Small-Group Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook, Big Island
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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
What To Expect
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!
Options
Small-Group Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook, Big Island
What‘s Included
Island sourced pineapple and chips
Bottled water
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Nonalcoholic refreshments
Bring your own towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and waterproof camera
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
481 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Is that all to the excursion?
Monica W,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Positives:1) Small group of 12 vs large group 2) pleasant boat driver & “guide”. 3) spontaneous stop for extra 5-minute snorkel in another location on return Improvements recommended: 1) overly crowded snorkeling of over 50 people in a confined area with mediocre sea life. 2) no clean and murky water 3) coral the color of neglected house plants 4) “Guide” primarily engaged with one guest. It was a great pity that she didn’t have a mic to share info of wildlife and native history with the other 11 guests 5) the boat was a bit “worn”. 6) pre tour instructions on parking and meeting location were confusing.
A MUST DO on the Big Island!!
Alexander H,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very fun experience. A must do if you visit the Big Island. The crew was very knowledgeable, professional, and fun! They even took us to a few extra scenic spots along the way back. Highly recommend to all!
Wonderful tour and snorkeling!
KS Colorado303,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a great tour with Cayleigh and Allen! They were a great guiding team - so knowledgeable, skilled, patient and helpful. The snorkeling in the bay was awesome and the boat time was very fun!
Breathtaking Snorkeling Adventure
jacobdC2121IN,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time snorkeling in the bay and loved the crystal clear waters. Justin and Caleigh were total pros and made the afternoon so much fun. Their professionalism and insights added so much more to the experience. Couldn’t have asked for better guides!
Failed to show up
az-hokie,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Hawaii Oceanic failed to show up. I called, left voicemails, sent messages. Finally they sent a cancellation notice 38 minutes after we were supposed to have departed. They claimed bad “condition,”but all the others tours are running. We rebooked with another operator. Now we have to fight for a refund.
Failed to show
Christine K,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Hawaii Oceanic did not show up. They finally sent a cancellation at 8:38am, 38 minutes after we were supposed to depart. And that was only after I called, messaged, and left multiple emails.
The small group setting...
Isaac M,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The small group setting worked out great for us. They took us to some great spots. I would highly recommend.
Perfect Snorkeling Experience!
emilylp1,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am so glad that we found this snorkeling tour experience! Parking was relatively easy; while the harbor lot was full, we were able to find street parking (there was also parking in a paid lot across the street). The value for money was great: 3 hours, small group size (there were 10 of us), snorkeling gear, and drinks and snacks provided. They took us to the best snorkeling spots, and water visibility was fantastic (~100 feet). We saw an eel, and someone in our group saw a reef shark. There was also a large pod of dolphins that swam near us! Great experience for all levels of snorkelers; it's open ocean swimming, but they provide floats to hold on to for less-strong swimmers. Staff was fantastic; Caleigh was very knowledgeable and helpful, and our captain, Alan, was hilarious. Highly recommend this tour!
Great fun
Baldi b,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best snorkeling experiences I’ve had. Went to a great spot. Lots of marine life. Live reef. Crew really made us feel safe. Had a really great time
Great Day out on the...
Jim B,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great Day out on the water. Highly recommended . Guides were entertaining and put us on some great snorkel spots .
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Operated by Hawaii Oceanic