Know before you go

You need to be comfortable swimming in deep, open water, but you don't need to be an athlete. Flotation noodles are on board. You can't stand on the bottom here: the coral is alive and protected.

Non-swimmers can ride along and stay on the boat.

Guests must be 3 or older. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

No. Snorkeling itself is fine during pregnancy, but the boat ride is too rough, so we can't take guests who are pregnant.

Snorkeling isn't recommended if you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, severe asthma, significant obesity or limited mobility, or if you've just come off a long-haul flight. The boat ride isn't suitable for neck or back problems.

Tell us about EpiPens, inhalers or diabetes when you book. Guests 65 and over answer a few extra health questions.

If you're healing from or currently have an injury (broken bones, dislocations, sprains, recent surgery) you can't join the trip, and no refund is given. Please reschedule before the 48-hour window if you can.

18 guests at most, plus crew. Big enough to be fun, small enough that the guides know everyone's name.

Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor, where parking is free. Arrive in time for a 15–20 minute check-in and safety briefing.

No. Please plan on a rental car. Rideshare out to the harbor is unreliable.

A 27.8-foot rigid-hull inflatable (RHIB) with twin Yamaha 200 outboards, formerly operated by Navy SEALs, and inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard.

No, the boat doesn't have a bathroom. Use the facilities at the harbor before we leave.

Our crew is certified in CPR, AED and emergency oxygen, and trained for in-water rescue. Kealakekua Bay is remote, though, and medical services are a long way off. That's why we're careful about health questions.

No. The gear locker holds shoes and keys only, and space on the boat is limited. Leave valuables at your accommodation.

Mask, snorkel and fins, plus flotation noodles. Snacks and drinks are on us.

Swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, a sun-protective shirt or cover-up, and reef-safe, non-aerosol sunscreen. An underwater camera is a good idea. Storage on the boat is limited.

It's the law in Kealakekua Bay. Ordinary sunscreens contain chemicals that damage coral, so only reef-safe, non-aerosol sunscreen is allowed. A sun shirt means you need less of it.

You can, at your own risk, but we discourage it. They fog, make it harder to hear your guide, and are hard to pull off quickly if you panic.

Refundable tickets: cancel 48 hours or more before your tour for a full refund.

Non-refundable tickets: no refunds, but you can rebook for free up to 48 hours out.

If we cancel because of ocean conditions, you get a full refund. Travel insurance is a good idea.

Use the “Change booking” link in your confirmation email, as long as your tour is more than 48 hours away.

Not on shared tours, but we do have early-booking discounts. For big groups a private charter for up to 18 guests is often the better deal.