Explore the breathtaking marine sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay on this half-day excursion. Visit the historic Captain Cook Monument. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters abundant with sea life, discovering sea caves and lava tubes.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
Duration 3 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English

Highlights

Snorkel in the aquamarine waters of Kealakekua Bay filled with coral gardens and fish
Explore remote sea caves and coves along the Kona Coast
Catch glimpses of marine life including sea turtles, dolphins, and whales
Marvel at the famed Captain Cook Monument tucked away and protected from high winds and sea levels

Full description

Discover the natural beauty and history of Kealakekua Bay on this eco-friendly snorkeling adventure. This stunning 315-acre marine sanctuary boasts protected waters, making it the best place in Hawaii for snorkelers of all levels of experience. Jump in the turquoise waters and marvel at the tropical fish, colorful coral, and marine life. Keep your eyes peeled—you might even catch a glimpse of playful Hawaiian spinner dolphins. After a full hour of snorkeling, let your friendly captain and crew transport you and your small group to the historic Captain Cook's Monument. Hear about the dramatic history of this location as you gaze toward the cove where the white stone monument stands. On your way back, enjoy snacks and beverages while you ride up the coast learning about local legends and history. Maneuver into the sea caves at the base of Hualalai, hugging the coast and detailing the culturally significant and geologically fascinating features along the way. Watch for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and even herds of thousands of goats. Afterwards, you’ll head back to the dock, having seen some of the most stunning natural beauty that Hawaii has to offer.

Includes

3-hour snorkel and sightseeing tour
Tropical snacks, juice, and water
Snorkel Gear, wetsuits, and flotation devices

Gratuities
Towels
Swimsuits
Transportation

Not suitable for

Children under 7 years
Pregnant women
People with back problems
People with mobility impairments
Wheelchair users

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Meeting point

Check-in is located at: 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour.

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Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Swimwear
Towel
Sunscreen

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 30 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Transportation
4.9/5
Value for money
4.9/5

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The activity was so much fun! The boat was fast, making it fun to ride. Our guide was fantastic (Lauren, I believe). She was extremely knowledgeable about the history about the island and her enthusiasm was great! We weren’t able to snorkel at Captain Cook due to low visibility but it ended up being great because we went to an area without anyone else and were able to see plenty of fish and coral. We saw a ton of the island’s natural beauty and even saw manta rays on the ride back. Snacks were fruit, chips/cookies, and juice or water. I highly recommend this tour—you won’t regret it!

June 29, 2022

The crew was very friendly and knowledgeable. You got a boat ride, a long (~2 hour) snorkeling experience with the essential supplies provided. A nice snack after the adventure, followed by a mini tour on the way back of lava tubes. We got a bonus and saw a monk seal by the lava tubes. Was definitely worth the money. Saw lots of different fish, eels, sea cucumber, sea urchins, and eels.

April 12, 2022

Such a fun trip. Captain Brendon and Jasmine were really cool. Some of our friends got sick at the last minute and they checked on our friends while we were swimming. They were really knowledgeable and pointed out a lot of cool things. It made for a great experience. Thank you so much.

June 25, 2021

Big Island: Captain Cook Sightseeing & Snorkel Expedition

Big Island: Captain Cook Sightseeing & Snorkel Expedition

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