Kealakekua Bay Morning Sail and Snorkel Tour with Breakfast and Lunch (Sea Paradise)

Overview

The Sea Paradise morning Kealakekua Bay snorkel sail leaves Keauhou Bay at 8:30 AM on the 50-foot catamaran Hoku Nui for 4.5 hours, with snorkeling at the Captain Cook Monument, a weather-permitting Red Hill stop, and two buffets. It suits confident swimmers who want calm morning water. The main drawback is the group size of up to 49.

Highlights

• Departs 8:30 AM daily from Keauhou Bay and returns around 1:00 PM; the operator's FAQ recommends this tour over the afternoon one for calmer seas and clearer water.
• Snorkel at the Captain Cook Monument inside the Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District, plus a weather-permitting second stop at Red Hill's lava arches and tubes.
• Tropical breakfast buffet, deli-style lunch buffet, soft drinks, snorkel gear, flotation and reef-safe mineral sunscreen are all included; beer and cocktails are sold on board.
• Priced at $165 adult, $110 child 6 to 12 and $55 for age 5 and under plus tax on the operator site; VELTRA lists $177.72 adult (October 2026).
• The Hoku Nui is a 50-foot sailing catamaran carrying up to 49 guests, with a marine naturalist giving a reef briefing on the way south.

What to Expect

1. Sign the waiver from your confirmation email, then check in at 8:15 AM at the end of the finger pier at Keauhou Bay, end of Kaleiopapa St; look for crew in blue shirts, not a building.
2. Park free along Kaleiopapa St and allow 3 to 5 minutes to walk to the boat; you board from shore through knee-deep water, so wear flip-flops or go barefoot.
3. Breakfast is served as the catamaran sails south along the Kona coast while the naturalist briefs you on the reef and the bay's history.
4. You snorkel at the Captain Cook Monument, the north end of the snorkel area, with fins, mask, snorkel and noodles provided; the Hawaii Vacation Guide puts water time at about an hour.
5. If conditions allow, the boat moves to Red Hill for a second snorkel among underwater lava formations.
6. Lunch is served on the sail back, with a bar open for alcoholic drinks, and you are back at Keauhou around 1:00 PM.

What to Bring

• Swimsuit and cover-up, towel
• Sunglasses, hat and a rash guard
• Flip-flops or go barefoot; the boat is shoe-less and you wade to board
• Reusable water bottle and underwater camera if you have one

Restrictions and Requirements

• Guests entering the water must be confident swimmers; non-swimmers stay on deck
• Children must swim independently and wear the provided life jackets; the crew does not teach swimming
• Full-face masks and glass containers are not allowed (Hawaii Vacation Guide)
• Guests answering yes on the medical questionnaire need physician approval; pregnant guests should get a doctor's approval
• Not wheelchair accessible; may not run with fewer than 10 guests booked (VELTRA listing)

Cancellation Policy

Sea Paradise requires 24 hours' notice before check-in time for regular bookings and 72 hours for private charters or groups of 10 or more, by phone to 808-322-2500; the operator does not publish fees or refund percentages for later cancellations. The VELTRA listing charges 100% for cancellations or changes after 3:00 PM two business days before the tour. Checked October 2026 on seaparadise.com and hawaiiactivities.com.

Location

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Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Meeting Point

End of the finger pier at Keauhou Bay, 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740; look for crew in blue shirts

Check-In

8:15 AM, 15 minutes before the 8:30 AM departure

Parking and Getting There

Free along Kaleiopapa St; pier spaces are limited, allow a 3–5 minute walk

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact