Water activity

Big Island: Captain Cook Sightseeing & Snorkel Expedition

4.9 / 5

46 reviews

Activity provider: Sea Quest Hawaii
Water activity

Big Island: Captain Cook Sightseeing & Snorkel Expedition

Activity provider: Sea Quest Hawaii

From US$ 111.17 per person

Eco-certified

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
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

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 5 years
  • Pregnant women
  • People with back problems
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

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

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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 46 reviews

Review summary

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

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Star rating:

Great trip! Captain Skylar and First Mate Katelyn were fun and knowledgeable. Snorkeling was quite beautiful...like an aquarium! We enjoyed the heck out of it. Only downside was that the waters around the Cook Monument were very crowded with other snorkelers so we got jammed up a bit. Also, we weren't allowed to go on land to explore the monument, which really wasn't that bad because there is not much to see but the fact that we were "allowed" was a little annoying. Other than that it was a great trip. I would do it again, just for the snorkeling.

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March 26, 2023

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!

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March 26, 2023

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.

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March 26, 2023

Product ID: 255562