Big Island of Hawaii

Kona Shore Excursion: Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves

Badge of ExcellenceBig Island of Hawaii, USA
Kona Shore Excursion Wild Dolphin Reefs Sea Caves Kealakekua Bay Snorkel
Likely to Sell Out

From $149.00

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

  • 3 hours
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Make the most of your time in port on this Kona shore excursion timed to your cruise's arrival and departure. Get picked up from the port and head out on a sailing adventure to the Captain Cook Monument and Kealkeaua Bay where you can snorkel, swim, and explore caves and lava tubes. Expect to see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, colorful fish, and ancient reefs. Lunch, snacks, and use of snorkeling gear are all included.
  • Worry-free shore excursion: Timed to your ship's arrival and departure
  • Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from the port
  • Includes lunch, snacks, and use of snorkel gear
  • See the Captain Cook Monument, as well as local marine life including dolphins, turtles, and tropical fish

What's Included

  • Snorkel gear equipment
  • Lunch wraps, snacks & refreshments
  • Flotation devices
  • Professional local captain and crew
  • Port pickup from Kailua Kona Pier
  • Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee
  • Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

  • Kailua Pier
    Kaahumanu Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

    CRUISE SHIP GUESTS: Check-in Time is 15 min prior. This tour departs from the Kailua-Kona pier. When you get off your tender please wait under the green shaded tent look for a sign that says " C Big Island / Dolphin Reef Snorkel"

Pickup point

  • Kailua Pier
    Kaahumanu Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

CRUISE SHIP GUESTS: Check-in Time 15 min prior to departure time. This tour departs from the Kailua-Kona pier. When you get off your tender please wait under the green shaded tent look for a sign that says " C Big Island / Dolphin Reef Snorkel"

What To Expect

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
  • Minimum age is 5 years
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Boat is not wheelchair accessible
  • Weight limit is 265lbs (125kg)
  • Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name
  • Suggested items to bring: sunglasses, sunblock and towel
  • Please have your bathing suit on before the trip begins.
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review
Joanne_A
This was an amazing day. The excursion was well organized. It was very relaxing. The captain would stop when we saw whales, and dolphins. The snorkeling spot was perfect as far as visibility and the number and diversity of fish. Outstanding service all the way around. I highly recommend it!

Reviews

5.0
41 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 41 reviews
Shore excursion from cruise ship - snorkelling and boat trip.
Margaret_A, May 2024
This was a small group. The staff were upbeat, fun and very helpful. We were lucky enough to not only see dolphins and a turtle, but also pilot whales which was really special. It was wonderful snorkelling in front of the captain cook monument. Always had staff to look after us if needed. I would definitely recommend this trip. Thanks Captain Trevor, Diego and Scott. This was a highlight for us.
Response from Host, May 2024
Hi Margar, It’s great to hear that you had a positive experience with us. Our team will be happy to hear that their hard work has paid off! We do our best for all of our customer so we appreciate feedback from you for our community to see it is really important to us. Have a wonderful day!
The Best Day
Joanne_A, Mar 2024
This was an amazing day. The excursion was well organized. It was very relaxing. The captain would stop when we saw whales, and dolphins. The snorkeling spot was perfect as far as visibility and the number and diversity of fish. Outstanding service all the way around. I highly recommend it!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Hi Joanne, I’m so pleased you enjoyed our tour! I’ve passed your feedback on to our product team and know they’ll be thrilled to hear how much you loved your experience. Thank you so much four your time on this review!
Great snorkel!
Julie_S, Dec 2023
Snorkeling was great! Beautiful fish Chris was GREAT, shared history, very helpful to all, makes sure everyone is safe and enjoying themselves!
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Thank you, Julie, for taking the time to leave a review. This is one of my favorite trips as well. And Captain Kris is the cherry on top.!😊
A worthwhile if uncomfortable trip!
Moira_F, Oct 2023
It was really difficult to rate this trip as we loved the snorkelling, saw some fantastic things and the 2-man crew were great. BUT we felt the boat was not adequate for the numbers involved, with eight at the front on proper forward facing rib seats travelling in relative style and comfort and the ten at the back sharing a two-sided middle seat and the sides of the rib with boxes of food/drinks, snacks and snorkelling equipment with little room for ourselves or our kit. Also it was hard to hear what the guys were saying when moving, so we almost certainly didn’t hear a lot of interesting commentary. Getting in and out of the boat at the start/end and for snorkelling was also not easy for some (although not a problem for us). I just hop they were warned about it beforehand. Unfortunately didn’t see any dolphins despite the name of the trip, but that’s wildlife for you! We did see turtles at the surface, however, which was great.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Thanks Moira for your feedback. It is a swim ladder that customers must go up. We do have restrictions for customers going on the boat. Foe most of the time the Dolphins are there, however as you said it is wild life.
Great snorkeling with an experienced guide
Mary_E, Sep 2023
Chris was a great guide, who took us to a fine snorkeling area -- Captain Cook monument. The array of fish were amazing! I liked that Chris reminded us to be careful and respectful of the fish and reefs. Altogether a must-do in the Kona area. Well worth the price!
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Aloha Mary, thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. And so glad you had a wonderful snorkel! ❤️❤️
Great day
Dawn_R, May 2023
We enjoyed the boat ride and the snorkeling. We saw lots of coral and plants and fish. We had a bit later start. They had noodles to use as floaties. WE had snacks of fresh pineapple and potato chips, ect.
Response from Host, May 2023
Thank you for your review Dawn! I heard you also got to see a whale shark! Wow that is very special
Wonderful snorkeling
Wendy_Z, May 2023
Snorkel around the unspoiled coral reefs. A lot of colorful and beautiful fishes around you. Amazing! Love it. The captain drive fast some times, so we feel like seating at a fast speed boat. Enjoy!
Response from Host, May 2023
Thank you for the review, please come again soon 🦀🐠
It wasn't bad
Alberto_D, Apr 2023
The crew was great, our kids enjoyed the experience, and the cost was reasonable. However, a few items to note. The boat is smaller than I expected but can carry about 15-20 people. There were no Dolphins, we did snorkel near the reefs, but you only got to see caves from a distance... on the ride back. It was less than I had hoped/expected.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Aloha Alberto, sorry the dolphins were not cooperating. The vessel you were on is 32ft as advertised. If there is a large surge it becomes dangerous to go close to the sea caves and is why the captain must keep his distance.Mahalo for the review
Perfect day excursion
Leantoinette_D, Apr 2023
Booked this excursion when on cruise around Hawaiian islands on NCL. Pick up was right at tender drop off from ship. Quick walk and we were on raft. Staff was great. Saw spinner dolphins and bottle nose. Snorkeling was great. Took us by a few lava caves. Length of tour was perfect plus provided us delish sandwiches, chips, drinks. Definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Aloha for the wonderful review !
One of the highlights of...
ALEXANDER_M, Mar 2023
One of the highlights of our trip. Didn't really see any dolphins but did see some whales. Snorkeling was great.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Aloha Alex thank you for the great review! Dolphins can sometimes be like that. Glad you enjoyed our beautiful reef!😎
Amazingly beautiful!
Nithya_S, Oct 2022
The guides were amazing. Extremely knowledgeable and helpful, even got me a prescription snorkel mask! I would do this again for sure...we didn't see any dolphins but hoping next time!
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Aloha Nithya, thank you for the awesome review, and glad to hear you enjoyed it. I know, ever since the new mammal protection act law, it has made it very hard on us.
Great tour!
Richard_L, Oct 2022
One of the best snorkeling places we’ve been to, captain and boat, alll excellent. Would highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
So glad you enjoyed our beautiful island! Thank you for the review.
Great Experience
Beverly_D, May 2022
Beautiful views on very nice boat and exceptional guides. Had plenty of snacks, drinks and lunch on the boat. Guides took the time to explain everything to everyone. Great snorkeling experience
Response from Host, May 2022
It was our pleasure to have you on board with us and to have an opportunity to introduce you to the beautiful marine life here! Thank you for taking the time to write a review
Snorkels and Giggles
India_M, Apr 2022
Scott and the other tour guide were courteous and humorous. We enjoyed of trip. We will do it again the next time we travel to the Big Island
Response from Host, Apr 2022
Aloha India, yes it is quite exciting to see the large manta ray swoop right underneath you! thank you for the review
Awesome trip
Amanda_S, Feb 2022
Great experience. Trevor was a great captain (loved the little silly jokes) and Diego was very informative.
Response from Host, Feb 2022
Aloha Amanda. Trevor is a great enthusiast and fun to be around. I'm glad you had an enjoyable tour with our duo! Thank you for taking the time to review.
Worth it!
Sayali_B, Dec 2021
The guides had a good sense of humor and cracked a lot of jokes. When we went snorkeling, we didn’t know how to swim, but Diego and Scott remained calm and helped each of us out. We also got to see lots of spinner dolphins and were lucky to see a few whales as well
Response from Host, Jan 2022
Wow whales too! Thank you for sharing your experience we really do appreciate it ❤ We really are so fortunate to have such a wonderful crew
Fun experience
Sam_W, Dec 2021
The crew made it a lot of fun. They were also very help to those that had no experience snorkeling. We also saw dolphins, whales, beautiful coastline and got some history lessons.
Response from Host, Jan 2022
Thanks Sam for joining us, glad you got to experience our wonderful wildlife on the Kona side !
Great time. The captain knowledge of the area
Steven_K, Nov 2021
Seeing this island from the ocean allows one to understand Hawaii’s complex topography and extraordinary beauty .
Response from Host, Dec 2021
Thank you for the review Steven
Definitely would recommend!
Alexander_S, Jul 2021
The guide had to delay the trip 2 hours due to personal reason and then had to wait and extra hour before we actually left the dock. Other than that the rest of the experience was completely worth it great experience. We got to see 2 different kinds of dolphins and we even saw a reef shark! Awesome all around
Response from Host, Aug 2021
Thank you for being so dearly patient🧡 glad you all the exciting marine life!
Excellent Adventure
Susan_W, Jul 2021
Trip was amazing and fun! So many beautiful fish when snorkeling, saw dolphins and the learned about the caves and lava tubes. Great adventure for the entire family.
Response from Host, Aug 2021
You were all wonderful customers that day! Thank you for joining us and taking the time to write a review 😊

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