Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay: 60 minutes in the water

An hour in the water at Kealakekua Bay, with sea caves, lava tubes and a guide who knows the place

Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay on a 2.5-hour trip that spends roughly 60 minutes in the water watching tropical fish and occasional Hawaiian green sea turtles, with a guide sharing the history of Captain Cook's arrival at the site. The boat is a zodiac-style RHIB with pontoon seating. You check in at your chosen time slot, receive gear on the boat, and must be comfortable swimming and treading water unassisted. Juices, bottled water and pool noodles are included. Snorkel vests are available to rent.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling trip at Kealakekua Bay

• Check in at designated meeting point
• Receive snorkeling gear
• Boat trip to Captain Cook Monument
• Snorkel for approximately 60 minutes
• View tropical fish and sea turtles
• Learn Hawaiian history from captain
• Explore sea caves and lava tubes

The experience

The check-in time is not the departure time. You arrive at your slot, get fitted with gear on the boat, and then head out for 2.5 hours total, with roughly 60 minutes actually in the water at Kealakekua Bay. The guide navigates you past sea caves and lava tubes carved into the coast while narrating the history of Captain Cook's landing there, and you'll see hundreds of varieties of tropical fish. Hawaiian green sea turtles show up occasionally. The boat itself is a zodiac-style RHIB with pontoon seating, which means you climb a metal ladder to get back aboard after snorkeling.

You need to be comfortable treading water and swimming unassisted. This is not a lesson, and the guide does not teach swimming. Pool noodles are provided, and snorkel vests are available to rent if you want extra flotation. Juices and bottled water come with the trip. There's no restroom on the boat, so plan accordingly. The minimum age is 6 years old. Anyone under 18 must have an adult with them. You'll need to sign an electronic waiver before boarding, and the operator reserves the right to refuse service based on attire, behavior or fitness.

Several time slots run throughout the day to fit different schedules. Each one is the same 2.5 hours on the water with the same snorkel time and narration. Book the slot that works for your day. Just don't arrive before your check-in time.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear, juices and bottled water.
• pool noodles for flotation.
• a guide who narrates Hawaiian history and points out sea caves, lava tubes and the Captain Cook Monument site.
• roughly 60 minutes of snorkel time in the water at Kealakekua Bay with views of tropical fish and occasional sea turtles.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 10:45 and 12:15

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 35

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Dolphin Discoveries

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you're new to snorkeling and want an hour in the water without the stress of arranging your own gear or transportation. The guide handles the narration and navigation, and you just need to be comfortable swimming. If you're an experienced snorkeler looking for longer bottom time or a more technical dive, check the operator's other listings for alternatives.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How much time do I actually spend snorkeling in the water?

Roughly 60 minutes of snorkel time is built into the 2.5-hour trip, which also includes check-in, gear fitting and the boat ride to and from Kealakekua Bay.

What will I see when I'm snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay?

Hundreds of varieties of tropical fish are the main draw. Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) show up occasionally. The guide also takes you past sea caves and lava tubes along the coast and explains the history of Captain Cook's arrival at the site.

Do I need to know how to snorkel before I book?

No (this trip is described as ideal for people new to snorkeling), but you must be comfortable swimming and treading water unassisted. The guide does not teach swimming, and pool noodles are provided for flotation. Snorkel vests are available to rent if you want extra support.

What's included in the price?

Snorkel gear, juices and bottled water, pool noodles, and the guide's narration of Hawaiian history and the sites you pass are all included. Snorkel vests are available to rent separately.

What time should I arrive for my snorkeling trip?

Arrive at your chosen check-in time slot: do not come early. The check-in time is when you'll receive your gear and board the boat. It is not the departure time. Several time slots run throughout the day.

Can my 8-year-old come snorkeling with me?

Yes, the minimum age is 6 years old. Any child under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the trip.