We carry a maximum of 6 passengers so we can offer a more intimate snorkel experience than the larger "cattle boats" in Kona.
In addition to delivering a more private experience, our small group size allows for more time in the water. Our passengers are able to quickly enter and exit the water as we explore Kealakekua Bay.
If you book all 6 seats on any trip, you will have your own private charter. In addition to being the only party on the boat, you'll be able to work with your captain to customize your trip to your liking. For instance, you'll be able to decide whether to pick up and move to a new location or continue snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay (time and conditions permitting).
Don't miss this opportunity to snorkel the famous Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument, in a private small-group experience that's unmatched. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!
Description
Itinerary
Kealakekua Bay, the site of the Captain Cook monument on Hawaii Island, offers some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. This protected Marine Sanctuary and state park boasts a coral reef and crystal clear waters with abundant marine life and breathtaking visibility.
We depart Honokohau Harbor at 12:15pm to avoid the large crowds of boats that visit Kealakekua Bay in the morning. Our boat provides an intimate experience for a maximum of 6 passengers. With a less crowded bay and a boating experience, your group will soak up the snorkeling goodness with maximum comfort.
The boat ride from Honokohau Harbor to Kealakekua Bay takes up to 45 minutes, depending on conditions. Upon reaching the snorkel site at Kealakekua Bay, your swim guide will assist you into the water and guide you across the reef to the best snorkeling spots in the bay. You’ll spend a maximum of one hour in the water before returning to the boat.
Stop At:
• Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve, Island of Hawaii, HI • The Captain Cook Monument, Kealakekua Bay, Captain Cook, Island of Hawaii, HI
Schedule
Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)
Return Details: Returns to original departure point
What's Included
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Bring your own towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and swimsuit.
What To Bring
Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
A Smile!
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Must be able to swim without the assistance of a floatation device.
Maximum weight of 280 pounds per traveler.
Not recommended for travelers with neck problems
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience 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
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Face masks are required when entering the boat, exiting the boat, while in the harbor, and while in enclosed spaces.
Reviews
Average 4.62 out of 5 stars based on 21 verified reviews from Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
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Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument Snorkel - Small-Group Experience
Eric_C, Dec 2021 Verified
The captain and the crew were amazing! We had a very good time. My girlfriend and I booked this tour because we didn't want to hike or kayak to the Captain Cook monument. The tour was about 3 hours and 30 minutes long, and the boat was a joy to ride in. I personally like adventure, and the smaller boat provided a better experience than the bigger boats I've been on tours with.I really enjoyed the ride out to the Captain Cook monument. It was about 30-45 minutes long, and it was fun because we sat at the front of the boat, holding on the rails. Once we got to the Captain Cook monument, we had one of our guides snorkel with us and let us know what we're seeing, and he guided us to the nearby areas. We snorkeled for about one hour and came back to the boat.Once back on the boat, we were offered cut pineapples and some light snacks and beverages. Afterwards, the captain asked what we wanted to do, and offered us two choices; we can either go looking for whales, (because at the time of this writing, it is the beginning of whale season in Hawaii in December) or to go see manta rays at the manta ray cleaning stations.We opted for looking for whales, and although we didn't find any this time, we still had a blast riding on the boat, and looking around for the whales. The views were incredible while we were underway on the sea.Overall, I highly recommend the tour based on the professionalism of the crew and the overall experience we had. We got much more than just a simple snorkeling experience. This was definitely one of the moments I will remember for years to come!
Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument Snorkel - Small-Group Experience
Marybeth_S, Dec 2021 Verified
Was skeptical at first about a small boat but only having a small group was the best thing, our 2 guides were wonderful and listened to what we wanted to do. Even took us on a small detour on the way back to look for whales. If you are looking for a great snorkeling experience I suggest going with this group versus the largee ones, you won’t regret ir
Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument Snorkel - Small-Group Experience
Diana_B, Dec 2021 Verified
Such an incredible trip! Hunter and Shelly were fantastic…very knowledgeable and helpful! Loved that it only allowed 6 passengers. We are a family of five so we had a sweet woman along for the ride. Pineapple at the end was a great touch
Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument Snorkel - Small-Group Experience
Julianne_H, Dec 2021 Verified
The small group experience ensured we had individual attention according to our experience with snorkeling, skill levels, and tips that helped us each be comfortable and safe. The captain was attentive to safety protocols and procedures. The crew were very attentive to our comfort and safety in the water. We saw fantastic varieties of fish, coral, and urchins, many of which the guides would point out specifically. We even got a few history lessons at points along the shore of cultural significance.
Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument Snorkel - Small-Group Experience
hadleyandbradb, Dec 2021 Verified
Shelly the captain and Brent the swim guide are SO nice and really make this family experience a fun a memorable time. Our kids (10 &12) favorite part of vacation by far! They were both thoughtful and attentive and took the time to find ways to make the trip fun for the whole family, truly can’t thank them enough!!!
Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument Snorkel - Small-Group Experience
Brigetta_W, Nov 2021 Verified
Small group experience with Captain Shelley and Brent. Exceptional Snorkeling in the bay and fun boat ride there and back. Highly recommend!
Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument Snorkel - Small-Group Experience
Keith_H, Nov 2021 Verified
Great trip -really enjoyed the small boat experience. Brent joined us in the water and provided a great tour pointing out all kinds of fish and interesting items.
Also great personal texts from Captain Shelly!
Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument Snorkel - Small-Group Experience
pkbrady, Nov 2021 Verified
We had a great time snorkeling, learning some Hawaiian history and seeing some whales and dolphins. The crew was fantastic to us and were fun to talk with.
Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument Snorkel - Small-Group Experience
Cecilia_D, Nov 2021 Verified
Coral Reef Adventures is the BEST. Their care and concern for each and every passenger is remarkable! The ship is super clean, the adventures many, the history and stories fun and interesting, and the crew (Brent and Shelly) super helpful and nice. Highly recommend!
Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument Snorkel - Small-Group Experience
Cecilia_D, Nov 2021 Verified
Brent is an outstanding cultural and snorkel guide; and Shelly is a super skilled captain. We highly recommend Coral Reef Adventures to anyone seeking a personal small boat snorkeling experience.
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Product code: C-163071P5