Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Monument & Sea Caves

Snorkel two bays in one trip and see over 100 fish species, reef sharks and sea turtles.

A four-hour snorkel tour on the Kona coast visits Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay, two marine sanctuaries near Captain Cook's Monument and Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park. The boat is a RHIB (zodiac-style), guides teach Hawaiian and geological history as you cruise past sea caves and lava tubes, and all snorkel gear is provided. Minimum age is 6 years old; swimmers must be comfortable treading water unassisted and able to climb a metal ladder back into the boat.

The Experience

Over 100 varieties of tropical fish live in these two bays, along with reef sharks and sea turtles that show up year-round. Kealakekua Bay is a historical marine sanctuary with clear water and calm conditions most days; Honaunau Bay, off the "Place of Refuge" national historic park, has coral shelves and white sand patches in between. The crew teaches you about the islands' history and geology as the boat moves between them, and you'll see volcanic formations — sea caves and lava tubes — from the water.

The trip runs four hours total. You'll meet at one of two designated points (check your confirmation for which one), board a zodiac-style RHIB, and cruise the rugged Kona coastline. Snorkel gear — mask, fins, snorkel and pool noodles — is included, along with snacks, fruit, juice and bottled water. There's no restroom on the boat, so plan accordingly. You'll need to climb a metal ladder to get back in after snorkeling, and you must be comfortable swimming and treading water on your own.

Dolphins and humpback whales are sometimes spotted here, though the whale season is limited to certain months. The crew has full discretion to refuse service based on attire, behavior or fitness level. Bring your own towel and cover-up; reef-safe sunscreen (zinc-based, no oxybenzone or octinoxate) is recommended.

What’s included

• Snorkel mask, fins, snorkel and pool noodles.
• snacks, fresh fruit, juice and bottled water.
• knowledgeable guides who teach Hawaiian and geological history.
• views of sea caves and lava tubes from the boat.

Good to know

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

Operated by Dolphin Discoveries

Is this one for you?You get two distinct snorkel bays and the full history of the Kona coast in one morning because the boat moves between them and the crew teaches as you go — no separate history tour, no second trip needed.

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Top questions

What's the difference between Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay on this snorkel tour?

Kealakekua Bay is a marine sanctuary with calm, clear water and great visibility year-round; Honaunau Bay, near Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park, has coral shelves with white sandy patches and equally clear water most of the year, so the two snorkel sites feel quite different underwater.

What marine life will I see on this Kona snorkel trip?

Over 100 varieties of tropical fish live in these bays, and you may see reef sharks and sea turtles, which are present year-round. Dolphins and humpback whales are occasionally spotted, though whale sightings are seasonal.

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

Mask, fins, snorkel and pool noodles are all included. Bring your own towel and cover-up; the boat has no restroom facilities.

How do I get back into the boat after snorkeling?

You'll climb a metal ladder to re-board the RHIB, so you must be able to do that and comfortable treading water and swimming unassisted.

What will the guide teach us during the tour?

The crew teaches Hawaiian history and geological information about the Big Island as you cruise, and points out volcanic formations like sea caves and lava tubes along the coastline.