About Captain Zodiac - Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour
Snorkel the Kona coast with Captain Zodiac on a Kealakekua Bay snorkeling tour featuring reef scenery, marine life, Captain Cook Monument views and a fast raft-style ride.
Climb into a speedy 24 ft Zodiac raft and trace 14 miles of Kona's lava-carved shoreline. Your captain threads through sea caves, lava tubes, blowholes and natural archways while sharing stories about Big Island geology and Captain Cook's final voyage. The ride ends in the clear turquoise water of Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve, home to vibrant coral, sea turtles, playful dolphins and schools of tropical fish.
Tour Highlights
- Original Captain Zodiac tour operating for more than 30 years
- Raft along rugged Kona coast to see lava tubes, sea caves and blowholes
- Snorkel in crystal-clear Kealakekua Bay beneath the Captain Cook Monument
- Chance to encounter 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.
Activity Notes
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.
