About Dolphin Discoveries - Captain Cook Snorkel Adventure
Snorkel the Kona coast with Dolphin Discoveries on a Captain Cook snorkel adventure featuring Kealakekua Bay, clear water, reef scenery and marine life.
You climb into a comfortable rigid-hull raft and set a course south along Kona's rugged shoreline. Sea caves and lava tubes carved by molten rock reveal secret passageways while your guide shares stories of ancient battles and coastal legends. The three-hour tour blends sightseeing with pure ocean fun.
Kealakekua Bay soon appears, its calm turquoise water protected by towering cliffs and watched over by Captain Cook's Monument. Slip on your mask and follow your guide into one of Hawai'i's most vibrant marine sanctuaries. Clouds of yellow tang, parrotfish and moorish idol swirl around branching coral, and curious fish often swim right up to you.
Once everyone is back on board, you search the open water for resident spinner dolphins. In winter months you also scan the horizon for the spouts of migrating humpback whales. Throughout the ride the crew shares facts about local wildlife and explains how to spot them.
Tour Highlights
- Dolphin and whale watch combined with a guided snorkel tour
- Cruise the historic Kona Coast and explore hidden sea caves and lava tubes
- Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay beneath Captain Cook's Monument
- Learn about dolphins, whales and reef ecology from your crew
Tour Inclusions
- Snacks
- Snorkel gear
- Flotation devices including vests and view-finder boards
- Water and juice
- Bottled water
Activity Notes
Where & When
Tour times:
Tour 1: Check in at 8:00 am. Boat departs at 9:00 am. Return at 11:30 am
Tour 2: Check in at 10:45 am. Boat departs at 11:45 am. Return at 2:15 pm
Tour 3: Check in at 12:15 pm. Boat departs at 1:15 pm. Return at 3:45 pm
Check in at the Dolphin Discoveries retail store, located in the Keauhou Shopping Center, 78-6831 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Space F-146. The retail store is located in the courtyard behind Tropics Tap House, KTA and Bianellis Restaurant.
View Map
Additional check-in info:
Check-in is at the retail location to sign waivers and receive items required for the tour. After that, drive to Keauhou Bay harbor from where the boat will depart. Transportation to the retail store and to Keahou Bay is the responsibility of the guests. If you are taking an Uber, please let your driver know to add a first stop and a second stop to your reservation so that the driver will wait for you at the retail location before taking you to Keauhou Bay.
Restrictions
Participants must be at least 6 years old.
Participants must weigh under 285 pounds (129 kg).
Participants must be able to swim.
This activity is not suitable for persons with neck or back problems or who are pregnant.
Special Notes
Snorkel gear, instruction & swim aids are included, as are snacks and cold drinks.
Whale watching season is from mid-December to mid-April.
Operation Days
Daily
Duration
2.5 hours
Capacity
12 passengers
Equipment
The Nai'a Nui is a 28-foot rigid-hull inflatable adventure craft, complete with shade. It has room for up to 12 passengers.
Vendor
This activity is operated by Dolphin Discoveries.
