Captain Cook Snorkel Tour

• Direct access to Kealakekua Bay — only reachable by boat
• All snorkel equipment — mask, snorkel, and fins
• Wetsuits for comfort in the water
• Expert crew on board to guide and assist throughout the tour
• Safety briefing before entering the water
• Small group experience for a relaxed, unhurried adventure
• Scenic coastal boat ride along the stunning Kona coastline

Captain Cook Snorkel Tour: Experience a Voyage Through History

Explore the Reefs of Kealakekua Bay with Dolphin Discoveries

Noted as one of the most beautiful snorkeling destinations in the world, our Captain Cook Snorkel Tour will take you through the reefs that populate Kealakekua Bay. You are sure to come face to face with plenty of tropical fish whose colors span the entire rainbow.

Our Captain Cook Snorkel Tour offers a chance to dive into the warm waters of the Kona Coast. This means excellent chances of seeing Honu (sea turtles), fish, and on occasion, rare marine life that might cruise by.

One of the more spectacular sights on a trip to Kealakekua Bay is a possible glimpse of dolphins or whales, playing in the waters or breaching off the side of the boat.

If you are looking for a memorable experience for your friends and family, this is a wonderful day out on the water.

What Makes Our Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour Special

Historical Significance of Captain Cook's Monument

Captain Cook Monument is one of the most significant sites in Hawaii's modern history. Before it was named for the British explorer who was slain there, it was a sacred site to Native Hawaiians, a sanctity that is still upheld to this day. Alongside that history, this site is also home to an incredible array of marine life found nowhere else around Hawaii.

The captain leading the Dolphin Discoveries Captain Cook Snorkel Tour is not just a local expert in the diverse marine life of the Big Island. They can also answer questions and offer historical and cultural insights, explaining why this area holds such significance in Hawaiian history.

Snorkel the Most Popular Spot in all of Hawaii, Kealakekua Bay

Hawaii is home to some of the most biologically diverse sea life on the planet. Many of the creatures here are native only to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning you can expect remarkable views both above deck and below water.

Some things you may see while snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay on our Captain Cook Snorkel Tour include reef fish like parrotfish, pufferfish, sunfish, and triggerfish, alongside eels, crabs, and other sea creatures and crustaceans, and on occasion, sea turtles (Honu).

Learn Local Culture From Our Expert Guides While Snorkeling at Captain Cook

We touch on the historical significance of the Captain Cook Monument and Kealakekua Bay as a whole, including the history between the British colonists and Native Hawaiians that culminated in the death of Captain Cook. Your guide will take you through the greater history of the bay, the details of its sanctity within Native Hawaiian culture, and how it all connects to the ongoing effort for ecological preservation of the area, protecting the wildlife and habitat for generations to come.

Your guide aboard the Dolphin Discoveries Captain Cook Snorkel Tour will answer any questions and provide a local perspective on all of these points, all while weaving in a great deal of fun both in the water and on the boat.

Kealakekua Bay: One of Hawaii's Most Celebrated Snorkeling Sites

Itinerary of the Captain Cook Snorkel Tour

We offer several departure times to fit your schedule. Each snorkel tour is 2.5 hours long, with an average of 1 hour of actual snorkeling time at Kealakekua Bay. Just like on our longer trips, this adventure offers hundreds of different varieties of tropical fish along with an occasional Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle) or local dolphins.

Your captain will share Hawaiian history and introduce you to sea caves and lava tubes along the coast. Water, juice, and fruit are provided on all snorkel trips.

If you are new to snorkeling or have never snorkeled before, this is a good choice. It is particularly well suited for families with younger children or guests who are not certain if they are ready for one of our longer trips. If you want to visit two locations in one outing, take a look at our Kona Snorkel Tour with Two Snorkeling Spots.

Snorkeling Gear and Safety on the Captain Cook Snorkel Tour

Your Dolphin Discoveries crew will provide properly fitted masks, snorkels, and flotation aids if needed. Safety is taken seriously on every trip. Our captain and crew are experienced in providing a safe and enjoyable experience, and we ask that all participants pay attention to our guides both in and out of the water and know their own limits and swimming ability.

Reserve Your Spot on the Captain Cook Snorkel Tour

Booking our Captain Cook Snorkel Tour is straightforward. Refer to the booking calendar on this page to see available dates and pricing. We offer four departure times, each with its own appeal.

9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (check in 8:00 a.m.): This trip goes to Kealakekua Bay, home of the Captain Cook Monument. The late morning option allows you to sleep in, grab breakfast, or ease into island time. This is generally the most popular time to see the reefs.

11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. (check in 10:45 a.m.): Designed for those who want a later start and enjoy the warmest part of the day. With the sun fully overhead, you will see the reef at Kealakekua Bay at its most vibrant.

1:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. (check in 12:15 p.m.): A good option for those with plans in the morning. This mid-day tour typically sees fewer crowds and on most days offers some refreshing cloud shade.

2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (check in 1:30 p.m.): This trip is geared toward those who want to avoid the crowds. This late afternoon snorkel leaves the dock for a relaxed adventure to Kealakekua Bay.

Watch our Know Before You Go videos to come fully prepared. We are a Veteran Owned and Operated business based in Kona, Hawaii, and have earned TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence five consecutive years running, with over 5,100 reviews and a 4.8 rating. Read our reviews or contact our team with any questions. These tours fill up quickly so book your spot today using the calendar on this page.