Kona Shore Excursion: Dolphins & Captain Cook Reef Snorkel
Overview
Snorkel at a colorful protected reef known as Kealakekua Bay located next to Captain Cook's monument. A truly historical sight! Encounter wild dolphins, sea caves, and more! Your lunch is also included consisting of a deli wrap or sometimes BBQ hot dogs, fresh fruit, chips, granola bars, juice, and water. All snorkel gear and flotation devices are included.
Cruise Ship Guest Depart from the Kailua Kona Pier- 32 ft Zodiac Max 19-28 passengers. 8:45 am Check in 9:00 am Departure
**While most of the time we depart at 9:00 am, there are some dates we must adjust departure time in order to accommodate cruise ship guests according to their ship itinerary ***
What's Included
- Snorkel gear equipment
- Includes lunch, snacks & refreshments
- Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee
- Flotation devices
- Port pickup from Kailua Kona Pier
- Professional local captain and crew
- Gratuities
- Private Tour
- Towel and Sunscreen
Meeting and Pickup
Kaahumanu Place
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
CRUISE SHIP GUESTS: Check-in Time 15 min prior to departure time. This tour departs from the Kailua-Kona pier. When you get off your tender look for your guide holding a sign that says " C Big Island / Dolphin Reef Snorkel"
Kaahumanu Place
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Tour travels south aboard a 32ft or 45 ft Zodiac ( small group 19-28 passengers) to Kealakekua Bay, home of the Captain Cook monument. Along the way, we stop at historical sites and sea caves. Our skilled captains watch for whales and dolphins so that we can encounter the wonderful marine from onboard. Once in Kealakekua Bay, we snorkel there for approx 1 hour. Guests can expect to see turtles, bright-colored reef fish, coral that’s over 1500 years old, the Captain Cook Monument, freshwater springs, and be on the lookout for Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. Due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act put in place Oct 2021 no one is allowed to swim with the wild spinners dolphins. However, we are still allowed to watch and encounter them from onboard.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 5 years
- Boat is not wheelchair accessible
- Weight limit is 265lbs (125kg)
- Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name
- Suggested items to bring: sunglasses, sunblock and towel
- Please have your bathing suit on before the trip begins.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(14)Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-22796P8
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.71 out of 5 stars based on 70 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (14)
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 2023As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Kona Shore Excursion: Dolphins & Captain Cook Reef Snorkel. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022First-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 2021If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- 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.
- Snorkel gear equipment.
- Includes lunch, snacks & refreshments.
- Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee.
- Flotation devices.
- Port pickup from Kailua Kona Pier.
- Professional local captain and crew.
- Gratuities.
- Private Tour.
- Towel and Sunscreen.
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 5. This activity requires at least one adult to accompany children..
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 Kona Shore Excursion: Dolphins & Captain Cook Reef Snorkel is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Kona Shore Excursion: Dolphins & Captain Cook Reef Snorkel 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
- Snorkel gear equipment
- Includes lunch, snacks & refreshments
- Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee
- Flotation devices
- Port pickup from Kailua Kona Pier
- Professional local captain and crew
- Gratuities
- Private Tour
- Towel and Sunscreen
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 5 years
- Boat is not wheelchair accessible
- Weight limit is 265lbs (125kg)
- Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name
- Suggested items to bring: sunglasses, sunblock and towel
- Please have your bathing suit on before the trip begins.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travelers
