Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour - 4 hour Kona Zodiac Adventure
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Big Island of Hawaii, USA
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Splash into the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay on this Big Island snorkeling adventure! Dart in and out of sea caves and explore the gorgeous Kona coastline in an agile Zodiac raft. Snorkel among colorful tropical fish, and keep an eye out for other marine life like whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Along the way, learn about the island’s geologic history and local legends from your expert guide, and see the spot where Captain Cook first landed in Hawaii.
- Raft and snorkel adventure on Kealakekua Bay
- Visit Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook monument
- Fantastic coastal views
- Close encounters with tropical marine life
- Look out for spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, manta rays and humpback whales
- Explore the geology of Hawaii through lava tubes and sea caves
What's Included
- Rafting expedition
- Use of snorkel equipment including masks and flotation devices
- Potato chips, cookies, water & soft drinks. Offered on the 8:00 AM & 12:45 PM tour
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick up and drop off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Captain Zodiac74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy #16, Kaiminani, HI 96740, USA
After turning onto Kealakehe Street make your first RIGHT and second LEFT look for a blue roof buildings parking lot surrounded by chain link fence and pink/orange flowers. We are the first office on the right.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Teeming with vibrant marine life, the protected waters of Kealakekua Bay off the Kona coast make for an ideal snorkeling destination. Begin your adventure at Honokohau Marina just north of Kailua-Kona, where you’ll meet your captain and climb aboard a 24-foot (7-meter) inflatable Zodiac raft — an agile, rigid-hull vessel used by the US Coast Guard and Navy SEALs.
As you cruise south along the beautiful Kona coastline, learn about the island’s fascinating history as your guide shares local facts and legends. See the Captain Cook monument, where the first European made contact with Hawaii, and keep an eye out for local marine life including spinner dolphins and humpback whales (during winter). Explore the Big Island’s volcanic history as your raft darts in and out of sea caves and past rocky lava tubes.
Slip on a provided snorkeling mask and fins and plunge into the warm, clear water to swim among schools of electric-colored fish and intricate coral gardens. After approximately 1.5 hours of snorkeling, climb back aboard the raft and refuel with a fresh Hawaiian snack and beverages (or picnic-style lunch on the 10 am departure).
Continue along the spectacular coastline back to the marina, where your 4- to 5-hour adventure concludes.
Please note: Due to the bumpy nature of the raft ride, this tour is not recommended for those with back or neck problems, or pregnant women.
As you cruise south along the beautiful Kona coastline, learn about the island’s fascinating history as your guide shares local facts and legends. See the Captain Cook monument, where the first European made contact with Hawaii, and keep an eye out for local marine life including spinner dolphins and humpback whales (during winter). Explore the Big Island’s volcanic history as your raft darts in and out of sea caves and past rocky lava tubes.
Slip on a provided snorkeling mask and fins and plunge into the warm, clear water to swim among schools of electric-colored fish and intricate coral gardens. After approximately 1.5 hours of snorkeling, climb back aboard the raft and refuel with a fresh Hawaiian snack and beverages (or picnic-style lunch on the 10 am departure).
Continue along the spectacular coastline back to the marina, where your 4- to 5-hour adventure concludes.
Please note: Due to the bumpy nature of the raft ride, this tour is not recommended for those with back or neck problems, or pregnant women.
1
Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Honokohau Marina & Small Boat Harbor
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Kailua-Kona
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
The Captain Cook Monument
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Kailua-Kona
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Minimum age is 4 years
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 112 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Aravind_M
Captain Gabe and Liz were amazing guides during the trip. loved learning more about the history of the place and the guided tour. Our kids were snorkeling for the first time in Hawaii and had a terrific time. we would recommend this activity 100 percent!
Reviews
4.9
based on 509 reviews
Jessica_P, Feb 2026
Amazing snorkeling spot and super fun ride out and back! Great for people who don’t mind a bumpy ride.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Mahalo for the great review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the amazing snorkeling spot and the fun ride along the coast—adventure is definitely part of the experience.
Our rafting trips are perfect for guests who don’t mind a little bounce in exchange for access to incredible locations and a more up-close ocean experience. We appreciate you joining us and hope to see you again for another adventure soon.
Eric_J, Jan 2026
Great tour with good information about the island. Plenty of time for snorkeling and nice trip back. Saw dolphins, whale, and sharks in addition to the snorkeling.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Awesome, we are so glad you enjoyed your tour with Captain Zodiac. Yes, Kona has some of the greatest whale and sea life tours in Hawaii and we're grateful that you were able to join us! Kealakekua Bay is very special and please come back and visit us the next time you are in Hawaii.
Mahalo,
CZ Team
April_H, Jan 2026
EXCELLENT experience!!! So much fun Rick and Cam were FANTASTIC they truly provided an awesome experience
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Mahalo nui loa for the wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear you had an EXCELLENT time and that Rick and Cam helped make it such a fun and memorable adventure. They’ll be thrilled to hear your kind words. We truly appreciate you choosing to join us on the ocean and hope to welcome you back again soon.
Aravind_M, Dec 2025
Captain Gabe and Liz were amazing guides during the trip. loved learning more about the history of the place and the guided tour. Our kids were snorkeling for the first time in Hawaii and had a terrific time. we would recommend this activity 100 percent!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Aloha! 🌺
Mahalo for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re so happy to hear that Captain Gabe and Liz made your trip memorable. They love sharing the history and stories of our Kona coastline, and it’s great to know their guided tour added so much to your day.
We’re especially thrilled that your kids had such a terrific time snorkeling in Hawaiʻi for the first time — what an unforgettable way to experience the ocean! 🐠💙
Mahalo nui loa for the 100% recommendation. We’d love to welcome you and your ʻohana back for another adventure with Captain Zodiac!
With aloha,
Captain Zodiac 🏴☠️🌊
Andrew_S, Dec 2025
Captain Sam and Jeda were fantastic guides during our snorkeling trip. They gave us the freedom to snorkel and tell us about some of the history. Funny to see dolphins arise the minute Captain Sam talked history
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Aloha! 🌺
Mahalo for joining us on your snorkeling adventure! We’re so happy to hear Captain Sam and Jada made your trip fantastic. They love sharing the history of our Kona coastline — and it sounds like the dolphins decided to join the story right on cue! 🐬✨
We’re glad you enjoyed the perfect balance of freedom in the water and guidance from our crew. Mahalo for choosing Captain Zodiac, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
With aloha,
Captain Zodiac 🏴☠️🌊
Aimee_f, Nov 2025
What an incredible time my family and I had . Marco made this experience unforgettable , made my entire family feel safe and even got the two I didn’t think would snorkel to go in and they now love it . The location was full of fish , he showed us some other locations and was very knowledgeable, we learned so many facts . Seeing my family smiling , laugh and happy was everything I could have dreamed of .
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Mahalo for sharing such a wonderful review! 🌺 We’re so happy to hear Captain Marco made your Kona adventure unforgettable and helped your whole family feel safe and confident in the water — that’s what it’s all about! 🌊🐠 Snorkeling near the Captain Cook Monument is always special, especially when you get to share it with loved ones and see those big smiles and laughter. We’re so grateful you chose to spend the day with us and hope to welcome your ohana back for another adventure soon! 🤙
Michael_K, Aug 2025
Tons of fish , excellent boat ride , beautiful scenery, great experience and very knowledgeable crew
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Mahalo for the kind words! 🌺 We’re thrilled you enjoyed the beautiful Kona scenery, snorkeling with tons of fish, and the ride out on the raft. Our crew loves sharing their knowledge — so glad it made your adventure even better! 🐠🚤
Alexandria_D, Aug 2025
Great trip - gorgeous snorkeling and appreciated that the captain got us there quick before the other boats arrived. It was also great to learn more about the different sites we stopped at on the way back.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Mahalo for going out on our Kona Snorkeling tour to Kealakekua Bay. So happy that you enjoyed the snorkeling tour with us. We hope to see you again.
Bert_W, Aug 2025
It was fun being on a small boat. In addition to the snorkeling, we got to go in some sea caves, saw jumping tuna, lots of birds, and a pod of short fin pilot whales. The boat captain and additional crew member were both fun and did a great job answering questions and pointing out landmarks. Then the snorkeling was amazing, hopefully I can go back some day.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Mahalo for the awesome review! Sounds like you had a true Kona adventure — sea caves, jumping tuna, birds, and even a pod of short-finned pilot whales?! Now that’s what we call a wild day on the water!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the small boat experience — it’s the best way to explore the hidden gems along the Kona coastline. And of course, the snorkeling by the Captain Cook monument never disappoints — like diving into a tropical postcard! 🐠🌈
We’d love to have you back for more ocean magic whenever you return to the Big Island. Until then, keep those fins ready!
Aloha,
Captain Zodiac Crew 🚤🌊
Heather_A, Mar 2025
Had a great time! Was like swimming in an aquarium, would highly recommend the 8am snorkel, it was not crowded and water temp was nice (early March). Added plus, saw dolphins, learned a little history and saw a 6ft hammerhead on the way back! The boat is a bit bumpy so this is not for young children or older adults with any mobility concerns.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Mahalo for the nice review about our snorkeling tour to Kealakekua bay. We love hearing from guests. Its true the boat is adventurous and bouncy so its not for everyone.
Rob_B, Oct 2024
Sandy and Gabe were great hosts and loads of fun. Raft ride was fantastic “Hawaiian Rollercoaster”. Lots of fish and they made sure we were comfortable and doing good. Even saw a spinner dolphin riding our waves. Would highly recommend this trip.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Mahalo for joining us on our "Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride"! Spinners are always a bonus too!
Tatiana_L, Jul 2024
Gabe and the Captain were extremely accommodating to everyone. He was very informative on the history of the Island. Hands down I would do it again … We got to see a lot of tropical fish . And the equipment was in great condition.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Go happy to hear you had a great time on vacation with us in Hawaii. Our seasoned captains and crew have tons of knowledge and experience running our tours and we are so glad to share it all with guests. Hope to see you again.
Matt_F, Jul 2024
Jason and DeVante were great guides! Tons of local knowledge and great personalities! Pineapple was delicious after a nice long snorkel!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Aloha,
There's nothing quite like that Hawai'i grown pineapple! We're happy you enjoyed the trip with us and all the new knowledge of the island.
Mahalo
Sonny_B, Mar 2024
Definitely not your average, Captain Zodiac is definitely recommended, Jason and Chuck were amazing and full of jokes
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Oh yes, they have plenty of jokes to tell! We hope you enjoyed each moment of the day. Mahalo for joining Captain Zodiac and for shouting out your fabulous crew!
Radhika_K, Dec 2023
If you like higher speed rafting on the Pacific Ocean, this is for you! Very fun. Ocean friendly Sunscreen is provided
Tracy_O, Dec 2023
The captain and first mate were informative and were very active with each of us during the tour. They made the tour great and showe us alot of interesting sights. They showed us whales and how to spot whales. They were lively and very friendly.
Vladimir_A, Dec 2023
Captain Marco and co-captain Leila were amazing. We saw whales on the way to the bay which was icing on a great snorkeling experience. Time went by so fast I couldn't believe I spent an hour there.
I took a star off because I was not offered a water bottle and the two Asian couples were also not offered a water bottle, only the white family of 5.... I'm sure there is a simple explanation.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Time really does fly when you are having fun! It is said Kealakekua Bay is like snorkeling in an aquarium, and we definitely agree. Mahalo for taking the time to shout out your amazing crew.
For the Captain Zodiac water bottles, guests are able to purchase those online when making their reservation. The water bottles are also available for purchase in store if you would have liked one. They are not handed out free of charge to any guest.
Bomstaf_L, Nov 2023
Been snorkeling many time in Kealakekua Bay. The Zodiac tour is the best. What made this time especially fun was Captain Marco. A fun ride, lots of history, very personable!
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Mahalo for your feedback! Captain Marco is a true treasure of Captain Zodiac. We are always happy to hear he helped provide a unique experience with getting close to the coast, allowing for some exploration, as well as sharing the many things that make Big Island special to so many.
Joey_R, Sep 2023
This tour was the best part of my trip even though I’m staying for a few more days. Captain Chuck and Marco were super cool, funny, and very informative. The boat seems scary at first but when you’re actually on shredding through the water you can’t help to laugh and smile. The fear of flying off the boat during “high speeds” quickly diminishes due to Captain Chuck’s experience navigating through the water. After getting to the snorkel spot Marco noticed my wife and I brought our own freediving fins and offered to show us tips in the water. We learned so much about freediving from Marco in 10 mins. The bay had great visibility with an abundance of wildlife. After our swim the crew offered us snacks and drinks.
I don’t want to say anything more and risk spoiling your experience but I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS TOUR!
Dan_A, Sep 2023
Had a wonderful time. Office Gal and Captain were very helpful and knowledgeable. Awesome all around
Paul_H, Aug 2023
Captain Rick made it a fun experience and on the morning tour made sure we got out swiftly. We spotted sharks on the way there and he stopped to observe them. We were among the first ones there and were done before it got a bit crowded. Captain Rick cut us some fresh fruits to energize for the way back where we stopped at a few noteworthy spots. Great experience.
Kris_A, Jul 2023
Watching my kids have a blast on the”high speed” boat. Also swimming and snorkeling in the ocean and doing cannonballs off the boat.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Kids have so much fun on the tour! Most love the high speed, bouncy ride but now we know that fun can continue on the raft while in the bay with cannonballs. Mahalo for including us on your family vacation! CZ
Tommy_H, Jul 2023
My trip was canceled and was disappointed. Last minute cancelation left us scrambling to find something to do on our last day here
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Our sincerest apologies for any and all inconvenience the cancellation caused. We do advise in our confirmation email that if the passenger minimums are not met we will need to rebook or, if unable to rebook, cancel with a full refund. Hopefully you enjoyed all that the Big Island has to offer while you were on island! CZ
Mandy_H, Jun 2023
This was the tour NOT TO MISS! We had a lot of fun seeing the sites and snorkeling the beautiful waters, but the real treat was the fun adventure ride on the speedy boat. Captain was a blast and made sure we all had a good time. You won’t be disappointed, book it!
Response from Host, Jul 2023
The bay is beautiful, but the boat is the most fun and adventurous part! We are so glad you enjoyed your time out on the water with us and appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. Hope to see you again next time you’re on island! CZ
Raja_P, May 2023
Davante and Rick made the trip much more worthwhile. I am not a swimmer and though I drank some water, they both encouraged me to press ahead and it was definitely a wonderful experience
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Mahalo for taking the time to leave a review and for shouting out the crew you had that day. Those guys provide a lot of laughs. We always love hearing when guests have a great time on the water! Especially when trying something new like snorkeling. CZ
Riley_K, May 2023
This was an incredible experience! The crew on the ship was so knowledgeable and because we went on the afternoon tour we had the bay almost entirely to ourselves, another large boat pulled up right as we were leaving and I was so glad to be with a small group of people. Would absolutely book this tour again if I was ever back in Kona!
Response from Host, May 2023
Aloha, thank you for joining us! A small group size is definitely one of the perks of coming out with Captain Zodiac, and we pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff :) We hope to see you next time you're in town!
Nancy_C, May 2023
This is the second time with captain zodiac and once again we had the time of our lives. The crew was wonderful, helpful and funny. We will be back again and highly recommend captain zodiac to anyone that wants to have a great time in the water!
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Mahalo for joining us on another tour! It is always a pleasure to take honorary pirates out on the water. Look forward to seeing you the next time! CZ
Czarina_A, Mar 2023
I think our tour guides were really welcoming! I also had so much fun looking at the fish. Very memorable!
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thanks for sharing about your experience with us. We are so happy that our Captain and Crew made you feel at home on your tour, that's our goal!
Desmond_P, Feb 2023
Excellent snorkeling trip. The guide was very knowledgeable about the area and helped us not only see dolphins but also humpback whales too. The fish and reefs were amazing.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Amazing! There is lots of marine life out there so we are glad you got to see a good bit of it. Hope to see you on your next vacation to Hawaii. Mahalo!
Molly_H, Feb 2023
This was so fun. Captain Adam was the best! We took a speed boat out on the coast, even caught a little bit of air a few times! We saw breaching whales, a pod of dolphins, and a turtle! We even got to listen to whale songs for a while too. So worth it!!
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Our Zodiac’s are a unique way to explore the coast. They allow you to see a lot in the day, as well as get you closer to some of the beauty Big Island has to offer (specifically the sea caves)! We are so glad you enjoyed the day with Captain Adam!
From $153.49
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