Afternoon Snorkel, 3 Hours

3 hours to Kealakekua Bay

Overview

Sea Paradise runs this three hour afternoon trip out of Keauhou Bay aboard the Hoku Nui, a catamaran that motor-sails when there is no wind. Check in is at 1:45 PM at the finger pier at the end of 78-7130 Kaleiopapa Street, with departure at 2:00 PM and return around 5:00 PM. The boat heads to Kealakekua Bay, where guests snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument inside the marine preserve.

The water time is the core of the tour. Guests get roughly an hour in the preserve and an hour at the monument area, with a marine naturalist giving a briefing before anyone gets in. All snorkel gear is provided, including masks, fins and flotation noodles, along with reef safe sunscreen and filtered water. Snacks are Maui chips and fresh tropical fruit, and one reviewer noted the crew served freshly cut fruit right as the boat left the bay. Alcoholic drinks can be bought onboard with a credit card.

It suits confident swimmers, including families with kids, who must wear life jackets. Non-swimmers cannot enter the water, so anyone in that group should plan to stay on the boat and enjoy the ride, which reviewers describe as relaxing.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at Keauhou BayArrive at the Keauhou Bay finger pier, end of 78-7130 Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona, for a 1:45 PM check in. The boat departs at 2:00 PM.
2. Sail to Kealakekua BayThe catamaran cruises toward Kealakekua Bay.
3. Kealakekua Bay Marine PreserveThe boat stops for 1 hour inside the marine preserve. A marine naturalist gives a snorkel briefing before guests enter the water.
4. Captain Cook Monument snorkelTime at the monument area lasts 1 hour, with masks, fins and flotation noodles provided. Admission is free.
5. Return sail to Keauhou BayThe boat heads back, arriving around 5:00 PM. The tour ends at the same pier where it started.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the listing and from repeated reviewer comments will help set expectations before booking.

• Swimming ability. Every snorkeler must be a confident swimmer, and non-swimmers may not enter the water. Children are welcome but must wear life jackets, and the captain can pull anyone from the water if conditions or ability look risky.
• What is provided. Snorkel gear, reef safe sunscreen, filtered water and snacks of Maui chips and tropical fruit are all included. One reviewer praised the equipment as the best they had used on an excursion.
• Drinks onboard. Non-alcoholic drinks are included. Alcohol is available for purchase, but only by credit card, so leave cash behind for that.
• Group feel. The boat carries a maximum of 49 travellers. Reviewers describe an easy going, mixed crowd with attentive crew, though it is not a private charter.
• Seating and comfort. Reviewers describe a spacious, very clean vessel with covered seating or sunny spots and clean bathrooms. Families with teenagers have reported an easy, comfortable day out.
• Bring and wear. Bring a credit card if you want drinks. Full face masks are not allowed, since standard gear is provided. Dietary restrictions should be reported 48 hours before the tour.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and anyone who cannot swim confidently has to stay aboard while others snorkel. It requires a minimum number of travellers and good weather, and if either forces a cancellation you get a different date or a full refund rather than a guaranteed same-day trip. Alcohol costs extra, and gratuities are not included. The boat is under power much of the time when winds are light, so travelers picturing an active sail may find the crossing more of a motor ride.

Choosing A Tour