This sheltered snorkel spot off the south end of the beach is a favorite. The outer reef absorbs a lot of the swell making this site very calm. Look for needlefish, yellow tailed coris, manini, and spotted tobies here, as well as sea cucumbers.
Explore the Captain Cook Monument, Painted Church, and more at this unmatched marine sanctuary! Includes tropical breakfast and island-inspired savory lunch.
1. South Kona Boat Tour
A South Kona boat tour is the perfect way to see the best of Hawaii’s magnificent underwater world, especially with the best Kona snorkeling tours to pick from. It connects you to the Hawaiian culture of the past as it engages your adventurous spirit. Whether you choose a catamaran, powerboat, or fishing charter, you’ll find a tour that is suitable for the entire family.
You’ll sail along the shores of historic Kealakekua Bay on a deluxe boat tour with snorkeling, breakfast and lunch included. Explore multiple snorkel locations in the pristine tropical waters of Kealakekua Bay, which is considered one of the best in the state of Hawaii. You’ll take a scenic morning or afternoon cruise, and you can swim alongside dolphins and manta rays. You can also jump from an onboard high jump and waterslide, or you can simply relax and soak up the sun!
The cost of a Captain Cook boat tour will vary depending on the type of tour and departure time. Typically, you can expect to pay between US$140 for 3 hours or US$170 for a 4.5-hour trip per person. Snorkel equipment and a guide are always included in the price of your tour. You’ll want to ensure that you are booking a reputable tour operator, which prioritizes safety and provides a well-rounded exploration of the Captain Cook Monument site.
Visiting the Captain Cook Monument on a snorkeling adventure is the perfect way to experience Hawaii’s natural beauty and marine life. Whether you’re taking a deluxe South Kona snorkel cruise, a dinner cruise, or a whale watching tour, you’ll be able to see the majestic Mount
Cook jutting out of the ocean and the impossibly blue sea surrounding it.
Most Big Island boat tours depart from Kailua Kona Pier or Keauhou Bay, over on the West Side of the island. Some whale watching trips leave from Anaehoomalu Bay up in the northwest, while sunset sailing tours depart from Honokohau Harbor near the Kona Airport.
While you’re sailing along the beautiful Kona coast, you’ll have the chance to view a wide variety of marine life. You may see Hawaiian green sea turtles frolicking in the water, pilot whales swimming alongside your boat, or even humpback whales. The beauty of the coral reefs will captivate you as you glide through the deep blue waters.
2. Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour
A stunning bay tucked along the rocky coast of the Big Island’s Kona District, Kealakekua Bay is home to a pristine marine sanctuary that offers some of the best snorkeling on the island. It’s also the site of the Captain Cook monument, a historic archeological spot where the famous explorer met his untimely end.
Whether you’re looking to explore the pristine waters of the bay, or swim with manta rays at night, there are several companies in the area that offer great options. The key is to book your tour early in the day, so you can beat the crowds and enjoy a better chance of spotting the wildlife. Most of these tours provide everything you need, including snorkeling gear, snacks, and refreshments.
One company that does it right is the Kona Boys, who are committed to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the bay. Their educational tours and responsible tourism practices foster a deeper connection between visitors and this important marine habitat on the Hawaiian Islands.
On the Dolphin Discoveries Deluxe Snorkeling Tour, you’ll sail out of Keauhou Bay in a high-speed Zodiac raft and have the chance to spot spinner dolphins as you head out to the bay. Then, once you enter the water, you’ll be able to spot all sorts of fish and marine life, from fiery angelfish to schools of butterflyfish to rare lizardfish. The staff on this tour is very knowledgeable and can help you to identify the various species as you swim beneath the surface.
This is an amazing snorkeling tour for anyone who wants to see a bit more of the underwater world in Hawaii, and is also great for families with kids. The price is a bit higher than some of the other tours on this list, but the experience is well worth it for any visitor who loves spending time in and out of the water.
You’ll be able to stay in the water for as long as you want, and some tours also include lunch onboard as an added bonus. Just make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, and comfortable, close-toed shoes before you head out to sea. For more information about this snorkeling tour, visit the Kona Boys website. They also have a Facebook page, so you can follow them for updates and more information about their other exciting tours. You can even join their email newsletter to get special deals and discounts! So, what are you waiting for? Book your next adventure today! It’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable one. Just remember, if you’re lucky enough to spot any of the wildlife, be sure to be respectful and not harass them! It’s illegal, and it can also affect their ability to hunt.
3. Night Snorkel with Manta Rays
During the day, snorkelers and divers can see Manta Rays in the ocean off Kona. But it’s at night that these giants really shine. The bright lights from snorkeling boats and the Sheraton hotel draw the plankton they love to eat, attracting large numbers of Manta Rays to this popular spot for watching. This is one of the world’s top wildlife viewing experiences, as well as an incredible way to see the Big Island at night.
It’s important to note that you can’t touch the manta rays while on this tour. The Manta Rays are filter feeders, not predatory. While they have sharp gills, their tail stingers are blunt and not capable of causing injury to humans. That said, it’s still a great idea to wear a mask and snorkel to avoid getting stung by anything in the water.
If you do get stung by something in the water, your tour guide will provide a safe and effective treatment before you return to the boat. It’s also important to remember that these tours are not for children. Not because of the danger involved, but because of the need to stay in sight of your guide at all times. There is a lot of water in the ocean, and it can be difficult to navigate without a guide.
The minimum age for this tour is 7, and it’s recommended that you have some prior snorkeling experience. This is because it can be difficult to keep up with a group of people when you’re in the water at night. There are a few companies that offer this tour for families, but be sure to book in advance as spots fill up quickly.
Cost and Availability
There are several different options for this tour, including a shorter version with a lower price point that departs earlier in the evening. For example, the Manta Ray Night Snorkel offered by Hawaii Island & Ocean Tours takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes, has a small group of 6, and offers a refund or reschedule in case of bad weather.
It’s also a good idea to bring a waterproof camera or GoPro, so that you can capture the amazing experience. You should also bring a bag that can hold your wet gear, as the weather in Hawaii can be chilly after the sun goes down. Finally, it’s a good idea to take some Dramamine if you’re prone to seasickness. That way, you can relax and enjoy the experience. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you’ll want to brag about to all your friends back home.