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Kona Ultimate Ocean Encounter Snorkel – 46 ft Boat

Guided ·
4.3
(443)
Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Wildlife
Beginner Friendly
Free Cancellation
On the Water
Instant Book
Duration: 3 hours

Pricing

ADULT
$120
CHILD
$90
RIDE ALONG
$80

All Prices

ADULT
$120
CHILD
$90
RIDE ALONG
$80
Infant

Infant, Baby, Toddler (Under 2)

$80

Description

Midday Snorkel Cruise on the Kona Coast!

Strap on your snorkel gear and get ready for the ultimate Hawaiian ocean adventure aboard the flagship 46 ft Ocean Encounter vessel. This 3-hour midday snorkel cruise explores the stunning Kona Coast, where your experienced captain and crew will navigate to the best snorkeling conditions of the day. Keep your eyes wide open — spinner dolphins, sea turtles, whales, large schools of tropical fish, and colorful coral reefs all call these waters home.
Departing from Honokohau Harbor, your crew will share fun historical facts, snorkel tips, and local fish stories as you cruise the coastline. At anchor, first mates enter the water with you and are happy to guide first-time snorkelers step-by-step. Note that snorkel locations may change based on weather and sea conditions — your guides always seek the best possible spot on the day.

Duration

  1. 3 Hours
  2. Please arrive early to allow extra time for check-in and gear orientation before departure!

Location / Where to Meet

  1. Check In/Departure Address: Honokohau Harbor, 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy #1, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
  2. All tours depart from Honokohau Harbor (also called Honokohau Marina & Small Boat Harbor), located 5 miles south of the Kona International Airport and 3–4 miles north of downtown Kailua-Kona.
  3. From the highway, turn onto Kealakehe Parkway toward the ocean at the traffic light intersection. You will see sailboat masts from the highway and signage for Honokohau Marina. Follow the road lined with coconut palms, turn right at the first opportunity, then take the second left. Check in at the Bite Me Sportfishing charter desk.
  4. There is parking is available at Honokohau Harbor but it may fill up during busy times, please arrive early to find parking.
  5. Restrooms are available on the 46 ft vessel.

Ages & Requirements

  1. All ages are welcome to join! Children under 36 inches (91 cm) / under ~3 years old must bring their own Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
  2. There is a ride-along option available for those who do not wish to snorkel.
  3. No prior snorkeling experience required — guides specialize in first timers!
  4. Basic swimming experience is required to participate in snorkeling activities.
  5. As we do provide some flotation devices, you may need to provide your own snorkeling vest should you need extra flotation assistance. Adults will need to provide any extra flotation help for their children, such as a snorkeling vest, if they wish to participate in the snorkeling activities should they need this extra flotation assistance.
  6. Our boats are NOT wheelchair accessible.
  7. Our tours require some physical ability. You will need to be able to board and unboard the boat. We do not have ramps to board our boats.  You will need to be able to get off the swim step and ladder if snorkeling.

What's Included

  1. High Quality Snorkel Gear (Mask & Snorkel)
  2. Fins – Sizes 1 to 13 are available
  3. Wetsuit (if necessary / weather dependent)
  4. Swimming Noodles / Flotation Devices
  5. 10-Minute Snorkel Gear Orientation & Instruction
  6. Light Dry Snacks (granola bars, cookies, chips, fruit snacks, etc.)
  7. Water & Sodas

Not Included

  1. Gratuity — Never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10–25% to your guides and captain!
  2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen (required by Hawaii State Law — bring your own)

What to Bring / Wear

  1. Swimsuit & Towel
  2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen — required by Hawaii State Law. Avoid oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Look for non-nano mineral-based formulas.
  3. Jacket, Sweatshirt, or Warm Layers — the boat ride back can be chilly, especially after being in the water
  4. Dry Bag — to protect your phone and valuables
  5. Waterproof Camera — the crew is not responsible for any damaged or lost items
  6. Seasickness Medication — if you are prone to seasickness, take medication at least 30–60 minutes before your scheduled departure time
  7. Children under 36 inches (91 cm) tall and infants must bring their own Coast Guard-approved life jacket
  8. Please remove any jewelry, watches, or valuables that could be damaged by salt water or lost in the ocean

Wildlife Guidelines

Please be respectful of the fact that coral is a living organism and any standing, touching, or knocking over will irreparably damage an organism that takes a very long time to grow and is essential to our marine reefs. Please also be respectful of any marine animals including but not limited to turtles, rays, sharks, and dolphins. Please never chase, harass, feed, or touch any marine species. Enjoy their company if they approach from a distance and calmly move away from them if in their path.

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Ocean Encounters

FAQs

What marine life can I see on the Kona Coast midday snorkel?

The Kona Coast is home to an incredible diversity of marine life. On any given day you may encounter Hawaiian spinner dolphins and spotted dolphins, Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), humpback whales (seasonal, December–April), vibrant schools of tropical reef fish including surgeonfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and more, as well as moray eels, octopuses, and colorful coral formations. Your crew will navigate to the best conditions on the day.

When is the best time to snorkel on the Kona Coast?

The Kona Coast offers excellent snorkeling year-round, thanks to consistently calm, protected waters. Mornings tend to offer the clearest visibility before afternoon trade winds pick up. For dolphin sightings, spinner dolphins are most active in the mornings. Humpback whales are present December through early April.

Do I have to paddle or can I just float?

No strenuous swimming is required. Fins make it easy to glide through the water with minimal effort, and flotation noodles and devices are always available. Ride-along tickets are also available for those who prefer to stay on the boat and enjoy the scenery without getting in the water.

Cancellation Policy

ALL CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS MUST BE MADE BEFORE 48 HOURS OF DEPARTURE TIME.

***Note regarding change of boat***
Bite Me Sportfishing is the largest fishing fleet, not just on the Big Island, but in all of Hawaii. Though this booking is set for the Ocean Encounters 1, we do reserve the right to move you to another comparable boat should it become necessary for any reason.
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Availability

May 2026

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Reviews

4.3
(443)
4.3 (443)

Location

Address

74-425 Kealakehe Prkwy #1

Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740

US

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