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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Snorkel masks, fins and flotation devices
Snack on chips, cookies, soft drinks and water
Reef Safe Sunscreen available in the office before the trip
Extra time to view resident marine mammals like dolphins and whales
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
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.
Reviews
227 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Crossed up
sisyphusmpn,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Caveat emptor. Booked well in advance but the day before they messaged that due to ‘staffing issues’ they had to cancel. They did try to accommodate us on other dates but there were no opportunities for us to participate. As a result we missed our chance to snorkel on our vacation.
Great Adventure!
Kathryn H,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very fun excursion! Captain Marco was super informative. Can't beat the small boat with limited people to really give you that personal experience. 10/10 recommend!
Great day with Fun Hosts
bobn679,
Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic ride out to our snorkeling spot. We had a great time with Marco and Fatsu (sp) They were excellent hosts. Very knowledgeable and entertaining. The snorkeling was incredible. This definitely was one of our highlights of the trip. I would highly recommend this tour and these hosts.
Best Snorkeling on the Big Island!
Val S,
Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The ride on the Zodiac Hurricane was awesome, fun and fast!!! The snorkeling was amazing! So many different fish and eels!!! CPT Rick and crew, Fattu made the trip so very enjoyable! We had the best time of our entire trip to Hawaii!
Going Solo is ok
piperdiaper,
Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I love the Zodiac speed boat, so exhilrating! We were arrived at Kealakekua bay when tours were leaving and before the afternoon tours arrived, which gave me ample space to snorkel without crashing into people. The BEST place to snorkel, clear water, hundreds of fish. Captain and crew , very attentive, kept us all safe. Excellent lunch, what more could you ask? I had to go Solo due to family with sea sickness and back issues. No worries if you're by yourself.
Best excursion we did from the cruise!
lisadA6242TW,
Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the best excursions we did from the Pride of America cruise ship! It was affordable and fun. I felt safe the entire time with our captain and “D”. The boat only holds 16 max so this is a small group tour by default. We zoomed in and out to beat the crowds and we were able to get right up close to the shore. This tour is not a booze cruise, it is not covered and it’s not for a passive guest who isn’t interested in participating in the excellent snorkeling activity. They bring all the equipment you need (except a towel and sunscreen) and have snacks and refreshments too. No experience required to have a good time!
Kona snorkeing excursion with Norwegian cruise
lizkS8558TS,
Aug 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Rick and Devante made this an unforgettable experience for my family. They could not have done more to make us feel like Ohana. A thrilling ride , excellent snorkeling, and professional service. Mahalo!
Awesome experience
BrianJarr,
Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family of four had an awesome time on our Captain Zodiac “beat the crowd” snorkeling excursion. Captain Rick and Devonte were excellent guides and chaperones - professional and fun. They kept it fun and always prioritized safety and comfort. The zodiac ride to the Captain Cook memorial area was a lot of fun as we sped across the deep blue seas and caught glimpses of some jumping tuna. The ride back went in a little closer to shore and we saw some cool natural sites like lava tubes and caves and some historic buildings as we rode back along the coastline. The snorkeling area was solid. There were a lot of other tourists there but it was plenty big to accommodate everyone without feeling over crowded. The snorkeling gear was fine and included mask, snorkel, fins, and an optional flotation device. Some fruit, chips, cookies, and sandwiches were available for our lunch break along w juices and sodas. We spent a couple areas hanging out in the cove area, snorkeling two different spots. Fish were abundant and the waters were very clear with minimal current or chop. Overall, highly recommend this outfitter for a fun boat ride and a laid back snorkeling adventure that’s more personalized (and exciting) than a huge tour boat.
Great Staff
David A,
Jul 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew is what made this adventure fun. They did everything they could to make the time special, they take the time to explain the island. We were able to see a sea turtle, spinner dolphin, and sandbar sharks. The staff to include the two retrievers welcomed you quickly at the shop.
A must snorkel tour on the Big Island.
Charmayne R,
Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing water activity. The zodiac boat was a fun ride to and from Captain Cook. The captain and staff was friendly and informative. The snorkel tour at the three sites was memorable. We saw plenty of reef fish and several large moray eels.
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Operated by Captain Zodiac