Snorkel Kealakekua Bay with Dolphin Discoveries
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Basic swimming ability recommended; suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
Overview
Slip beneath the surface of Kealakekua Bay on a 2.5-hour snorkeling journey with Dolphin Discoveries, where vibrant fish, sea turtles, and playful dolphins await amidst lava-formed caves and crystal waters.
Captain Cook Snorkel Adventure
Ages 6+ • 3 Hours • This trip is geared for those who are new to snorkeling.
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kealakekua Bay on a 2.5-hour snorkeling adventure. Encounter vibrant tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins while exploring stunning sea caves and lava tubes. With flexible timing options and a focus on avoiding crowds, this tour is perfect for families and first-time snorkelers alike.
Snorkel the most popular and beautiful spot in all of Hawai’i, Kealakekua Bay.
Duration
• 2.5 hours on the water
About
We offer several different times to meet your needs. Each snorkel tour is 2.5-hours long. These trips provide the longest snorkeling times at Kealakekua Bay with an average of 45 minutes hour of actual snorkeling time.
Just like on our longer trips, this adventure promises views of 100’s of different varieties of tropical fish along with an occasional “Honu” (Hawaiian green sea turtle) or local dolphins.
Your Captain will share some Hawaiian History and get you up and personal with some sea caves and lava tubes. Water, juice, and light snacks provided on all snorkel trips.
If you are new to or have never snorkeled before this is the ideal choice! Particularly good for families with younger children.
7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.: This snorkel trip beats the crowds to Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument. We are often the first boat in the bay and our guests get time to enjoy the reef with limited interruption.
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (check in 10:30am): This snorkel trip is designed for those who want a later start and enjoy the warmest part of the day. With the sun fully overhead, you’ll get to see the reef and it’s most vibrant at Kealakekua Bay.
12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (check in 11:30am): This Captain Cook snorkeling trip is geared for those who want to escape the crowds. This lazy afternoon snorkel leaves the dock for a more relaxed adventure to the best snorkel spot along the coast, Kealakekua Bay.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
Opt for morning departure times to experience quieter waters and better visibility.
Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect both your skin and coral reefs by bringing reef-friendly sunscreen for this marine tour.
Bring a Waterproof Camera
Capture the vivid underwater landscape and marine life, but secure your gear properly to avoid loss.
Listen Carefully to Safety Briefings
Even if you're an experienced snorkeler, local conditions require close attention to guide instructions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Spinner dolphins
- Honu (green sea turtles)
History
Kealakekua Bay is historically significant as the site where Captain James Cook first landed in Hawaii and where he later died in 1779.
Conservation
The bay is a marine life conservation district, and Dolphin Discoveries follows strict guidelines to minimize impact on coral reefs and wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Kailua-Kona
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mask and Snorkel
High-quality gear improves underwater visibility and comfort during the trip.
summer specific
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects your skin and helps preserve fragile coral ecosystems.
summer specific
Waterproof Camera
Great for capturing underwater moments but optional.
Light Rash Guard
Provides sun protection and added warmth in cooler waters.
summer specific