FAQ

No, the boat does not have a bathroom.

While we don't recommend them due to their tendency to fog, restrict hearing, and are hard to get off when in a panicked state, you are welcome to wear them at your own risk if it makes you feel more comfortable. We provide the tried and true standard mask and snorkel.

If your tour is more than 48 hours away, you can reschedule or rebook by clicking "Change booking" in your confirmation email. You'll find it just below the date of your activity.

Snorkeling itself is fine (always consult with your doctor), but due to the adventurous nature of the boat ride we do not permit those who are pregnant to join our trips.

We limit our passenger count to 18 guests, plus crew, to ensure a comfortable and personalized experience.

Snorkeling is physically demanding and can create serious health risks for some individuals. This activity is not recommended for those with: Heart conditions Pregnancy High blood pressure Severe asthma Obesity Limited mobility Recent long-haul travel Elderly individuals It’s a good idea to let us know if anyone in your party carries an EPI pen, uses an inhaler, or is diabetic. Please bring all required medication with you, as indicated. Failure to do so may require you to reschedule or forfeit your spot.

Be advised you have two options when booking your adventure - a refundable ticket or a non-refundable ticket. Choose the ticket best suited for you based on the following: Refundable Ticket: Cancellation: Full refund if canceled up to 48 hours before the trip. Rebooking: Free rebooking up to 48 hours before the trip. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing at least 48 hours before the trip's start. Reservations made within 48 hours are not eligible for a refund. Non-Refundable Ticket: Cancellation: No refunds. Rebooking: Rebooking is allowed up to 48 hours before the trip.

Unfortunately, no. Your safety is our top priority. While we appreciate your adventurous spirit, we must prioritize your well-being. If you have an injury, you will not be permitted to board or enter the water (depending on the nature of the injury), and no refund will be provided. This decision is at the discretion of the Captain and crew. If you're unsure whether your injury qualifies—simply having one means the answer is no. Injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, or recent surgeries (e.g., new knees or hips) are not permitted. This list isn’t exhaustive—you must be in good physical condition to participate in our tours.

No, we cannot store luggage. Please leave all valuables at your accommodations. We provide a gear locker—primarily used for storing snorkel equipment—where you can safely store your shoes and car keys during the trip. We strongly advise against leaving luggage in your vehicle. To ensure a smooth experience, plan your reservations accordingly.

Our boat leaves from Honokohau Small Boat Harbor here. There is plenty of free parking there. Our shop featuring snorkel equipment, sun protective clothing, rentals, and reservations is located here.

Our captain and crew are fully trained to handle any situation that may arise and will guide you through emergency procedures if needed. Every team member holds current CPR, AED, and Oxygen certifications, along with in-water rescue training—whether as a Divemaster or higher, Level 1 Freediver, or certified lifeguard. You can relax knowing you’re in capable, experienced hands! Keep in mind we are far from medical services so you should be in good physical and mental health to join the trip.

We do not offer group discounts; however, depending on your group size, booking a private charter may be a more cost-effective option. Private charters can accommodate up to 18 guests and offer the added benefit of a personalized experience. We offer early booking discounts. So if you book a boat in advance before everyone else, you'll receive the best pricing. We are Hawaii's higest rated & most reviewed snorkel company. Book now while spots are still available!

Loaded question! Yes, we provide all the SNORKEL equipement, i.e., the mask, snorkel, and fins. You need to provide and wear your own swim wear (bathing suit, bikini, swim trunks). Arrive in your swimwear prepared to go snorkeling! We recommend wearing sun-protective clothing on top of your swimwear to protect yourself from the strong Hawaiian sun.

No, we do not offer transportation. We strongly recommend having a rental vehicle, as Uber, Lyft, and taxi services in the area can be unreliable.

The short answer is yes you have to know how to swim to enter the water. Do you have to be an olympic swimmer? No, you do not. As long as your confident in your swimming skills to be in water over your head - you are permitted to enter the water. You cannot touch the "ground" and even if you could you still can't because you don't want to step on the live coral and harm the reef!

No, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Our boat, Orca, is a 27.8-foot rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) powered by twin Yamaha 200 outboard motors, giving us the speed to cruise swiftly along the coastline. Formerly used by the Navy SEALs, Orca brings both power and a legacy of toughness to every journey.

There is limited shade at the stern of the boat.

Guests typically enjoy an hour or more in the water. If you finish snorkeling early, you're welcome to hop back on board and relax with the captain.

Yes, we welcome ride-alongs! Whether you choose to snorkel or stay on the boat, the price remains the same.

Yes, first time snorkelers are welcome to join us for this adventure!

We require a minimum of six guests to confirm the trip. If we do not reach the number required you'll be offered to join another day or a full refund.

Children under 13 are required to wear lifejackets while the boat is underway. Please note that we do not provide life vests for swimming. For your safety, only those with basic swimming skills should enter the water. We do offer pool noodles for some added flotation support.

Kealakekua Bay, where the Captain Cook Monument is located, is the best snorkeling sites Big Island has. It's a protected marine sanctuary surrounded by dramatic cliffs giving it natural wind protection. The bay is calm 99% of the time.

The Big Island has many octopus, eels, and reef fish. While cruising along the way to the Big Island's best snorkeling site in Kealakekua Bay we will often see whales or spinner dolphins, and occasionally bottlenose dolphins. While Snorkeling Captain Cook Monument you will not only see plenty of reef fish but the occasional turtle or even a small reef shark if you're lucky!

Unfortunately not. You'll need to hop in a taxi and meet us at our launch point in the Honokohau Harbor - it's about a 10-15 minute taxi ride. The specific location details will be in then confirmation email after booking.

Deciding whether to snorkel in Kealakekua Bay in the morning or afternoon depends on several factors, including water conditions, wildlife activity, crowd levels, and personal preferences. Generally, morning snorkeling is widely considered the better option for this pristine Big Island location, and here’s why. In the morning, Kealakekua Bay typically offers calmer waters and better visibility. The trade winds that often pick up along the Kona coast in the afternoon are usually lighter or absent early in the day, resulting in glassier seas—ideal for spotting the vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish like yellow tangs and parrotfish. Tours from operators like Kona Snorkel Trips and Captain Cook Snorkeling Tours often schedule early departures (around 7:30 or 8:00 AM) to capitalize on these conditions, ensuring a smoother boat ride and a more enjoyable swim. Morning light also enhances underwater clarity, illuminating the bay’s marine life in vivid detail. Wildlife is another compelling reason for morning snorkeling. Hawaiian spinner dolphins frequently rest in Kealakekua Bay during the early hours, offering a chance to see them up close before they head out to feed later in the day. Afternoon tours might miss this spectacle, as dolphin sightings become less predictable. Crowds are lighter in the morning, too. As a popular destination, Kealakekua Bay sees kayakers, paddleboarders, and other snorkel boats arriving later, especially in the afternoon when casual visitors peak. Early tours beat the rush, providing a more serene experience near the Captain Cook Monument. That said, afternoon snorkeling has its merits. For those who prefer warmer air temperatures or a slower start to the day, tours departing around 11:00 AM (like some from Kona Snorkel Trips) can still offer great conditions, though the water may be slightly choppier. The reef remains stunning regardless of time, and afternoon light can cast a golden glow, enhancing underwater photography. Ultimately, morning snorkeling edges out for optimal conditions—calmer seas, better wildlife encounters, and fewer people. If your schedule allows, book an early Captain Cook snorkel tour to experience Kealakekua Bay at its tranquil best. Afternoon trips work as a solid backup, but they’re more weather-dependent and busier. Check with your tour operator for real-time advice, as conditions vary daily.

For this manta ray night snorkel, you should be able to swim the length of 2 olypic pools without assistance. We ask that you have prior snorkeling experience and are an intermediate snorkeler as this activity takes place at night on the ocean. In the event of an emergency you must be able to get back to the boat.