Quick Details
Boarding Location: Captain Zodiac
Adult
Ages 13+
$ 155
Child
Ages 4-12
$ 120
Experience Kona Snorkeling Tours Unlike Any Other
When you hop aboard Captain Zodiac, you’re choosing a one-of-a-kind experience gliding through the Big Island’s world-famous, glass-clear waters. You’ll enjoy all the underwater marine life Hawaii is known for, along with towering cliffs and a colorful coral reef you’ll be awed by.
And the best way to enjoy your snorkeling trip? Between the crowds. Skip the crack-of-dawn chaos and the late-day rush of most scheduled tours. Go mid-morning, right when everyone else is either heading out or already packing up. That’s the sweet spot our tour takes advantage of.
What to Expect on Our Kona Snorkeling Tours
Our tours are for small groups. You’ll bounce out from Kona with just enough speed to feel the wind in your hair. Even if the ride itself isn’t the “star of the show”, it is certainly part of the fun. You’ll be skimming past lava rock cliffs and maybe spotting a pod of dolphins on the way. The Captain Zodiac captains and crew are your friends, tour guides, and marine-life experts during your journey. They’ll give you the history, the geology, and the legends connected to the sights along your boat ride.
Once you hit Kealakekua Bay, you’ll gear up and slide into some of the calmest, clearest water on the island. The visibility is legendary here. You’ll see coral gardens below and shoals of fish darting left and right. Plus, because this tour is longer, you’re in no rush to jump into the water or hop back on board. Take your time – bask in the sun, dive underneath the surface – there’s no wrong way to enjoy the ocean.
You’ll snorkel as long as you want with no one rushing you back on board. And when you’re ready, the crew’s got lunch waiting.
A Snorkeling Tour Rich with History
This place isn’t just pretty – it’s important. In Kealakekua Bay you’ll see the iconic Captain Cook monument. This monument is where Captain Cook made landfall (and, well… didn’t exactly make it back out). While you’re enjoying lunch, the captain shares a few stories about the significance of the area – some historical, some mythical, all part of what makes this spot feel alive. You’re not just floating above coral. You’re floating in the middle of centuries of Hawaiian history.
And when you’re done eating? Why not hop back in for another round? That’s the beauty of this Kona snorkeling tour, more time for why you’re here.
The Ride Back From Your Big Island Snorkel
If you thought it was just a straight shot back to the dock, think again. This is when Captain Zodiac’s crew really shows off. You’ll swing by lava tubes, pull up next to sea caves, and get a close look at blowholes firing off along the coast. It’s not the kind of thing the big boats can do. These smaller rafts are nimble – they can sneak into places you’d never see otherwise.
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you’ll even catch spinner dolphins riding alongside. They’ve got a habit of showing up when you least expect it and completely stealing the show.
What to Know Before You Hop on the Snorkeling Tour
Safety always comes first, and that means that this tour isn’t for everyone. If you’ve got back or neck issues, or if you’re pregnant, you’ll have to skip it. Because of the size of the rafts, the ride can be bumpy at times.
Also, don’t bring a bunch of stuff. Just your essentials: reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, water bottle, and maybe a dry bag if you’ve got one. Sunglasses are great (but maybe not your favorite pair). The less you bring, the better you’ll feel when it’s all over.
Snorkeling with a Group?
If you’re rolling deep – family reunion, friend crew, bachelor or bachelorette party – we’ve got multiple rafts. Just call ahead and we’ll set you up. You won’t be crammed in like sardines. There’s room to move, chat, laugh, and actually enjoy each other’s company.
Why Book Captain Zodiac’s Kona Snorkel
Good Kona snorkeling tours don’t need bells and whistles. They need a good crew, the right timing, and a spot that delivers every single time. This trip checks all the boxes. No gimmicks. No overcrowding. Just a few hours of honest-to-goodness ocean magic.
You want to snorkel Kealakekua Bay the right way? This is how you do it. Midday tour, small group, more water time, less chaos. You’re not rushing. You’re not waiting in line to climb back onto a deck with 40 strangers.