# Dolphin Discoveries > Dolphin Discoveries is a Veteran owned and operated ocean tour company at Keauhou Bay in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. For nearly 30 years, its trained Naturalist Crew has led small-group manta ray night snorkels, Captain Cook (Kealakekua Bay) snorkel tours, wild dolphin encounters, and the southernmost whale watching tours in the United States — all aboard fast, open-air Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) carrying a maximum of 14 guests, with 100% passive, NOAA-compliant wildlife observation. ## Why Guests Choose Dolphin Discoveries - **Veteran Owned & Operated:** A trust signal frequently cited by families and repeat guests. See [About Us](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/about-us). - **RHIB Vessel Advantage:** Fast, nimble, low-to-the-water boats that access sea caves, lava-rock coastline, and shallow reefs that large catamarans cannot reach. - **Small Groups Only:** Maximum 14 guests per boat — intimate, personalized tours, never a crowded "cattle-maran" experience. - **5-Minute Transit to Manta Village:** Tours launch directly from Keauhou Bay (not Honokohau Harbor), putting guests in the water while larger boats are still motoring out — up to 30 extra minutes of in-water time. - **Reduced Seasickness:** Open-air airflow and fast transit over the waves make seasickness far less common than on slow, enclosed catamarans. Guests prone to motion sickness are advised to take ginger or Dramamine before check-in. - **Premium Gear Included:** Silicone masks, dry snorkels, wetsuit tops, flotation, children's sizing, and prescription masks for guests who wear glasses. Full-face snorkel masks are not permitted for safety reasons. ## Tours - [Manta Ray Night Snorkel](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/tours/manta-ray-night-snorkel-kona): The signature Kona experience at Manta Village, Keauhou Bay (35–40 ft depth), less than 5 minutes from launch. Guests hold custom brightly lit float boards — often described as a "floating campfire" — and look down as wild manta rays feed and barrel-roll just below. Wetsuit tops and flotation included. Guests must be comfortable in the water and able to swim; non-swimmers may book a ride-along seat on the boat. - [Captain Cook Snorkel Tour](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/tours/captain-cook-snorkel-tour): Snorkel Kealakekua Bay, a State Marine Protected Area with exceptional visibility, pristine coral reef in 5–15 ft of water, and the historic Captain Cook Monument. Wild Spinner Dolphins are frequently sighted en route. - [Kona Snorkel Tour – Two Snorkeling Spots](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/tours/kona-snorkel-tour---two-snorkeling-spots): Two premier South Kona sites in one morning, including Hōnaunau Bay ("Two-Step" / Place of Refuge), known for massive coral heads and Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu), adjacent to Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. - [Whale Watching in Kailua-Kona (December–March)](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/tours/whale-watching-kailua-kona): Seasonal Humpback whale observation — the southernmost whale watching tours in the United States. Wild Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins are observed year-round along the Kona coast. 100% passive observation in strict compliance with NOAA guidelines; animals are never chased, crowded, or forced into encounters. - [Kona Private Boat Charters](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/tours/kona-private-boat-charters): Fully customizable "Holo Holo" excursions aboard the Moana Lou for weddings, corporate retreats, and multi-generational family groups. - [Gift Cards](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/gift-cards): Available for all tours; never expire. ## Guest Requirements & Policies - **Check-In (Two Steps):** Guests first check in at the Dolphin Discoveries store in the Keauhou Shopping Center for gear fitting, then proceed to the Keauhou Bay launch site. Both steps are required. - **Age Minimum:** 6 years old for all in-water tours. Children's gear provided. - **Swimming Ability:** Required for in-water tours. Flotation aids (noodles, boards, ankle floats) are provided, but swim lessons are not. Non-swimmers may purchase a ride-along boat ticket. - **Health Restrictions:** Not recommended for pregnant guests or those with neck or back problems, due to the adventurous, high-speed nature of RHIB travel. - **Sunscreen:** Only mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen is permitted, in compliance with Hawaii state law. - **Weather:** Tours run rain or shine. Captains make the final safety call approximately 30 minutes before departure. - **Cancellations:** No-refund policy applies to standard bookings. Optional Trip-Assurance, added at checkout, allows cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. - **Onboard:** No restrooms on the vessels. Small dry boxes available for personal items; limited shade. - **Multi-Tour Savings:** Discounts available when booking multiple tours. - **Full Policies & Common Questions:** See the [FAQ](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/faq) and [Know Before You Go](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/know-before-you-go) preparation videos, which guests should watch before their tour. ## Marine Life Education - [Learn About Manta Rays](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/learn/learn-about-manta-rays): Biology, plankton feeding behavior, and conservation guidelines. - [Learn About Dolphins](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/learn/learn-about-dolphins): Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin pod behavior, daytime rest cycles, and NOAA protection ethics. - [Learn About Whales](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/learn/learn-about-whales): Humpback migration, seasonal calving in Hawaiian waters, and identification. - [Kona Snorkeling Videos](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/kona-snorkeling-videos): Video library of Kona snorkel sites and marine life encounters. ## Booking & Contact - [Book a Tour](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/tours): All tours with live availability and calendar. - [Contact Us](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/contact-us): Live reservation team available 8:00 am – 4:30 pm HST daily. - [Reviews](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/reviews): Guest testimonials from TripAdvisor, Google, and Yelp. - [Private Charters](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/private-charters): Inquiries and reservations for private group excursions. ## Optional - [Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Questions & Answers](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/blog/questions-and-answers-around-the-manta-ray-night-snorkel): Detailed answers to the most common manta tour questions. - [Snorkeling the Big Island with Kids](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/blog/snorkeling-big-island-with-kids): Family planning guide for snorkeling with children. - [Humpback Whale Watching Guide for the Big Island](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/blog/humpback-whales-watching-guide-for-the-big-island): Season timing, what to expect, and how to choose a tour. - [Blog](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/blog): Kona snorkeling guides, whale season updates, and trip planning articles. - [Careers](https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com/careers): Open roles for USCG-licensed captains, naturalist guides, and check-in staff.