4 hrs
Duration
5+
Minimum Age
Big Island
Island
Kailua-Kona
City

Captain Cook Express

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Dive Into One of the World’s Best Snorkeling Spots!

With the world-renowned and historic destination of Kealakekua Bay just minutes from our point of departure, the Captain Cook Express is a personal, exciting, and efficient way to see the Bay named one of the world’s best snorkeling locations.

Kealakekua Bay is a 315-acre marine sanctuary that boasts incredibly protected waters year-round making it the best place in Hawaii for beginning snorkelers.

After a full hour of snorkeling in the crystal clear waters directly in front of the monument to Captain James Cook, you make your way back to Keauhou Bay along the South Kona coastline.

Your Captain maneuvers our custom-made vessels into the sea caves at the base of Hualalai, hugging the coast and detailing the culturally significant and geologically fascinating features along the way.

Watch for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and even herds of thousands of goats! If you plan on snorkeling while in Hawaii and want to see what few do, this is the tour for you.

Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour Features:

  • Snorkel Kealakekua Bay (Capt. Cook Monument)
  • Tropical snacks, juice, and water
  • Explore sea caves and lava tubes
  • Watch for dolphins and whales
  • Great tour for beginner snorkelers
Captain Cook Express
Adult
$105
Children
Ages 5-11
$92

A 48 hour cancellation policy. As long as you cancel your reservation at least 48 hours prior to your tour, you will receive a full refund. If you need to reschedule, we ask that you do so 48 hours prior to your tour as well to avoid a penalty. This gives us an opportunity to rebook your seats.

Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

How many people will be on my tour?
Always specialized in small groups on each of our tours. Now, in keeping with the recommendations of the Department of Health and CDC, we have limited our tour group size even further for the protection of both our guests and our staff. There will be no more than 10 individuals on any tour until the existing guidelines have changed. If you and your family number more than 8 and are from the same household, we can happily accommodate a larger group size.

Is there a minimum number of participants on each tour?
During this unprecedented time of restricted travel, we are seeing lower numbers of travelers and excursion participants. As a rule, we require a minimum of 4 guests in order to confirm a tour. We will stay in touch with you regarding the status of your excursion should it not be confirmed. There are a few options available to you at that point and our team will happily assist you. Should you tour not confirm, you are entitled to a full refund.

Can I bring my camera along?
Yes! There are excellent photo opportunities throughout each tour. However, strongly recommends either a waterproof camera or GoPro. Rent top-of-the-line GoPro HERO5s at check-in. You may reserve and pay for one when making your reservation via the website.

What are the chances that the trip will be canceled due to poor weather or sea conditions?
This is very rare as the Kona Coast is blessed with the best weather, least rain, and calmest seas in the state. The occasional gloomy sky can quickly turn sunny as well. For this reason, should the need arise, reserves the right to determine whether or not the trip will be canceled at the scheduled time of departure. If the trip is canceled, you may reschedule for a later date (subject to availability) or receive a refund.

What about bathrooms?
There are no bathrooms on board for our trips; however, we like to say we have the world’s largest restroom available. With that in mind, we suggest you plan ahead and use the facilities near our check-in location before you depart. Once on board, your first opportunity to get into the water will be approximately 30-40 minutes into the trip.

What if we have our own snorkel gear?
If you have equipment that you are comfortable with, feel free to bring it if you like! The snorkel gear we keep onboard is excellent- silicone masks, dry snorkels with purge valves, etc. For your protection, we sanitize the equipment after each use. There is no discount for providing your own equipment.

Will I see dolphins or whales?
Dolphins are frequently seen (more than half the time), but we can’t guarantee them. When we do encounter them, they have been known to approach the raft or surf the wake our engines create. We often encounter pilot whales – a smaller species of whale that reside here year-round. During humpback whale season (late December – April), there is a good chance you’ll spot one or more of these giants.

Why do you depart from Keauhou Bay?
Keauhou Bay is the closest commercial boat harbor to the snorkel sites; therefore, you spend more time snorkeling, exploring the coastline, and observing marine mammals and less time just getting there.

I’ve never snorkeled before. Will you show me how?
Our specialty! We are frequently recommended for beginners and non-swimmers as we specialize in small groups. Everyone on board gets lots of individual attention and help. However, this applies to our daytime tours only.

Captain Cook Express