FAQ | Captain Zodiac

The amount of snorkel time. Our 5-hour adventure is thoughtfully designed with snorkel enthusiasts in mind. Guests enjoy up to two hours of snorkeling and exploration in the pristine waters of Kealakekua Bay, timed to avoid the crowds for a more peaceful, immersive experience. Along the way, you’ll still experience the same sea caves, rich history, and coastal storytelling—just with more time in the water, and a delicious lunch included to complete your day on the ocean. 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. Our Captains thoroughly evaluate ocean and weather conditions before each tour. If they determine the ocean or weather to be hazardous and cancel the tour, we will contact you as soon as possible to offer a full refund or the option to reschedule. It is important for you to leave us a good contact number or email so that we can contact you if such a situation were to arise.
Most days we depart from Honokohau Harbor, we do depart from Kailua Pier on select days. 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.
For your comfort and protection, we build in time during the tour for sunscreen reapplication. We’ll make a stop prior to entering the bay so sunscreen has adequate time to absorb into your skin. To help protect the marine environment, we kindly ask that you avoid applying sunscreen immediately before entering the water, as it can create a surface slick. After your snorkel, there will be another opportunity to dry off and reapply before we continue on. The sun in Hawaiʻi can be quite strong, and we want to help ensure you stay protected and comfortable throughout your experience.
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!
Our Zodiac vessels are equipped with designated dry storage areas for personal belongings. In the event of rain, bags will be placed in covered hatches for added protection. We kindly ask that no items be kept in pockets, as they may fall out during the ride. Our crew is always happy to assist you in accessing your belongings at any time during the excursion.
Each of our rafts is equipped with a secure, four-rung ladder that attaches to the side of the vessel for easy reboarding. Entering the water is simple—just slide in gently, fins first.

When you’re ready to come back on board, please use the ladder. Begin by removing your fins and handing them up to a crew member. Then place both feet on the bottom rung and carefully climb up the ladder. For safety, please avoid standing on the pontoon. Instead, once you reach the top, swing one leg over the side and sit down—similar to mounting a horse or a motorcycle—before bringing the rest of your body aboard. Our crew is always nearby and happy to assist you at any point.
No smoking is allowed on any of our vessels as well as docks.
All of our vessels are equipped with Coast Guard approved adult and child sized life vests.
Passengers who cannot swim are more than welcome to wear life vests while aboard our rafts. We have them available during check in time in our office, please ask for one during check in.
No, we cannot allow passengers to launch or land drones on our vessels due to safety concerns. Drones are not allowed in Kealakekua bay as it is stated in the park rules of the State of Hawaii.
Yes! There is free parking available in front of our office. Please don’t park in front of the boats next to our office as they do get pulled in and out daily.
Yes, we do have prescription lens snorkel masks in -2, -3, -4, -5, -6. Please let us know at check in and we will inform the Captain to look out for you when the crew is handing out snorkel gear.
The average temperature is 72 degrees in the winter months and 82 degrees in the summer months.

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