Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Big Island of Hawaii, USA
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Kealakekua Bay was famously the spot where Captain James Cook was killed and lies along Hawaii’s scenic Kona Coast. On this afternoon tour, discover the bay’s historic sites and natural wonders on a thrilling boat cruise. See the Captain Cook Monument, explore the sea caves and lava tubes around the bay, and dive in to swim and snorkel amid colorful marine life.
- Stunning views of Kealakekua Bay from the water
- Explore remote sea caves and coves along the Kona Coast
- No snorkeling experience necessary: instruction provided
- Chance to spot dolphins, whales, and sea turtles
What's Included
- Snacks
- Water & Juice
- Snorkeling Gear
- Flotation Devices (including snorkeling vests & view finder boards)
- Bottled water
- Towels
- Sunscreen
- Swimsuits
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Check in at our office in Keauhou Bay, just past the Sheraton Resort & Spa
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Sea Quest Hawaii
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Swimming & snorkeling experience not necessary but recommended
- Must be able to climb a short pool ladder
- Women that are pregnant and individuals with back or neck injuries are restricted
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Matthew_B
We had a really wonderful time on this tour. Sam, our Captain and Eli, her crew, were terrific. Sam was especially great for sharing her knowledge of the area. The snorkeling was also wonderful and even though we had a full boat, they made it easy and comfortable. It was a great day.
Reviews
4.9
based on 387 reviews
Eric_G, Apr 2026
Excellent experience! Our captain’s were very informative and did a great job. The reefs were teaming with fish! Saw an octopus and eels as well!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Aloha Eric, thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii’s Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive.
We are so happy to hear that your experience was such a great one and that it was kid approved as well. Creating a fun, safe, and engaging adventure for the whole ohana is something we truly love.
Kealakekua Bay is such a special place, and it sounds like you had an incredible day in the water. Seeing reefs teeming with fish along with an octopus and eels is always such an exciting bonus and makes each snorkel unique.
Mahalo nui loa for your kind words about our captain and crew. We are so glad their knowledge and care helped make your day even more memorable.
We hope to welcome you and your ohana back again for another beautiful day on the water.
With warmest Aloha,
Sea Quest Hawaii
Susan_H, Feb 2026
Great staff, knowledgeable, good for novice snorkelers, fun trip! Saw humpback whales, bottle nose and spinner dolphins along the way.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Aloha Susan,
Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's Captain Cook Exclusive and mahalo for the wonderful review!
We are so happy to hear you had such a fun trip to Kealakekua Bay with us! It means so much to know you found the staff knowledgeable and welcoming, especially for novice snorkelers. We truly love helping everyone feel comfortable and confident in the water so they can fully enjoy the experience.
And what an incredible wildlife day! Humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, and spinner dolphins all in one outing is such a special treat. Kona really knows how to show off sometimes and we are so glad you were there to see it.
Thank you again for joining us and for taking the time to share your experience. We would love to have you back out on the water for another unforgettable adventure.
With warmest Aloha,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Team
Rebekah_S, Dec 2025
Great experience for the beginner and intermediate snorkelers! Great guides, great to be on a boat on the coast. Saw dolphins, turtles, humpback whale and tons of fish. Worth the cost for happy family and many thank yous for the family planner.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Aloha Rebekah! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's Captain Cook Exclusive during your Ohana's Hawaiian vacation! We’re so happy to hear that your family had such a great experience throughout the entire tour and that it was well suited for both beginner and intermediate snorkelers. Seeing dolphins, turtles, a humpback whale, and so many fish truly makes for an unforgettable day on the water and family memories that will last a lifetime! Thank you for choosing to snorkel with us, and for trusting us with your ohana’s adventure. We hope to welcome you all back again in the future.
With warmest Aloha,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Team
Chao_Y, Dec 2025
One of the best snorkeling experience I ever had. We had very knowledgeable and passionate Captain! Tavern was great too. We were lucky to see a lot of different animals .
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Aloha Chao! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's Captain Cook Exclusive and Mahalo for taking the time to share your experience! 🌺
We’re so glad to hear that your Kealakekua Bay snorkel was one of the best you’ve ever had. Our captains and crew truly love what they do, and it means a lot to know their knowledge and passion came through. We are so happy you had the chance to see so many incredible marine animals! Kealakekua Bay is such a special marine sanctuary.
We hope to welcome you back for another adventure the next time you’re in Hawaiʻi.
With warmest Aloha,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Team
Matthew_B, Oct 2025
We had a really wonderful time on this tour. Sam, our Captain and Eli, her crew, were terrific. Sam was especially great for sharing her knowledge of the area. The snorkeling was also wonderful and even though we had a full boat, they made it easy and comfortable. It was a great day.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Mahalo nui loa for your kind words and for joining Sea Quest Hawaii on the Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive! We're thrilled to hear you had a wonderful time and that Sam and Eli helped make your experience both fun and informative. Sam truly loves sharing the history and beauty of the area, and it's great to know that the Aloha came through. We’re also happy the snorkeling was wonderful and that the group size still felt comfortable. We hope to welcome you aboard again for another unforgettable adventure!
With warmest Aloha,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Team
Hans_F, Jun 2025
The crew was super. Very friendly and seemed genuine, not putting on a show, just friendly and real. Great snorkeling. We chose three hours and wished we had chosen 4. Considering going again tomorrow for more. Great equipment too. They used higher end gear which makes a big difference.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Captain Cook Exclusive Snorkel Tour! We are honored to have you aboard and thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time with us so much that you are considering another tour! That is the highest form of flattery.
We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed our team members. They truly love what they do and enjoy sharing their knowledge and our beautiful island with our guest. It is very rewarding to be recognized for the Aloha that they shared with you during your tour. We can not thank you enough!
We appreciate the mention of our equipment. Having high quality equipment makes such a big difference in the enjoyment of the experience, we are so happy to hear that you appreciated it.
We hope to see you again in the future.
Mahalo nui loa,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Ohana
Gricel_S, May 2025
We saw so many colorful fish….best place for snorkeling I’ve seen so far, and I have been to all the Hawaiian islands. The boat crew was amazing & so helpful…stopping at different locations & giving us the history on captain cook.
Make sure you bring a secure fitting hat & reef safe sunscreen on this excursion.
Response from Host, May 2025
Aloha Gricel,
Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's Captain Cook Exclusive Snorkel Tour! We’re honored to hear that Kealakekua Bay was the best snorkeling spot you’ve experienced across all the Hawaiian Islands — that’s high praise! Our crew will be so happy to know their hospitality and historical knowledge they shared made the day even more special for you.
Great tips on the hat and reef-safe sunscreen, we couldn’t agree more! Thanks again for joining us on this adventure, and we hope to welcome you back aboard during your next trip to the Big Island.
Mahalo,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Ohana
Anil_S, May 2025
We recently went on a snorkeling tour with Sea Quest during our Hawaii trip, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of our vacation. Although I know how to swim, I completely underestimated what it would be like in the open sea. The moment I got into the water, I felt overwhelmed and panicked. But what happened next truly defined the spirit of Sea Quest and their amazing team.
A crew member named Taylor noticed my discomfort and immediately came to my aid. She stayed with me throughout the entire snorkeling session, gently encouraging me, tugging me along, and making sure I was comfortable and safe. More than that, she took the time to show me some beautiful underwater sights that I would have otherwise missed. Her calm presence, patience, and genuine care turned what could have been a frightening experience into something truly special.
Taylor went above and beyond, and I am deeply grateful for her kindness. Because of her, I not only enjoyed the snorkeling but also gained a newfound confidence in the water. I will always remember this day and the people who made it so wonderful.
Thank you, Sea Quest, and a special thank-you to Taylor – you made a lasting impression!
Response from Host, May 2025
Aloha Anil,
Mahalo nui loa for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's Captain Cook Exclusive Snorkel Tour and for sharing such a beautiful and heartfelt review. We're deeply touched to hear how meaningful your experience with us was, and we're so proud of Taylor for exemplifying the spirit of Sea Quest with such care, patience, and aloha.
The ocean can be both awe-inspiring and intimidating, and it takes great courage to push through those first moments to truly enjoy the beauty of the underwater world. We’re so glad Taylor was there to support and guide you — turning a moment of fear into one of growth, discovery, and lasting memory. Stories like yours fill our hearts with Aloha and are exactly why we do what we do.
We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Taylor — we know it will mean the world to her. Thank you for trusting us with your adventure, and we hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable moments on the water.
With warmest aloha,
The Sea Quest ʻOhana
Anand_P, May 2025
Great experience, they took a lot of care to ensure everyone felt comfortable and had a wonderful time. Would recommend to others
Response from Host, May 2025
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's Captain Cook Exclusive Snorkeling Tour. We are so pleased to hear that you had a great experience. The safety and comfort of our guest is our highest priority, and we are thrilled to hear you had a wonderful time. Mahalo for your kind recommendation.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Sea Quest Hawaii 'Ohana
Katrina_D, Apr 2025
We had an absolutely incredible experience on the snorkeling trip with this amazing crew! From the moment we stepped on the boat, they made us feel welcome, safe, and excited for the adventure ahead. The captain was knowledgeable and friendly, and the entire crew went above and beyond to make sure everyone—especially the kids—had a great time.
The snorkeling spots were stunning, and we saw so much beautiful marine life. The gear was clean and well-maintained, and the team was attentive to every detail. It was clear they truly love what they do, and that passion made all the difference.
Thank you for creating such a fun and unforgettable day for our family. We’ll be talking about this trip for a long time—and we’ll definitely be back!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Aloha Katrina, thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's Captain Cook Exclusive Snorkel during your Ohana's vacation to the Big Island of Hawaii. We are thrilled to hear that your family had such an incredible time snorkeling with us. It means the world to know that from the moment you stepped on board, you felt welcomed, safe, and ready for adventure—that’s exactly the experience we aim to create for every guest. Each and every one of our Captains and Crew members truly love what they do. It is very rewarding to be recognized for the care, knowledge and Aloha they share. Mahalo for the kind words! We appreciate you sharing your vacation with us and we are so happy to be a part of your lasting memories. We hope to see you again in the future. Mahalo nui loa!
Saundra_B, Apr 2025
Awesome snorkeling, the crew were fantastic. Saw so many different species of fish. Definitely recommend to our friends and family.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii’s Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive. We are thrilled to hear you had an awesome time snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay. There are definitely so many different types of reef fish and the crystal clear waters make snorkeling feel like you are in an aquarium. We sincerely appreciate your recommendation and your kind words. Mahalo nui loa
Karin_O, Feb 2025
Great Captain. Beautiful views. Snorkeling was amazing. I got to hear whales singing which was magical
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Aloha Karin! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed the snorkeling at our marine sanctuary on the Big Island, enjoyed the beautiful views of the Kona Coastline as well as being able to hear the whale songs! What a magical afternoon! Mahalo nui loa for sharing your vacation with us.
Rebecca_F, Feb 2025
We had an amazing time! The Captain and Eli were friendly and helpful. I was anxious about jumping in off the side of the boat, but It felt safe and guests were well-supported by the crew. We appreciated drinks, fresh fruit and snack's after returning to the boat. The view of caves and history along the way was an added bonus. We even saw a humpback fully breech (twice!) close to the boat!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Aloha Rebecca! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive! We are honored to hear that our Captain and Crew were able to show you some compassion and Aloha, making you feel comfortable during the tour. We are thrilled to hear you were able to see a humpback whale fully breech so close to the boat! What an unbelievable afternoon! Mahalo nui loa for sharing your vacation with us.
Austin_a, Jan 2025
Captain Brenden and MJ were the best! They provided such a great experience for my husband and I. Smooth trip, it was a little bumpy because of the water conditions, but they made all of us feel at ease. We stopped to see a hunchback whale, totally unexpected part of the excursion. They prioritize safety! They also bring you to the most beautiful bay where you can snorkel in still waters. Snacks and hydration provided! Highly recommended! We will come back! -Jess&Austin
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Aloha Jess &. Austin! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's Captain Cook Exclusive Daytime Snorkel Tour! We are so happy to hear that you had such a great experience, even with a little swell in the ocean. Our Crew truly is the best! They absolutely love what they do and enjoy sharing their knowledge and Aloha with our guest, while still keeping safety as the top priority. It is very rewarding to be recognized for all that they do. We hope to see you again in the future. Mahalo nui loa!
Jeanne_W, Nov 2024
Captain Robbie and Captain Brenna made the trip enjoyable. They are knowledgable and put me at ease. They took good care of me and others and were quick with jokes and laughter.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Aloha Jeanne! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's Captain Cook Exclusive Snorkel Tour! We are thrilled to hear our Captain and Crew made the trip so enjoyable! It is very rewarding to hear that their Aloha was recognized. We hope to see you again in the future. Mahalo nui loa!
Daniel_C, Oct 2024
Lots of time to snorkel and see the island! Very informative tour guides. Definitely worth the visit.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Captain Cook Exclusive Snorkel Adventure! We had a great time with you onboard and appreciate the kind words. We hope to see you again in the future. Mahalo nui loa!
Anna_G, Sep 2024
Could not have asked for a better tour! Brendan and Darcy were wonderful. We booked morning of and everything was smooth and easy. They took time to show us unique pieces of the island in addition to a full hour of snorkeling. The fresh fruit and snacks were a pleasant surprise and made the morning extra memorable.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Aloha Anna! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive! We are thrilled to hear you had an amazing tour! Our Captains and Crew truly love what they do and it is such a joy to hear they are recognized for their knowledge and Aloha that they share. We appreciate being a part of your vacation memories. Mahalo nui loa!
Jere_G, Aug 2024
Our crew was wonderful, katlyn (probably misspelled) and captain kevin so kind,understanding and patient with me a non swimmer. Theye were the best. Thank you for a wonderful afternoon.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Aloha Jere! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive! We are so happy to hear that Kaitlyn and Captain Kevin were able to share their Aloha with you and you had a wonderful afternoon! We truly love sharing this experience with swimmers of all experience levels. Mahalo nui loa!
Harsha_K, Jul 2024
Michael and Kaitlyn were awesome hosts and captain. Smooth ride. Phenomenal experience. Would highly recommend then
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii! We are very pleased to hear you had such a phenomenal experience! Thank you for the recommendation! Mahalo nui loa!
Ryan_S, Jun 2024
Great experience very kind knowledgeable staff!!! would definitely recommend this If you are with your family and want some afternoon fun!!!
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Aloha Ryan! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive! We are so happy to hear your entire 'Ohana enjoyed the afternoon snorkel experience! We hope to see you again in the future. Mahalo nui loa!
Kassandra_B, May 2024
What a wonderful tour and experience the fish were so cool and the spot chosen had a lot to explore!
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed our marine sanctuary in Kona and all that the ocean had to offer. Mahalo nui loa!
stacey_h, Apr 2024
This excusion took us to one of the best snorkel spots we've ever been to. The water was crystal clear and we saw so many varieties of fish.
Our guides were fantastic. They provided great equipment and were full of interesting information to share with the group. We even loved the boat ride out to the spot and on the way back, our guides took us to the caves along the shoreline.
Don't miss this one - it was one of our favorites.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Aloha Stacey! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's Captain Cook Exclusive Snorkel Tour. We are thrilled to hear you loved our Marine Sanctuary here on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is such an honor to hear that this was one of your favorites. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo nui loa!
Chris_S, Apr 2024
Our captain and first mate were awesome!! Our captain was funny and super knowledgeable of the area and explaining a first time snorkler how to snorkle. She took us to Captain Cooks and the reefs and fish were amazing. You had lots of time to enjoy and even come back to the boat for snacks. I would highly recommend this to a first timer and for families. They provide flotation vests which made it so nice to just float and not get worn out. On the way back, we toured the coast and she explained so much about the history and geography of the coast. It was an awesome experience!!!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Aloha Chris! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive! We are thrilled to be a part of your first time snorkeling and showing you the beautiful underwater world! We are so glad to hear you had such an awesome experience! Mahalo nui loa!
Charlie_P, Mar 2024
Capt. Brendon and MJ were incredible. The whole process was logistically smooth. I had everything I needed and enjoyed it tremendously. The crew was great but the tour was just perfect for our family. Super happy we did it!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Aloha Charlie! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive Tour! We are honored to spend time with you and your family on your vacation and are thrilled to hear you enjoyed the experience tremendously! Mahalo
Kelly_M, Mar 2024
From the start, this company was very professional and knowledgable. I loved the gift shop where you check in. The snorkelling was in a covered bay and was pretty cool. I really loved the rock caves on the way back to the marina. Overall a great day.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Aloha Kelly! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive. We enjoyed showing you our marine sanctuary at Kealakekua Bay and all the lava formations and lava tubes on the way back. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo nui loa!
DeAnna_S, Feb 2024
This was one of our favorite excursions. There were so many different types of fish to see and we had plenty of time to swim around and explore. We even caught a glimpse of an eagle ray toward the end of our trip! Our guides were fantastic and very knowledgeable about the island and its history. They also took us through a nice scenic tour up the coast on our way back to the marina, during which, we were followed by some spinner dolphins who wanted to play. I highly recommend this excursion.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Aloha DeAnna! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive! We could not be more flattered to hear this snorkel tour was one of your favorite excursions! Colorful Reef Fish, Spinner Dolphins and a Spotted Eagle Ray is a once in a lifetime experience! We loved having you onboard and hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo nui loa!
Scott_R, Feb 2024
Captain Brandon & skipper Courtney were awesome tour guides. Loved the boat ride to:from the snorkeling bay. Perfect water temperature, good assortment of fish and coral to view. I brought my own wetsuit long sleeve top which kept me warm and allowed me to stay in the water longer. They have short sleeve tops to rent for $22. Brandon showed us interesting details close up in the lava mountain face from the water from the boat. Highly recommend this snorkeling trip!
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Aloha Scott! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Excursion! We are thrilled to share our Hawaiian Marine Sanctuary with you and the gorgeous island from the sea. We loved having you aboard and hope to see you again. Mahalo nui loa
Sue_N, Feb 2024
Enjoyed our snorkel adventure. Saw lots of fish. Even saw a whale breach. They took good care of my Daughter in law who got sea sick.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Aloha Sue! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Captain Cook Snorkel Exclusive! What a special experience to not only be able to see the beautiful reef fish, but to experience a whale breaching! We are happy to hear that our Captain and crew were able to show your daughter-in-law some Aloha when she wasn't feeling well. Mahalo nui loa
Elizabeth_S, Jan 2024
We saw a humpback whale, spinner dolphins, and plenty of fish during the snorkel trip. Our captain and crew were very knowledgeable about history, geology, wildlife, and general interest.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Aloha Elizabeth! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Captain Cook Exclusive Snorkel in Kealakakua Bay! Humpback whales, spinner dolphins and loads of reef fish sounds like an incredible day! Thank you for also allowing our Captain and Crew to share their aloha with you on your vacation. Mahalo nui loa
Calvin_L, Jan 2024
Great crew and service. They even had prescription goggles to lend out. Viator doesn’t mention it, but arrive 15 min before the time posted.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Aloha Calvin! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii for your Exclusive Captain Cook Snorkel! We enjoyed sharing the Kealakekua Bay Marine Sanctuary with you. RX Snorkel Mask are wonderful for our guest that wear glasses! We want everyone to be able to see clearly and enjoy the underwater world. Mahalo!
From $124.87
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