South Kona Expedition
Imagine…..Three snorkeling locations in one sparkling Kona day. Journey 22 miles down South.
Big Island Snorkel Tour Features:
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay (Capt. Cook Monument)
Snorkel Honaunau Bay (Place of Refuge)
Snorkel a 3rd remote location based on conditions
Lunch, snacks, juice, and water
Covered rigid hull inflatable vessel
Explore sea caves and lava tubes
Watch for dolphins, turtles, and whales
Spend the morning snorkeling at 3 unique and pristine locations including the 315 acre marine sanctuary Kealakekua Bay where the monument to Captain Cook was placed in 1874, the culturally significant Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, and a third remote location you wouldn’t be able to access any other way. Perhaps you’ll snorkel at a black sand beach and have it all to yourselves. Maybe a stone arch or a spectacular lava rock formation created thousands of years ago by a young Mt. Hualalai. We will take you to locations even residents of the Island have yet to see.
Explore sea caves and lava tubes in our safe, exciting, and maneuverable vessels designed to get you up close and personal with the coast. Throughout the morning we are scouting for marine life such as pilot whales as long as your boat, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, and more as the diverse marine life abounds along the South Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.
After snorkeling, enjoy a deli lunch in the shade of the canopy within view of the monument to Captain Cook. Snacks, water & juice are provided throughout the day, as is all the snorkeling gear and flotation devices you need. You show up in your swimsuit with your reef-safe sunscreen and towel in hand and away we go!
Restrictions
Expectant mothers are not eligible to participate in this activity**
Individuals who experience regular back or neck pain are not eligible to participate in this activity
| South Kona Expedition | |
| Adult | $168 |
| Children Ages 5-11 | $146 |
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?
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.
