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Hammerhead Shark Search

Kailua-Kona
From
$119/ person
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Hammerhead Shark Search
Duration
3 Hours
Cancellation
Full refund for cancellations made more than 7 days before your tour
Departs
12:30pm

Who this tour fits

Swimming ability
confident

Reported, not yet verified. Confirm with the operator when booking.

Group type
No
Duration
180 minutes
What's included
Guide, Marine Life Spotting, Safety Briefing

About this tour

Search for sharks in open water off the Kona Coast on this 3-hour snorkel expedition with See Through Sea. Departing from Honokohau Harbor, the crew heads to offshore reef and deep-water sites where you may encounter scalloped hammerheads (winter and spring), oceanic white tips, silky sharks, tiger sharks, galapagos sharks, and other species found in Hawaiian waters. This is not a typical snorkel tour - it's built for adventurous swimmers ready to come face to face with the ocean's apex predators in their natural environment. All gear provided (mask, snorkel, fins), plus snacks and refreshments. Maximum 6 guests per trip. Ages 16+, must be a confident swimmer, 275 lb weight limit. $119 per person. No animal encounters guaranteed. Full refund for cancellations 7+ days in advance; 50% within 7 days.

Why book this operator

  • Local operator in Kailua-Kona

What's included

Included

  • Guide
  • Marine Life Spotting
  • Safety Briefing

Not included

  • Gear rental
  • Meals

Tour details

Departure Time
12:30pm
Departure Times
midday
Duration
3 Hours
Food & Drinks
none
Food Included
none
Free Cancellation Window
168 hours
Guided
Yes
Health Restrictions
pregnancy, back problems
Hotel Pickup
No
Includes
Guide, Marine Life Spotting, Safety Briefing
Meeting Location
Bathrooms on the North side of Honokohau Harbor
Not Included
gear rental, meals
Pregnancy Restricted
Yes
Private Option
No
Swimming Ability Required
confident
Swimming Required
Yes
Total Duration
180 minutes
Transport Included
meeting_point_only
Weather Dependent
Yes
What to Bring
Towel, Sunscreen, Camera, Reef Safe Sunscreen, Hat
Wildlife You May See
reef sharks

Frequently asked questions

How long is Hammerhead Shark Search?

Hammerhead Shark Search lasts about 180.

Where does Hammerhead Shark Search meet?

Hammerhead Shark Search meets at Bathrooms on the North side of Honokohau Harbor.

What is included with Hammerhead Shark Search?

Hammerhead Shark Search includes Guide, Marine Life Spotting, and Safety Briefing.

What is the cancellation policy for Hammerhead Shark Search?

Full refund for cancellations made more than 7 days before your tour. 50% refund for cancellations made within 7 days. No refund or credit for cancellations made within 48 hours. Full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. No-shows charged full price.

What shark species might I see on the Hammerhead Shark Search tour?

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 grey 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.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear for the shark search tour?

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.

Who is eligible to join the Hammerhead Shark Search, and are there any physical requirements?

Guests must be at least 16 years old and a confident swimmer to participate in this tour. 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.

What is the departure time and how early should I arrive for the shark tour?

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.

What is the cancellation policy if I need to cancel or if the tour is called off due to weather?

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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