About Captain Zodiac - Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour
Set out aboard a fast 24-foot Zodiac for a lively ride along 14 miles of Kona’s lava shoreline. The smaller raft can get you close to sea caves, lava tubes, blowholes and natural archways while the captain shares stories about the island’s geology and the history surrounding Captain Cook.
The trip finishes at Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve, where clear water and reef life make this one of the Big Island’s best-known snorkeling areas. You’ll have time to explore below the surface near the Captain Cook Monument, with the chance to see tropical fish, sea turtles and spinner dolphins along the way.
Tour Highlights
- Original Captain Zodiac tour operating for more than 30 years
- Ride along the rugged Kona Coast past lava tubes, sea caves and blowholes
- Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve near the Captain Cook Monument
- Chance to see sea turtles, spinner dolphins and colorful reef fish
Tour Inclusions
- Snorkel gear: silicone masks (including prescription), fins, float boards or vests
- Detailed snorkeling instruction from the crew
- Tropical snack of fresh pineapple, chips, cookies and soft drinks
- Refill stations for reusable water bottles (no single-use plastic provided)
Tip: Bring your own reusable water bottle or purchase one at check-in to help reduce plastic waste.
Special Instructions
Meeting details, important notes and helpful information for your experience.
Where & When
Tour times:
Morning tour: Check in at 7:45 am, Departure at 8:00 am, Return at 12:00 pm.
Afternoon tour: Check in at 12:30 pm, Departure at 12:45 pm, Return at 4:45 pm.
Departs from Honokohau Harbor. View Map
Driving directions to Honokohau Harbor: Located approximately 5 miles south of the Kona Airport (fourth traffic light) and approximately 2 miles north of the town of Kailua-Kona (third traffic light). The harbor entrance (Kealakehe Parkway) can be found by looking for a sign on the highway marked HONOKOHAU MARINA between mile markers 97 & 98. After turning onto Kealakehe Parkway make your first right and look for a mall with a blue tile roof. Our office is the first on the right in the mall.
Restrictions
Children must be at least 4 years old to participate.
Due to the bouncy nature of the ride, pregnant women or people with back or neck problems may not participate.
Special Notes
Life jacket, snorkel and mask are provided. You are welcome to bring your own snorkel and mask.
This tour might not be available if a cruise ship is visiting Kona on the day of your requested tour day.
Operation Days
Operates Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
If you would like to go rafting with Captain Zodiac later in the day, please see the 5 hour Beat the Crowd Hawaii Snorkeling Tour.
Duration
4 hours
Capacity
16 passengers
Equipment
Tour is on a 24-foot Zodiac raft that is U.S. Coast Guard certified and inspected yearly by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Vendor
This activity is operated by Captain Zodiac.
See the experience
Questions about this activity?
We’re happy to help with your choices, booking details or an existing reservation.
