Captain Cook Snorkeling Tours
(808) 480-6611Book
The blue Captain Cook RHIB boat idling beneath the Kealakekua Bay cliffs
Check in · HonokōhauKeauhouSea cavesSnorkel · Captain Cook MonumentMap data © OpenStreetMap contributors · not for navigation
Check inSnorkel

Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tours to Captain Cook Monument

Big Island's best snorkeling, in the bay where Captain Cook famously met his end in 1779.

Check seats & bookPrivate charter

Live prices and seats on FareHarbor. Free changes up to 48 hours out.

Trip
4 hours
From
$149
Ages
3+
Guests
18 max
Honokōhau HarborKeauhouCaptain Cook MonumentSea caves

The run, stop by stop

Kona's Honokōhau Harbor to beautiful Kealakekua Bay and back, cruise 15 miles of lava coastline each way. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and marine life on the way

  1. Check in at Honokōhau Harbor

    15–20 min

    Park free at the small boat harbor. Your crew fits masks and fins, then runs the safety briefing before we cast off.

  2. South along the Kona coast

    about 1 hr

    The RHIB runs fast along the lava shoreline, easing off for history stops as the cliffs rise toward the bay.

  3. Snorkel Kealakekua Bay

    1 hr in the water

    We tie up off the white obelisk of the Captain Cook Monument. Lifeguard-certified guides swim with you over the reef.

  4. Home past sea caves and lava tubes

    about 1 hr

    On the way back the crew noses into sea caves and lava tubes. In season, watch for spinner dolphins, pilot whales and humpbacks.

Guests riding the RHIB at speed along the lava coastline

A Navy SEAL boat, refitted for snorkelers.

Our 28-foot rigid-hull inflatable once carried Navy SEALs. Twin Yamaha 200s make the run down the coast quick and thrilling, the air-filled tubes keep it stable, and with 18 guests maximum, nobody gets lost in a crowd.

Hull
27.8 ft RHIB
Power
Twin Yamaha 200s
Guests
18 max, plus crew
Inspected by
U.S. Coast Guard
Crew training
CPR, AED, oxygen, in-water rescue
Restroom
None aboard. Go at the harbor.
A snorkeler gliding over coral with schools of tropical fish

What's down there

Kealakekua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District, so the reef is busy. Guides swim with you and point things out. Wildlife is wild: what shows up changes day to day.

  • Yellow tanglau'īpala
  • Green sea turtlehonu
  • Spinner dolphinnai'a
  • Spotted eagle rayhīhīmanu
  • Octopushe'e
  • Moray eelpuhi
  • Reef sharkmanō
  • Pilot whale
  • Humpback whalekoholāDec–Apr
Above water view of snorkelers in water in front of the Captain Cook Monument

Two ways aboard

Same boat, same bay, same four hours. Share it with up to 17 others, or take the whole thing.

Is this trip for you?

Come along if…

  • You're comfortable swimming in deep, open water. Flotation noodles are on board.
  • Everyone in your group is 3 or older, and kids stay with a parent or guardian.
  • You're up for a fast, bouncy boat ride.
  • Non-swimmers are welcome to ride along and stay on the boat.

Sit this one out if…

  • You have a heart condition, high blood pressure, severe asthma or limited mobility. Read the health notes first.
  • You have neck or back problems, or a current injury.
  • You're pregnant. The ride is too rough.
Health notes, packing & policies

Meet us at the harbor

Free parking at the harbor. We don't run hotel pickups, plan to drive.

Directions to Honokōhau Harbor(808) 480-6611
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