Kona Snorkel Tour - Two Snorkeling Spots

• Two premier snorkel locations, Kealakekua Bay & Place of Refuge
• All snorkel equipment, mask, snorkel, and fins
• Wetsuits available for comfort in the water
• Knowledgeable, experienced crew on board throughout the tour
• Safety briefing and in-water guidance
• Small group setting for a more personal experience
• Peaceful early morning departure for the best ocean conditions and visibility

Kona Snorkel Tour: Two Snorkeling Spots in One Trip

Spend a morning in the water with us at two of the best snorkeling spots on the Kona coast. Our captain and crew love what they do, and they'll make sure everyone on board, first-timers and kids included, feels comfortable and has a great time.

‍

Our Captain Cook Snorkel Tour is a favorite, but it visits one spot: Kealakekua Bay. This Kona Snorkel Tour is for anyone who wants more time in the water. You'll snorkel at two different reefs and see hundreds of tropical fish that are native to Hawaii.

Stop One: Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument

Our first stop is Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine sanctuary and home to the Captain Cook Monument. The water here is calm, clear, and shallow. Most of the reef sits just 5 to 15 feet down, so you don't have to dive deep to see anything, which makes it a great first stop for kids and newer snorkelers.

‍
The coral reef is packed with tropical fish, and Honu (sea turtles) swim through regularly. Keep an eye on the deeper water too, since spinner dolphins like to rest in the bay. And because this is where Captain Cook landed in 1779, your crew will share a bit of Hawaiian history while you're here.

Stop Two: Hōnaunau Bay, the Place of Refuge

Next we head down the coast to Hōnaunau Bay, known to locals as "Two-Step." It sits right beside Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau, the Place of Refuge — a sacred site in old Hawaii. The snorkeling at Hōnaunau Bay is some of the best on the island. The reef drops off into deeper water, so you'll see a different mix of coral and fish than at Kealakekua Bay: bigger coral heads, more open water, and a good chance of spotting something you didn't see at the first stop.

Two Reefs, Twice the Wildlife

Each reef is full of life, with fish, coral, and plenty of surprises. Because the two bays are different depths and shapes, they attract different animals, and no two trips look exactly the same. That's part of the fun.

‍

What You'll See on Our Kona Snorkeling Tour

Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling at the Captain Cook Monument

The water at Kealakekua Bay is calm, clear, and easy to see through, which makes it a great spot for families and newer snorkelers. The coral reef here is home to schools of tropical fish, colorful coral, and Honu (sea turtles). If you're lucky, you might spot spinner dolphins out in the deeper water. And since this is where Captain Cook landed in 1779, you get a little Hawaiian history with your swim.

Kona's Marine Life, Up Close

Kealakekua Bay is a protected marine sanctuary, so the reef here is one of the healthiest on the island — and it shows. On any given snorkel, you might spot:

• Bright yellow tang, which gather in big schools and are easy for kids to find. Parrotfish (uhu), with their beak-like mouths — listen closely and you can actually hear them crunching on coral. Moorish idols and raccoon butterflyfish weaving through the reef. And of course, the humuhumunukunukuapua'a, Hawaii's state fish. Yes, it's a mouthful. Our crew will help you say it.
• Look a little closer and you might find a moray eel peeking out from the rocks, an octopus (he'e) changing colors to blend in, or spiny sea urchins tucked into the coral. Honu (sea turtles) cruise through regularly, often gliding right past snorkelers without a care.
• The coral itself is worth a look too — cauliflower and lobe coral build the reef that all these animals call home. It's a big part of why we follow a strict reef-safe sunscreen policy on every tour.
• Visiting in winter? Keep an eye on the horizon - Humpback Whales sometimes breach right off the side of the boat. Year-round, spinner dolphins, manta rays, and Honu are regulars at the reefs we visit.

Not sure what fish you just saw? Ask the crew. They know Hawaiian marine life inside and out, and they love pointing things out to anyone interested.

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau Snorkeling: Discover the Place of Refuge

The Place of Refuge, also known as Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, is home to another incredible coral reef and a wide variety of tropical marine life. Outside of its popularity as a snorkel destination, it is also home to one of the most sacred spaces in Native Hawaiian history. This was a place where those who broke kapu, the sacred laws, were able to go.

In order to keep the sanctity of the native site, visitation is extremely limited. Only accredited boats like ours at Dolphin Discoveries are allowed to conduct tours along the reef. If you wish to snorkel this incredible reef, we highly recommend hopping aboard our intimate Kona Snorkel Tour to explore this sacred place, guided by local experts in both the island's natural world and history. Spend as much time coming face to gills with some of the most incredible marine life as you do learning about this remarkable spot on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Why choose Dolphin Discoveries for Snorkeling in Kona?

Expert Guides Looking Out for Your Safety on Our Kona Snorkel Tour

Your safety is paramount on our Kona snorkel tours, and we at Dolphin Discoveries take every measure to ensure your well-being throughout the Big Island snorkel experience. Central to this commitment are our expert guides, who play a crucial role in providing a secure and enjoyable experience.

Our guides are seasoned professionals with an in-depth understanding of the unique conditions and marine life encountered on our Kona Snorkel Tour. They are well versed in marine preservation, safety procedures, and emergency response, ensuring that you and your group are in capable hands at all times. With our expert guides on your side, you can snorkel with peace of mind. You will have the best gear, the best instruction, and the most fun to top it off.

Enjoy the Best Snorkeling in Kona with Dolphin Discoveries

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary Kona snorkeling tour with Dolphin Discoveries, where we are committed to providing you not only with the best in-water experience but also ensuring your safety as a top priority. Our tours are designed to be memorable and truly special, with the goal of creating memories that will last you and your loved ones a lifetime.

Dolphin Discoveries takes pride in offering you the chance to explore the vibrant underwater world of Kona, known for its beautiful tropical waters and thriving marine life. Our expert crew members are not only well-versed in snorkeling but also possess a deep understanding of the local marine environment. With us, you are not just a participant. You are part of a journey that delves into the mysteries and wonders of the ocean.

Reserve Your Spot on the Kona Snorkel Tour

The Dolphin Discoveries Kona Snorkel Tour is the perfect adventure for any family or group of friends. Tours are open to guests ages 6 and up. The entire tour is 5 hours, including prep time prior to departure, giving you ample time in the water as well as time to catch some rays aboard the boat as we sail to the most popular snorkel destinations on the Big Island.

We snorkel the beautiful marine sanctuary at Kealakekua Bay, home of Captain Cook's Monument, and the Place of Refuge at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau. We provide guests with Kona snorkeling, cultural, and environmental information relevant to the Island of Hawaii and its history. Your captain will also show you several spectacular volcanic geological phenomena along the coast, including sea caves and lava tubes. Read our Know Before You Go guide to come fully prepared.

Why Guests Choose Dolphin Discoveries

We are a Veteran Owned and Operated business based right here in Kona, Hawaii. Dolphin Discoveries takes pride in offering you the chance to explore the vibrant underwater world of Kona, known for its beautiful tropical waters and thriving marine life. Our expert crew members possess a deep understanding of the local marine environment and are committed to making your experience both memorable and safe. We have earned TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence five consecutive years running, with over 5,100 reviews and a 4.8 rating. Read our reviews.

These tours fill up fast. Book your spot today using the calendar on this page, or contact our team with any questions.