READ THIS. START TIME IS IS NOT THE DEPARTURE TIME. START TIME IS THE CHECK IN TIME. DO NOT ARRIVE EARLY. THERE ARE TWO MEETING POINTS FOR THIS TOUR. PLEASE READ ALL TOUR DETAILS BEFORE BOOKING AS THIS TOUR IS NOT SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE. We offer several different times, each tour being 2.5 hours on the water. These trips provide the longest snorkel times at Kealakekua Bay with approximately 60 minutes of snorkel time. This adventure promises views of 100’s of different varieties of tropical fish along with an occasional “Honu” (Hawaiian green sea turtle). Your Captain will share Hawaiian History and get you up and personal with sea caves and lava tubes. If you are new to or have never snorkeled before this is the ideal choice! The times shown indicate the check in time. Tour duration includes time to checkin and receive gear. Snorkel participants must be confortable swimming.
The boat ride was a little bumpy but really cool! We got real close to the edge of the island in a few different spots. The guides were knowledgeable about the island and the lore but also laid back and chill. We got almost an hour of snorkeling in and our overall group was about 10 people which was nice.
We did a deluxe snorkel with Dolphin Discoveries and had a blast. The staff were friendly, kind, and super knowledgeable about the area and the marine life. I learned a few new facts about the island too. It felt super safe, since we had our 4 children with us. The crew were watching the guests and kids in the water and giving great instructions. It was fun exploring the underwater world. Can’t wait to get out there with this team for a Manta adventure.
This was the perfect snorkel trip for our family of 3. It’s a small tour so there was only one other family of 3 on the boat. We have done a big boat with a slide and a ton of people before so I wanted something a little low key. Check in was easy and the captain showed up on time in the spot we were told to meet. We had Dennis as our captain today and he was excellent! He was super friendly, made us feel welcome, had some cool stories and knew a lot of history of the island. He definitely needs a raise 😉We would definitely use this company again next time we do a snorkel trip.
Great trip lots of fish and coral formations. 1215 trip was good had spot to ourselves for most of the time
Just loved the area and our stay!
Our tour guide was down to earth and loved his job. He would answer anything we asked, and you could tell he genuinely enjoyed it. He made the boat ride to the snorkeling reef an adrenaline rush, even on the way back when he was showing us the lava tubes and Pele on the side of the the island. The snorkeling was incredible. We had never been in an actual reef before with all types of tropical fish swimming with us. They werent shy. It seemed like they wanted to show us their underwater world. I would definitely do it again. My only regret was I wasn't aware I could ditch the snorkel and dive down deeper into the reef. I didn't realize I was allowed until I was already on the boat and mentioned I wish I could have only to realize the guide said I totally could have. Oh and they had ice cold water and juice on the boat for anyone that wanted it. Definitely a trip that will be remembered forever
Such a fun morning with Captain Robert and Addy! Easy check-in, well-maintained boat and equipment, great snorkeling. Roberts showed us some cool sites along the Cliffs on the way back and made it a lot of fun. Great selection on drinks on-board too (non-alcoholic). I'd love to do it again!
We had a great experience. It was easy with the right amount on time to snorkeling time. Highly recommend if you just want to go out and snorkel.
Tour canceled less than 24 hours in advance because my wife and I were the only ones scheduled. They said they needed at least 6 people to take the tour. We had to scramble to book another tour with Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions through NCL — it was great.
This tour is fun, family friendly, well organized and professional. Our kids said it was the highlight of the week. We took the tour with our 10 and 12 year old kids on a cloudy afternoon so it turned out to be a private tour. The woman who checked us in, Rita, was friendly and helpful to help us get our gear. Captain Dennis helped us get into the water and helped to get my 10 year old a new mask when the first one was leaking. Very friendly to kids who are nervous and scared. Captain Dennis’ warmth really helped my daughter relax and have a good time. He also took us to some historical points on the way back home which we would have never seen from land. Overall a great tour that I highly recommend for any family or couple. Thanks Captain Dennis!
This is a rugged baiting experiance so be prepared for a ride! Fun but hard on the back and behind, while exploring he stops and tells you lots of fun facts. Denis and Colby we great guides. Snacks and drinks were nice and we saw turtles, an egalitarian ray, and very different kinds of large reef fish!!! Got cold on the 8am tour so take a sweat shirt to wear after getting in the water.
We had an amazing time. We couldn’t have asked for a better crew. Dennis and Addy were AMAZING!!!!!! Thank you Dennis & Addy!! 10/10
We had a great time on this snorkle excursion. Crew were very nice and attentive. We snorkeled in Captain Cook then went after to explore water front caves. Luckily on our way back we got to see dolphins and even a turtle. Very family friendly if choosing this tour.
This was a great experience for my family (kids 14&11). The guides had fun with the ride and had great history to share. I liked that we got to Captain Cook’s before the other big boats and the next stop was just our boat. We had ample time at each spot. Great for first time snorkelers too.
Weather made visibility low and there was much debris in the water. Captain Dennis did a fantastic job of navigating and providing history about the cove, island and captain cook.
It was a great time. The captain and first mate were top notch. Everything was well explained, and we saw some amazing sites. The captain even took us to see some other points of interests which made for a really cool trip.
Great experience! Snorkeling was one of the best I ever experienced. Captain Dennis and Addy were great. The ride back was a plus. Not just your typical out and back. The lava tubes and island history that went along with it was very cool. Highly recommend!
Well run , very knowledgeable crew. Great snorkeling and scenery. Trip discription accurate and on time
The captain and crew were very good. They made the trip a lot of fun. We always felt safe as well. The snorkeling was good, and we learned some Hawaiian history as well
Fantastic time! Seth was our captain and was entertaining and full of knowledge. Our 6 year old had a great time, too. Lucked out and even got to see a humpback whale and spinner dolphins, too!
Check in was easy. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. Captain Robert was a great storyteller, funny and kind. For a great time in the water give these folks a try! Aloha
Our captain and 1st mate made our excursion even better. They explained everything, gave great tips for snorkeling in the Captain Cook area and we learned about some local formations/geology.
Great snorkeling at Captain Cook Monument. Huge variety of fish, live coral, clear, calm water. Nice return trip to see the shoreline up close.
Very friendly crew. Saw dolphins, whales and dolphins came in to Captin Cooks cove and swam with us. Was one of the high lights of the trip.
NOT RECOMMENDED. This was canceled at time of check in (no advance notice) because of “engine trouble”. … OR because it was not full enough for them to take us out?? Very questionable never the less. And frustrating because this was to be our ONE excursion!
Crystal clear water, beautiful colorful fish. Scenic, relaxing and Robert did a wonderful job explaining the history of the area and allowing us to experience the unexpected whale and dolphin along the way.
Loved this snorkel tour to Captain Cook Monument with the very capable & knowledgeable Captain Dennis - smaller group = more personable service + we spent over an hour on the reef.
Saw a plethora of fish at both locations we went snorkeling too. Also saw whales as well which was really cool to be able to see the breach and swim by
Activity was as advertised. The bay was great for snorkeling, our captain and first mate were very helpful and knowledgeable. Boat was fine. We all felt safe and enjoyed ourselves. Our boys said it was the highlight of the trip.
This was one of the best adventures in Kona. Captain Craig and his side kick were both amazingly friendly, fun and informative! We had a great scenei ride to the cove and the snorkeling was great! On the way back he took us along to see the sea caves and Lava Tubes and they both gave us a bit of local history and information on how these great land masses were formed! We had a great bunch of people on the boat too! We will definitely come.back next time to do the Manta tour with them next time were in town!!!!
We had a great time with Captain Robert. The reef had lots of different varieties of fish, and we lucked out in having a pod of spinner dolphins in the cove while we were there. On the way back to the dock he pointed out lava tubes and caves and talked about the history of the island. Would highly recommend.
This was the highlight of our trip to Kona. I have only been snorkeling at Hanauma Bay in Oahu and another small bay near Kialua-Kona. This snorkeling trip was SO above and beyond those experiences. The water was pristine - with no beach and people on the beach there was no stirred up sand. The snorkeling equipment they provided was the best we received as well - and that makes a huge difference in your viewing experience. We saw SO many unique fish - even a large eel! The captain and his crew mate were very accomodating and knowledgeable. We originally thought we could hike down and have a nice experience plus get some exercise, but that would have been a disaster! So glad we decided on this affordable adventure by boat. We never felt rushed to get back on board, but after a full hour in the water, we were ready. I will encourage everyone I know who goes to the Big Island to take this trip.
So much fun. Loads of fish, turtles and even a manta ray. Teens loved it. The coral is amazing, and the best way to get there really is a boat tour, otherwise it is such a long hike.
Just one snorkel stop, thought we were going to 2 stops per tour description. Stopped at Captian Cook's monument for snorkeling. Good for beginners or less experienced snorkelers. If looking for a really healthy, live, colorful reef - this isn't it. Captin Craig was good, not overly instructive. Checkin gal was great.
The crew with Dolphin Discoveries was great. Eve was awesome to get everyone on the tour checked-in and supplied with snorkel gear. Dennis was our captain for the trip and did a great job of showcasing island points of interest on the boat ride back to the docks. Our whole family of 6 thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip. The Dolphin Discoveries team covered everything from the moment we confirmed our group online. Awesome experience!
This is a must do activity for everyone! The snorkeling was incredible and all the other sightseeing was beautiful! Captain Dennis and Eve were incredible and made the entire experience wonderful! Both of them were very knowledgeable, helpful, and genuinely super nice! They personalized the trip to our interests and made sure were were comfortable and having an amazing experience the whole time! This was a highlight of our trip and I would love to do this excursion again when we next visit the island!
The tour was really good, we had so much time to snorkel. Our guide was amazing, he was very careful.
This snorkel tour went above and beyond! Captain Ron and Riley were amazing!! They made sure we had everything we needed and then set us free in the most beautiful turquoise blue crystal clear waters!! The snorkeling blew us away! And then they provided snacks and juice. But the tour did not end there! Captain Ron gave us an exhilarating ride and pointed out so many cool spots and features along the coastline. We saw lava tubes and the inspiration for Te Fiti from Moana. We got a full history of the island. Truly incredible tour!
Great spot to go snorkeling. We saw plenty of different kinds of fish and the water was clear. The guides were great - very helpful. They had snacks and drinks on board. After snorkeling they took us around the area and pointed out lava tubes and caves.
Fabulous experience and like swimming in an aquarium! Huge range of beautiful fish and coral. Very professional set up and friendly staff.
Great ride and experience!! Staff were very friendly. We have been to captain cook’s snorkel spot several time and this was are favorite way to go.
It sucked because no one but me was booked so it was canceled! Very disappointing ! Want total refund ! Only in Kona one day off ship
Captain Craig was very professional and much fun! He is a great driver and took us to special places on the reef sharing his knowledge and many years of experience. The snorkelling was good…not a huge number of fish but enough to thoroughly enjoy it. We were pleasantly surprised when some spinner dolphins showed up!
it is fantastic & the crew was so professional & knowledgeable. We learned a lot about the island. Captain Cook & the snorkeling was excellent.
Our experience was amazing. Rob was very knowledgeable and professional during the whole trip. He gave us a history of the area. He also supplied us with drinks, fresh pineapple and chips for a snack. I would definitely recommend Rob for this trip.
Lovely experience! We arrived at the meeting point on time (can get busy so may be easier to go in by group) but the staff checked us in efficiently and with smiles! The crew (Evie & Captain) were friendly professional and engaging through out. Great snacks and drinks, we were well taken care of
We had booked another snorkel tour to just captain cook and not enough people signed up so we were able to get upgraded to this tour and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. We were taken to two different snorkeling spots and saw tons of fish! On the way back the captain took us to a few additional spots and gave us some history about the island, which was a nice little added bonus. We also were able to see a pod of dolphins swimming on our way back to shore. My family and I loved it!
Just what we were looking for… just over an hour of beautiful snorkeling. On the way back in Captain and Jenny went through and showed us island stories about the land. Fun, knowledgeable, very relaxed trip!!
Captain Dennis was fantastic. We had an absolute blast! Highly recommend this tour. We rented a go-pro too and we can’t wait to see our footage!
We had a great time. Was a bucket list thing for my wife. It was a work out for me. Worth every penny.
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