Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) Snorkel Cruise

Overview

The Hawaii Oceanic Kealakekua Bay snorkel tour is a 3-hour boat trip from Keauhou Harbor with about 1.5 hours in the water at the Captain Cook Monument, gear and snacks included, for $112.04. It suits confident swimmers aged 7 to 70 who want a cheaper small-boat option. Drawbacks: no flotation allowed and a 6-passenger minimum.

Highlights

• About 1.5 hours of snorkeling inside the Kealakekua Bay marine sanctuary, reached by boat rather than the steep hike (Greetwell listing).
• Snorkel gear, fins, a snorkel guide, tropical fruit, snacks, bottled water and soft drinks included for $112.04.
• Spinner dolphin stops along the Kona coast are listed as possible on the way to the bay.
• Private charter of the same boat for up to 12 people was $1,300.32; GoPro Hero 9 rental $56.58.
• Rated 4.8 from 448 reviews on Greetwell (94% recommend) and 4.8 from 349 on Hawaii.com as of October 2026.

What to Expect

1. You arrive 15 minutes before departure at the boat ramp at Keauhou Small Boat Harbor, 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, wearing your swimsuit with reef-safe sunscreen already applied.
2. The boat cruises south along the Kona coast with commentary, stopping if spinner dolphins or other marine life appear.
3. At Kealakekua Bay the guide briefs the group and you snorkel for about 1.5 hours near the Captain Cook Monument without flotation devices.
4. You climb a short ladder back aboard unassisted; fruit, snacks and drinks are served on the boat.
5. The boat returns to Keauhou Harbor about 3 hours after departure, watching for marine life on the way.

What to Bring

• Swimsuit worn to the harbor
• Reef-safe sunscreen applied before boarding
• Towel, hat and sunglasses
• Your own snorkel gear if preferred, and a waterproof camera

Restrictions and Requirements

• Ages 7 to 70; minors must be with a paying adult
• Weight limit 270 pounds
• Must swim without a flotation device, snorkel proficiently and climb a short ladder unassisted
• Not suitable for pregnancy or serious neck, back, heart or other medical conditions
• Minimum 6 passengers for the tour to run

Cancellation Policy

Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a 6% transaction fee; no-shows are charged in full, and the operator refunds 100% if it cancels for weather or too few passengers. Checked October 2026 on Greetwell.

Location

Open in Google Maps →

Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Meeting Point

Boat ramp at Keauhou Small Boat Harbor, 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.

Check-In

15 minutes before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact