Kona Snorkel Tour to Captain Cook Monument 3 hr - Image 1
Kona Snorkel Tour to Captain Cook Monument 3 hr - Image 2
Kona Snorkel Tour to Captain Cook Monument 3 hr - Image 3
Kona Snorkel Tour to Captain Cook Monument 3 hr - Image 4
Kona Snorkel Tour to Captain Cook Monument 3 hr - Image 5
Kona Snorkel Tour to Captain Cook Monument 3 hr - Image 6

Photo 1 / 6

Kona Snorkel Tour to Captain Cook Monument 3 hr

TourTruth score 8.0 out of 10

Very goodTop 23% in Big Island of Hawaii

255 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score

  • Big Island of Hawaii
  • 3 hrs
  • Updated November 2, 2026

Snorkel Kealakekua Bay’s protected reef, visit the Captain Cook Monument, and watch for marine life on a scenic afternoon boat trip.

About this tour

Explore Kealakekua Bay on a Kona snorkel tour to the Captain Cook Monument, where clear water and a protected reef set the scene for an afternoon on the coast. The bay’s marine life conservation district has been protected since 1969, and visibility is reported at 60 to 80 feet.

After checking in at Keauhou Bay, board the Hoku Nui for the 2:00 PM departure. A marine naturalist briefing introduces the area before you slip into the water with provided snorkel gear. Look for tropical reef fish, spinner dolphins, and eagle rays, though wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Reef-safe mineral sunscreen, filtered water, soda, chips, and tropical fruit are provided. On the return passage, trade winds may offer a chance to sail; the boat motor-sails when there is no wind.

This Kona snorkel tour to the Captain Cook Monument combines time in the water with a scenic boat ride and guidance from a knowledgeable crew. Reserve your afternoon aboard and discover Kealakekua Bay from the sea.

Highlights

  • Snorkel among tropical reef fish in protected Kealakekua Bay
  • Admire the Captain Cook Monument from the water
  • Watch for spinner dolphins and eagle rays
  • Enjoy a marine naturalist briefing and a scenic return sail

What's included

Included

  • Soda
  • 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.

Important information

  • All snorkelers must know how to swim; non-swimmers cannot snorkel
  • The captain and crew may remove guests from the water if swimming ability or conditions pose a safety risk
  • Follow all captain and crew instructions during water activities
  • Reef-safe mineral sunscreen is required; sunscreen without oxybenzone or octinoxate is provided onboard
Show 5 more
  • Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed
  • Full-face masks are not allowed
  • Check in at 1:45 PM at Keauhou Bay finger pier, end of 78-7130 Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
  • Departure is at 2:00 PM; return is approximately 5:00 PM
  • The Hoku Nui motor-sails when there is no wind

Frequently asked questions

How long is the snorkel tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours, departing at 2:00 PM and returning at approximately 5:00 PM.

Where do I check in?

Check in at 1:45 PM at the Keauhou Bay finger pier, at the end of 78-7130 Kaleiopapa Street in Kailua-Kona.

Can non-swimmers join the snorkeling?

No. All snorkelers must know how to swim, and non-swimmers are not permitted to snorkel.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. Wildlife appearances, including dolphins and eagle rays, are not guaranteed.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Soda, filtered water, Maui chips, and tropical fruit are included. Alcoholic beverages are available onboard for purchase by credit card.

How this score is calculated

This score is based on one provider. Viator rates it 4.89 from 255 reviews. We place that rating among all Viator ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.

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 8.0. Top 23% in Big Island of Hawaii means it ranks in the top 23% 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

Check availability