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Hammerhead Shark Search

Ages 16+Kailua-Kona
From
$119/ person
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Hammerhead Shark Search
Duration
3 Hours
Group size
6
Cancellation
Full refund for cancellations made more than 7 days before your tour
Departs
12:30pm

Who this tour fits

0-23-67-1112-1718+

Age bands that meet this tour's minimum age.

Minimum age
16 years

Verified Sep 10, 2026. Confirm with the operator when booking.

Swimming ability
true

Verified Sep 10, 2026. Confirm with the operator when booking.

Physical intensity
high
Group type
No
Max group size
6 guests
Duration
300 minutes
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to climb a ladder and move independently on a moving boat. Not recommended for guests with back, neck, or serious health conditions. Weight limit 275 lbs.

Verified Sep 10, 2026. Confirm with the operator when booking.

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

How booking here works

What differsBooking hereA typical booking site
Who takes paymentThe local operatorThe booking site
Who handles changesThe operator, directlyThe booking site's support
Whose price you payThe operator's own priceThe operator's price with the site's margin inside it
What you getThe operator's own bookingA third-party voucher

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.

What's included

Not included

  • Gear rental
  • Meals

Tour details

Departure Time
12:30pm
Departure Times
7:00am
Difficulty Level
Difficult
Duration
3 Hours
Equipment Provided
snorkel gear, mask, fins
Food & Drinks
snacks, water
Food Included
snacks
Free Cancellation Window
168 hours
Gear Included
snorkel, fins
Group Size
small
Guided
Yes
Health Restrictions
pregnancy, back problems, heart conditions
Hotel Pickup
No
Infant Policy
prohibited
Maximum Group Size
6 people
Maximum Passengers
6 guests
Meeting Location
Honokōhau Harbor — park near the restrooms between the two boat ramps on the north side. Crew will meet you and guide you to the boat.
Minimum Age
16 years
Not Included
gear rental, meals
Participation Minimum Age
16 years
Physical Intensity
high
Pregnancy Restricted
Yes
Private Option
No
Restroom on Board
No
Swimming Ability Required
true
Swimming Required
Yes
Total Duration
300 minutes
Transport Included
meeting_point_only
Unaccompanied Minimum Age
18 years
Weather Dependent
Yes
What to Bring
Towel, Reef Safe Sunscreen, Hat, Camera, Light Jacket
Wildlife You May See
reef sharks

Frequently asked questions

How long is Hammerhead Shark Search?

Hammerhead Shark Search lasts about 300.

Is there a minimum age for Hammerhead Shark Search?

The minimum age for Hammerhead Shark Search is 16 years old.

Where does Hammerhead Shark Search meet?

Hammerhead Shark Search meets at Honokōhau Harbor — park near the restrooms between the two boat ramps on the north side. Crew will meet you and guide you to the boat..

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 within 48 hours. Full refund or credit if operator cancels 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.

From$119/ person
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Tour details can change. Please review the operator's current schedule, meeting or pickup information, requirements and cancellation policy during booking. If information shown during booking differs from this page, the booking information controls.

Full refund for cancellations made more than 7 days before your tour

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