Quick Details
South Kona Snorkel Tours: What Sets Us Apart
This isn’t your typical snorkeling tour. Sure, you’ll find plenty of companies offering trips snorkeling along the Kona coast, but none take you as far south as we do. And it’s this commitment to exploring the furthest reaches of the island that makes our tour truly exceptional. The farther south you go, the more pristine and untouched the landscape becomes, and that’s exactly where we’re headed–22 miles south.
Your once-in-a-lifetime experience doesn’t start when you hop in the water! Our journey begins sailing along the rugged coastline of South Kona with views of lava rock formations, sea caves carved out by centuries of ocean waves, and hidden black sand beaches. Plus, even before you put on your snorkeling gear you’ll want to keep an eye out for some of the ocean’s resident wildlife; you might spot spinner dolphins leaping through the waves, sea turtles lazily drifting by, or depending on the time of year, even humpback whales breaching in the distance.
Our 5-hour tour means you have more time on the water, making wildlife-encounters more likely than other tours.
Three Unique Kona Snorkeling Locations
One of the things that sets our tour apart is the sheer variety and quality of snorkeling spots we visit. While most tours might take you to one or two locations, we go above and beyond by offering three distinct South Kona snorkel stops, each with its own unique appeal. We go up to 22 miles south to the very best, most secluded reefs.
Kealakekua Bay: Our first stop is Kealakekua Bay, one of the most famous snorkeling spots in all of Hawaii. This bay is a 315-acre marine sanctuary, purposely difficult to get to unless you’re on a boat. Its crystal-clear waters are protected year-round, making it the perfect spot for snorkeling. As you swim in the shadow of the Captain Cook Monument, you’ll be immersed in history as much as nature. The waters here are teeming with marine life, from the tiniest reef fish to the larger creatures that occasionally make an appearance. It’s a place where history and nature collide, offering a truly unique snorkeling experience.
Pu’uhonua O Honaunau: Next along our Kona snorkel adventure is the historically and culturally significant Pu’uhonua O Honaunau. This unbelievable Kona snorkel-stop – once a sanctuary for ancient Hawaiians seeking forgiveness– is known as the “Place of Refuge”. Today, it remains a highly revered and respected location home to some of the most vibrant coral reefs in Hawaii. Gide through the water away from other snorkelers and swimmers– you’ll be surrounded by schools of tropical fish and coral alive with activity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world and marine life that calls these waters home.
Our Third, Most Secluded Stop: The highlight of our South Kona snorkel expedition is undoubtedly our third stop – a remote and secluded location that’s not included in any of our other tours (you could call it our VIP spot). This is the kind of place that can only be reached by boat, and we’re typically the only ones there, which means more wildlife unbothered by snorkeling traffic. The water is so clear, you can see straight to the bottom, and the scenery is nothing short of surreal. This is the ultimate destination for the adventure traveler who wants to experience something truly special, something that few others have the privilege to see.
Pro Tip: All our South Kona snorkeling stops are so incredibly Instagram-friendly, you won’t even need a filter, so be sure to have your camera ready!
The Adventure Continues Above and Below the Water
This tour isn’t just about what you see beneath the waves – it’s also about the journey itself. As we make our way from Kealakekua Bay to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau to our secluded VIP location, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the stunning scenery. Our vessels are designed for comfort and ease, allowing you to enjoy the ride as much as the destination.
Just when you start thinking it’s time to refuel, it’s like we’re reading your mind. Don’t worry about over-stuffing your bag – lunch is included in your tour, and trust us, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal on the water. Nothing quite works up an appetite like the thrill of adventure (plus sun and sea).
As you continue along the coast during your South Kona snorkel tour, your captain will point out some of the most fascinating and culturally significant spots along the way. You’ll encounter sea caves and lava tubes, each one telling its own story of the island’s volcanic past. And throughout the journey, your captain and crew will share their wealth of knowledge about the area’s history, culture, and geology, combining the thrill of discovery, the magic of a Hawaiian boat ride, and the underwater adventure of a lifetime.
Fun for Everyone: A Kona Snorkeling Tour for All Skill Levels
Our South Kona snorkel tour is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The bays we visit are relatively sheltered and shallow, making them ideal for beginners and families. Calm waters mean you can focus on enjoying the experience without worrying about strong currents or rough seas, experienced and knowledgeable crew mean you can rest assured you’re being taken care of. Not feeling up for the swim? Our boat is specifically designed to be comfortable and the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Safety is always our top priority. And our crew is trained to ensure that everyone on board has a safe and enjoyable experience. Before we set out, we’ll go over safety regulations and rules, plus we’ll make sure that everyone in your party can swim and is comfortable with the snorkeling equipment. And if the weather or ocean conditions change unexpectedly, we’re prepared to take immediate action to keep everyone safe.
Make Underwater Memories That Last a Lifetime
This Kona snorkeling tour is all about you: finding your connection to nature, the thrill of discovery, and most of all, the memories you’ll create and take with you.
If you’re an adventure-seeker looking for an experience that’s as unique as it is unforgettable, you’ve found the tour for you. Book your spot on our South Kona snorkel tour today. It’s more than just a tour – it’s an adventure waiting for you.
Lunch Options
Turkey sandwich
Whole Wheat Bread, Deli Turkey slices, Tomato, Lettuce, Swiss Cheese
Tuna sandwich
Whole Wheat Bread, Tuna Salad, Mayonnaise, Tomato, Lettuce
Roast Beef sandwich
Whole Wheat Bread, Deli Roast Beef slices, Tomato, Lettuce, Swiss Cheese
Ham sandwich
Whole Wheat Bread, Deli Ham slices, Tomato, Lettuce, Swiss Cheese
Veggie sandwich
Whole Wheat Bread, Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumbers, Sprouts, Bell Peppers, Carrots, Balsamic Drizzle
Garden salad
Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumbers, Carrots, Olives
* All lunches include mustard & mayonnaise packets on the side, Hawaiian Style single serving chips, and Island Style fresh fruit platter.
Restrictions
- Expectant mothers are not eligible to participate in this activity
- Individuals who experience regular back or neck pain are not eligible to participate in this activity
Departure Times
- Check-In 8:15 AM
- Depart 8:30 AM
- Return 1:30 PM
-
All changes to and/or cancellations of a reservation must be made 48 hours before the tour start time.
Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows and cancelations within 48 hours to the tour will be charged the full price. Guests wanting to reschedule within 48 hours will incur a rebook fee of 75% of the regular tour price.
Customers will receive a full refund in the case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.