They are virtually the same great tour, but the 5-hour is a little longer and lunch is included. We do leave a little later on the 5-hour so we get to Kealakekua Bay when there are fewer people. See the Excursions Page for more information.
These small, fast-moving boats have a tendency to cause less seasickness than other types of boats. However, as a precautionary measure, motion sickness medicine taken the night before the adventure solves all worries.
Because Kona has some of the calmest waters in the state year-round, the waters are beautiful all day. What we typically see in the morning, we also see in the afternoon. The mornings do typically have more blue skies than in the afternoon, but sometimes the clouds are welcomed extra protection from sunburn.
Depending on the severity of your surgery, sure! Give us a quick call and we can assess it together.
We are fortunate to be on the Kona Coast of the Big Island. Our side of the island is protected from wind and weather by three volcanoes so we are rarely affected by bad weather. If it does happen you may cancel or reschedule without penalty.
Most days we depart from Honokohau Harbor. However, it is a good idea to call when you arrive on the island to reconfirm your reservation and check-in location.
Absolutely! The ride is generally dry though occasionally we will have some light spray. We will instruct you to keep good cameras covered and you do bring them at your own risk.
Due to the sometimes bouncy nature of our ride, people with bad backs, older people who are frail, and children under 5 years old are not to take our tour. Also, we do not allow pregnant women on our tours.
We have a strict 48-hour cancellation policy. For parties of 6 or more, we have a 72-hour cancellation policy. No refunds within that time frame.
No, snorkeling is one of the easiest water activities you will ever do! Our patient captains are experts in teaching our guests. We have several different flotation devices on each boat and we have special vests that you can wear while snorkeling.
Our captains and crew work very hard at making your tour enjoyable, informative and fun so a bit of reward is a welcomed and appreciated gesture. A typical $10 – $20 per person who goes on the tour is customary. Remember they are entertaining you for several hours, more than any waiter or bartender you encounter.
While staying on the island, you will probably find it cheaper and more convenient to rent a car. Otherwise, there are a number of taxi companies that can assist you.
Unfortunately, no. The coral reefs are so beautiful in Kealakekua Bay and in order to protect them, we don’t allow anyone onshore. You will use your boat as your beach for the day.
No, but you are welcome to bring your own reusable water bottle. We have filling stations in the office and on the boat. We also have reusable water bottles available for purchase before your trip that will be filled with cold water waiting for you. There are reusable water bottles available for purchase during check-in.
No, in accordance with our Kealakekua Bay special use permit regulated by the DLNR, only Reef Safe sunscreen will be allowed on our tours. We have reef safe sunscreen for you to apply at check-in, and also for purchase to have for the rest of your stay.
Check the active ingredients.
Good ingredients = Zinc Oxide/Titanium Dioxide.
Bad ingredients = Oxybenzone/Avobenzone/Homosalate/Octinoxate/Octisalate/Octocrylene/Nanoparticles.
You will not be allowed to apply sunscreen on the boat until after you’re done snorkeling and are sure you won’t be going back in the water.
No, because that takes away from the “raft” experience! Wear sunscreen and a hat and you will be loving it! We also are able to get under the sea caves BECAUSE we do not have a covered raft! (We now have one boat that has a small cover on it. Please us know if that is your preference.)
Beat the crowd and enjoy more time snorkeling at the Kealakekua Bay, one of Hawaii’s premier snorkel spots with incredible visibility and calm conditions, on this five-hour tour! This is the longer tour compared to our original Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour.
Take the concerns out of booking with large crowds and book a Private Charter starting at $1000 *plus tax and gratuity*. Enjoy creating your own adventure with the family during your Hawaii vacation.