Big Island: South Kona Snorkeling and Coastline Exploration

Exploring the vibrant marine life and stunning coastline of Big Island’s South Kona region is a must-do for any adventurous traveler. This 5-hour guided tour takes you to three premier snorkeling sites, including the renowned Kealakekua Bay and Pu’uhonua O Honaunau. With expert guides and a comfortable vessel, you’ll encounter tropical fish, sea turtles, and maybe even spinner dolphins. But the real question is, what else awaits beneath the surface?

This experience made our article of We Rank The 5 Best Snorkeling Experiences In Island Of Hawaii.

Key Points

• This 5-hour snorkeling tour explores 3 unique sites in South Kona, allowing participants to encounter diverse marine life like tropical fish, turtles, and spinner dolphins.

• The tour visits the Kealakekua Bay marine sanctuary and Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, showcasing a blend of natural wonders and cultural significance.

• Guests can expect to see colorful parrotfish, tangs, and potentially reef sharks in Kealakekua Bay, and green sea turtles resting on the reef at Pu’uhonua O Honaunau.

• The tour is conducted in English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve a spot and pay later.

• The rigid-hulled inflatable vessel is equipped with a canopy for shade, and the tour includes complimentary snacks, a gourmet deli lunch, and all necessary snorkeling gear.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "South Kona Snorkeling and Coastline Exploration," is priced from £154.63 per person and lasts 5 hours.

It’s conducted in English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour explores 3 unique snorkeling sites, offering the chance to encounter diverse marine life, including tropical fish, turtles, and occasionally spinner dolphins.

Discover 3 remarkable snorkeling spots teeming with tropical fish, turtles, and occasional spinner dolphins.

Participants will visit Kealakekua Bay and Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, discovering sea caves and lava tubes with an expert guide.

Snorkeling Highlights

Travelers can explore 3 unique snorkeling sites in pristine Big Island waters, where they may encounter diverse marine life, including tropical fish, turtles, and occasionally spinner dolphins. They’ll visit the iconic Kealakekua Bay marine sanctuary and Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, the historic Place of Refuge. Beneath the waves, snorkelers can discover sea caves and lava tubes guided by experts. The experience promises a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural significance.

| Snorkel Site | Highlights |

| — | — |

| Kealakekua Bay | Marine sanctuary |

| Pu’uhonua O Honaunau | Place of Refuge |

| Sea Caves and Lava Tubes | Geological formations |

| Tropical Fish | Diverse marine life |

| Turtles and Spinner Dolphins | Exciting wildlife encounters |

Marine Life Encounters

Snorkelers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life throughout the three snorkeling sites. The waters surrounding the Big Island are home to tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional spinner dolphin.

At Kealakekua Bay, the marine sanctuary, visitors may spot colorful parrotfish, tangs, and possibly a reef shark.

At Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, the Place of Refuge, snorkelers can observe green sea turtles resting on the reef.

Depending on the conditions, the expert guide may also lead the group into sea caves and lava tubes, providing a unique underwater experience.

Exploring Kealakekua Bay and Pu’uhonua O Honaunau

Kealakekua Bay and Pu’uhonua O Honaunau are two remarkable destinations that captivate visitors during the snorkeling excursion. Kealakekua Bay is a marine sanctuary, home to diverse marine life, including tropical fish, turtles, and occasionally spinner dolphins. Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, or the "Place of Refuge", is a historic site where Hawaiians could seek sanctuary from punishment. Guests have the opportunity to explore these iconic locations with an expert guide, learning about their cultural and ecological significance.

| Destination | Highlights |

| — | — |

| Kealakekua Bay | – Marine sanctuary
– Tropical fish, turtles, spinner dolphins
– Diverse marine life |

| Pu’uhonua O Honaunau | – Historic "Place of Refuge"
– Culturally significant site
– Opportunity to learn about Hawaiian history |

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Vessel and Onboard Amenities

To make the most of the snorkeling adventure, the tour provides a rigid-hulled inflatable vessel equipped with a canopy for shade.

This sturdy boat offers a comfortable and stable ride along the coastline. Onboard, guests can enjoy complimentary snacks and a gourmet deli lunch.

The tour also includes all necessary snorkeling gear, flotation devices, towels, water, and juice, ensuring a well-equipped and hassle-free experience.

Whether you’re seeking marine life encounters or simply enjoying the scenic views, the amenities on this tour cater to your needs for a memorable South Kona adventure.

Essential Requirements and Restrictions

This tour comes with a few important requirements and restrictions to keep in mind. Guests under 5 years old, pregnant women, and those with back problems or mobility issues are not allowed. The meeting point is at Sea Quest, where guests must check-in 15 minutes before the activity starts. Participants should bring swimwear, towel, and sunscreen.

| Requirements | Restrictions |

| — | — |

| Arrive 15 minutes early | No children under 5 |

| Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen | No pregnant women |

| | No mobility issues or back problems |

Traveler Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised this excursion, with an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating based on 86 reviews.

The guide received a perfect 5/5 score, with comments praising their expertise and enthusiasm. The transportation also scored a 5/5, with reviewers noting the comfort and convenience of the rigid-hulled inflatable vessel.

While the value for money was rated 4.8/5, travelers were impressed by the gourmet deli lunch, complimentary snacks, and quality of the overall experience.

Notable highlights included seeing diverse marine life, exploring sea caves, and visiting the Kealakekua Bay marine sanctuary.

Getting the Most Out of Your Snorkeling Adventure

How can travelers make the most of their snorkeling adventure on the Big Island’s pristine waters? Follow these tips to ensure an unforgettable experience:

| Tip | Description |

| — | — |

| Arrive Early | Give yourself ample time to get ready and maximize your time in the water. |

| Stay Hydrated | Bring plenty of water to stay refreshed during the excursion. |

| Protect Your Skin | Apply sunscreen liberally to avoid sunburn during extended time in the sun. |

| Listen to Your Guide | Follow the expertise of your knowledgeable guide to discover the best snorkeling spots. |

| Embrace Flexibility | Be open to exploring additional sites if conditions change for an even more adventurous day.

Ask Away

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling equipment. However, the tour provides high-quality snorkeling gear, so it’s not necessary. Using the provided equipment ensures it’s properly fitted and in good condition for the best snorkeling experience.

Will There Be Opportunities for Underwater Photography?

Yes, there’ll be chances for underwater photos. The tour provides snorkeling gear, so participants can bring their own cameras and capture the diverse marine life, sea caves, and lush coastline they explore with the expert guide.

How Deep Are the Waters at the Snorkel Sites?

The waters at the snorkel sites range from 10 to 30 feet deep, allowing for safe and comfortable exploration of the diverse marine life. Guests can expect to see tropical fish, turtles, and potentially even spinner dolphins during the experience.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Lunch?

Travelers can request vegetarian or gluten-free lunch options when booking the South Kona Snorkeling and Coastline Exploration tour. The tour provider is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

It’s possible to extend the tour duration, but customers should contact the tour operator in advance. Additional fees may apply, and the extended time may impact other aspects of the experience like the number of snorkeling sites visited.

Final Words

The South Kona Snorkeling and Coastline Exploration tour offers an unforgettable adventure in Big Island’s pristine waters. Guests can explore vibrant marine life, stunning sea caves, and lava tubes while enjoying a comfortable vessel, complimentary snacks, and a gourmet deli lunch. With expert guides and a range of snorkeling sites, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Hawaiian coastline.

You can check availability for your dates here: