Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
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 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.
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.
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
Options
Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay
Reviews
961 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful snorkel spot
KnitterBarb,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The morning snorkel trip to Captain Cook monument was nice. The catamaran boat was very roomy and the staff were VERY friendly, helpful, courteous and professional. The captain provided some historical information about sites on the way to the bay that were interesting and when whales and dolphins were spotted, he slowed/stopped the boat to provide viewing opportunities from a respectful distance. It was very convenient to pull right up in to the bay and exit the boat and begin snorkeling right from the boat. We brought our own snorkel equipment but staff did a nice job providing equipment to customers. Our ONLY constructive advice would be to go back to offering a carnivore lunch option. We did this excursion with Fair Winds II on prior trips before they reverted to a vegan menu and did not enjoy the vegan offerings (we saw a LOT of people throwing away entire plates of food which was unfortunate). We’d also suggest that the boat leave the harbor sooner to allow more snorkel time (the tour information stated the tour time was a 5-hour tour from 8:30 am to 1:30pm yet we didn’t board the boat/leave the harbor until after 9am on both morning snorkel trips we took with Fair Wind). Overall would recommend this trip to Captain Cook monument to snorkel in this beautiful bay. We were fortunate to see humpback whales, spinner dolphins and Pacific bottle-nose dolphins on both trips as we traveled to/from the bay. And to reiterate, the staff were top-notch!
The Fairwind II is the perfect vessel and crew for snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay.
thomas s,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The snorkeling site was fantastic with crystal clear water and abundant fish. The vessel was pleasant to ride on and built for purpose. The crew and Captain were attentive, helpful, friendly and committed to ensuring that everyone had a great time. The food was delicious. The Hawaiian history lessons were much appreciated. This trip was the most fun that I have ever had snorkeling.
Very well organized
Evan Y,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew were very well trained, accomidating and knowledgeable. This tour is a well oiledachinr will all the bases covered.
Best excursion on the Big Island
Mathew L,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was my favorite excursion on the Big Island. We loved everything about it. The boat was spotless and well maintained. The crew was friendly and professional. They were attentive to everyone's needs and were always there when you needed anything. The snorkeling was amazing! This should be the first excursion that you book.
The perfect boat, especially if you have old knees
Jimof98564,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very good experience. Friendly crew, comfortable boat, good snorkeling, and for those of us of advanced age, the best steps for returning to the boat. We have taken boat snorkeling trips in lots of places and this is the best boat by far
Exceptional Snorkeling Experience on the Big Island
N1718UEdouglash,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fair Winds does an awesome job with their morning snorkel tour. Their crew is fabulous and very well trained. The boat they use is ideal for accessing the bay easily and is comfortable on the open ocean. Our oldest daughter did get sea sick on the way to the bay and a little woozy on the way home but she enjoyed her snorkel time as did my youngest. The float devices, boogie boards with viewing portals and viewing boxes are ideal too for people who aren't super strong in the water. Their food for breakfast and lunch is really tasty and all vegetarian-super cool. Also enjoyed an adult beverage on the way back which they have many options to choose from on board. The reef itself is gorgeous and diverse. We got to see a school of dolphins that swam by the boat on the way into the bay and also caught a humpback whale breach as it was migration season during our visit. They do a spectacular job of including the history of the area and give you a greater appreciation of the area. It's an enjoyable way to spend half a day on the island. My only wish would be they tell you more about the parking as you need to find parking on the streets--not too far to walk though.
Great Crew on Fun Boat
Patricia G,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It’s a five hour trip with over two hours of play and snorkeling time. The crew is great, the coastline impressive, and the boat had all the fun equipment. The vegan meal choices need improvement. Breakfast was adequate, but lunch was not at all tasty. Guests filled up on chips. We did see dolphins and a mother humpback and calf on the way back, But marine life was minimal in the snorkeling area of the bay.
Fun for all ages, great crew and environmentally friendly company
crystalhR2535QJ,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed our morning Kealakekua snorkeling tour. We saw whales en route, dolphins upon arrival, many fish, eels and beautiful coral while snorkeling. The provided equipment was easy to use and instruction provided for those desiring it. The breakfast and lunch were delicious and I love the company's pledge for sustainability. We felt it was a great value and would do this again.
All around great family fun for everyone!
K3726NIamyk,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family had a great time! Highly recommend a must do when in Kona. It was the highlight of our trip for our kids. Lots to do besides just snorkeling (slides, diving, jumping, and snuba). The staff were very friendly and helpful.
Awful tasting lunch
evelyngS8520PY,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Awful lunch... really awful. With a group of 40 people, most didn't eat it. Vegetarian only and tasted gross. Snorkeling was great. I don't recommend. Only reason I hate those 2 stars was for the snorkeling
From US$193.75
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