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.
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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.
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Before you book
Prices and times updated today
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.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.
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 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.
Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay from Kailua Kona Pier
3h · EN
from US$ 149 per person
4.6981 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider