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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Snacks
Snorkel Tour
Mask & Snorkel
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Private Tour
Options
Ride Along - NOT snorkeling
Staying on the boat ONLY
Snorkeling in the water
Reviews
1,512 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing tour and such...
Karly O,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing tour and such friendly guides (Rory and Lucas)! The pineapple was a great treat after snorkeling and the storytelling along the coast was fun. Tour guides made sure everyone was comfortable and safe!
10/10 would recommend
brennamatykiewicz,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely incredible!!! Got to see a huge tiger shark swimming along next to the boat and we got to stay and admire him for a while. This one will stick with me!
Best Tour!!!
Chase H,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Rory and Lucas were fantastic!! So knowledgeable and fun to be around. We had a great time and learned a ton.
Great snorkeling adventure
DrV,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time and Kris Henry was a great guide. We had a fun boat ride to the snorkeling site and the water was warm and clear. Kris had snacks and drinks onboard for our refreshments. On the way back we stopped at several interesting site with natural features and Kris was very knowledgeable about the area and formations. We booked for 4hrs and would book again for a longer period of time.
Great experience!
April T,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The snorkeling was wonderful, the boat ride exhilarating, and the captain and crew were friendly. We had a great time!
Fun experience just some caution for cruise ship tourists
Wander51608691316,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The tour was very good. Our captain and first mate were excellent and informative. Snorkeling was good, just not a lot to see in ways of fish. Caution for cruise ship tourists: You will have to Uber or taxi there. Cost us $80 USD to Uber one way there and that only took us to the office where we literally just showed them our ID and then we had to walk, racing to the marina to catch the boat. The return trip back to port was $30. Suggestion- book a later tour so you aren’t paying the high price the Uber drivers are charging when everyone is getting off of the ship.
Loved it!!!
342keldas,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was an amazing part of our trip. The snorkeling was great, the boat ride was so fun, and the captain/mate were informative and friendly. Good music, beautiful weather, and excitement. 10/10
It was so awesome...
Fatima H,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was so awesome experience..the captain is so cool and so friendly and funny. It was a great experience my kids had fun.
Great view!
cowgirlr2021,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great guides. Fun experience. The water was beautiful
Beustiful location and great snorkling but boat a little sketchy!
marilynmJ5666GO,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Unbelievable snorkling! Boat ride, little sketchy! I can't say enough how beuatiful the spot where we snorkled. In addition, the waters were smooth in the cove as well. The crew were friendly and accomodatng. However the boat ride was very fast, bumpy and flat uncomfortable. Perhaps the speed was too much or we should have booked a larger boat. Honestly did not know it was that small and open as well.
-10% off
From US$71.10Was US$79.00
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Operated by Kona Snorkel Tours