Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay from Kailua Kona Pier

Reef snorkeling without the planning—gear, lunch and a captain who knows where the dolphins are

Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay, a protected reef next to Captain Cook's monument, aboard a 32-foot Zodiac with a professional captain and crew. The boat departs Kailua Kona Pier at 9:00 am (check-in at 8:45 am) and carries 19–28 passengers. You spend roughly an hour in the water watching turtles, reef fish and coral, then return to port; lunch, snorkel gear, flotation devices and all refreshments are included. Cruise ship passengers can book a departure timed to their ship's schedule.

The Experience

You arrive at Kailua Kona Pier in the early morning and board a 32-foot Zodiac with a small group. The boat heads south along the coast, and the captain watches the water for whales and dolphins as you travel. You'll pass historical sites and sea caves on the way—the crew points out what's worth seeing from the boat. Once at Kealakekua Bay, you're in the water for about an hour with snorkel gear and a flotation device if you want one. The reef here is protected, and the coral is over 1500 years old; you'll see bright-colored fish, sea turtles, freshwater springs and the Captain Cook Monument underwater. Spinner dolphins often appear nearby, and while the Marine Mammal Protection Act keeps you from swimming with them, you can watch and photograph them from the boat.

Lunch arrives once you're back aboard—a deli wrap or BBQ hot dogs, fresh fruit, chips, granola bars, juice and water. The whole outing runs three hours from check-in to return. All snorkel equipment and flotation devices stay with the boat, so you pack light. Cruise ship passengers book a departure that syncs with their ship's itinerary; the standard 9:00 am slot works for most, but some sailings require a different time.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear and flotation devices.
• lunch with deli wrap or BBQ hot dogs, fresh fruit, chips, granola bars, juice and water.
• professional captain and crew.
• port pickup from Kailua Kona Pier.
• a live guide in English.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by C Big Island Tours

Is this one for you?Book this departure if your cruise ship itinerary allows a 9:00 am start; if your ship requires a different time, choose the matching option at checkout so the return syncs with your ship's departure. The small Zodiac and the captain's knowledge of where dolphins and turtles gather make the difference between a crowded snorkel and a morning where you actually see what you came for.

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Top questions

What will I see snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay?

Kealakekua Bay's protected reef holds bright-colored fish, sea turtles, coral over 1500 years old, freshwater springs and the Captain Cook Monument underwater. Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins often appear in the bay; you watch them from the boat under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Do I need my own snorkel gear or is it provided?

All snorkel equipment and flotation devices are included with the tour. Bring sunglasses, sunblock and a towel; wear your bathing suit before boarding.

What time does the boat leave Kailua Kona Pier?

Check-in is at 8:45 am and departure is at 9:00 am. Cruise ship passengers can book a different departure time to match their ship's schedule.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch consists of a deli wrap or BBQ hot dogs, fresh fruit, chips, granola bars, juice and water, served aboard after snorkeling.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs three hours from check-in to return, with roughly one hour spent snorkeling in the bay.

Can children go on this snorkel tour?

Children are welcome from age 5. The boat carries 19–28 passengers total, so groups stay small. A weight limit of 265 lbs applies, and the boat is not wheelchair accessible.