Snorkeling Kona Coast: Makalawena Bay with marine life

Lava rock coves and reef snorkeling where the Kona Coast runs richest with marine life

A 3-hour snorkeling activity on the Kona Coast heading north to Pu'u Ali'i Bay and Makalawena, where lava rock outcroppings shelter hundreds of underwater species. You snorkel in multiple coves along the reef, watching for spinner dolphins, turtles, whales and schools of fish. The boat departs from the Bite Me Sportfishing office after a 30-minute check-in. All gear, water and snacks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Midday snorkel along Kona Coast

• Check in at Bite Me Sportfishing office
• Depart along Kona Coast heading north
• Snorkel at Pu‘u Ali‘i Bay and Makalawena
• Observe spinner dolphins, turtles, whales, fish
• Use provided snorkeling gear and swimming noodles
• Enjoy light snacks and bottled water

The experience

The Kona Coast runs north from the Bite Me Sportfishing office, and this 3-hour snorkel heads straight into the richest stretch: Pu'u Ali'i Bay and Makalawena. Lava rock outcroppings frame multiple coves where the water stays tranquil and the reef is thick with life. You'll snorkel along those rock formations, mask and fins on, watching for spinner dolphins, sea turtles, whales and the schools of colorful fish that move through the shallows. The location can shift if weather or sea conditions demand it, but the captain and crew know the Kona Coast well enough to find the marine life no matter which cove you end up in.

Gear is all there: mask, fins, snorkel and a vest if you need one. Bottled water and light snacks come along so you're not hungry or thirsty between dives. You'll need to know how to swim, and check in 30 minutes before departure so the crew can get you fitted and briefed. Bring a camera if you want to capture what's underwater: the operator mentions it because there's plenty worth shooting.

What’s included

• Snorkel mask and fins.
• bottled water.
• light snacks.
• live guide in English.

Options for this experience

2 options

Ultimate Ocean ride-alongGuide in English · 13:00This is a non-swimming option, well suited to someone who cannot swim who would still like to enjoy a boat trip with their family or friends.

Midday snorkeling with Ultimate Ocean EncountersGuide in English · 09:00 and 13:00

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

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

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Bite Me Sportfishing

Is this one for you?You'll swim at set times during this 3-hour tour along the Kona Coast. Book this if you're comfortable with a fixed schedule and need to know how to swim.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 kind of sea life will I see snorkeling the Kona Coast?

The Kona Coast around Makalawena holds hundreds of underwater species. Spinner dolphins, sea turtles, whales and colorful schools of fish move through the reef and the coves. The lava rock outcroppings attract dense marine life, so sightings are common on the snorkel.

How does the snorkel work if weather changes the location?

The captain and crew know the Kona Coast and can shift to a different cove if sea conditions or weather make the planned spot unsafe. The reef and marine life are spread across multiple locations along the lava rock, so moving to another site still gives you the same snorkeling experience.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No. Mask, fins and snorkel are all included. Snorkel vests are available for purchase in the store if you want one, and the crew can fit you with gear that works during the 30-minute check-in before departure.

What happens during the 30-minute check-in before the snorkel starts?

Check-in at the Bite Me Sportfishing office gives the crew time to fit you with gear, brief you on the day, and get you ready to board. It's also when you can pick up any logo gear or ask questions about what to expect on the Kona Coast.