Price from:
90 USD
Welcome Aboard!
Please join us on an amazing boating excursion to beautiful Kealakekua Bay with snorkeling at the best coral reef in Hawaii - Captain Cook Monument. The snorkeling experience is second to none, and considered by many people the best snorkeling in all the Hawaiian islands.
**What's Included?**
We provide everything you need on your ocean adventure: snorkeling gear, floatation (pool noodles or PFD upon request) and drinks/snacks on this 3.5 hour tour. We also provide Rx Masks -4 and above. (Those who wear contacts should use them before opting for the Rx Mask.) Recommended ages 3-79 and guests may opt to swim or stay aboard the vessel. Bring a towel, sunblock, hat, long sleeve shirt and sunglasses on this outdoor adventure. Water temperature here is 80 degrees, so wetsuits are not provided. A dry T-shirt or cover is recommended on your trip back.
**Cruise the Kona Coast**
Upon boarding the captain & Crew will welcome you aboard and provide a safety orientation - then we depart the harbor, secure our hats, and gather speed heading south along the protected Kona Coast of Hawaii Island. We pass lava cliffs, sea caves, lava tubes and the 14000' Mauna Loa mountain. Guests are asked to "keep watch" and alert the captain during the cruise if marine mammals and flying fish are seen.
We travel along the Kona coast, the lee side of the Big Island, which offers protection from trade winds and rougher sea conditions. The calmest and best sea conditions are on morning departures and ours meets at 9:30am for a 10am departure - the ideal time for a snorkeling cruise.
During our ocean adventure you'll be amazed at the clear and colorful Kona waters ranging from emerald green to cobalt blue. Places of interest include a cliff jumping area, rock sledding slope (Holua), a cliff face with lava tubes for eyes, and a beautiful grotto and ocean-fed waterfall.
**Marine Mammals and more**
We also see marine mammals, and other aquatic life on many of our trips. Common are Hawaiian spinner dolphins, humpback whales (Dec - Feb), green sea turtles (giant), and manta rays, When spotted we stop to enjoy their them before moving onto the main event: snorkeling at Capt Cook Monument. You'll enjoy 1.5 hours sightseeing and snorkeling at historic Kealakekua Bay - our destination.
Kealakekua Bay is protected from most surf conditions making it ideal for beginning and expert snorkelers. We provide pool noodles for flotation to make treading water easy and extending your snorkeling time to fully enjoy the underwater coral gardens here. There are also myriads of colorful tropical fish above the coral gardens.
**Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument**
Kealakekua Bay is our snorkeling destination and one of the biggest and most protected bay's on the big island. The waters are calm and protected from most surf conditions making it ideal for beginning to advanced snorkeling. It also has one of the best coral reefs and a variety of colorful tropical fish. Hawaiian Spinner dolphins are often seen here resting in the middle of the bay, before heading back to sea at night. The bay is about a mile across and it's cliffs soar to over 1000'. The area is famous for it being the first meeting of western explorers and Hawaiians. The area also hosted Hawaiian Royalty on it's shoreline at Ka'awaloa.
Equipment
Our vessels travel at a comfortable cruise to minimize time and
Standard mask and snorkel (guests can use their own equipment including full face masks)
p'
100' water visibility
80 degree water temperature
Emerald green and cobalt blue colored ocean waters
Beautiful coral gardens
myriads of coloreful tropical fish
30 - 45 minute coastline tour
75-90 minutes at destination (Kealakekua Bay)
Comfort Lifejackets available: For non swimmers**Trip Summary:**
-Join us for amazing sights cruising down the beautiful Kona coast to Kealakekua Bay
-See lava tubes, sea caves, grottos, cliff-jump viewing, Holua Sled.
-View dolphins, whales, turtles, flying fish
- Kealakekua Bay - 1.2 miles wide, up to 1000' high cliffs
dolphin habitat -Capt Cook Monument - located in Kealakekua Bay: considered by many as Hawaii's best snorkeling area: abundant and beautiful coral gardens & colorful tropical fish, Hawaii Spinner dolphins habitat.
-Calm, protected waters ideal for beginners
-Warm 80 degree waters
-90 minutes at Kealakekua Bay snorkeling destination.
-Up to 100' water visibility - Abundant colorful tropical fish
-Snorkel above beautiful coral gardens
-Beautiful ocean waters range from cobalt blue to emerald green.
-Commonly seen Marine mammals:
- Hawaiian spinner Dolphins,
- humpback whales (December - February).
- manta rays,
- eagle rays and
- turtles.
The trip departs at 10am
Trip duration is 3.5 hours rom
Departs Keauhou Bay.
"Trips include
-snorkel gear,
-drinks & snacks,
-floatation, and
-60-75 minutes of snorkeling.
The trip offers a unique boating experience you shouldn't miss.
Duration
3.5 Hours
Small Tour Format : Our boats accommodate between 9 to 39 guests.
Our welcome guests from ages 3 to age 78. We ensure everyone is having a good time and are in their comfort zones. Maximum guest weight is 260 pounds we do not recommend the trip for those with medical problems or mobility limitations..
About CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES:
Our destination is Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument which is a short boat ride. The trip is a 3.5 hour cruise from beginning to end. This is a shared charter with other guests, not a private charter but you can book the entire boat allowing more flexibility on your trip. Enjoy our super low prices for this snorkeling excursion to Kealakekua Bay -
The waters at Captain Cook Monument and Kealakekua Bay are comfortably warm and crystal clear. There is an abundance of sea-life including:
Tropical fish
Coral reefs
Hawaiian spinner dolphins
Turtles
Humpback whales &
Manta Rays
Our snorkel tours offer an easy and ecological way to access all that nature has to offer in Hawaii. This snorkeling cruise includes everything including a USCG captain, snorkel gear and 3.5 hours to enjoy the best part of the warm Kona sun. This Guided trip offer local color and history that will make the trip more than just outdoor recreation.
We also offer a Private Charter which is exclusive to your party alone - you can learn more about in the item listing for Deluxe Private Charter. The price for up to 9 guests is $899.95 and can also be booked from our website.
Booking Notes
##Please note:
Guests should bring towels for each member of your party, hats, sunglasses and wearing your bathing suits and for women a cover-up.There is a restroom at our meeting location if you need to change into your bathing suit. Leave your street clothes locked in your car. Long sleeved rash guards/or T-shirts are the best sun protection while in the water snorkeling and on the boat ride. The boat is open so wear reef-safe sunscreen, long sleeve shirt, sunglasses and a hat. Leave keys, wallets, cell phones and valuable in your car Space is limited so bring no more than a towel and other essentials is recommended. Do not bring coolers or other larger bags on board. Drinks and snacks are provided as well as snorkel gear, but you are welcome to bring aboard your own equipment.
# includes:
- Drinks and snacks
- Equipment: You're provided with a quality mask, snorkel & fins and floatation.
- Sightings of marine mammals: Hawaiian spinner dolphins are year-round residents and humpback whales migrate here in the winter. Sea turtles are also seen here. Dolphins are seen on many of our tours.
- Remarkable snorkeling: Brightly colored tropical fish and coral gardens are always a highlight.
- Wear your bathing suit, bring a camera, sunscreen and a small towel, and you will be fully prepared. There is a public restroom at our meeting location where you can change before or after the trip.
#Meet time:
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the time of your trip at the Keauhou Bay Boat Launch ramp... The meeting location is located at 78 Kaleiopapa Street, Kona (across from grey cinder block/light green roofed - public restrooms). We meet at the low rock wall near the bathrooms. Parking is on street and may require a 5-10 minute walk to the meeting location/restrooms. Please wait there until your captain comes to meet you. Contact the captain after you have arrived at the meet location by texting 808-323-3005.
#What Is Not Included?
- Gratuity is not included in the price. Please remember captain and crew rely on your tips as part of their income.
#What's included:
Snorkel gear, drinks & snacks, floatation, lifejacket, USCG Captain & crew.
#What to bring:
Sunblock, sunglasses, hat, small towel, shirt/warm cover-up for after snorkeling.
#Our trip includes:
* Equipment: You're provided with a quality mask, snorkel & fins.
* Sightings of marine mammals: Humpback whales migrate here in the winter. Sea turtles are frequent visitors to Kealakekua Bay. Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins are encountered on over half our trips.
* Remarkable snorkeling at Captain Cook Monument: Brightly colored tropical fish and coral gardens are the features most commonly enjoyed here.
* A nice assortment of snacks and drinks (bottled water, potato chips, granola bars, and trail mix) are complimentary on each trip.
#Meeting Location - [Click here to view Google Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Akule+Supply/@19.5608548,-155.9625484,19z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x795405dd3f148ad9:0x8a3408d988f4c23d!8m2!3d19.5611006!4d-155.9620743?hl=en)
##Quick Meeting Instructions:
We meet at Keauhou Bay Small Boat Launch Ramp at 78 Kaleiopapa Street which is off Alii Drive. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time and Text us at 808-323-3005 once parked and waiting at the public restroom meeting location. Please have the cell phone you used to book the reservation with you and volume on high on the day of your trip, in the event the captain tries to reach you.
Once on Kaleiopapa Street drive until you see the Public Restrooms: a grey cinder block building with a green tin roof on the right side of the road. These restrooms are adjacent to the small boat launch ramp, (where boats and trailers enter the water for launching). Please wait on the low rock wall near the public restrooms - your captain will meet you there. Text us at 808-323-3005 after you park and are ready for the captain to lead you to the boat.
Find On-Street parking along Kaleiopapa Street then walk back to the Small Boat Launch Ramp adjacent to the restrooms (Parking and walking will take about 5-10 minutes). Have the cell phone number you used to make the reservation with you and answer a call or text we send if we cannot locate you at the meet time.
##Detailed Meeting Location Instructions:
Please arrive at the Public Restrooms at 78 Kaleiopapa Street at Keauhou Bay - 30 minutes prior to departure time. The Keauhou Bay Small Boat launch Ramp is located near 78 Kaleiopapa Street and adjacent to the grey cinder block public restrooms with a green tin roof. If you go too far you will find the road dead-ends. Simply turn around and drive back about one block to the Small Boat Launch Ramp and the grey cinder block and green tin roof public restroom. We meet at the low rock wall near the bathrooms. Please print out a google map of this location the day before your trip and place in your car.
##DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM KAILUA-KONA:
Go South on HWY 11 (Mamalahoa Highway) about 15 minutes. At the major intersection with a traffic light - turn right onto Kamehameha III Rd, go downhill about 5 minutes. then turn left onto Alii Drive. Drive about 3-4 minutes then turn right onto Kaleiopapa Road (a traffic light intersection). Drive 1-2 minutes until you find the grey cinder block public restrooms with a green tin roof. We meet at the restrooms with the light green metal roof. These public restrooms are next to the small boat launch ramp. Look for a white catamaran boat (LORNA ANN lll) and red Ford Truck at the small boat launch ramp. Text us at 808-323-3005 once you are parked and waiting at the picnic table and we will come to get you.
WARNING: Be sure to jot down these directions NOW. There is POOR CELL PHONE RECEPTION at Keauhou Bay - our meeting place. If you don't write down these directions you may not be able to find us via GPS, online directions or calling us directly, on the day of your trip!
Please arrive 30 minutes early, boat tours depart promptly! It can take 5-10 minutes to park and walk back to the Public Restroom meeting location. Thanks for your understanding.
##DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM WAIKOLOA RESORTS
Drive South on Highway 19 about 30 minutes until you reach Kailua Kona. Upon reaching Kailua Kona continue on the same road which becomes Highway 11 as you pass through KAILUA KONA. See above DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM KAILUA KONA for further directions.
##Directions From Waikoloa Resorts:(Total travel time about an hour)
- Go south on Highway 19 for about 30 minutes at which time you will enter Kailua Kona town. Here highway 19 turns into Highway 11.
- Go south on Highway 11 for another 15 minutes and turn right on Kamehameha III Road. Drive to the bottom of the hill and turn left at Alii Drive. Drive about 2 minutes then turn right onto Kaleiopapa Street. Drive almost to end of the road and park near the Keauhou Bay Small Boat Launch Ramp, adjacent to the public restrooms. If the road dead-ends, you went too far. Turn around and the grey cinder block public restroom will be about 100 yards on your left and the Small boat ramp on your right. Text the captain at 808-323-3005 to notify him of your arrival.
#Parking
Once you arrive at the Keauhou Bay Small Boat Launch Ramp, turn around and head back on Kaleiopapa Street and look for parking as close to the boat launch ramp as you can. Then return to the boat ramp and look for our FORD TRUCK and grey and blue and grey raft ( NAIA). Text us at 808-323-3005 after you have parked and are waiting at the near the public restrooms. While waiting for us, this is a good time to apply sunscreen and use the toilets before we depart. Bring as little on the boat as possible. You should have a hat, sunglasses, bathing suit, towel, and sunblock. Electronic keys and cell phones are safe on the boat in your bag. Please leave bulky items in your car.
