5K+ Adventures 4.8 Avg Eco-Funded

Adventure, Curated

Explore 5,000+ human-powered experiences — handpicked outdoor adventures for all skill levels with max stoke, zero hassle.

Local Legends, Real Reviews

We partner with the best in the business — trusted local outfitters and guides who know the trails, tides, and terrain. Backed by 185,000+ reviews, averaging 4.8⭐

Book Direct, Best Price Guarantee

Get the best price, availability, and flexibility you need by booking directly with the outfitter or guide.

Protect What You Love

Your adventure gives back. Every booking supports conservation and keeps wild places wild.

logo

Kealakekua Bay Morning Reef Snorkel — 46 ft Boat

Guided ·
4.3
(444)
Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Wildlife
Beginner Friendly
Free Cancellation
On the Water
Instant Book
Duration: 4 hours

Pricing

Adult
$145
Child

11 and Under

$100
Ride along
$90

All Prices

Adult
$145
Child

11 and Under

$100
Ride along
$90
Infant

Infant, Baby, Toddler (Under 2)

$80

Description


Morning Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay Beneath the Captain Cook Monument!

Start your morning with one of the most iconic snorkeling experiences on the Big Island. This 4-hour Morning Reef Snorkel takes you from Honokohau Harbor down the stunning Kona Coast to Kealakekua Bay — a protected state marine sanctuary widely regarded as some of the best snorkeling in all of Hawaii.
Beneath the famous Captain Cook Monument, you’ll discover a colorful underwater world of lava rock outcroppings, hundreds of species of tropical fish, rich coral formations, and crystal-clear water. Spinner and spotted dolphins are known to use this sheltered bay as their daytime resting grounds — one of the most thrilling bonus encounters in Hawaii. This remote cove is inaccessible by road to the general public (it requires at least 35% Hawaiian ancestry to access by land), making the boat the only way most visitors will ever experience this incredible place.
First-time snorkelers are warmly welcomed. Your crew provides a 10-minute gear lesson, and first mates enter the water with beginners until they feel fully comfortable. Fins, masks, wetsuits, and flotation devices are all provided. Please note that the snorkel location may change based on weather and sea conditions — your guides always seek the best conditions available.

Duration

  1. 4 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 get off 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 at Kealakekua Bay?

Kealakekua Bay is a protected marine sanctuary and one of the most biodiverse snorkeling locations in Hawaii. Expect to see hundreds of species of tropical fish including butterflyfish, surgeonfish, Moorish idols, parrotfish, and triggerfish. Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), moray eels, and octopuses are commonly spotted. Hawaiian spinner and spotted dolphins frequently rest in the bay and may swim alongside snorkelers. Seasonal humpback whale sightings are possible December through April.

When is the best time to snorkel at Kealakekua Bay?

Morning is ideal — visibility is typically at its clearest before afternoon winds arrive, and spinner dolphins are most active in the morning hours. Kealakekua Bay's sheltered location means conditions are reliably calm year-round, making any time of year great for this trip.

Why is Kealakekua Bay special?

Kealakekua Bay is a Hawaii State Marine Life Conservation District and one of the most historically significant bays in the islands — it is home to the Captain Cook Monument, marking where the famous British explorer was killed in 1779. The bay's remoteness (inaccessible by road to the general public) means it sees far less human impact than beach snorkel sites, resulting in exceptional coral health and marine life abundance. The only way most visitors can access it is by boat.

Will we see dolphins on the morning snorkel?

Hawaiian spinner dolphins are known to rest and socialize in Kealakekua Bay during the morning hours, and encounters are common. However, they are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed. If dolphins are spotted while you're on the water, your crew will slow down so everyone can enjoy the experience. Note: in keeping with NOAA regulations protecting Hawaiian spinner dolphins, the tour does not enter the water with dolphins — dolphin encounters occur from the boat only.

Is the snorkel location always Kealakekua Bay?

Kealakekua Bay is the primary and preferred destination, but the snorkel location may change based on sea conditions and weather on the day of your tour. Your crew always seeks the best possible snorkeling conditions available — occasionally this means a different location along the Kona Coast, which can still offer spectacular marine life.

How far is the snorkel site from the harbor?

Kealakekua Bay is approximately a 30–45 minute boat ride south of Honokohau Harbor along the Kona Coast. The scenic coastal cruise is part of the experience — keep an eye out for dolphins, flying fish, and the lush, dramatic coastline along the way.

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.
Read more
Read more

Availability

May 2026

SuMoTuWeThFrSa

Reviews

4.3
(444)
4.3 (444)

Location

Address

74-425 Kealakehe Prkwy #1

Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740

US

Get Directions

ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT

adventure

Discover 5,000+ handpicked human powered adventures.

connect

Book directly with vetted local experts.

Average 4.8 ⭐️ across 185,000 reviews.

protect

Every booking contributes to conservation.

Proud member of The Conservation Alliance and Leave No Trace.