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Age bands that meet this tour's minimum age.
From the listing, read Oct 15, 2026. Confirm with the operator when booking.
Confirm with the operator when booking.
Confirm with the operator when booking.
The Hammerhead Shark Search departs from Honokohau Harbor on the Big Island and heads out to reef and offshore sites where sharks may be encountered in Hawaiian waters. The crew focuses specifically on finding sharks, including scalloped hammerheads, oceanic white tips, silkies, sandbars, Galapagos sharks, oceanic blacktips, tiger sharks, and gray reef sharks. A coastal cruise back to the harbor closes out the outing.
Mask, snorkel, fins, assorted snacks, and refreshments are all included. Swimmers should bring reef-safe mineral sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, sun-protective clothing, a warm layer, and towels. A camera or personal dive gear are optional additions worth considering.
There is no bathroom on board, so plan accordingly before departure. Participants must be able to climb a ladder and move independently on a moving boat.
We do not take your payment or set prices, and no operator pays for placement here. What changes is who holds your booking, not what you pay.
Hammerhead Shark Search lasts about 5 hours.
The minimum age for Hammerhead Shark Search is 16 years old.
Hammerhead Shark Search meets at 74-380 Kealakehe Parkway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (Honokōhau Harbor, near restrooms between the two boat ramps on the north side).
Hammerhead Shark Search includes Mask, snorkel, and fins, Assorted snacks, and Refreshments.
Full refund for cancellations made more than 7 days before your tour; 50% refund within 7 days; no refund within 48 hours.
The tour targets multiple shark species depending on the season and ocean conditions. Scalloped hammerheads are more commonly encountered in winter and spring, while oceanic white tips frequent the deep waters off the Kona coast during their migratory season. Other possible encounters include silkies, sandbars, Galapagos, oceanic blacktips, tiger sharks, and gray reef sharks. Every trip is different and no animal encounters are guaranteed, as wildlife activity and ocean conditions vary. The crew focuses on reef and offshore sites where various species are known to appear, but the unpredictable nature of the experience is part of what makes this tour distinct from a standard snorkel outing.
No, you do not need to bring your own snorkel gear because masks, snorkels, and fins are all included with the tour. Snacks and refreshments are also provided during the trip. The operator notes that guests should travel light but come prepared with personal items suited for a full morning on the water. If you have personal dive gear you prefer to use, you are welcome to bring it as an optional item. Other recommended personal items include reef-safe mineral sunscreen (no aerosols), a hat, sunglasses, a sun-protective shirt or rash guard, a warm layer for the ride back, and a towel. A camera or GoPro is also optional.
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is not suitable for pregnant individuals and is not recommended for guests with back, neck, or serious health conditions. There is also a weight limit of 275 lbs. Because this tour involves open-water swimming in pursuit of sharks, physical readiness matters. Guests must be able to climb a ladder and move independently on a moving boat. The group size is capped at a maximum of 6 people, which keeps the experience small and manageable but also means physical participation is expected from every guest on board.
The Hammerhead Shark Search departs from Honokohau Harbor at 7:00am and returns by 12:00pm, making it a 5-hour outing. Guests should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The crew will meet you near the restrooms located between the two boat ramps on the north side of the harbor and guide you to the boat. The listing also notes that the boat does not have a bathroom on board, so guests are asked to use the restroom facilities at the harbor before departure. Arriving on time is important, as the operator states that no-shows will be charged the full tour price.
You can receive a full refund if you cancel more than 7 days before your tour date. Cancellations made within 7 days of the tour receive a 50% refund, and cancellations within 48 hours of the tour time are not eligible for any refund or credit. To cancel, guests should email info@SeeThroughSea.com. If the operator cancels the tour due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, guests will receive a full refund or credit. This operator-initiated cancellation policy is separate from the guest cancellation terms. No-shows are charged the full tour price, so it is important to contact the operator in advance if your plans change.
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