Hawaii · KEALAKEKUA BAY SNORKEL TOURS

Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tours: The 15 Best Trips

27 tours  ·  from $72

The bay is a marine reserve with a coral wall that starts a few metres from the boat, and you can only land with a permit. These 15 compare rafts against catamarans on sail time, water time and what lunch looks like.

Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch - Leaving Honokohau Marina for the Kona coast
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Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

1.Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,232 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85Our pick

Meet Hang Loose Boat Tours at Honokohau Marina for a four-hour catamaran trip to Kealakekua Bay. You will cruise the volcanic Kona coast, hear about Captain Cook and Hawaiian royalty, snorkel with provided gear, and enjoy lunch aboard. Captains Aiden or Bryce and crew members such as Jordan and Kiwami may lead the trip, depending on availability.

“Great excursion. Would highly recommend it. it was a nice lunch.. Great crew. Very patient waiting for the dolphins and whales.”

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Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves - The speedy ride to Kealakekua Bay
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Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

2.Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,411 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $71Best value

You’ll ride a Navy-style Zodiac with a small group from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay, stopping at Captain Cook Monument for reef snorkeling. Guides such as David, Chip, Sage, and Danielle share island history and point out sea caves, lava tubes, dolphins, and whales when nature cooperates. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and motion-sickness medicine if needed.

“The tour was amazing. Our family was well taken care of. The boat ride was exciting and the stories along the way were captivating. Captain Cook bay was beautiful. The weather started to pour right after we left which was a blessing. The coral and fishes were beautiful and we learned it’s an ancient burial and hide out ground for Hawaiian royalties. Highly recommend this tour to others.”

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Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay - Boarding at Kailua Pier
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Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

3.Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,279 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Sail 24 miles round trip from Kailua Pier to Kealakekua Bay aboard a catamaran with a local historian, live Hawaiian music, sunset views, and dinner. Captain Erika and the crew are known for warm service, while the narrator points out coastline landmarks hidden from land. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals require 48 hours’ notice.

“Food was good, crew were amazing and attentive with bringing drinks and offering to take photos. We spotted whales and two manta ray which was an added bonus. There was live music, but it was a hodge podge blend of music that didn’t fit well together and didn’t match the vibe of the boat. A soundtrack would’ve been more enjoyable. It was very overcast and cloudy so we didn’t really witness the sunset at all, but still had a lovely time and enjoyed the ride tremendously. My tip is to not cancel your trip based on weather, as it was still very enjoyable.”

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Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay - Starting at Keauhou Bay at 8:30 a.m.
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Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay

4.Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 957 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $193

Cruise from Keauhou Bay to Kealakekua Bay aboard Fair Wind II, with plant-based breakfast and lunch, reef gear, flotation toys, slides, and a high dive. You get about two hours in the water near the Captain Cook Monument, with crew support, coastal history, and possible dolphin, turtle, or whale sightings.

“This is a perfect activity to enjoy with the family! They offered something for all ages! My kids age from 4-18 yrs old they loved it! Staff was awesome water was amazing! Thank you for this amazing experience!”

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Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument - Entering the sacred waters of Kealakekua Bay
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Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

5.Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 722 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $136

From Keauhou Bay, you’ll cruise the Kona coast to Kealakekua Bay for about an hour of guided snorkeling near the Captain Cook Monument. Sea Paradise supplies gear, flotation aids, reef-safe sunscreen, snacks, and drinks. Expect a small-boat feel, cultural stories, and possible dolphins, whales, or flying fish, though wildlife and fish sightings vary.

“Amazing experience, knowledgeable staff and an overall great time! I really loved this it was the perfect amount of time to enjoy a day on the boat and some snorkeling. The staff was friendly and attentive. I am so happy with this experience I would use them again!”

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Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) Snorkel and Sail Adventure - Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument
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Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) Snorkel and Sail Adventure

6.Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) Snorkel and Sail Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 695 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $189

You’ll sail from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay aboard a 50-foot catamaran, with Kona coffee and pastries on the way out, about an hour of guided snorkeling, and a deli lunch on the return. The crew shares Hawaiian history, watches for dolphins and seasonal whales, and helps you use the wide water-entry staircase safely.

“We had a wonderful time sailing and snorkeling on this trip.the captain and crew were very personable and attentive. Loved the historical information the captain gave us. I also thought our catamaran seemed a much better vessel than the others moored at Captain Cook bay. I would highly recommend this particular trip!”

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Kealakekua Bay Afternoon Snorkel: Family Fun on the Kona Coast - Starting at Keauhou Bay at 1:30 p.m.
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Kealakekua Bay Afternoon Snorkel: Family Fun on the Kona Coast

7.Kealakekua Bay Afternoon Snorkel: Family Fun on the Kona Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 650 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $143

From Keauhou Bay, Fair Wind Cruises takes you along Kona’s coast to Kealakekua Bay, where you get snorkel gear, flotation aids, underwater view boxes, snacks, and two 15-foot slides. The 4-hour afternoon trip suits mixed-age families and first-time snorkelers, but you should be comfortable in the ocean and ready for a long boat ride.

“The crew was great easy for families With children to get on and off the boat Can bring a picnic lunch”

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Captain Cook Snorkel Tour with Sea Caves and Lava Tubes - What the RHIB boat ride feels like
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Captain Cook Snorkel Tour with Sea Caves and Lava Tubes

8.Captain Cook Snorkel Tour with Sea Caves and Lava Tubes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 548 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $89

Take a small RHIB boat from Keauhou Bay to Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay. You get roughly 30 to 40 minutes of snorkel time, gear, drinks, pool noodles, coastal sightseeing, and Hawaiian history from captains such as Robert, Craig, Dennis, and Ron. The tour suits confident swimmers age six and up.

“Very friendly crew. Saw dolphins, whales and dolphins came in to Captin Cooks cove and swam with us. Was one of the high lights of the trip.”

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Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument - What the morning schedule feels like
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Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

9.Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 535 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $177

From Keauhou Bay, Sea Paradise takes you along the Kona coast to Red Hill and Kealakekua Bay. Expect breakfast, lunch, snacks, gear, reef-safe sunscreen, and crew support in the water. Captain T-Roy, Fernando, and other crew members are known for history, safety tips, and easygoing humor.

“The Captain and crew were awesome! He had a nice and relaxing experience and everything was handled for us. We had a great time! A must when visiting Kona!”

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Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour - 4 hour Kona Zodiac Adventure - Honokohau Marina and the first 15 minutes
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Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour – 4 hour Kona Zodiac Adventure

10.Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour – 4 hour Kona Zodiac Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 508 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $130

Set out from Honokohau Marina on a 24-foot Zodiac raft with Captain Zodiac’s crew. You’ll cruise the Kona coast, visit the Captain Cook monument, explore lava tubes and sea caves, then snorkel for about 90 minutes among coral and tropical fish. The ride is fast and bumpy, so it suits confident swimmers and adventure-minded families best.

“Sandy and Gabe were great hosts and loads of fun. Raft ride was fantastic “Hawaiian Rollercoaster”. Lots of fish and they made sure we were comfortable and doing good. Even saw a spinner dolphin riding our waves. Would highly recommend this trip.”

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Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument - What the morning schedule feels like
Big Island Tours, Catamaran Cruises in Big Island, Cruises & Boat Tours, Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tours, Sailing, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

11.Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 472 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $179

Sail from Keauhou Bay along the Kona coast to Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen, and guided time at two sites, with a possible third stop near Red Hill. The catamaran carries up to 44 people, and guides share marine life and Hawaiian cultural details along the way.

“So fun! Great opportunity for beginners. Family friendly, staff was great, made us feel relaxed and safe. They provided sunscreen and lotion and walked around tending to any needs. Gave history of the island and places we visited. So much fun”

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Small-Group Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook, Big Island - A small boat changes the morning
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Small-Group Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook, Big Island

12.Small-Group Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook, Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 396 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $109

Join Hawaii Oceanic for a three-hour boat trip from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay, capped at 12 people. You’ll snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument, look for colorful reef fish, and may see spinner dolphins, manta rays, or winter whales. Guides such as Justin, Erika, Alexis, and Carmelle add local history and marine-life tips.

“Had a great time today with Sarah and Captain Jason. Loved the small group setting and the snorkeling was so much fun. It was a special treat to see some tiger sharks feeding on something on our way to the bay. I would absolutely recommend it!”

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Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive - Snorkeling at Captain Cook Monument
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Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive

13.Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 380 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $124

Sea Quest Hawaii takes you by boat from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument, with snorkeling instruction, quality gear, flotation aids, snacks, and time in a protected marine sanctuary. The return route includes sea caves, lava tubes, and coastline views. Boats carry no more than 14 people, and the crew supports beginners.

“We had an amazing time! The Captain and Eli were friendly and helpful. I was anxious about jumping in off the side of the boat, but It felt safe and guests were well-supported by the crew. We appreciated drinks, fresh fruit and snack's after returning to the boat. The view of caves and history along the way was an added bonus. We even saw a humpback fully breech (twice!) close to the boat!”

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Two Reef Snorkel Trip-See Captain Cook Monument & Sea Caves - Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument
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Two Reef Snorkel Trip-See Captain Cook Monument & Sea Caves

14.Two Reef Snorkel Trip-See Captain Cook Monument & Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 347 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $119

Join Dolphin Discoveries from Kailua-Kona for a five-hour RHIB boat trip to Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay. You get about an hour at each reef, with masks, fins, snacks, and water included. Guides such as Dennis, Bryce, Rob, and Eve have shared local history, lava-tube views, and tips for first-time snorkelers.

“Fun and great experience, the captain was nice and definitely would do this again This was a first time for all of us and they educated us on how to use the snorkels properly so we can have the best experience possible for newbies”

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Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument - Entering the sacred waters of Kealakekua Bay
Big Island Tours, Catamaran Cruises in Big Island, Cruises & Boat Tours, Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tours, Sailing, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

15.Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 246 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $136

Leave Keauhou Bay at 2 p.m. aboard Sea Paradise’s trimaran for a three-hour sail to Kealakekua Bay. You’ll snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument with provided gear, floatation noodles, reef-safe sunscreen, snacks, soft drinks, and water. The crew offers instruction and close safety support, with spinner dolphins often seen along the coast.

“Amazing experience. Crew was knowledgeable, kind, and made me very comfortable. Snorkeling experience 10/10, so calm and serene. Ensured we not only had fun, but gave our respects to the bay and land we were snorkeling near.”

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New in Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tours

★ 4.5Kailua Kona: Dolphin, Sea Cave and Captain Cook Snorkel TourFrom $11514 reviews
★ 5.0Pu’uhonua O Honaunau & Kealakekua Bay Snorkel TourFrom $1427 reviews
★ 4.9Morning Snorkel Sail to Captain Cook’s MonumentFrom $17849 reviews
★ 4.9Captain Cook Sightseeing & Snorkel ExpeditionFrom $124105 reviews
★ 5.0Midday Meander – Kealakekua Bay Kayak and Snorkel AdventureFrom $18768 reviews
★ 5.0Morning Magic Kayak and Snorkel Adventure in Kealakekua BayFrom $257183 reviews

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