Small-Group Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook, Big Island

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

We cruise from Keauhou harbor out into crystal clear blue waters. While the boat is underway, the crew will point out interesting features along the Kona coastline, which is rich in Hawaiian history. South Kona has a bevy of historically significant Hawaiian Heritage sites, full of mana (spiritual power). Staying close to the Kona coast as we travel south towards Kealakekua Bay, we watch closely for any interesting marine life.

We may stop the boat to enjoy the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris) putting on a show. Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins rest close to shore during the day and will sometimes interact with the boat, bow-riding and playing in our wake.

After a brief show from the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Humpback whales, and whatever else of interest is found along our way, we arrive at the world-famous Kealakekua Bay, the site of the Captain James Cook monument.

After snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay for about an hour and a half, we start heading back to the harbor.

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

Must be able to swim without the assistance of a floatation device.

Maximum weight of 280 pounds per traveler.

Not recommended for travelers with neck problems

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Island sourced pineapple and chips

Bottled water

Use of Snorkelling equipment

Nonalcoholic refreshments

Bring your own towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and waterproof camera

What To Expect

Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, the site of the Captain Cook Monument on The Big Island of Hawaii, in a small-group experience. Kealakekua Bay is a protected marine sanctuary, boasting arguably the best snorkeling in the entire state of Hawaii. Due to the state's environmental protections, Kealakekua Bay boasts an abundance of marine life that includes Nai'a (Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins), Caluiflower Coral, Yellow Tang fish, pencil urchin, and dozens of other marine species that call the bay home. Your tour will include a maximim of 12 passengers, which is a more private experience than the "cattle boats" in Kona that carry 100 passengers or more. By being part of a smaller group, it's quicker for the group to enter and exit the boat, which allows for more time snorkeling on the beautiful coral reef. On our way to and from Kealakekua Bay, our Captain and crew will point out historically and culturally significant areas of the Kona coast. We often see Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, and humpback whales (during the winter) on this tour!

Options

Small-Group Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook, Big Island

Reviews

4.84

354 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

332

The crew was thoughtful...
Amanda A,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The crew was thoughtful and knowledgeable. Great snorkel experience. It was great to have a smaller group of us, nothing felt rushed. Smooth and easy!
Love Hawaii oceanic.
Natermann,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The most alive and vibrant snorkeling I have ever experienced in my life. Hawaii oceanic was experienced, knowledgeable, and approachable for all of my many questions. Caleigh and Justin were both professional yet comfortable, and Hawaii's smaller group sizes always lead to a more intimate and rich experience. We saw SO many fish, moray eels, pufferfish, lobsters, and more.
Eyes on with smaller group!
Valerie S,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It’s really nice to be part of a smaller group. You won’t be left behind! This is the best snorkeling on the island.
Fabulous day snorkeling
Martha H,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great snorkeling experience. We saw many different types of fish. Some in our group saw eels, octopus and rays as well. The small group experience is so much nicer than the big boats.
Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling
D2295WAcarolef,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My partner and I went on a snorkeling tour with Hawaii Oceanic and we liked it so much we went back the next day with my partner's son. Each crew includes a skipper and a guide. On our first day, Justin and Carmelle took us out bright and early to Kealakekua Bay. The boats are suited for small groups of 12 or fewer. Carmelle is a marine biologist so very knowledgeable about the tropical fish. Justin shared historical information about the bay and the history there (you have to go to hear about it!). On our second trip Kayleigh and Sean were our crew. All of them made us feel welcome and like we were in good hands. You will have plenty of time to snorkel and see a reef teeming with tropical fish. There is also chance you'll see dolphins. If you like to snorkel and want a great experience you should do this tour Remember no touching the coral, get reef safe sunscreen. You can bring you own mask, snorkel and fins? but you don't have to.
Mellow snorkel trip with lovely guides
615carrolls,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My husband and I had a lovely time with our guides Carmelle and Justin. They were professional and very friendly. We saw lots of wildlife at the snorkel spot and enjoyed our boat ride back checking out sea caves and lava tubes.
Amazing snorkeling
carole f,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a great experience! The tour included beautiful reef snorkeling in a small group. The crew, Justin and Carmelle were knowledgeable and pointed out several caves and lava tubes on the way back. Kealakekua is a beautiful reef teeming with tropical fish and a gorgeous reef full of life. This is a must do for snorkelers.
Best snorkeling
Melissa B,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great area to snorkel with lots of fish. Enjoyed the staff and the quick ride to the area on the boat. Early start allowed us first access to the abundance of fish.
Awesome experience!!
Martha G,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
What an amazing experience! Justin and Erika were terrific as boat captain and guide, respectively. The snorkeling in the bay is awesome, the best we had on the island - fish, eels, eagle ray. Some folks saw a manta ray too. Justin stopped along the return to share lava tubes, parrot cove, and a bonus of spinner dolphins! He knew just where to look. Erika filled in some cultural and natural history. We liked the experience so much, we booked it again!
Fun time
Jennifer C,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Good experience, extremely pleasant tour guides (Carmelle and Justin), beautiful cruise, bonus little trip to caves/lava tubes, and ample time to enjoy the snorkel. The absolute highest for us was a gorgeous octopus we saw and followed around for a while. Book it!