Swim with Manta Rays and Snorkel Kealakekua Bay

Sea Quest Hawaii — Snorkeling and Night Manta Tours in Kailua-Kona

Sea Quest Hawaii operates from Kailua-Kona and offers guided snorkeling and marine wildlife experiences along the Southern Kona Coast. The fleet uses covered boats to provide comfort and shade, and many trips include sanitized snorkeling gear, flotation devices, snacks, or lunch. Popular locations visited by Sea Quest Hawaii include Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument), Puʻuhonua O Honaunau (The Place of Refuge), Honaunau Bay, and other South Kona sites featuring sea caves and lava tubes.

Signature Trips

• Night Manta Experience — A guided night snorkel to observe manta rays feeding in Kona waters. Gear is provided and Sea Quest Hawaii offers a manta guarantee to return if mantas are not seen on the trip.
• Premium Morning Snorkel — A 4.5-hour adventure snorkeling Puʻuhonua O Honaunau and Kealakekua Bay with commentary about history and geology.
• Captain Cook Exclusive — Snorkel Kealakekua Bay, explore sea caves, and watch for dolphins and other marine life.
• Expedition South Kona — Snorkel three locations including Kealakekua Bay and a private-access spot only reachable by boat.
• Deluxe Morning Adventure — Small group departures limited to 14 guests, with tropical snacks and close crew interaction.
• Premium Kona Coast Morning Snorkel — Later start time along the Southern Kona Coast, includes lunch and sanitized gear.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect guided, safety-focused snorkeling with staff who share local history and cultural context while navigating coastal features. Covered boats enhance comfort during the ride. Trips accommodate varied skill levels; flotation devices and crew support are provided for less experienced snorkelers.

Practical Details

• Departure point: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
• Gear: Snorkeling masks, fins, and flotation devices provided on many tours.
• Group size: Deluxe tours specify a 14-guest limit for intimate experiences.
• Accessibility: Boat access required; some sites are boat-only, including secret coves.

Why Book

Sea Quest Hawaii focuses on safe, guided access to South Kona marine sites and offers a range of options from morning snorkels to specialized night manta trips. The combination of protected bays, geological features, and diverse marine life creates high-value snorkeling opportunities. The manta guarantee and included gear reduce planning friction and increase confidence when booking.

Tips for Travelers

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, and waterproof camera gear.
• Expect brief classroom-style briefings before entering the water.
• Book in advance for the Night Manta Experience and small-group departures.

More on individual trips: The Premium Morning Snorkel and Premium Kona Coast Morning Snorkel focus on the Southern Kona Coast and provide extended time on the water; the Premium Morning Snorkel is listed as a 4.5-hour tour exploring Puʻuhonua O Honaunau and Kealakekua Bay with cultural and geological commentary. The Expedition South Kona includes snorkeling at three locations, a visit to historic Kealakekua Bay, a secret spot reachable only by boat, sea cave navigation, and a provided lunch with coastal views. The Captain Cook Exclusive emphasizes clear water snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, opportunities to explore sea caves, and frequent dolphin sightings around the boat. The Deluxe Morning Adventure highlights small-group operation with fourteen guests, tropical snacks, and crew storytelling about island history. Sea Quest Hawaii documents included equipment and sanitation of gear, which supports health-conscious travelers and families. Covered boats and crew assistance make transfers and snorkeling accessible for those with limited open-ocean experience. Combining these facts, Sea Quest Hawaii presents a menu of morning, premium, expedition, and night experiences tailored to visitors seeking snorkeling trips.