Beach Snorkel - Sea Turtle and Black Sand Lagoon
Overview
Discover a world of marine science and one of the best snorkeling spots in the Hilo region at these two family-friendly beach parks, accessed from the shoreline.
The only black-sand beach in the Hilo region provides relaxed swimming, sheltered rock pools for beautiful snorkeling and excellent surfing.
Lava from Mauna Kea has formed a natural seawall at Richardson Ocean Park, making it a sheltered beach that is perfect snorkeling with giant sea turtles, monk seals and abundant sea life. Rock pools that fill at high tide make for shallow, detached swimming holes at low tide. Snorkel in the pools, without the stress of swell or currents.
What's Included
- Snacks Local juice and snacks
- Transportation from the check-in location to the snorkel site.
- All snorkel gear (mask, fins, and snorkel)
- Professionally Trained Snorkel Guide
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
Meeting Location
Kamehameha Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
New to snorkeling? Not a problem! Your expertly trained guide will teach you the basics and be with you every step of the way to ensure your safety and comfort. Children are also welcome to participate and will be introduced to Mother Nature in a most spectacular way. This half-day, small group tour includes 2 snorkeling stops all from the shore, island snacks and juices, and memories that will last a lifetime. (Marine life sightings are not guaranteed).
The brackish water bays and lagoons around scenic Hilo are home to a wide variety of abundant sea life. Your local, experienced snorkel guide will teach you how the black sand beaches and volcanic islands are made as well as other fascinating facts about your lush surroundings.
Grab your goggles and look below the water’s surface and discover an underwater world teeming with colorful corals, eels, eagle and manta rays and so much more! This area is well known for its large population of sea turtles and dizzying array of tropical reef fish.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- This tour is suitable for ages 8 and up. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(12)Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-21759P6
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.64 out of 5 stars based on 58 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Hawaii customers.
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Yes, we allow pregnant women to go on snorkeling. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so to assess your individual health and pregnancy stage.
Jan 2022Yes, this is possible, as long as you are comfortable going into the water. All Cool Hawaii snorkeling tours adhere to strict safety regulations and have been designed to be enjoyed by all.
Your safety is our #1 priority, which is why:
- You will be wearing a flotation device at all times.
- On many tours, there is a stairway from the boat into the water so you won’t have to “jump” in!
- There are trained staff in the water and watching from the boat at all times.
For these reasons, we believe that even non-swimmers can have a wonderful time on our snorkeling trips, however, the final judgment call is yours to make. Please note we do not give refunds if you decide not to snorkel on the trip.
Oct 2021The snorkel gear we use on Cool Hawaii tours is high quality and for your protection, the equipment is sanitized after each use. However, if you feel more comfortable using your own snorkeling equipment, feel free to bring it on the tour. Please note, there is no discount for providing your own equipment and we can’t be responsible for any lost or damaged items.
May 2023First-time snorkelers can be assured of one-on-one instruction and assistance. We find introducing folks to our world very rewarding!
Oct 2021There are no legal age limits for snorkeling. We have found that age 5 or 6 is a good age to learn the basics of snorkeling, however, it’s entirely up to individuals to make the best choice for their family.
Sep 2021- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).
- This activity requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Snacks. Local juice and snacks.
- Transportation from the check-in location to the snorkel site.
- All snorkel gear (mask, fins, and snorkel).
- Professionally Trained Snorkel Guide.
- Gratuities.
- Hotel pickup & drop-off.
This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 8..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Beach Snorkel - Sea Turtle and Black Sand Lagoon is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- This tour is suitable for ages 8 and up. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Beach Snorkel – Sea Turtle and Black Sand Lagoon will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Hawaii. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- SnacksLocal juice and snacks
- Transportation from the check-in location to the snorkel site.
- All snorkel gear (mask, fins, and snorkel)
- Professionally Trained Snorkel Guide
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- This tour is suitable for ages 8 and up. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
