TourTruth score 9.4 out of 10
Photo 1 / 6
Kona Snorkel Tour to Captain Cook Monument 3 hr
Very goodTop 9% in Big Island of Hawaii
993 reviews · Rated on 2 providers · How we score
- Big Island of Hawaii
- 3 hrs
- Updated November 4, 2026
Sail from Keauhou Bay to Kealakekua Bay for a guided reef briefing, snorkeling, and a scenic return aboard the 50-foot Hoku Nui.
About this tour
Set sail from Keauhou Bay to the clear waters of Kealakekua Bay on a Kona snorkel tour to the Captain Cook Monument. Aboard the 50-foot Hoku Nui, you’ll reach a protected marine reserve known for healthy coral and abundant sea life.
Before entering the water, a marine naturalist shares a reef briefing. Then snorkel among colorful fish and coral, with possible sightings that include spinner dolphins, spotted eagle rays, green sea turtles, and moray eels. Snorkel gear, filtered water, reef-safe sunscreen, chips, and tropical fruit are provided. After your time in the bay, enjoy the return sail to Keauhou Bay, often a highlight of the afternoon trip. The tour runs from 2:00 PM to approximately 5:00 PM and does not stop at the Red Hill Area.
Choose this Kona snorkel tour for a memorable afternoon on the water, with expert insight into the reef and a scenic sailing experience. Book your spot and discover Kealakekua Bay from the sea.
Highlights
- Sail aboard the 50-foot Hoku Nui to Kealakekua Bay
- Snorkel among vibrant coral and abundant marine life
- Hear a reef briefing from a marine naturalist
- Enjoy a scenic sail back to Keauhou Bay
What's included
Included
- Filtered water
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Marine naturalist briefing
- Snorkel gear: mask, fins, and flotation noodle
- Maui chips and tropical fruit
Not included
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages, available for purchase onboard by credit card
Ratings on each provider
The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.
-
View on Viator
Viator
4.90 / 5 · 743 reviews
-
View on GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide
4.85 / 5 · 250 reviews
What reviewers mention
Themes that come up most in this tour's reviews.
Important information
- All snorkelers must be confident swimmers; non-swimmers may not enter the water
- Children must wear life jackets
- Full-face masks are not allowed
- The captain and crew may remove guests from the water if swimming ability or conditions pose a safety risk; follow crew instructions
Show 6 moreShow less
- Review health guidelines at seaparadise.com/medical before booking; all guests must sign a release form before boarding
- Advise staff of dietary restrictions at least 48 hours before the tour
- Meet at Keauhou Bay finger pier, end of 78-7130 Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
- Check in at 1:45 PM; departure is at 2:00 PM and return is approximately 5:00 PM
- The Hoku Nui motor-sails when there is no wind
- This tour does not stop at the Red Hill Area
Frequently asked questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, departing at 2:00 PM and returning around 5:00 PM.
Where does the tour depart from?
Meet at the Keauhou Bay finger pier at the end of 78-7130 Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona. Check-in is at 1:45 PM.
Do I need to be a confident swimmer?
Yes. All snorkelers must be confident swimmers. Non-swimmers may not enter the water, and children must wear life jackets.
Are snorkel gear and refreshments provided?
Yes. Snorkel gear, filtered water, reef-safe sunscreen, Maui chips, and tropical fruit are provided.
Can I buy alcohol onboard?
Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on day tours using a credit card.
How this score is calculated
This tour scores 4.90 on Viator and 4.85 on GetYourGuide. Ratings on these sites cluster near the top of the 5-star scale, so we compare each one with all other ratings on the same site before combining them.
How the score works and rating distribution in Big Island of Hawaii
- Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
- Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
- Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
- The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 8.7. Top 9% in Big Island of Hawaii means it ranks in the top 9% of tours in Big Island of Hawaii by this score.
Provider rating distribution in Big Island of Hawaii
How many tours in Big Island of Hawaii have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.
- GetYourGuide
- Viator
More Snorkeling & Diving in Big Island of Hawaii
from $135.64
on Viator · GetYourGuide










