Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument
Our snorkeling destination is the historic and beautiful Kealakekua Bay! This is one of the best snorkeling spots in all the Hawaiian islands, due to protected, calm, clear, and warm 80 degree waters. You snorkel above beautiful coral gardens and colorful tropical fish – It’s a relaxing and dreamy ocean world! History buffs will enjoy Kealakekua Bay when learning about the arrival of Captain James Cook of the Royal English Navy and circumnavigator extraordinaire to this spot in 1779 and about Hawaiian Royalty that made it their home.
Dolphin & Whale Watching
Kealakekua Bay is the home to year-round, resident Hawaiian spinner dolphins and migrating humpback whales each winter. A smaller nocturnal marine mammal, the Hawaiian spinner dolphins are typically seen at Kealakeku Bay resting and sleeping on their way back from feeding out at sea. Kealakekua Bay is a marine life sanctuary where dolphins are protected and Humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii each winter to give birth. We enjoy these giants each year from December to April where they are seen surfacing for air or breaching in Kealakekua Bay.
Lava tubes, sea caves, & cliff jumping
The coastline here expresses a long history of lava flows from Mauna Loa mountain above us. We cruise along the lava flow cliffs that border the Kona coast that make for interesting geology and sightseeing. Among the unique features of Kona’s ocean cliffs are lava tubes that run through the lava layers and reveal themselves as holes on the cliff sides. Another interesting feature are sea caves which are formed by crashing waves, earthquakes and erosion to scoop out parts of the ocean cliffs. When time permits we stop at sea caves where 30′ cliff jump watching is fun to see from the safety of the boat.
Cruising along the Kona Coast
The boat ride along the beautiful kona coast to our snorkeling destination is a wonderfully scenic place. A 14000′ high Mauna Loa stretches out above us, while a cobalt blue ocean extends to a vast Pacific Ocean to the horizon. The coastline is lava black cliffs fringed in emerald greens and turquoise blue waters that reach right up to the cliff sides. We pass elegant sportsfishing boats trolling for marlin, mahi, and ono. Along our route we keep watch for dolphin dorsals and flying fish that inhabit the nearshore waters.
Dolphin Swim & Manta Ray Adventures
These trips are very adventurous and not for everyone… but if you want something really interesting that will stretch you, this might be a match. Manta Ray Dives involve a trip into a live boat motoring/drifting situation while you wait for manta ray’s to come near enough to view at night.