Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Captain Cook Snorkel Tour !
What Makes Our Daytime Snorkel to Kealakekua Bay / Captain Cook monument Unique
Fast, agile Zodiac RIB boat (used by Navy SEALs) gets you to the bay quickly and allows access to hidden sea caves, lava tubes, and scenic coastline features
Small group size ensures a personal, uncrowded experience—unlike big boats carrying 30 to 80 people
Snorkel the pristine coral reefs at Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine sanctuary and historic site of the Captain Cook Monument
Opportunity to explore areas larger boats can’t reach, including caves and cove topography
Chance sightings of wild dolphins or whales during your ride along the coast.
Wildlife not guaranteed
Fresh pineapple and bottled water included, adding comfort and hospitality to the adventure
Locally owned, family-run company focused on guest experience, safety, and cultural respect
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 6 years
Maximum weight cannot exceed 300lbs per person.
What To Expect
Captain Cook Snorkel Tour! Skip the crowded tourist boats with 30 to 80 people and join our small-group snorkel tour aboard a Navy-style Zodiac RIB speed boat. We’ll take you on a fast, scenic ride to Kealakekua Bay, home of the Captain Cook Monument and some of the clearest, most vibrant coral reef snorkeling on the Big Island. Explore sea caves, coves along the rugged Kona coastline—places larger boats can’t access. You may even spot dolphins, whales, or other marine wildlife along the way (wildlife sightings are NOT guaranteed). Your tour includes snorkel mask & snorkel, pineapple and water. Wetsuits and lifejackets are available for rent at check-in if desired. Our crew will guide you every step of the way, ensuring comfort, safety, and a memorable experience. ⏱️ Tour duration is approximately 2–3 hours (2.5 hours on average), but can vary depending on ocean conditions, snorkeling time, and wildlife activity. Come explore the Big Island coast with us—the local way, without the crowds.
Options
Snorkeling in the water
Ride Along - NOT snorkeling
Staying on the boat ONLY
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Snacks
Snorkel Tour
Mask & Snorkel
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Private Tour
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,540 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Captain Cook.
Fabian W,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00If you like a fast boat ride, you will like this. The captain and first mate were very friendly and informative on some of the historical and natural sites. The fish viewing was good and the pineapple was delicious.
Good snorkeling and a fun ride
Tyler G,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00They use a pretty small boat which made for a fun ride out to spot in and of itself. But be ready to hang on to your seat! Our captain Danielle was an absolute pleasure to hang out with and we're glad we came out for this one. The bay they visit is a little crowded but there's so much space that it really wasn't an issue.
We had an amazing time...
Rebecca C,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing time with an amazing crew, my entire group had a blast and really enjoyed snorkeling at the reefs and saw lots of cool fish and eels
Can’t be missed
Michael G,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great snorkeling lots of great views of fish swimming in the bay. Saw spinner dolphins too and they spun above the water. Saw lava tubes, not caves. Enjoyed the boat ride. The pontoon boat with 16 people was the perfect size too.
Best excursion of the trip, phenomenal crew
Angela S,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great and fast ride on a true small zodiac boat meant an intimate group outing. We had Capt Rory and Lucas, and they are a wonderful team, they are clearly friends and this is a passion for both. Try to sit near them or ask questions, they are a wealth of knowledge and jokes. Quick 20 min open water ride to an INSANE reef chock full of corals, fish, and we saw a whale shark (!!, but know that's super rare) , dolphins, turtle, eel. Best 45 mins snorkeling ever. Then we checked out caves on way back, and that was totally lovely. Honestly we tried several excursions, and this snorkel caves Capt cook combo was hands down the absolute best of them all. 10/5 stars, and you really feel the alpha here.
Koa and Lucas were very...
Joe P,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Koa and Lucas were very attentive and informative! We had an amazing snorkeling experience especially for our first time. We were on our way back to dock until they were dolphin sightings, and they turned back around just so we can see them, which was a bonus for us!! Loved the trip! Worth every penny. Also loved their commentary :) very nice people. 10/10 recommend
Meh
Kimberly E,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00We have done this type of adventure in other areas. Unfortunately the boat was so so small for all of the people, the ride was VERY ROUGH. They provide very small bottle of water and a few pieces of pineapple. We did not see many fish and 0 dolphins. We asked for a different mask for visibility and were told no because it was new. We typically do not leave poor reviews but thus experience could be so much better with a larger boat. We woke up sore in the morning from all of the wave bouncing.
Snorkeling Along the Kona Coast
Lori J,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great snorkeling in small group, great mask and snorkel, had to pay extra for fins. But lower overall cost than other snorkeling tours. Daniela was a great captain and her partner "Jack" (not sure of his name) was wonderful too. Great story telling and helped me get back in boat, with my foot injury I was worried, but it was no problem!
Great experience
Susan C,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience on this small, fast boat. The crew were efficient, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Great snorkle in calm bay. Would recommend without hesitation.
Wild ride on a Zodiac. Lots of fun!
Jean D,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Be prepared for a wild ride on a Zodiac. LOTS of fun. Snorkeling is just so-so, but overall a fun and great experience and lots of cool things to learn about and see. Staff was great.
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