South Kona snorkeling tour: 3 remote locations, small group

You'll snorkel at places most Hawaii residents never reach, in sea caves and lava tubes carved by thousands of years of lava.

A small-group snorkeling tour on the South Kona Coast that visits three remote locations (Kealakekua Bay, Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, and a private black sand beach accessible only by boat) with all snorkeling gear, lunch, snacks and drinks included. The custom vessels are built to navigate sea caves and lava tubes, and the captain shares the cultural history of each stop. Children from age 5 are welcome. Swimming and snorkeling experience are recommended, and you'll need to be able to climb a short pool ladder.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel three South Kona locations

• Arrive in swimsuit with towel
• Receive snorkeling gear and flotation devices
• Explore Kealakekua Bay snorkeling site
• Snorkel at Puʻuhonua O Honaunau
• Visit private black sand beach snorkeling spot
• Explore sea caves and lava tubes by vessel
• Enjoy lunch, snacks, water, and juice

The experience

You show up in your swimsuit with reef-safe sunscreen and a towel, and the rest is arranged. The boat departs with a small group and heads down the South Kona Coast to three snorkel sites no other tour company reaches as far. Kealakekua Bay is the first stop (culturally significant and sheltered), where the guide shares the history while you're in the water. The second is Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, another landmark with its own story. The third is a private black sand beach or a remote location shaped by ancient lava formations, depending on conditions and what the captain finds that day.

What makes this different is the boat itself. Custom-built vessels let you navigate into sea caves and lava tubes, get close to rock formations, and reach stretches of coast that are inaccessible by land or from larger tour boats. You're looking for marine life (pilot whales as long as the boat, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, green sea turtles), and the confined spaces of caves and tubes are where you see them. The crew handles the navigation. You handle the snorkel.

Lunch is a sandwich box (turkey, tuna, ham, roast beef, or veggie, you call ahead with your choice), plus snacks and water and juice throughout the day. All snorkeling gear and flotation devices are provided. The whole outing runs about five hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• All snorkeling gear and flotation devices.
• sandwich box lunch with your choice of turkey, tuna, ham, roast beef, or veggie.
• snacks, bottled water, and juice throughout the day.
• a live English-speaking guide and crew who share the cultural history of each stop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 18

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 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Sea Quest Hawaii

Is this one for you?If you're staying without a car or arriving for a free afternoon, the boat picks you up from a public transportation-accessible location and handles the entire route: no driving, no planning the stops, no figuring out which beaches are reachable. The small group and custom boat mean you'll reach places and see wildlife that larger tours and land-based snorkeling cannot access.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Under 5: they 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 is Kealakekua Bay and why is it on this tour?

Kealakekua Bay is a culturally significant snorkel site on the South Kona Coast and the first stop on this tour. The guide shares the history and cultural meaning of the bay while you snorkel there.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Snorkeling experience is recommended, and you'll need to be comfortable in the water and able to climb a short pool ladder to board and exit the boat. All gear and flotation devices are provided, and the crew is there to help.

What kind of marine life might I see?

Pilot whales, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, and green sea turtles are common sightings on this tour. The custom boat's ability to navigate sea caves and lava tubes increases your chances of spotting wildlife in these confined spaces.

Is lunch included, and can I request a specific sandwich?

Yes, lunch is included: a sandwich box with your choice of turkey, tuna, ham, roast beef, or veggie. Call ahead with your preference. Snacks, water, and juice are provided throughout the day.

What do I need to bring?

Bring your swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, and a towel. All snorkeling gear, flotation devices, lunch, and drinks are provided by the tour.