Kealakekua Bay: Captain Cook Snorkel & Sea Caves Tour

Summary

Snorkeling Kealakekua Bay’s sanctuary waters and sea caves with local stories and wild dolphins

You’ll glide over coral gardens in Kealakekua Bay, snorkel beside bright fish near Captain Cook’s Monument, explore hidden sea caves along South Kona’s coast with a local guide sharing stories, and maybe spot dolphins or turtles nearby. All gear is included plus snacks and drinks to keep you going—just bring curiosity (and maybe extra sunscreen).

What’s the experience like?

“If you see a honu, just let it pass — they’ve got right of way,” our captain joked as we motored out from Keauhou Bay. I was still fiddling with my mask, half-listening to the hum of the boat and that salty breeze that sticks to your skin in Kona. There were only a handful of us — which I liked — and our guide, Kaleo, kept pointing out little things along the shore: a goat scrambling on black rock, a patch of red dirt he said was sacred. I tried to say ‘Kealakekua’ properly; Kaleo grinned but didn’t correct me. The bay opened up suddenly — blue on blue, cliffs rising like old bones. It smelled faintly metallic, like wet stone and sunblock.

We slid into the water near the Captain Cook Monument (I always thought it’d be bigger), and everything went quiet except for my own breathing through the snorkel. Fish darted everywhere — yellow ones mostly, but also these electric blue flashes I couldn’t name. At one point, someone next to me squeaked because a turtle glided past so close you could see its shell pattern. The water was cooler than I expected, almost silvery where the sun hit it. I kept losing track of time down there — it felt longer than an hour but not in a bad way.

On the way back toward Keauhou, Kaleo steered us close to these lava tubes along the South Kona coast. He told stories about ancient battles and pointed out where fresh water seeps into the sea (you can actually feel it colder if you dip your hand). We poked our heads into a couple sea caves — echoey inside, with this strange green light bouncing off the walls. Someone spotted dolphins in the distance; we all craned our necks but only caught tails flipping up before they vanished. There were goats too — whole herds balanced on impossible ledges. Still don’t know how they get up there.

I’m glad we had snacks and juice after (I forgot how hungry snorkeling makes you). My shoulders were pink from the sun and my hair felt crunchy with salt by then. On land again, everything seemed louder somehow. Sometimes I still think about floating above those coral gardens — just breathing in rhythm with the waves.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and explore Kealakekua Bay

• Depart from Keauhou Bay
• Snorkel at Captain Cook Monument
• Learn history and culture from crew
• Explore sea caves and lava tubes
• Return along South Kona coastline

Top questions

How long do you spend snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay?

The tour includes about one full hour of snorkeling directly in front of the Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay.

Are snorkeling gear and flotation devices provided?

Yes, all snorkeling gear and flotation devices—including vests and view finder boards—are included in your tour.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is provided, but snacks as well as water and juice are included during your trip.

Do you need prior snorkeling experience?

No prior experience is necessary but being comfortable swimming is recommended for this tour.

Can pregnant women or people with back injuries join?

No, pregnant women or individuals with back or neck injuries are restricted from joining for safety reasons.

Will we see dolphins or turtles every time?

Sightings are possible but never guaranteed; sometimes dolphins or turtles appear near Kealakekua Bay during tours.

How many people are usually on this Captain Cook snorkel tour?

The group size is small for a more personal experience; exact numbers can vary by day.

Does this tour include pickup from hotels?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests depart from Keauhou Bay for this activity.

What’s included

Your day includes all snorkeling equipment plus flotation devices if you want them, bottled water and juice to stay hydrated out on the bay, some light snacks for after swimming (trust me—you’ll want them), and guidance from local crew who share stories as you travel along South Kona’s coastline before heading back to shore together.