Snorkeling Kealakekua Bay: Captain Cook Monument & Sea Caves

Kealakekua Bay's coral reefs, sea caves and the Captain Cook Monument in one morning

Snorkel two separate sites in Kealakekua Bay on Hawaii's Kona Coast: the vibrant coral reefs near the Captain Cook Monument and hidden sea caves carved into the lava cliffs. You ride aboard a Zodiac RIB, the rigid-hull speedboat built for agility, with snorkel gear, masks, pineapple and water included. The small-group format keeps the boat under the 60-person capacity of larger commercial vessels. A live English-speaking guide leads the experience, which runs 3 hours and requires basic swimming skills and previous snorkeling experience.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel and explore Kealakekua Bay

• Board Zodiac RIB speed boat
• Snorkel at Captain Cook Monument
• Snorkel at second location
• Explore sea caves and lava tubes
• Look for dolphins and whales
• Enjoy fresh pineapple and bottled water

The experience

Kealakekua Bay holds two distinct snorkel zones, and the Zodiac RIB gets you to both. The boat leaves from the Kona Coast and heads first to the coral reefs surrounding the Captain Cook Monument. The underwater landscape here is dense with fish and coral formations. After time in the water there, the boat moves to the sea caves and lava tubes carved into the coastline, where the geology shifts and the light changes as you explore the coves. The whole outing spans 3 hours on the water and in the water combined.

Snorkel gear (mask and snorkel) comes with you. You bring only your swimming ability and willingness to enter the water from a boat ladder. Fresh pineapple and bottled water are served on board between the two sites. The guide briefs you on safety and the underwater layout before each entry, and speaks English throughout. Wildlife sightings (dolphins and whales) happen sometimes along the route or while you're in the water, but they are not guaranteed. The bay is home to them, not a captive pool.

The small-group cap keeps the boat intimate compared to the larger commercial operations that run 60 people per departure. Children 6 and older can join. You'll need to be able to climb the boat ladder independently and follow verbal safety instructions. Basic swimming skills and prior snorkeling experience are required. This is not a learn-to-snorkel setting.

What’s included

• Snorkel mask and snorkel.
• fresh pineapple and bottled water served on board.
• live English-speaking guide.
• access to both Kealakekua Bay coral reefs and the sea caves.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 08:00, 11:00 and 14:00, from US$ 89 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 11:00 and 14:00

GroupUp to 26

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be booked

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.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you've snorkeled before and want to skip the crowded big-boat experience: the small-group format and Zodiac speed boat get you to two distinct underwater landscapes in the same morning without the 60-person tour-boat atmosphere.

Traveler reviews

4.64★★★★★★★★★★

294 verified traveler reviews

5 ★245

4 ★21

3 ★12

2 ★2

1 ★14

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

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.

What's the difference between the two snorkel spots in Kealakekua Bay?

The first site is the coral reefs near the Captain Cook Monument, where the underwater terrain is thick with coral and fish. The second is the sea caves and lava tubes along the coastline, where you explore coves carved into the cliffs and the light and geology change as you move through them.

Is snorkel gear provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkel masks and snorkels are included with the activity. You don't need to bring or rent your own equipment.

What should I know about wildlife on this snorkel?

Dolphins and whales live in Kealakekua Bay and you may encounter them while traveling to the sites or while in the water. Sightings are not guaranteed. The bay is their natural habitat, not a controlled viewing area.

Do I need snorkeling experience to book this?

Yes, previous snorkeling experience is required. You'll also need basic swimming skills and the ability to climb a boat ladder independently to board and exit the Zodiac.

How long does the whole activity take?

The outing runs 3 hours total, including travel between the two snorkel sites, time in the water at each location, and the safety briefing on board.

What's included in the price?

Snorkel gear, masks, fresh pineapple and bottled water are included. The guide, boat and access to both snorkel sites are part of the activity.