Beat the Crowd Hawaii Snorkeling Tour to Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island

Beat the Crowd Hawaii Snorkeling Tour

Captain Zodiac

Captain Zodiac – "Beat The Crowd" Hawaii Snorkeling Tour offers a 5-hour mid-day adventure designed to avoid the busy morning crowds at Kealakekua Bay. Departing from Honokohau Harbor at 10 am, this raft tour takes you along 14 miles of rugged Kona coastline, where you'll see lava tubes, sea caves, blowholes, and archways before reaching the pristine marine preserve. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters with vibrant coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, green sea turtles, and possibly dolphins, while enjoying more time both on the water and in the bay.

scheduleDuration: 5 hours

Operates Mondays, Tuesdays, (seasonal Wednesdays), Thursdays & Fridays.

  • was$167.54
  • now$140.00

🐠 Captain Zodiac - "Beat the Crowd" Hawaii Snorkeling Tour

Departing from Honokohau Harbor, located just north of Kailua-Kona, this Big Island snorkeling tour on board a raft takes you south to Kealakekua Bay, one of the best snorkel spots in all of Hawaii. Departing at 10 am, we arrive at Kealakekua around noon when other morning tours have left, so you'll enjoy a more uncrowded snorkeling experience. This tour is also 5 hours long, which allows for more time exploring the coastline and extra time in the water snorkeling. Kealakekua Bay is a marine preserve, featuring crystal clear water and a wide variety of marine life. The water is usually very clear with excellent visibility. Snorkel over the bay's vibrant reef and find yourself surrounded by colorful tropical fish and the occasional green sea turtle. The bay is also a historic location, home of the Captain Cook Monument.

🎉 Tour Highlights:

  • Enjoy a 5 hour mid-day Big Island snorkeling tour
  • Rafting tour covers 14 miles of scenic shoreline on the Kona Coast
  • See lava tubes, sea caves, blowholes and archways along the rugged shoreline
  • Snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve
  • Chance to see a variety of marine life, including turtles, dolphins and a wide variety of tropical fish

🍽️ Tour Inclusions:

  • Snorkel gear (high-quality silicone masks, Rx masks, fins, float boards or vests)
  • Detailed snorkeling instruction
  • Light deli lunch with 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, 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 Beat the Crowds Snorkeling Tour FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Beat the Crowds tour different from Captain Zodiac's regular Kealakekua Bay snorkel?

This tour lasts about five hours, giving guests more time at Kealakekua Bay than the standard four-hour excursion. Its mid-morning timing is also designed to arrive after many early boats begin leaving, creating a more relaxed snorkeling experience with fewer vessels around the 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 generally clear water and protected reef habitat, but participants should still be comfortable swimming in the ocean.

What else might guests see besides the reef at Kealakekua Bay?

The Zodiac ride follows the Kona Coast past lava-rock cliffs and other volcanic shoreline features, and dolphins or other marine life may occasionally be spotted along the way. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the small raft gives the captain flexibility to point out interesting coastal and marine features during the trip.

Special Instructions

Where and When
Check in at 9:45 am. Departs at 10:00 am and returns at 3:00 pm.
Check in at Honokohau Harbor View Map
Driving directions: Honokohau Marina and small boat harbor is 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
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday (and seasonally on Wednesdays)
Duration
5 hours

Captain Zodiac - Beat the Crowd Hawaii Snorkeling Tour Prices

  • Per Adult (13 yrs+)
    $167.54 $140.00
    Per Child (4-12 yrs)
    $129.71 $104.00

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