Kona Shore Excursion: Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Snorkel at a colorful protected reef known as Kealakekua Bay located next to Captain Cook's monument. A truly historical sight! Encounter wild dolphins, sea caves, and more! Your lunch is also included consisting of a deli wrap or sometimes BBQ hot dogs, fresh fruit, chips, granola bars, juice, and water. All snorkel gear and flotation devices are included.
Cruise Ship Guest Depart from the Kailua Kona Pier- 32 ft Zodiac Max 19-28 passengers. 8:45 am Check in 9:00 am Departure
**While most of the time we depart at 9:00 am, there are some dates we must adjust departure time in order to accommodate cruise ship guests according to their ship itinerary ***
Available options
Celebrity Edge 12:00 noon
12:00 Noon Snorkel : Kailua Kona Pier pick up from Celebrity Edge Cruise Ship Guests
9:00 am Cruise Ship-Kona Pier
Cruise ship passengers : 8:45 am check in time / 9:00 am depart. Your ship will anchor in Kailua Kona Bay. You need to take a tender from ship to pier<br/>Pickup included
Royal Princess
12:00 noon: Due to the arrival time of this ship. It will be an afternoon departure time for this day. Check-in 15 min prior <br/>Pickup included
Carnival Miracle 1pm Snorkel
1:00 pm Snorkel : Carnival Miracle- Check-in time 12:45 pm ( This is a special departure time for this ship ) <br/>Pickup included
ISLAND PRINCESS
10:00 am departure : Due to immigration, our departure time will be 10:00 am for this ship<br/>Pickup included
Afternoon Snorkel - NCL Pride
Pride of America : The afternoon snorkel departs from the Kailua Kona Pier 12:45 pm check in 1:00pm departure <br/>Pickup included
What's included
Snorkel gear equipment
Includes lunch, snacks & refreshments
Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee
Flotation devices
Port pickup from Kailua Kona Pier
Professional local captain and crew
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
62 reviews
5★
50
4★
7
3★
3
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
5.0
8 reviews
5★
8
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 5 years
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.
Meeting point
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 look for your guide holding a sign that says " C Big Island / Dolphin Reef Snorkel"
Important notes
CRUISE SHIP GUESTS • Check-in 15-minutes prior to departure time
• Suggested items to bring: sunglasses, reef safe sunblock, and towel
• Boat is not wheelchair accessible
• Weight limit is 260lbs (125kg)
____________________________________________________
CRUISE SHIP GUESTS MEETING LOCATION:
After disembarking the tender on the Kailua Kona Pier please look for your guide holding a sign "C Big Island / Dolphin Reef Snorkel". We ask all guests to please plan to be at the designated departure location 15 minutes before the departure time listed above.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: On this tour, we used to snorkel with the wild dolphins. As of Oct 2021 The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) is now being enforced and swimming with wild dolphins is now considered harassment. We will still be able to go encounter the dolphins at a safe distance but no company or persons are able to enter the water with them.
About Big Island of Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, known for its diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes, and lush rainforests. It offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
Top Attractions
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This national park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close.
Nature/Adventure
Full day
Moderate ($30 per vehicle)
Mauna Kea Summit
Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.
Nature/Adventure
Half day to full day
Free (but requires acclimatization)
Waipio Valley
Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.
Nature/Cultural
Half day
Free (but parking fee applies)
Hapuna Beach State Park
Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.
Beach
Half day
Free (but parking fee applies)
Akaka Falls State Park
Akaka Falls is a stunning 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The park offers a scenic loop trail leading to the falls.
Nature
1-2 hours
Moderate ($5 per person)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Poke
A raw fish salad marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, often served with rice.
Appetizer
Contains fish, can be made with various types of seafood
Loco Moco
A hearty dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.
Main Course
Contains beef, eggs, and gluten (from the gravy)
Shave Ice
Finely shaved ice flavored with syrups and often topped with sweetened condensed milk or ice cream.
Dessert
Vegetarian, can be made with various toppings
Kona Coffee
A premium coffee grown in the Kona region, known for its rich and smooth flavor.
Drink
Caffeinated, can be decaffeinated
Popular Activities
Hiking
Volcano exploration
Water sports
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Scenic drives
Traditional Hawaiian luaus
Local markets
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
This is the best time to visit the Big Island, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The ocean is warm, and the weather is generally dry and sunny.
21-30°C
70-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Tagalog
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST, GMT-10:00)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
The Big Island is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of natural hazards such as volcanic activity and ocean conditions.
Important Precautions:
- • Rent a car with full insurance coverage
- • Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs and tours, and research options in advance
- • Be aware of ocean conditions and currents when swimming and snorkeling
Getting there
By air
- Kona International Airport • 20 km from Kona
- Hilo International Airport • 10 km from Hilo
By bus
Hilo, Kona
Getting around
Public transport
The Hele-On Bus is the public bus system on the Big Island. It is affordable but has limited routes and schedules.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Kona
Hilo
Waimea
Day trips
Mauna Kea Summit
30 km from Waimea • Half day to full day
Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.
Waipio Valley
60 km from Hilo • Half day
Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.
Hapuna Beach State Park
30 km from Waimea • Half day
Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.
Festivals
Merrie Monarch Festival • April
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival • November
Ironman World Championship • October
Pro tips
- Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace and access remote areas
- Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park early in the day to avoid crowds and see the best views
- Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly depending on the elevation and location
- Try local dishes like poke, loco moco, and shave ice for an authentic taste of the Big Island
- Respect the environment and local culture, and follow guidelines for visiting protected areas and sacred sites
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
