking views of landscaped ledges of ancient lava flows. As you arrive at the "World Famous Captain Cook Monument" your snorkeling adventure will begin in the turquoise waters and vibrant reef of the marine sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay. Make sure to bring an underwater camera to capture the colorful schools of fish, pods of spinner dolphins that are also commonly spotted in the bay. “Hawaii The Big Island Revealed” guide book says, “snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay near the monument is perhaps the best you will find anywhere in the state”.

With the world-renowned and historic destination of Kealakekua Bay just minutes from our point of departure, the Captain Cook Exclusive is a personal, exciting, and efficient way to see the Bay named one of the world’s best snorkeling locations. Kealakekua Bay is a 315-acre marine sanctuary that boasts incredibly protected waters year round making it the best place in Hawaii for beginning snorkelers. After a full hour of snorkeling in the crystal clear waters directly in front of the monument to Captain James Cook, you make your way back to Keauhou Bay along the South Kona coastline. Your Captain maneuvers our custom-made vessels into the sea caves at the base of Hualalai, hugging the coast and detailing the culturally significant and geologically fascinating features along the way. Watch for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and even herds of thousands of goats! If you plan on snorkeling while in Hawaii and want to see what few do, this is the tour for you.

Join us for an unforgettable adventure at Kealakekua Bay, one of Hawaii's top snorkeling locations! With its crystal-clear waters, colorful coral, and abundant marine life, it’s sure to be a highlight of your trip! On the way, we’ll keep an eye out for dolphins, humpback whales, and other marine life. Once we arrive, we’ll make sure you're all set with gear and feeling comfortable before you jump in. We also go the extra mile by capturing your adventure with complimentary underwater footage!

Join us aboard our luxurious 50’ catamaran “Kona Style”, as we sail the Kona coast.  Scan the horizon for dolphins and whales (seasonal) from our shaded cabin or sunny splash nets.  Snorkel calm waters and lush coral gardens using our grand staircase for the easiest water entry/exit in the industry.  Brilliant reef fish, sea turtles and Hawaiian storytelling around every corner.  This executive adventure includes a continental breakfast with 100% Kona coffee, freshly baked pastries and parfait, along with sandwiches, chips, pasta salad for lunch.  All non-alcoholic beverages including water, juice and soft drinks are complimentary and we have the best liquor prices of any boat in Kona with beer, wine and liquor available for purchase.  All snorkel equipment, floaties and instruction provided. We are a native Hawaiian owned and operated company.  

Skim across the waves on an exciting Big Island Zodiac tour to Kealakekua Bay, site of the Captain Cook monument and Hawaii's finest marine sanctuary. Snorkel with a rainbow of tropical fish among beautiful coral gardens in the bay's clear, crystal waters. Enjoy the delightful tropical snacks provided before you head out again, exploring vast sea caves, lava tubes and the rugged beauty of the coastline.

Set Sail down the Majestic Kona Coastline with breathtaking views of landscaped ledges of ancient lava flows. As you arrive at the "World Famous Captain Cook Monument" your snorkeling adventure will begin in the turquoise waters and vibrant reef of the marine sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay. Make sure to bring an underwater camera to capture the colorful schools of fish, pods of spinner dolphins that are also commonly spotted in the bay. “Hawaii The Big Island Revealed” guide book says, “snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay near the monument is perhaps the best you will find anywhere in the state”.

Kealakekua Bay is a marine sanctuary where you can snorkel with over 200 species of tropical fish. We will stop at sea caves, and one to two other historical stops along the way. Our tour is very unique because we provide a very intimate one on one experience with our guests. Our convenient check in location gives us a more private feel away from the larger tours, of 20-30 people. Our crew are very knowledgeable about the historical aspects of the Big Island, and the Kona coast. Our vessel "Nature School 2" is comfortable, fast, and one of the nicest tour boats in Kona Hawaii.

We carry a maximum of 14 passengers so we can offer a more intimate snorkel experience than the larger "cattle boats" in Kona. In addition to delivering a more private experience, our small group size allows for more time in the water. Our passengers are able to quickly enter and exit the water as we explore Kealakekua Bay. If you book all 14 seats on any trip, you will have your own private charter. In addition to being the only party on the boat, you'll be able to work with your captain to customize your trip to your liking. For instance, you'll be able to decide whether to pick up and move to a new location or continue snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay (time and conditions permitting). Don't miss this opportunity to snorkel the famous Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument, in a private small-group experience that's unmatched. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!