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Kealakekua Bay - Captain Cook Reef Snorkel Excursion
GuidedDuration: 4 hours
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Features
Free Cancellation
On the Water
Beginner Friendly
Small Group Sizes
Kid Friendly
Wildlife
Instant Book
Locally Owned
$99 Passenger
$95 Non - Swimmer / Under 5 / Military
Description
Kona Wildlife & Reef Snorkel Tour - Captain Cook/Kealakekua Bay
Join us aboard our high-speed Zodiac boat to race along the stunning coastline of Kona, reaching a pristine reef only accessible by a challenging 4-mile hike, kayaking across the bay, or through tours like ours! Our tour provides intimate group sizes, ensuring no wait times to dive into the crystal clear waters and start snorkeling!
After leaving the harbor, we cruise Kona's coast for 30 to 45 minutes, where you have the chance to encounter dolphins and whales (during the winter months)! We will then reach Kealakekua Bay or Captain Cook Bay, a marine conservation district and one of historical significance, where the first Westerner landed in Hawaii.
The reef in this bay is teeming with wildlife, from small boxfish to large parrotfish! Experience Hawaii's vast array of tropical fish and the occasional larger marine animals, including eels, manta rays, and many others!
This tour is for adventure lovers and not recommended if you are pregnant or if you suffer from back and neck problems due to the nature of the boat ride! You must also be able to swim and tread water unassisted for this tour!
Duration of Adventure
The tour is anticipated to last approximately 2 to 3 hours, although it is not on a set time schedule! Duration may change depending on weather conditions, how long you snorkel, and wildlife sightings along the way!
The boat ride itself will take about 30 to 45 minutes from the harbor to the bay for snorkeling.
Check-in times are subject to change, on the rare occasion, due to factors such as minimum boat capacity not being met, weather conditions, and variations in sunrise or sunset throughout the year. We kindly ask that you keep your schedule flexible, allowing several hours around the designated check-in time, and to keep your form of communication available at all times throughout the day of your tour, in case any changes need to be communicated promptly.
Location / Where to Meet
78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
There is parking available along Kaleiopapa Street near the dead end and along the shoulder of the street. Please do not park in the boat trailer parking stalls!
Ages & Requirements
- Age Recommendation limit 4 - 65 (if not in that range please call us)
- No pregnancy
- No neck, back or mental problems
- You must know how to swim and can tread water unassisted
- You must weigh under 250lbs
What's Included
- Snorkeling at Captain Cooks Monument/Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District
- A 30 to 45 minute Zodiac RIB Navy Seal Speed boat ride along the coast of Kona
- Small group size of 14 people maximum
- Snacks & water
- Snorkel gear & flotation devices - Prescription masks are NOT available, rent before checking in from Snorkel Bobs or Boss Frog
Not Included
- Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guides and captain!
- Prescription masks need to be rented from another source before the check-in time!
What to Bring / Wear
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen
- Extra layers of clothing - sweatshirts and warm hats
- Dry bag
- Snacks & Water
- Required paperwork - Signed medical form if required, waivers, etc.
- Waterproof Camera - The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
- Seasickness medications - If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended to take sea sickness medication at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before the scheduled boat time. It is too late to take the medication if you are already seasick on the boat.
- Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get damaged by water or you don’t want to lose.
Wildlife Guidelines
Turtles, rays, sharks, seals, dolphins, and whales are all protected species in Hawaii. You are not allowed to chase, harass, feed, or TOUCH any of the marine species. Please enjoy their company if they approach from a distance and calmly move away from them if in their path. Please also be respectful of the fact that coral is a living organism and any standing, touching, or knocking over will irreplaceably damage the organism that takes a very long time to grow and is essential to our marine reefs.
FAQs
Are there any health, weight, or experience restrictions?
No experience in snorkeling is necessary but you must be able to tread water and swim on your own in the ocean. You must not have any back, neck, or head problems due to the nature of the boat ride and type of boat. You cannot be pregnant. You must weigh under 250lbs.
Can I bring a camera?
You are welcome to bring your water-proof camera or phone in a case, but remember it is your responsibility to ensure it is in a waterproof case. The boat ride can be fast and bumpy, so please ensure it is strapped to you and fully waterproof, even on the boat ride itself. We are not responsible if you lose or damage your equipment!
What is the boat capacity?
Our tour accommodates a maximum of 14 guests, with a minimum requirement of 8 participants for the tour to operate! It is rare that the minimum capacity is not met but if your time slot isn't filled, you will be moved to a different time slot during that day. You will be contacted 30 minutes or more before the tour if there have not been enough bookings.
Please note that our vessel is a RIB Zodiac Navy Seal Speed Boat and for adventurous adrenalin riders ONLY! This means it is a very fast moving speed boat that will/can be rough, bumpy & choppy on rare occasions. This is not a slow cruise boat!
What wildlife will we encounter?
The waters around Kailua-Kona are teeming with diverse marine life, many of which you will experience on this tour! Upon reaching the reef, you'll encounter an array of tropical Hawaiian fish, including the majestic parrotfish and vibrant yellow tangs. With a bit of luck, you might even catch sight of elusive creatures like manta rays, octopuses, turtles, or the intriguing eels nestled among the coral formations.
During the winter months, keep a lookout for whales, and while dolphins are a common sight year-round, it's important to note wildlife sightings are never guaranteed!
What about sharks?
Sharks hunt at dusk and dawn and therefore rarely, if ever, seen on tours. They are simply wild animals that also share the ocean but most often people rarely see them. The most common sharks to spot are small reef sharks that prefer to immediately leave the presence of people and boats and tend to be harmless towards people.
What do I do if I see turtles, dolphins, or other large marine life near me?
All sea turtles in Hawaii are protected by the Endangered Species Act, meaning you need to maintain a distance of 10 feet (3 meters) away and refrain from feeding, riding, touching, or harassing them in any way. If they approach you, just calmly and gently move yourself 10 feet away from them in the water or ensure you are not in their way and let them pass.
Wildlife is wild and therefore is under protection in Hawaii. If dolphins, seals, or whales ever come close to you, you must do your best to calmly put space between you and the wildlife and enjoy from a distance. NEVER attempt to chase, harass, feed, or touch any wildlife.
Why Captain Cook/Kealakekua Bay?
Captain Cook/Kealakekua Bay is a marine life conservation district and therefore hosts a wide array of wildlife that enjoy the protected bay. Exploring the bay provides a unique opportunity to witness Hawaii's pristine marine life while also immersing oneself in the rich historical significance of the area. It marks the site where the first Westerner Captain James Cook landed on the island.
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Kona Snorkel Tours
Cancellation Policy
PLEASE READ CANCELLATION POLICY:
Customers will receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather, boat mechanical issues, boat guest capacity not met or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to inquire about a cancellation. Full refund when canceling 72 hours before the tour. No-shows will be charged the full price.
MUST SCROLL DOWN
By booking you agree to our policy terms and conditions
Check-in time Policy Terms & Conditions:
We change the check in time on rare occasions due to boat capacity not being met, weather conditions, sunrise & sunset changes throughout the year, etc. please make sure your day is open and free within several hours of your check in time if it must be moved. You must be available to move check in time. Please keep your form of communication on cell phone available at all times throughout the day of your tour.
Boat Capacity Policy Terms & Conditions:
We need a minimum of 8 guest for the tour to operate.
Its rare we don't meet the capacity!
If your tour time slot doesn't fill up, we will move you to a different time slot or day. We will contact you 30 minutes or more before the tour if not enough bookings.
Guarantee Policy:
No refunds if not seen, wildlife is NOT guaranteed.
If these terms & policy don't work for you, please cancel with us.
RESTRICTIONS :
Know how to swim & snorkel
No back/neck problems & not pregnant.
No back/neck problems & not pregnant.
Weigh less than 250 pounds
Physically fit to climb up a boat ladder
Physically fit to climb up a boat ladder
*By purchasing tickets you also agree to not leaving negative or any reviews due to circumstances out of our control such as Bad weather, mechanical issues, boat guest capacity not being met and having to cancel tour.
If you book with us you agree to all of our policy terms and conditions
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Availability
March 2025
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There is no instant booking availability for this adventure. Drop us a line using the contact form below and we'll do our best to help you book this adventure or suggest some alternative options
Reviews
Location
Address
Kailua-Kona, HI,
US
ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT
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