Itinerary
Tour travels south aboard a 32ft or 45 ft Zodiac ( small group 19-28 passengers) to Kealakekua Bay, home of the Captain Cook monument. Along the way, we stop at historical sites and sea caves. Our skilled captains watch for whales and dolphins so that we can encounter the wonderful marine from onboard. Once in Kealakekua Bay, we snorkel there for approx 1 hour. Guests can expect to see turtles, bright-colored reef fish, coral that’s over 1500 years old, the Captain Cook Monument, freshwater springs, and be on the lookout for Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. Due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act put in place Oct 2021 no one is allowed to swim with the wild spinners dolphins. However, we are still allowed to watch and encounter them from onboard.
See Availability.
Kailua Pier, Kaahumanu Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Traveler pickup is offered
CRUISE SHIP GUESTS: Check-in Time 15 min prior to departure time. This tour departs from the Kailua-Kona pier. When you get off your tender please wait under the green shaded tent look for a sign that says " C Big Island / Dolphin Reef Snorkel"
Ports
3 hours(approx.)
Returns to original departure point
Minimum age is 5 years
Not wheelchair accessible
Boat is not wheelchair accessible
Weight limit is 265lbs (125kg)
Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name
Suggested items to bring: sunglasses, sunblock and towel
Please have your bathing suit on before the trip begins.
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travelers
Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Posted By : Margaret_A
This was a small group. The staff were upbeat, fun and very helpful. We were lucky enough to not only see dolphins and a turtle, but also pilot whales which was really special. It was wonderful snorkelling in front of the captain cook monument. Always had staff to look after us if needed. I would definitely recommend this trip. Thanks Captain Trevor, Diego and Scott. This was a highlight for us.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-02
Posted By : Joanne A
This was an amazing experience. Everything was extremely well organized, and I really appreciated that the captain made the trip very relaxing. Whenever we saw whales, or dolphins, we would stop and spend ample time at the location.The snorkeling location is outstanding with great visibility, and an incredible array of fish to see. We also enjoyed the lunch and drinks available. I highly recommend this trip and company. Well worth every penny spent.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-17
Posted By : Joanne_A
This was an amazing day. The excursion was well organized. It was very relaxing. The captain would stop when we saw whales, and dolphins. The snorkeling spot was perfect as far as visibility and the number and diversity of fish. Outstanding service all the way around. I highly recommend it!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-17
Posted By : Julie_S
Snorkeling was great! Beautiful fish
Chris was GREAT, shared history, very helpful to all, makes sure everyone is safe and enjoying themselves!
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-12-15
Posted By : Moira_F
It was really difficult to rate this trip as we loved the snorkelling, saw some fantastic things and the 2-man crew were great. BUT we felt the boat was not adequate for the numbers involved, with eight at the front on proper forward facing rib seats travelling in relative style and comfort and the ten at the back sharing a two-sided middle seat and the sides of the rib with boxes of food/drinks, snacks and snorkelling equipment with little room for ourselves or our kit. Also it was hard to hear what the guys were saying when moving, so we almost certainly didn’t hear a lot of interesting commentary. Getting in and out of the boat at the start/end and for snorkelling was also not easy for some (although not a problem for us). I just hop they were warned about it beforehand. Unfortunately didn’t see any dolphins despite the name of the trip, but that’s wildlife for you! We did see turtles at the surface, however, which was great.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-10-03
Posted By : Mary_E
Chris was a great guide, who took us to a fine snorkeling area -- Captain Cook monument. The array of fish were amazing! I liked that Chris reminded us to be careful and respectful of the fish and reefs. Altogether a must-do in the Kona area. Well worth the price!
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-09-07
Posted By : Dawn_R
We enjoyed the boat ride and the snorkeling. We saw lots of coral and plants and fish. We had a bit later start.
They had noodles to use as floaties. WE had snacks of fresh pineapple and potato chips, ect.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-05-24
Posted By : Wendy_Z
Snorkel around the unspoiled coral reefs. A lot of colorful and beautiful fishes around you. Amazing! Love it. The captain drive fast some times, so we feel like seating at a fast speed boat. Enjoy!
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-05-07
Posted By : Alberto_D
The crew was great, our kids enjoyed the experience, and the cost was reasonable. However, a few items to note. The boat is smaller than I expected but can carry about 15-20 people. There were no Dolphins, we did snorkel near the reefs, but you only got to see caves from a distance... on the ride back. It was less than I had hoped/expected.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-04-24
Posted By : Leantoinette_D
Booked this excursion when on cruise around Hawaiian islands on NCL. Pick up was right at tender drop off from ship. Quick walk and we were on raft. Staff was great. Saw spinner dolphins and bottle nose. Snorkeling was great. Took us by a few lava caves. Length of tour was perfect plus provided us delish sandwiches, chips, drinks. Definitely recommend.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-04-02
