Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 45 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
Use of Snorkeling equipment
Bottled water
Snacks
Snorkel Tour
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Private Tour
Options
Snorkeling in the water
12 & younger
For guest that are 12 or young
Reviews
1,474 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very fun trip. Beautiful...
Debbie A,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very fun trip. Beautiful reef and caves. Host was very informative and fun. They treated to delicious pineapple on the boat. A must see in Kona
TERRIBLE - LEFT WITHOUT 5 of their BOOKED customers.
Exploration502486,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Location for where to go was terrible! Yes there was an address - but you have a couples getting off a cruise ship with no idea there are multiple peers. By the time we figured that out with the help of a wonderful local we were late. Tried calling “Operator” number given to call if any problems and always got voicemail. When we did reach the tour person because they called the local lady spoke with them and she said she was personally driving us and we would be there in 5 mins - THEY LEFT ANYWAY WITHOUT US!!!!!!! Owner was at peer and just said “Sorry could’t wait”.
Must do in Hawaii
Billi L,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The hosts were professional and informative. We enjoyed the history shared along the way and back. Snorkelling with the fish was my families favourite part of our trip. We did see dolphins too!
Do it!
MIKE Z,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great experience! Captains Jake and Dave (Dave says “Hi mom”) lead a great excursion. Very knowledgeable and so caring of the environment. I really appreciated how relaxed they were and considerate of the guests. The snorkeling was so peaceful. To cap it off, the spinner dolphins put on a great show for us before we left and we got to see a nesting Pueo owl which is a really rare sight to see! Definitely family friendly and great value for the price. We’ll do this excursion again when we come back to the big island. Thank you guys!
We had a tour with Jake and Danielle and both were incredible! The snorkeling and tour both made for a great time!
Molly M,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible Snorkeling and Tour!
Captain Danielle and First mate Jake Awesome Adventure
Marlene E,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Danielle and Jake were Amazing … so much Joy and kindness !!! They both had alot of knowledge and shared it with awesome stories and jokes 😃 Would highly recommend this adventure ! Thank you ❤️🙏❤️
Amazing snorkel and caves and dolphins
Aubrey R,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Rory and Kai were awesome. Rory is a skilled driver and both guys knew the history! Very cool expierence! Must do!
Good snorkel but terrible experience on the boat
Hector P,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Snorkel place was great, saw lots of fish. However the experience was not nice overall. The woman operating the boat was on her phone the whole time - she was answering calls, setting up a BT speaker - and when driving at 45mph this felt really scary. You could see the look on other people’s faces. The other man guiding the tour was kind of rude when asked about passing me my phone to take photos. I did not expect this behavior from them when I am paying a hundred bucks and the only thing they were doing is taking us to the Captain Cook bay.
Snorkel
chrisvP6217FP,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience with great guides. They made everything comfortable and enjoyable.
The fish were amazing. ...
Mohammad A,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The fish were amazing. loved they had prescription goggles so i vould actually see!!!! Danielle was super chill and full of knowledge.
From US$79.00
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Operated by Kona Snorkel Tours