Snorkeling
Manta Ray Snorkel Kona
This page may contain affiliate links. Please read our affiliate disclosure. The Kona manta ray snorkel tour is “one of the top 10 things to
Captain Cook snorkeling tours visit the Captain Cook monument at Kealakekua Bay on The Big Island of Hawaii. As a protected marine sanctuary, Kealakekua Bay is regarded as one of the best coral reefs for snorkeling in the state of Hawaii. The bay boasts crystal clear waters, numerous coral reefs, and more than 250 species of Hawaiian marine life. The best snorkeling in the bay is near the Captain Cook monument.
Captain Cook Snorkeling tours deliver an amazing experience that combines epic marine life and a historic destination. In addition to its crystal-clear waters and profusion of marine life, Kealakekua Bay is renowned for its extensive history. The Captain Cook Monument commemorates the location of Captain James Cook’s first landing on the island in 1779. It is also the location of Captain Cook’s death.
Image: Captain Cook Snorkeling
There are three ways to get to Kealakekua Bay. We listed our favorite tour providers below, and you can book directly from them using the links below.
Captain Cook snorkeling tour boats depart from three different locations in Kona. We recommend going with a company that departs from Keauhou Harbor because it has the shortest boat ride to Kealakekua Bay, which is about 25 minutes depending on conditions.
As one of the best snorkeling destinations in the state of Hawaii, Kealakekua Bay can be crowded in the morning. The earliest tours tend to have larger crowds and calmer ocean conditions. The later tours tend to have smaller crowds, but the ocean conditions may not be as nice. Earlier tours are recommended for anyone who is prone to motion sickness. The later tours are recommended when ocean conditions are calm.
Our favorite snorkel tour boat that departs from Keauhou Harbor is Hawaii Oceanic, and we have an exclusive coupon code for 20% off any tour (use promo code BIA20 at checkout for 20% off). Hawaii Oceanic runs tours at 8am and 11am every day, and we recommend booking your tour in advance because they tend to sell out a couple weeks early during peak season.
For those who are interested in kayaking to the Captain Cook monument, we recommend going with a guided tour for safety and the added benefit of learning about the culture and history of Kealakeua Bay. Given the calmer ocean conditions, we recommend taking an early kayak tour and benefitting from ocean conditions that require less effort when paddling.
This morning kayak and snorkel tour is 2.5 hours and comes with a local tour guide that will drop knowledge along the way. This tour includes wide, stable open-deck tandem kayaks and includes quality snorkels, masks, and fins. Bottled water, drinks, and snacks are also included, so you can pack a light load.
There’s a 50% chance of seeing Hawaiian spinner dolphins on this tour, as they tend to hang out in Kealakekua Bay in the morning. Humpback whales and turtles are also possible sightings, while the beautiful coral reef that’s teeming with tropical fish delivers an excellent experience every day.
On January 17, 1779, the British explorer and navigator Captain Cook arrived at Kealakekua Bay on board the HMS Resolution. He and his crew were the first Europeans to encounter the Hawaiians, and they stayed in the bay for several weeks to conduct business with the natives and learn about the island’s flora and fauna. The Hawaiians greeted Cook and his men with open arms, and they developed friendly relations. Sadly, tensions between Cook and the Hawaiians increased throughout their stay, and on February 14, 1779, Cook was slain in a fight with the islanders. Historians continue to argue the cause of this incident, but it is generally agreed that a misunderstanding and a misrepresentation of Hawaiian traditions and beliefs were to blame.
In 1874, the Captain Cook Monument was built to honor the location of Cook’s initial landing in Kealakekua Bay. A small park with picnic tables and a parking lot surrounds the monument, a white obelisk that stands on the bay’s beach. The park is a popular destination for tourists who want to learn more about Captain Cook’s past and the events that occurred here.
It’s crucial to follow the guidelines put in place to save the marine life and coral reefs when snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay. Visitors should refrain from touching the coral and should not use sunscreens with the ingredients oxybenzone or octinoxate because they can damage the coral. Also to be considered are the currents and waves, which can occasionally be very powerful. It is usually advised to go on a guided trip with an experienced guide who is knowledgeable about the bay’s circumstances and can keep you safe.
Kealakekua Bay is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm and there is a fee for parking. In order to escape the crowds, it is advisable to schedule your visit for early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Visitors should also be warned that the bay can grow busy, particularly during the busiest travel season.
Overall, Kealakekua Bay is a must-see location for everyone traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii since it provides a distinctive fusion of nature, culture, and history. Kealakekua Bay, with its stunning waters, abundant marine life, and historical significance, is a place that tourists will undoubtedly remember for years to come. Kealakekua Bay features activities for everyone, whether you’re interested in snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, or simply lazing around in the sun. Families, couples, and lone travelers can all enjoy this location. While the wealth of marine life and historic significance make it an interesting site to explore and discover, the natural beauty and tranquil surroundings make it the perfect place to unwind and relax.
This page may contain affiliate links. Please read our affiliate disclosure. The Kona manta ray snorkel tour is “one of the top 10 things to
With its pristine seas, a plethora of marine life, and a variety of snorkeling locations, Hawaii’s Big Island is a genuine snorkeler’s dream. There are
On the Big Island of Hawaii’s south coast is Honaunau Bay, popularly referred to as “Two Step,” a well-liked snorkeling and diving location. Honaunau Bay
Tourists seeking to take in the beauty of the ocean and its marine life frequently travel to Hawaii’s Big Island. The Big Island manta ray
Save big on Big Island activities and tours when you sign up to receive coupon codes and exclusive discounts.
