Kayak & Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay

Name: Kayak & Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay
Brand: Kona Boys

Kona Boys

Kona

Lunch Available

Kayaking / Canoeing

Kayaker in front of Captain Cook Monument

Highlights

Kayaking, snorkeling, and marine-life viewing tour
Kealakekua Bay is renowned for crystal clear waters, colorful fish, spinner dolphins, and abundant coral
5 hour morning tour with lunch or 4 hour afternoon tour
Generally easy paddling (45 min each way), all within protected calm bay
Guides share interesting stories and facts about Hawaiian history and the natural beauty

From
$139 per adult

Morning, Afternoon
Duration 4 - 5 hours

Pricing & Availability

Overview

Experience one of the best snorkeling spots in the entire state with the friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable guides of Kona Boys, and fully absorb the beautiful nature along the coast from the unique vantage point of a kayak that you navigate yourself through the calm clear water of Kealakekua Bay. Encountering spinner dolphins (that actually jump and spin in the air) and whales (during season) is also a common occurrence!

In addition to providing safety and paddling instruction, the guides will entertain and educate you about the culture and history of the area. You’ll also come to shore for some refreshments at Captain Cook’s Monument where you’ll learn about and see where the famous British explorer met his fateful end.

Unlike renting kayaks or using your own, this tour has one of only three permits that allows launching in the protected Bay (so you’re never out in the open ocean) and to land at the Monument (so you’re not holding your kayak the entire time while snorkeling or restricted to only being out on the water with the bigger boat tours). You'll enjoy a small group, typically 6 people or less with 1 guide, or a max of 12 with 2 guides. All kayak and snorkeling gear is included, as well as a reusable water bottle for you to keep.

Booking Tip

If within 24 hours, availability is not shown in the calendar, but spots may still be available, as long as it's before 5 pm the day before. Please contact us if you cannot do another day.

TripAdvisor

Yelp

TravelShack's Choice

Why we recommend this option over others

Review by TravelShack Team

Has coveted permit to run kayak tours in the highly regulated Bay and to land at Captain Cook’s Monument (some tours, or if you rent kayaks, require you to hold kayak while snorkeling)
Operates 5 hour tour daily for the full experience, with lunch included

Location

Kona

Check-in & Departure
Check-in at office and then drive yourself to dock
Both in Kealakekua

Distance from Main Areas
20 min from Kona
50 min from Waikoloa
1 hr 50 min from Hilo

Guidebook Reviews

Hawaii Big Island Revealed Guidebook:

Our favorite kayaking on the island is across Kealakekua Bay

The Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay is a favorite destination. Snorkeling near the monument is perhaps the best you will find anywhere in the state. If you've never snorkeled before, this is the place to start. Experienced snorkelers will be dazzled.

Lonely Planet Guidebook:

Among Hawaii’s premier snorkeling spots. The calm waters make for a great paddle, even for novices.

Fodor's Guidebook:

Kona Boys: Fodor’s Choice

Moon Guidebook:

An organized kayak trip to Kealakekua Bay not only gets you to the best snorkel location on the island but gives you a tour of this undeveloped and inaccessible coast. The preferred company, because of its quality of tours and equipment, is Kona Boys.

	Option 1 Morning Tour	Option 2 Afternoon Tour
Time Includes check-in	7:15 am – 12:15 pm	12:15 pm – 4:15 pm
Duration Includes check-in process	5 hours	4 hours
Non-Kayaking Time in Bay (water & land)	2.5 hours	1-1.5 hours
Food & Drink	Lunch (sandwich, freshly baked bread, and fruit, catered by local bakery) and drinks	Snacks and drinks
Best For	Calmest waters and more marine life	Less crowded Bay
Price	Age 19+: $189 Age 18 & under: $169	Age 19+: $139 Age 18 & under: $119
	Book Now	Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Snorkeling Kealakekua Bay by kayak is more ecofriendly than by boat which uses fossil fuels and produces pollution and noise
Has signed on to the West Hawai’i Voluntary Standards for Marine Tourism to improve environmental performance
Actively involved in the community, including sponsoring local surfers, surf competitions, and other events

Terms and Conditions

Cancellation Policy

After 48 hours prior to activity time, cancellations, changes, or no-shows will result in 50% payment

Tax added at checkout

4.166% Hawaii sales tax (GET)

Minimum Weight of Participants

30 pounds

Maximum Weight of Participants

475 pounds for 2 (if exceed this amount, please note at checkout and you will be placed on different kayaks)