Kealakekua Bay Sail & Snorkel: Captain Cook Monument, Lunch

Summary

Sailing along kona’s lava cliffs to snorkel at captain cook monument

You’ll sail down Kona’s dramatic coastline toward Kealakekua Bay, feeling ocean breezes and spotting dolphins before snorkeling by the Captain Cook Monument. With breakfast, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen and all gear included, you’ll float among tropical fish in crystal water — then relax over lunch on deck as volcanic cliffs slip by. It’s an experience that lingers long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I’d seen photos of Kealakekua Bay before, but nothing really prepares you for that first look from the boat. The cliffs along the Kona Coast look almost melted, like someone poured black glass into the ocean ages ago. Our guide, Kaleo, pointed out where old lava flows stopped just short of the water. He joked about how even locals still find new nooks in these rocks — “the island keeps changing,” he said, and I sort of felt it too.

The sail itself was this slow build-up — salty air, sunscreen (reef-safe, they handed it out), a bit of nervous excitement. Breakfast was light but good enough to keep my stomach happy while we watched for spinner dolphins. Someone shouted and everyone rushed to one side; sure enough, there they were — flipping around like they owned the place. I got a whiff of pineapple from someone’s snack and suddenly realized how hungry swimming makes me.

Snorkeling near the Captain Cook Monument was wild in a way I didn’t expect. The water is so clear that at first it feels like you’re floating above a painting — then a school of yellow tangs darts past and it’s real again. Kaleo pointed out a parrotfish munching on coral (“listen close — you can hear them crunch!”). I tried to say mahalo underwater after seeing all those colors but just ended up swallowing half the Pacific. Worth it though.

Lunch was sandwiches and juice back on deck — nothing fancy but after swimming it tasted perfect. The sun felt heavier by then; everyone sprawled out quietly or swapped fish stories (I may have exaggerated mine). On the way back, I caught myself thinking about how small you feel here, surrounded by so much blue and old volcanic rock. It sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and snorkel at Captain Cook Monument

• Set sail down Kona coastline
• Enjoy views of ancient lava flows
• Arrive at Captain Cook Monument
• Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay marine sanctuary
• Observe colorful fish and spinner dolphins

Top questions

Is snorkel gear provided on this Kealakekua Bay tour?

Yes, snorkel gear and flotation noodles are included for all guests.

Does this Captain Cook Monument snorkel trip include meals?

Yes, continental breakfast, snacks, lunch, and juices are provided during the tour.

Are dolphins commonly seen during this sail & snorkel tour?

Pods of spinner dolphins are often spotted in Kealakekua Bay during the trip.

Is reef-safe sunscreen available on board?

Yes, reef-safe sunscreen is included for guests’ use.

Do I need to bring an underwater camera?

No camera is required but bringing one is recommended to capture colorful fish and scenery.

Is this Kona sailing tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels; flotation aids are available.

How far is Kealakekua Bay from Kona by boat?

The sail travels down the Kona Coastline directly to Kealakekua Bay; exact distance varies by departure point but typically under an hour each way.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated on board?

Please advise staff of any dietary restrictions at least 24 hours before your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing along Kona’s coastline with a local guide, continental breakfast to start things off right, reef-safe sunscreen handed out on board (so no worries if you forgot yours), full snorkel gear plus flotation noodles for extra comfort in the water, snacks while watching for dolphins in Kealakekua Bay, and lunch with juices served after your swim near the Captain Cook Monument before heading back toward town.