Exclusive Captain Cook Snorkel Tour

Dive Into One of the World’s Best Snorkeling Spots in Kona!

With the world-renowned and historic destination of Kealakekua Bay just minutes from our point of departure, the Captain Cook Exclusive is a personal, exciting, and efficient way to see the Bay named one of the world’s best snorkeling locations. Kealakekua Bay is a 315-acre marine sanctuary that boasts incredibly protected waters year round making it the best place in Hawaii for beginner snorkelers.

After a full hour of snorkeling in the crystal clear waters directly in front of the monument to Captain James Cook, you make your way back to Keauhou Bay along the South Kona coastline. Your Captain maneuvers our custom-made vessels into the sea caves at the base of Hualalai, hugging the coast and detailing the culturally significant and geologically fascinating features along the way. Watch for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and even herds of thousands of goats! If you plan on snorkeling while in Hawaii and want to see what few do, this is the tour for you.

The History of Captain Cook Monument

Kealakekua Bay has a contentious place in contemporary Hawaiian history. Captain Cook Monument was erected where its namesake, Captain James Cook, was killed in 1779. The monument itself was built by the British to commemorate their fallen soldier, the site where the white obelisk structure stands is also a culturally significant area to the Native Hawaiians. The relationship between the British explorers had become increasingly contentious before Cook’s death, something can be represented in the juxtaposition of his monument on the sacred land, belonging to the Hawaiians. Visiting this site is a great window into the centuries long contention between natives and those who came to colonize the islands.

What You’ll See on a Captain Cook Snorkel Tour

While the history of Kealakekua Bay is extremely interesting, nowadays Captain Cook Monument is better known for the incredible coral reef found in the shallow waters just off shore! On your snorkel tour of Kealakekua Bay you have the chance to get up close and personal with a variety of hundreds of tropical fish and marine creatures. While there is no guarantee as to what you’ll see exactly on any given day– the reef is home to a wide array of different plant and animal life; the deeper waters are even known to have pods of Hawaiian spinner dolphins frequently playing around.

Some common species that you may encounter on our Captain Cook snorkel tour are parrotfish, moray eels, Hawaiian green sea turtles (also known as “honu”) and even the state fish: humuhumunukunukuapua’a. 

Plan Your Day at Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii!

When you book your Captain Cook snorkel tour with us at Sea Quest Hawaii, you are saving your spot aboard our boat for a day of fun and adventure! Some may imagine that a snorkel tour in South Kona consists of getting in the water, swimming around for about an hour, and booking it back to the marina; that is not the case aboard our boat! The Kealakekua Bay Tour weaves ample time in the water with onboard exploration. Our captain will not only work to facilitate close encounters with the native Hawaiian aquatic life around Captain Cook Monument’s reef, but take you on an expedition to explore the hidden gems along Kona Coast.

Make sure that you have everything you need for the day trip before we head out! While our boats are loaded with snacks, beverages, the gear that you need while in the water- like a mask and snorkel- it is always smart to bring your own reef safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and/or whatever else you would need to ensure that our trip is a success!

Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour Features:

• Snorkel Kealakekua Bay (Capt. Cook Monument)
• Tropical snacks, juice, and water
• Explore sea caves and lava tubes
• Watch for dolphins and whales
• Great tour for beginner snorkelers

Restrictions

• Expectant mothers are not eligible to participate in this activity
• Individuals who experience regular back or neck pain are not eligible to participate in this activity

Departure Times

Morning

• Check-in 8:45 a.m. – Depart 9:00 a.m.
• Return 12:00 p.m.
• Duration: 3 hours
• Please note that to help accommodate our guests arriving on the Pride of America the check-in time on Wednesday’s is 8:30a.m. – Depart 8:45a.m., return 11:45am

Afternoon

• Check-in 12:30 p.m. – Depart 12:45 p.m.
• Return 3:45 p.m.
• Duration: 3 hours
• Please note that to help accommodate our guests arriving on the Pride of America the check-in time on Wednesday’s is 12p.m. – Depart 12:15p.m., return 3:45p.m.