Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Since 1971, we've taken pride in offering a top-tier snorkeling experience backed by decades of expertise and a highly trained, lifeguard-certified crew. When you join us, you’re in the hands of professionals dedicated to safety, comfort, and making your time at Kealakekua Bay truly unforgettable.

Our award-winning snorkel tour takes you to this protected marine sanctuary, home to the Captain Cook Monument and some of Hawai‘i’s most pristine waters. Along the way, our crew shares the rich cultural and historical significance of the coastline.

Upon arrival, dive into crystal-clear waters, encounter vibrant marine life, or enjoy the thrills of our water slides and high dive. Snorkel gear and a variety of flotation options ensure a comfortable experience for all skill levels.

As we return to Keauhou Bay, take in the stunning coastal views while learning about Hawai‘i’s marine ecosystem, coral reefs, and conservation efforts—an experience that stays with you long after the journey ends.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Must be comfortable in the ocean.

Full face snorkel masks are not permitted on our vessels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Highly trained crew certified in lifeguarding, AED, CPR, & First Aid ensuring your safety & comfort

Delectable plant-based breakfast and lunch

Environmentally friendly sunscreen

Use of snorkel equipment, underwater view boxes, inner tubes and numerous floatation options

Ocean Stewardship User Fee and tax

SNUBA available for an additional fee

Gratuities

What To Expect

Keauhou Bay: Where Your Adventure Begins Nestled on the sunny Kona Coast, Keauhou Bay is more than just your departure point—it’s a place rich in Hawaiian history and natural beauty. As the birthplace of King Kamehameha III, the bay holds deep cultural significance, with a historic marker just steps from check-in. Surrounded by lava rock, swaying palms, and calm, crystal-clear waters, it’s a peaceful cove ideal for photos and spotting dolphins or sea turtles. This tranquil harbor sets the stage for your Fair Wind snorkel or sailing tour—making your journey memorable before it even begins.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides: Your Welcome Center by the Bay Your adventure begins at the Fair Wind Office -check-in area, located right at Keauhou Bay. This is where you'll meet our crew, check in for your tour, and get ready to board—just steps from the water. Our friendly team is here to help you feel prepared and excited for your trip. While you’re here, take a moment to browse our retail shop, which offers a curated selection of reef-safe sunscreen, stylish apparel, and locally made gifts. Whether you're grabbing last-minute essentials or a keepsake to remember your day, it’s all part of the experience we’re proud to share with our guests.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay

Reviews

4.90

916 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

852

5 stars for Fair Wind!
gailgI8469VC,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Tour was very well organized and run. We picked the smaller tour on the Hula Kai as wanted to focus on the snorkeling (the reason for the trip!). The staff was excellent -- helpful with safety a priority. Food was plant-based, which is fine -- but, I liked some but not all of the offerings (taste is so personal ); it was presented in a lovely way.
Phenomenal Snorkeling
rhiannonm930,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Some of the best snorkeling we did in Hawaii. A pod of dolphins came to swim in the bay with us and say hello. Hundreds of different fish, eels, octopus were seen. Food on the boat that was provided was excellent. Boat wasn't crowded. Guides were knowledgeable and able to see some other marine life on our trip out. Would recommend if looking for good snorkeling. Tour was well organized and setup, family business.
Definite return to this next year!
toddlC5943QP,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The snorkel tour we went on was better than advertised and our favorite activity of the week. The crew was very informative of the culture and answered all of our questions. Mauricio (Captain) couldn't have done better. I really liked the (Large) Catamaran as it easily broke through any chop and made the ride very smooth.
Best tour I’ve been on
I3915NMmichelel,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wonderful experience! My husband and I went with my in-laws. The crew were so friendly and knowledgeable about the culture and activities- they were truly the best. The boat was clean and safe. And the food- I will say even though totally plant based- was so good even my “meat and potatoes “ hubby ate his whole lunch. Delicious. We chose to go SNUBA diving and enjoyed our experience. Our guide was attentive to each participant and I felt very safe. My in- laws LOVED it. Thank you so much for a memorable and beautiful experience!
Lots of fun annndddd. Gluten free
JadeRyan G,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The crew was fantastic. I have to eat gluten free and they provided ingredient list and was able to eat everything but the bun. Food was delicious. The snorkeling was amazing. Lots of fish and spinner dolphins that put on a show the whole time. Go down the slide! Lean back and plug your nose.
Super experience all around, great crew and snorkeling.
Daniel N,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wonderful experience, crew was really friendly and helpful throughout our time on boat. Captain provided information and history at several points during the trip. Breakfast and lunch were fresh and tasty, especially the sandwiches and sweet potato chips. Bay is one of best places to snorkel on island, did not disappoint.
Such a highlight of our trip! I'm glad we chose Fair Wind - a great experience all around
Chanelle1234,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our family's experience on the Fair Wind Morning Kealakekua Snorkeling Tour in mid-October was a highlight of our vacation. I really liked so many of the nice touches which made the tour memorable, safe and fun. The staff members were friendly, helpful and kind every step of the way: at the welcome desk on land, driving the boat, managing and serving the food, helping with the gear, helping us on and off of the boat, providing information about the historical and cultural significance, lifeguarding, etc. The native Hawaiian staff member who told us about the sacred space we were entering helped me understand the beautiful location and how much it means to the people of Hawaii. I was really glad that her introduction was a part of our experience. The food was really tasty. The overnight oats with fruit were refreshing and hearty for breakfast, and lunch, with two buns loaded with fillings was, I thought, more than I could eat, until I managed to polish it all off. Lots of swimming = you're hungry! I especially liked the BBQ sandwich. Don't miss the delicious, crispy chips, and take a cookie when they're offered! Fair Wind was thoughtful and prepared to make sure that everyone's needs were taken care of. I appreciated that special efforts were made to find prescription goggles (with my strong prescription!) so that I could enjoy every bit of the sea life swimming through the coral reef. The stairs down into the water and multiple levels of flotation devices made it easy for everyone to take part in the action; you could use them or not -- whatever you felt comfortable with. There was shade on the upper and lower decks and comfortable seating, so anyone who wasn't keen on swimming the whole time had a great view of the water and shoreline. I highly recommend Fair Wind. What a great company! Well worth the money paid. Thanks so much for a wonderful experience!
Wow, could not have been better!
Wander582890,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An amazing experience. The crew was amazing and helped make sure everything was perfect to enjoy snorkeling. We saw dolphins on our way, and the captain made sure everyone could see them. The boat is so well equipped for snorkeling with easy entrance/exit STAIRS that go into the water! At the cove the underwater viewing was fantastic - a nice variety of beautiful fish swimming amongst the coral. The breakfast and lunch was delicious, and snacks/deserts were provided. One of the most memorable experiences my wife and I have ever had!
A culturally rich and fun ocean experience
braddaa2025,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
After coming from Oʻahu to work on the Big Island, a friend recommended this experience so my girlfriend and I indulged. The cruise to Kealakekua Bay was just under an hour where we enjoyed a locally-grown light breakfast and a stop to see pele. Once we got to the bay, our amazing guides made sure to do historical and land acknowledgements including an oli (chant) by native guide, Keane. I felt better about being in, what felt like, a very sacred and mana-ful space. We had plenty of time to snorkel the crystal clear waters, play in the water, and enjoy lunch. As a local, I would strongly encourage other locals and visitors to try this tour because it was such a culturally rich and fun ocean experience. Mahalo nui to Jenn and the whole crew at Fair Wind.
Great snorkel experience.
Carol S,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great crew and lovely destination. There weren’t as many fish as I was hoping to see, but all around it was a great and fun experience. Highly recommended!