Captain Cook Snorkel Tour from Keauhou Bay by Dolphin Discoveries

Overview

The Dolphin Discoveries Captain Cook snorkel tour is a 3.5-hour boat trip from Keauhou Bay with about 1 hour of snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay's Captain Cook Monument, four departures a day, 6–20 guests. It suits first-time snorkelers who want one calm, shallow site from $99.99. The drawback is a single stop versus the two-stop tour for $20 more.

Highlights

• About 1 hour of snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay marine sanctuary, with reef 5–15 feet deep, parrotfish, triggerfish, eels and sea turtles common (operator site, October 2026)
• Four daily windows: 8:00–11:30 AM, 10:45 AM–2:15 PM, 12:15–3:45 PM and 1:30–5:00 PM
• Mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, flotation aids, water, juice and fruit included; from $99.99 on the operator site, $114.70 on Greetwell
• Groups of 6–20 on a Dolphin Discoveries vessel departing Keauhou Bay, with sea caves and lava tubes pointed out on the way
• Operator shows a 4.8 rating from over 5,100 TripAdvisor reviews and 4.8 from about 1,100 Greetwell reviews as of October 2026

What to Expect

1. You check in at the Dolphin Discoveries store in Keauhou Shopping Center at the time on your confirmation email and are fitted with mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit.
2. You drive yourself to Keauhou Bay, 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, to meet the crew and board.
3. On the ride south the captain points out sea caves and lava tubes and shares local history; spinner dolphins are sometimes seen but not guaranteed.
4. At Kealakekua Bay you snorkel for about an hour over reef 5–15 feet deep near the Captain Cook Monument, with crew in the water and flotation aids available.
5. You re-board by ladder, have water, juice and fruit, and return to Keauhou Bay; the operator lists the full outing at 3.5 hours.

What to Bring

• Swimsuit worn under clothing, towel and cover-up
• Reef-safe liquid sunscreen; aerosol is not allowed on the boat
• Hat, sunglasses and a light jacket for the boat ride
• Signed electronic waiver (link in the confirmation email)

Restrictions and Requirements

• Minimum age 6; minors accompanied by an adult
• Must be able to swim unassisted and climb a metal ladder to re-board
• Weight limit under 285 lb and at least moderate fitness, per the operator's Expedia listing for its Kona snorkel tours
• Not recommended if pregnant or with spinal, neck or cardiovascular problems
• No restroom on the boat

Cancellation Policy

Not stated on the operator's website or Greetwell. VELTRA's listing for the operator's Kealakekua tour charges 100% for cancellations or changes made after 3:00 PM local time 3 business days before the activity, and Expedia shows only a 'free cancellation' label. Checked October 2026 on VELTRA and Expedia; confirm with the operator.

Location

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Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Meeting Point

Check-in at the Dolphin Discoveries store, Keauhou Shopping Center, 78-6831 Ali'i Drive, Space F-146 (door sign reads 174), Kailua-Kona, HI 96740; boarding at Keauhou Bay, 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Check-In

Time stated on the booking confirmation email; no need to arrive early. Charters depart on time; call (808) 322-8000 if running late

Parking and Getting There

Park near Tropics Tap House or KTA Grocery at Keauhou Shopping Center and walk to the courtyard; full instructions in the confirmation email

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact