Captain Cook Kona Snorkeling Tour in Kealakekua Bay

Basic swimming skills – must be able to swim or float unassisted

Non-swimmers are not permitted to enter the water

When you put your face in the water, you’ll be amazed at all the beautiful and colorful life that lives just beneath the surface. Get your camera ready to film bright schools of fish, octopus, eels, as well as see the different varieties of coral found in Hawaii. The marine life includes angelfish, lizard fish, schools of butterflyfish, and many other species.

The protected *Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins will come into Kealakekua bay to sleep in the morning. You may see them in the distance doing their spinning jumping aerial tricks. The large cliffs that make up the dramatic scenery of Kealakekua bay have a history of their own and make for a dramatic backdrop to one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. This Captain Cook snorkeling tour is one of Kona’s most varied and impressive. Most of the best coral is in 5 to 20 feet of water. This means you can easily see it from the surface of the sea. Young kids and novice snorkelers will still have a great experience at this magical one-of-a-kind location.

There are many places to snorkel along the Kona coast but none like the Captain Cook Snorkeling experience. The dramatic cliffs, protective bay, steep drop, and shallow reef combined with the historic Captain Cook Monument make for an intoxicating combination you won’t ever forget. Add in the occasional marine life sighting and you and the family will always fondly remember your trip to Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island, Hawaii.

**Please note that the spinner dolphins and whales are protected under the marine mammal act and we can only observe from the designated distance. If dolphins try to engage we have to take evasive measures to disengage from them.

Our day starts early in the morning when we gear up and get ready to slip into the warm waters off the Kona Coast. We move along the coast to the secluded and pristine marine sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay for some snorkeling fun. Kealakekua Bay is a marine sanctuary and home to the Captain Cook Monument. It is also widely considered to be one of the top snorkeling destinations in the world.

We set out on an exhilarating cruise along the Kona coast, keeping a watchful eye out for the protected Hawaiian spinner dolphins in their natural habitat as they head to protective coves and bays to rest after a long night of hunting. We will then cruise out into the blue in search of pelagic animals like bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, spotted dolphins – you just never know what the ocean will deliver – maybe even a whale shark! During the winter months we often encounter Humpback whales with their calves and their escorts spouting, tail slapping, and sometimes if we’re lucky, breaching!

Finally, we will continue down the coast to Kealakekua Bay, a marine sanctuary and home of the Captain Cook Monument. You will be snorkeling in one of the top-rated places in the world where you can expect to see numerous types of fish, beautiful coral, and many other underwater creatures. This Captain Cook snorkeling tour is noted for its beautiful colors and shallow reef snorkeling. The monument is easily accessible by sea and can be easily seen from the water. We will provide snacks and drinks while our crew recounts the final moments of the famous explorer. You’ll have an hour or more of snorkeling time.

On the way home, we will explore the dramatic cliffs and coastal sea caves made by old lava flows and entertain you with fascinating Hawaiian history myths and legends.

We now offer a mid-day tour to miss the crowds – beginning July 2023

Expectant mothers or those with regular back or neck issues are not permitted on this tour due to the adventurous nature of our retired Navy SEAL boat

We do not recommend our vessel for those 75 and older due to the adventurous nature of our retired Navy SEAL boat

You must be in good physical and mental health

Be aware of severe health risks – this can be a stress-inducing activity and is not recommended for those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or those who have severe asthma.

Those with reoccurring shoulder issues are not permitted on this tour – you must be able to have your arms outstretched for 30-40 minutes