4.9★ from 6,000+ reviews on TripAdvisor
SNORKEL CHARTER TO CAPTAIN COOK & SEA CAVES
Boat & Sail, Snorkel, Wildlife
A 4-hour small-boat adventure for up to 12 guests along South Kona’s coastline, with snorkeling at two legendary bays—Kealakekua and Hōnaunau—plus lava tubes, sea caves, and local stories that bring the coastline’s history to life.
$132
Big Island
Kona
"A+++++ WAY more than 5-star, OUTSTANDING experience."
Verified Review
This extended morning tour offers more time, more snorkeling, and more depth than most boat trips along the Kona Coast. You’ll visit two of Hawai‘i’s most culturally and ecologically significant bays—Kealakekua (home to the Captain Cook Monument) and Hōnaunau (Place of Refuge)—with detours into sea caves and lava tubes along the way. With a maximum of just 12 guests, the tour feels personal and unhurried. You’ll hear stories that bring the coastline’s history to life, snorkel in calm, clear marine sanctuaries, and enjoy tropical snacks onboard before returning to Keauhou Bay by midday.
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For ages 5 and up, group size limited to 12 guests.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderately active with light swimming and snorkeling.
WHAT TO BRING
Wear a swimsuit and bring sun cover. Consider a waterproof case for phones.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Changes or cancellations must be made 48 hours prior.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
4.9★ from 6,000+ reviews on TripAdvisor
Travelers consistently praise this small-group snorkeling trip for its smooth organization, intimate size, and outstanding crew. Guests love the scenic boat ride into Kealakekua Bay, describing it as calm and comfortable, with clear waters full of colorful fish, eels, and sometimes turtles near the Captain Cook Monument. Many highlight the guides for being friendly, knowledgeable, and quick to share helpful snorkeling tips. Reviewers say it’s “fantastic,” “efficient,” and love that they arrive before larger boats, enjoying a peaceful, crowd-free snorkel that feels like a hidden gem on the Big Island.
Operated for more than 30 years, take in the Big Island of Hawai’i as you haven’t before, and experience two of South Kona’s most precious treasures – Pu’uhonua O Honaunau and Kealakekua Bay.
Listen as the captains relays stories detailing the rich cultural and geological history of the Island. Explore the sea caves, lava tubes and diverse marine life that are abundant off of the shores of Kona. Snack on tropical fruit, local chips and chocolate covered macadamia nuts.
With a maximum of only 14 guests per tour, it's a personal and unique adventure not to be missed.
What's included:
- Snorkel Kealakekua Bay (Capt. Cook Monument)
- Snorkel Honaunau Bay (Place of Refuge)
- Tropical Snacks, Juice, and Water
- Explore Sea Caves & Lava Tubes
- Watch for Dolphins & WhalesEstablished in 1988, Sea Quest Hawaii is a trusted Kona-based snorkeling outfitter known for small-group boat tours along the island’s spectacular coast. Their Coast Guard–certified captains and guides lead guests into sea caves, lava tubes, and pristine snorkeling spots like Kealakekua Bay. With a commitment to sustainability and personal service, Sea Quest has built a reputation for safe, unforgettable ocean adventures on Hawai‘i Island.
Guests should check in at 7:45 AM at Sea Quest’s storefront office at 78‑7138 Kaleiopapa St, Keauhou Bay, Kailua‑Kona. The boat departs promptly at 8:00 AM—so arriving early ensures a smooth start to your day on the water.
All changes to and/or cancellations of a reservation must be made 48 hours before the tour start time.
Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows and cancelations within 48 hours to the tour will be charged the full price. Guests wanting to reschedule within 48 hours will incur a rebook fee of 75% of the regular tour price.
Customers will receive a full refund in the case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
Captain Cook & the Place of Refuge: Morning Adventure
You check in at Keauhou Bay just before 8 AM, where the light hits the water just right and the boat—small, sleek, and shaded—is waiting for your crew of 12 or fewer. Within minutes, you’re off, hugging the volcanic shoreline of South Kona as your captain gives an easygoing intro to the history and geology of what you’re passing: sea arches, lava tubes, and bays layered with meaning.
The first stop is Hōnaunau Bay, better known as the Place of Refuge. The water is calm and clear, perfect for snorkeling over healthy coral gardens just offshore from one of the island’s most sacred historical sites. Your guide shares the story—how fugitives who broke ancient laws could flee here for safety, and how the ocean below is now one of Kona’s most vibrant marine preserves. After your first swim, you zip south to explore sea caves and lava tubes carved into the cliffside—features you’d miss entirely without a boat built for maneuverability.
Dolphins, sea caves, and two of the most sacred bays on the island.
Then it’s on to Kealakekua Bay, a marine sanctuary with deep, crystalline water and a coastline backed by towering cliffs. You’ll snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument, where bright fish school in the reef and the visibility regularly hits 100 feet. It’s peaceful, surreal, and far more than just a photo op. Back on board, you’ll snack on fresh-cut fruit, local chips, and chocolate-covered mac nuts as the boat turns north again.
By the time you return to Keauhou Bay around noon, the sun is higher, the salt is in your hair, and you’ve seen a side of the island that’s usually out of reach—rich in life, layered in history, and never once crowded.
