Captain Zodiac - Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour

Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour

Captain Zodiac

Captain Zodiac – Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour is the original Kona Coast adventure, thrilling guests for over 30 years. Ride a 24-foot Zodiac raft along 14 miles of rugged shoreline, passing lava tubes, sea caves, arches, and blowholes before reaching Kealakekua Bay, a pristine marine preserve and home to the historic Captain Cook Monument. Snorkel in exceptionally clear waters filled with colorful tropical fish, green sea turtles, and even dolphins, while learning about Hawaii's marine life, geology, and cultural history from your expert guide.

scheduleDuration: 4 hours

Operates Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays

  • was$151.33
  • now$126.00

🐠 Captain Zodiac – Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour

Get ready for a high-energy ocean adventure along the Kona Coast with Captain Zodiac’s original Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour, proudly running for over 30 years! Hop aboard a 24-foot Zodiac raft and zoom across crystal-clear Hawaiian waters as you explore 14 miles of rugged coastline filled with lava tubes, sea caves, archways and blowholes.

Your ultimate destination is Kealakekua Bay, a pristine marine preserve and the site of the historic Captain Cook Monument. Known as one of the top snorkeling locations in Hawaii, this bay offers exceptionally clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Snorkel among colorful tropical fish, sea turtles and possibly even dolphins, while learning about the area’s rich geology and cultural history from your expert guide.

This tour is the perfect mix of adventure, education and natural beauty — an unforgettable way to experience the magic of the Big Island from the sea.

🎉 Tour Highlights:

  • Iconic tour with 30+ years of history
  • Explore 14 miles of scenic Kona shoreline by Zodiac raft
  • Discover lava tubes, sea caves, blowholes and coastal arches
  • Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve
  • Spot turtles, dolphins and colorful tropical fish
  • Learn about the Big Island’s marine life, geology and history

🍽️ Tour Inclusions:

  • Snorkel gear (high-quality silicone masks, Rx masks, fins, float boards or vests)
  • Detailed snorkeling instruction
  • Tropical snack of fresh pineapple, chips, cookies and an assortment of refreshing soft drinks

⚠️ Please note

In Captain Zodiac's efforts to minimizing human impact on Hawaii's environment, the crew does not provide plastic bottles of water on the trip. They encourage guests to use reusable water bottles and guests are welcome to bring their own or purchase available ones at check in. There are fill-up stations available at the office and on the boat.

Captain Zodiac Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Zodiac raft different from a larger snorkel boat?

Captain Zodiac uses small, fast inflatable rafts that can maneuver closer to lava tubes, sea caves and rugged coastal features than many larger vessels. The ride itself is part of the adventure and offers a more intimate small-group experience on the way to Kealakekua Bay.

Is this tour suitable for first-time snorkelers?

Yes. Snorkel equipment and instruction are included, and the crew helps beginners get comfortable before entering the water. Kealakekua Bay is known for clear water and protected reef habitat, but guests should still be comfortable swimming in the ocean.

Who should avoid the Captain Zodiac raft ride?

The Zodiac ride can be fast and bumpy depending on ocean conditions, so it is not suitable for pregnant guests or anyone with neck or back injuries. The tour is open to guests age 4 and older, and passengers should be comfortable climbing aboard a small raft and handling an active ocean ride.

Special Instructions

Where and When
Tour times:
Morning tour: Check in at 7:45 am, Departure at 8:00 am, Return at 12:00 pm.
Afternoon tour: Check in at 12:30 pm, Departure at 12:45 pm, Return at 4:45 pm.

Departs from Honokohau Harbor. View Map
Driving directions to Honokohau Harbor: Located approximately 5 miles south of the Kona Airport (fourth traffic light) and approximately 2 miles north of the town of Kailua-Kona (third traffic light). The harbor entrance (Kealakehe Parkway) can be found by looking for a sign on the highway marked HONOKOHAU MARINA between mile markers 97 & 98. After turning onto Kealakehe Parkway make your first right and look for a mall with a blue tile roof. Our office is the first on the right in the mall.
Restrictions
Children must be at least 4 years old to participate.
Due to the bouncy nature of the ride, pregnant women or people with back or neck problems may not participate.
Special Notes
Life jacket, snorkel and mask are provided. You are welcome to bring your own snorkel and mask.
This tour might not be available if a cruise ship is visiting Kona on the day of your requested tour day.
Operation Days
Operates Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
If you would like to go rafting with Captain Zodiac later in the day, please see the 5 hour Beat the Crowd Hawaii Snorkeling Tour.
Duration
4 hours

Captain Zodiac - Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour Prices

  • Per Adult (13 yrs+)
    $151.33 $126.00
    Per Child (4-12 yrs)
    $99.44 $85.00

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