Small Group Snorkeling Expedition South Kona

Big Island of Hawaii , United States

Small Group Snorkeling Expedition South Kona

Active

(216 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

See parts of the Island most residents of Hawaii never see! Explore further down the pristine South Kona Coast than any other snorkeling tour company and snorkel at 3 incredible locations including Kealakekua Bay, the culturally significant Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, and a third remote location inaccessible any other way. Perhaps you’ll snorkel at a black sand beach and have it all to yourselves. Maybe a stone arch or a spectacular lava rock formation created thousands of years ago.

Explore sea caves and lava tubes in our safe, exciting, and maneuverable custom vessels designed to get you up close and personal with the coast. Scout for marine life such as pilot whales as long as your boat, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, and more.

Lunch is provided, as are snacks, water & juice throughout the day. All the snorkeling gear and flotation devices you need as well. You simply show up in your swimsuit with your reef-safe sunscreen and towel in hand and away we go!

Available options

Small Group Snorkeling Expedition South Kona

What's included

Water & Juice

Bottled water

Snacks

Flotation Devices

Snorkeling Gear

Sandwich box provided to each guest. Please call with your sandwich choices: turkey, tuna, ham, roast beef, or veggie sandwiches available.

Detailed itinerary

Explore three snorkel destinations, Kealakekua Bay, Puʻuhonua O Honaunau, and a private black sand beach. Our captain and crew will share the history and culture as they adventure through sea caves and lava tubes.

What's not included

Towels

Sunscreen

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

33 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

183 reviews

5★

180

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Swimming & Snorkeling Experience recommended

Must be able to climb a short pool ladder

Women that are pregnant and individuals with back injuries are restricted

Meeting point

Departure Point: Keauhou Bay, HI
Address: 78-7138 Kaleiopapa Street Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Directions: FROM KAILUA-KONA/ALII DRIVE:
Drive SOUTH on Alii Drive (Ocean on your right)
Turn RIGHT at 1st STOPLIGHT (Alii Highway)
Turn RIGHT at 2nd STOPLIGHT (Kamehameha III Road)
Turn LEFT onto Dirt Road at Sea Quest Parking Sign Before Dead End
Park in Dirt Parking Lot
Walk Across Sandy Volleyball Court and small pier parking lot. Sea Quest is located within the white one-story building.
FROM VOLCANO AND POINTS SOUTH:
Take Highway 11 toward Kailua-Kona
Turn LEFT on Kamehameha III Road (near mile marker 118)
Drive THROUGH Two STOPLIGHTS
Turn LEFT onto Dirt Road at Sea Quest Parking Sign Before Dead End
Park in Dirt Parking Lot
Walk Across Sandy Volleyball Court and small pier parking lot. Sea Quest is located within one-story building.
Dates: See Availability

Important notes

• Lunch Selections must be made at time of booking:
Please email us at reservations@seaquesthawaii.com or call (808) 329-7238 with the sandwich option for each individual in your party. Choices are as follows:

Turkey sandwich
Tuna sandwich
Roast beef sandwich
Ham sandwich
Veggie sandwich
Garden salad

For this tour we do not permit guests with neck or back problems or pregnant guests and we require that all guests can climb a short ladder to re-board the boat from the water.

Bring along towels & sunscreen
• Wear swimwear
• Cameras welcome
• Please notify us of any food allergies you may have
• Swimming & snorkeling experience recommended
• Dry storage available onboard for valuables

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