Kealakekua Bay / Captain Cook Monument Snorkel

Yes. For safety reasons, all guests entering the water must know how to swim. Life vests are available onboard, but comfort and safety in open water are essential.

Yes. Foam noodles are provided to all guests for added comfort in the water. Life jackets are also available upon request.

Absolutely, but high-quality gear is provided if you prefer to travel light.

You can’t wear glasses with a snorkel mask, but contacts are totally fine and often the best option for seeing clearly underwater. If you have a prescription mask, feel free to bring it—rental shops typically don’t carry them. Fun fact: everything appears about 25% larger and closer underwater, which helps visibility a bit even without correction, but for the sharpest view, contacts or a custom mask will give you the best results.

You can snorkel with a beard or mustache but it can prevent a tight seal between the mask and your face, which may cause water to leak in. It is often recommended to shave at least your mustache before diving. If you’d prefer not to shave your mustache, please bring petroleum jelly or chapstick with you. If you coat your mustache in that chapstick or jelly, it may be able to seal and prevent water from getting in.

No, sunscreen is not provided on board. We recommend applying reef-safe sunscreen at least 30 minutes before your tour. Traditional sunscreens can harm Hawaii’s delicate coral reefs, so it's important to use an environmentally safe formula and apply it before boarding to ensure maximum protection and minimal reef impact.

Common sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs, as the particles are small enough to be absorbed by corals, causing toxicity and coral bleaching. Reef-friendly sunscreens are formulated without these harmful chemicals. Reef-SAFE sunscreens go a step further by using non-nano particles, which are too large for corals to ingest, helping to preserve marine ecosystems. Please avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Consider wearing sun-protective clothing, like long-sleeve rash guards, as an alternative to sunscreen. If you choose a mineral-based sunscreen, ensure it is labeled ‘non-nano.’

Yes. Children aged 4 and up are welcome, as long as they can safely board the boat and swim independently.

The meeting area and harbor parking are flat and generally accessible. However, the boat is not wheelchair or stroller accessible, and boarding requires stepping down and climbing a short ladder. Guests with limited mobility may find this challenging. Please contact us in advance if you have questions or concerns about accessibility.

You may encounter tropical reef fish, sea turtles, and spinner dolphins. During winter months, humpback whales are sometimes spotted offshore.

No. This is a family-friendly tour focused on safety and marine preservation. Alcohol is not permitted.

No, there is no restroom aboard Makua. Please use facilities at the harbor before departure.

Yes. All captains are US Coast Guard certified, and both captains and crew are trained in First Aid and CPR. Life vests are available for all passengers onboard.

Our boat, Makua, features comfortable padded seats and ample shade for your comfort.

TripOutside recommends knowing how to swim before snorkeling, but participation is ultimately up to you and the tour operator's discretion.

• Check ocean conditions and only snorkel at lifeguarded beaches. The chance of rescue is much higher with trained lifeguards present.
• Never snorkel alone. Always bring a buddy. Beginners should consider booking a guided tour.
• Rest after flying. Flying can dehydrate and exhaust you—give your body at least a day to acclimate before snorkeling.
• Test your gear on land or in a pool first. Make sure your mask fits snugly, you can breathe through the snorkel, and you know how to clear water if needed.
• Practice with fins. You should be able to scissor kick while swimming. Avoid doggie paddling—it won’t get you far.
• Don’t wear fins on land. Walk into the water, get past the waves, then put your fins on. Remove them before exiting.
• Take it slow. Breathe calmly, relax, and avoid overexertion to keep your heart rate low.
• Know your limits. If you’re feeling tired, anxious, or unsure about conditions, skip the snorkel session. Panic in the water is dangerous.
• Stay aware of currents and tides. Even experienced swimmers can get pulled out. Know how to identify rip currents and how to escape them (swim parallel to shore).

Yes, a minimum of 6 guests is required to operate the tour. If the minimum is not met, we’ll offer to rebook you for another tour or provide a full refund. You also have the option to purchase additional tickets to meet the minimum and guarantee the trip runs.

If the seas are too rough, we will reschedule your tour. We would rather skip a tour than make you uncomfortable. Please make sure we have your complete details upon booking for the unlikely event of a cancellation due to weather conditions.