Kona Snorkeling: Beat the Crowd to Kealakekua Bay
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
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
Minimum age is 4 years
Not recommended for participants with back or neck problems
We apologize ahead of time but due to the bouncy nature, pregnant individuals are not allowed
What To Expect
This is the original rafting company of Hawai'i, with our family run office set up for checking in each of our excursions. Our office allows indoor seating, air conditioning, convenient restrooms, reef safe sunscreen, children entertainment, souvenir shopping and one fluffy friendly golden retriever, if you are missing yours back home.
Options
10am Beat the Crowd Tour
Beat the crowd 5-hour tour departing at 10am.
What‘s Included
Extra time to view resident marine mammals like dolphins and whales
Snorkel masks, fins and flotation devices
Reef Safe Sunscreen available in the office before the trip
Snack on chips, cookies, soft drinks and water
Turkey sandwiches (vegan and vegetarian upon request)
We no longer offer single use plastic bottles, please bring a reusable water bottle
Hotel pick up and drop off
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
240 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Away from the huge tourist groups....
Doug B,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00There are several companies that offer a snorkeling trip but cannot recommend this particular trip more. You are on a smaller more adventurous boat where they take you out into the ocean to try and see some wildlife BEFORE the snorkeling and then hug the coastline on the way back to the marina where the beautiful water is crashing into the rocky lava shortline. Even before we left the snorkeling we were able to see a large pod of spinner dolphins (from the boat). The up close view of the shoreline was spectacular! It is a longer excursion and you need to know that it is going to be bumpy in the smaller boat (which is fun!). There is no shade so be sure to wear plenty of (reef safe) sunblock before you even get on board. Liz and Gabe are hilarious and kept us laughing the whole time.
Captain Rick and his mate...
Jennifer C,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Rick and his mate Mischelle were amazing. They were very knowledgeable and kind. There was a special needs little girl with is and he made sure that she was comfortable the whole time. He caters to your groups needs for sure! 100% would recommend them! And riding a zodiac boat was a lot of fun!
Super fun
Rachel K,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The staff was wonderful. The place we went snorkeling was like a giant aquarium. We even saw a pack of dolphins! The boat is a very wild ride, though, we’ve never been on a zodiac before and don’t think we will again. Our bottoms were so sore for two days from all the bouncing on the way home.
Worth it
Leonardo G,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great trip. We saw dolphins, so many kind of fish and even had an Albatross land right beside us in the middle of the ocean. Captain and guide were great, had snacks and sawndwiches ready for us after snorkling. Overall 10/10
It was beautiful
samlL8567DP,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a fun time. It was only my family and one other family. Our captain was Shelby and our guide was Kim. Shelby was so funny and Kim was fun. We saw some whales. Then we went snorkeling. The coral was beautiful and the fish were so big and colorful. Then I went to go get some chips and a turkey sandwich. Then I went back out. I saw an octopus. Then we went to captain cooks monument. We went to rocks and Shelby talked about the history of the rocks. We also saw dolphins. I think the 5 hour ride is worth it.
Snorkeling
Steve T,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Shelby & Shannon were great. Lots of fish to snorkel with. Captain Shelby told a lot of the history which was very interesting.
Perfectly timed adventure to snorkel Captain Cook!
robynmb1,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Rick and DeVante made this experience spectacular! Their jokes and constant fun facts about Hawaii, Kona and marine life were entertaining and informative. This actual day was in between two storms and while the water wasn’t the clearest they made the trip a MUST do. The timing of this adventure is perfect - we got there right when the big party boats left and we almost had the bay to ourselves. Lunch and snacks hit the spot as well. Plus we had some wonderful whale watching on the way back. This is the BEST way to snorkel Captain Cook!
The boat ride and...
Natalie H,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat ride and snorkeling was amazing. Captain Rick and Davonte were so much fun! Highly recommend.
Must do!
Jennifer F,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a great day! Captain Rick & Kim were wonderful! The best snorkeling I have been on to date (we saw an octopus!)! The boat was really fun too. The boat has room - so bring your backpack (towels, water bottle and sweatshirt for the ride back). Put ample sunscreen on before you board the boat (there is complimentary reef safe sunscreen in the marina lodge where you check in). On the way back to the marina we saw 6 whales and Captain Rick even took the time to wait for them to breach multiple times for us! Thank you for an amazing day out!!
Awesome day
Scott D,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Mark and Devante were a blast =we had a great time ...great snorkeling and we were lucky enough to see a breaching whale just a couple hundred yards from the boat. Highly recommended .
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