Adventure Paradise

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EMAIL ADDRESS

adventuresinparadiseinc@gmail.com

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PHONE NUMBER

808-378-7516

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LOCATION

Kailua-Kona Hawaii
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Adventures In Paradise Snorkel Tours

Kona’s Best
Snorkeling Tours

Kona’s Most Popular Snorkeling Tours on the Big Island of Hawaii.

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FAQs

Snorkel Tours

Please refer to your confirmation email to find your departure spot.

Honokohau Harbor

205 Kealakehe Parkway
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
We depart from Honokohau Harbor, just 10 minutes north of downtown Kona. Please meet us at the red roof restrooms for check-in.

Tours that meet here:

  • Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Cruise
    (We are approximately 5 minutes from downtown Kona)

Keauhou Bay

78-7156 Kaleiopapa St.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(Keauhou Harbor)

Tours that meet here:

  • Manta Ray Night Snorkel
  • Captain Cook Dolphin & Snorkel Tour (Small Group)

Kayak tours Kealakekua Bay at Napo’opo’o Pier

82-6038 Puuhonua Road
Captain Cook, HI 96704

We are at the intersection of Napoopoo Rd. & Beach Rd. Captain Cook, HI. Meet us on Napoopoo pier, kayak tours behind the yellow gate at the intersection of Napoopoo and Beach Rd. Parking is one block from Napoopoo Pier, at the end of Beach Road then walk back to Napoopoo Pier to meet us.

Tours that meet here:

  • Kealakekua Bay Kayak and Snorkel Tour.
Daytime tours: Bring a camera, towel, sunscreen (applied while waiting at the restrooms), sunglasses, hat and coverup. Bring as little as possible. Evening Manta Trip: bring a towel and coverup.
Yes, you may purchase a ticket and ride along. Every person on the boat needs a ticket, regardless of whether they are getting in the water.
We offer a full refund if we cancel due to dangerous sea conditions or under-booked trips. We do not offer refunds for customer cancellations, as we guarantee holding guest seats until departure time.
All tours and activities meet 30 minutes before the published departure time.

Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour: Ages 3-78
Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Ages 7-73
Private Captain Cook Snorkeling Charter: Ages 3-78

If you can swim 25 yards, you can safely join any of our tours.

Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour: non-swimmers may enter the water only if lifejacket worn and stay within 10 yards of the boat.

MANTA RAY NIGHT SNORKEL TOUR: You may enter water only with lifejacket worn and must stay at light board at all times.

Private Captain Cook Snorkeling Charter: non-swimmers may enter the water only if lifejacket worn and stay within 10 yards of the boat.

Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Manta Rays appear for our tours roughly 90% of the time. If you do not see at least 1 manta ray, we will offer you a free trip on any tour with availability.
Manta Rays eat microscopic plankton.

No, They do not have barbs or stingers.

mORE FAQS

Yes, Captain Cook Snorkeling Tours are an excellent choice for cruise ship passengers. We are only a 10-20 minute Uber ride from the cruise ship port to our boat harbor locations, leaving you ample time return from the snorkeling tour by 2pm to the cruise ship Kona port. The Night Manta Ray trip does not begin until after the cruise ship typically leaves port, so the Night Manta Ray trip is not a good option for cruise ship passengers unless the cruise ship is staying overnight in Kona
Tours starting in the late morning (10am) are the most popular and generally have more sun. But early afternoon trips have similar sea conditions, wind, and surf as the earlier trips. Our 10am departure is the ideal time to snorkel Kealakekua Bay and Capt. Cook Monument. The coral gardens, colorful tropical fish and dolphins are ideally seen between 10am and 2pm. Spinner dolphins, turtles and colorful tropical fish are seen throughout the day and no particular time is better.
A pair of sandals is ideal to walk to the boat.
Yes. Our boats have a dry storage area for guests with cameras, cell phones, and keys.
Arrive wearing your sandals, bathing suit, long-sleeve shirt, coverup, small towel and hat. Bring sunglasses, Dramamine (if you get sick on boats), cell phones, & camera.
Yes, all our snorkel trips travel to Captain Cook Monument for snorkeling. The one exception is the Night Manta Ray Tour which starts and ends within Keauhou Bay – just a 5 minute boat ride.
Day snorkeling trips to Capt Cook Monument and historic Kealakekua Bay are along the beautiful Kona coasts cobalt blue and emerald green waters. Trips are typically from 30-45 minutes long – featuring interesting lava cliffs, sea caves and lava tubes.
Yes, probably. Dolphins inhabit the Kealakekua Bay area year-round and we often see them when we arrive each morning. Hawaii State Law prevents being closer than 50 yards but vieweing them is still an exciting part of our trips. We see dolphins on over 50% of our trips and humpback whales are seen between December and February each year. Turtles are frequently seen leaving harbor and flying fish are also common sights on our cruises.
You may bring a waterproof bag if you plan to use your cell phone in the water to take underwater photos but since the boat has dry storage areas for small guest items, there is no need for a dry bag. Leave valuables locked in your car trunk, there will be a dry place to leave keys, phones, and cameras on the boat. Please use a small backpack size tote for bringing car keys, small towel, phone, etc. Avoid coolers, baby strollers, etc on our trips.
Yes, first aid is available as well as oxygen and a defibrillator. Guests are never more than a 1/3 mile offshore and always within 30 minutes of a safe harbor in case of emergencies
90% of our scheduled cruises operate without weather cancellations. The Kona coast is a lee shore and we are protected from strong trade winds by two large mountains, making the Kona coast ideal for ocean and bay snorkeling
No. The Kealakekua Bay is a Historic State Park and Marine Sanctuary and we operate under their regulations. Going ashore at the Captain Cook Monument would require you to stand and walk over the coral reef which is protected under State Law. For purposes of protecting this amazing coral reef we provide instruction on where to snorkel and where to avoid. While on the boat you will see the Captain Cook Monument and the cove where he died no more than 50’ away.
Our trips are non-refundable but we commonly reschedule (no charge) or provide a gift certificate for guests whose plans change and need to look at other reservation dates. Our gift certificates can be used to rebook on another date and do not expire. They are also transferable to friends or family. Should the boat not operate due to bad weather, poor sea conditions, emergency maintenance, etc – guests receive a full refund. The vessels operate and travel in rain or shine.
We recommend booking reservations for our snorkeling cruises when making hotel and car reservations for your vacation or business trip.
No. 95% of our guests do not suffer sea sickness. But if you know you frequently get sick – whenever you board a boat, you may be part of that 5% of guests who get sick. We don’t see much sea sickness for numerous reasons: 1) We are on the calmer side of the island, protected from the trade winds 2). It’s a short boat ride and generally even sensitive guests will take 30-40 minutes before they begin to feel sick. 3) We travel to a calm bay where you can recover from queasy feelings and enjoy the snorkeling.
Guests can either slip off the side of a pontoon or climb down a ladder, or step off the side of the boat to enter the snorkeling area. Ladders are available for reentering the boat
Public bathrooms are available at both our launch locations when departing and returning to dock. After snorkeling guests can use our emergency facilities at the bay on the boat or wait to use public restrooms back at dock
We recommend everyone bringing a hat, sunblock for your face and long-sleeve shirt on our trips to avoid sunburn. Kona weather is very warm in the summer and winter, but you will cool while the boat is underway and the 80 degree water temperature will be refreshing when snorkeling
We provide snacks, cold drinks, and chips. Granola bars, fig bars and trail mix are commonly served along with bottled water and tropical flavored canned drinks. If you wish to bring additional snacks or a sandwich – you are welcome to bring them along
Kealakekua Bay is a spinner dolphin habitat year round. We see dolphins on about 50% of our trips to Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook monument.. Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii annually from Alaska and are seen here with calves and escorts from December to February.
while some people are very comfortable in the bay snorkeling, (wearing the required floatation) without any swimming ability, there are at least as many who we find are uncomfortable in water where they cannot stand-up on the bottom. Remember, in this area it is not permitted to stand up anywhere in the water for protection of the coral reef, so non-swimmers must return to the boat if not comfortable swimming.
No. All minors must be accompanied by their parents or guardians on the boat. Minors of any age must also be accompanied in the water with their guardian.
No. We have 4 steps leading into the boat, then 2 steps down from the bow deck to the main deck. There is also a 5 step ladder returning back to the main deck after snorkeling. We require all guests to have sufficient strength and mobility to enter and exit the deck areas without assistance from others. If guests are uncertain about their strength or mobility it would be advisable to select an easier boat to board.
Snorkeling is learned quickly to anyone who already is a good swimmer and simple instructions from our guides on how to use a mask and fins will have you snorkeling. Swimming is not learned in a day. When you tell us you don’t swim but you want to enter the water, we will fit you with a lifejacket. We will monitor your comfort in the water and if comfortable and capable to navigate with flotation provided, then ask you to stay near the vessel while snorkeling.
The night manta ray trip meets at Keauhou Harbor. First trip departure is 7pm. Snorkeling trips depart from several locations in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Yes, feel free to bring your own snorkel gear and fins or use whatever equipment we provide to add to whatever equipment you brought to use.

There is no discount for bringing your own snorkel gear.

Yes.
Snorkeling time is dependent on many factors but in general we are at Kealakekua Bay over 75 minutes. If you get into the water right away you could have75+ minutes or you might have less if you spend tine enjoy the sights, watching dolphins and tropic birds in the cliffs, or listening to history of the area

No. We only book reservations in advance over the phone or by direct booking on our website at www.captaincooksnorkelingcruises.com. All bookings must be paid in advance. We also ask all guests to complete an online waiver in advance of their scheduled snorkel boat cruise.

Yes. Everyone traveling with us is a paid guest. Infants are $49.95 up to 3 years old. Children 4-12 pay the children’s rate of $99.95
All adults pay the regular Adult price whether snorkeling or not.
No. It is rare to see sharks when snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument. Of much bigger concern for your safety is being over tired or stepping on a sea urchin. Both are rare and have little impact on your day, but these are common problems we face every week.
Adult Regular price is $119.95 – on sale now for $99.95 for adults or children. Includes drinks and snacks, snorkeling gear, floatation and a 3.5 hour excursion. Excursion departs at 10am Monday to Friday. Please arrive 30 minutes before departure time. Trips depart from Kailua-Kona based on guest counts prior to departure date. Specific departure location updated 12-24 hours before departure time. USCG Certified Vessels are 25-35’ with avg speed 15mph

The night manta ray trip regular adult price is $119.95 and on sale now for $79.95 per adult or children. Price includes a 1.5 hour trip departing from Keauhou Bay at 7pm and traveling about 5 minutes to the Manta Ray viewing site at Keauhou Bay for 40-60 minutes snorkeling. Price includes wetsuit, ankle and waist floatation. Upon entering the water after reaching the manta snorkeling site you hold onto the manta ray light board and are then pulled to the manta viewing site by the in water guide. Guide prepares you to follow manta viewing protocols and after viewing returns you to the boat waiting nearby.

There are already $40 off discounts on both our tours and we do not offer more than one discount per tour. Both the day and night trips are very competitive with the very lowest rates available.

Our snorkel boats tours are all small group. Unlike many Kona snorkel boat trips that take 49 to 99 passengers our trips are under 33 passengers.

FAQs

Snorkel Tours

Each snorkeling activity departs from a different location. Check below or refer to your confirmation email to find your departure spot.

Honokohau Harbor

205 Kealakehe Parkway
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
We depart from Honokohau Harbor, just 10 minutes north of downtown Kona. Please meet us near the public boat ramp, between Slips G and H. Look for our check-in sign by the dock entrance. Parking is available inside the harbor—follow signs for public parking.

Tours that meet here:

  • Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Cruise
    (We are approximately 5 minutes from downtown Kona)

Keauhou Bay

78-7156 Kaleiopapa St.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(Keauhou Harbor)

Tours that meet here:

  • Manta Ray Night Snorkel
  • Captain Cook Dolphin & Snorkel Tour (Small Group)

Kealakekua Bay at Napo’opo’o Pier

82-6038 Puuhonua Road
Captain Cook, HI 96704
We are at the intersection of Napoopoo Rd. & Beach Rd. Captain Cook, HI. Meet us on Napoopoo pier, behind the yellow gate at the intersection of Napoopoo and Beach Rd. Parking is one block from Napoopoo Pier, at the end of Beach Road then walk back to Napoopoo Pier to meet us.

Tours that meet here:

  • Kealakekua Bay Kayak and Snorkel Tour.
Daytime tours: Bring a camera, towel, sunscreen (applied while waiting at the restrooms), sunglasses, hat and coverup. Bring as little as possible. Evening Manta Trip: bring a towel and coverup.
Yes, you may purchase a ticket and ride along. Every person on the boat needs a ticket, regardless of whether they are getting in the water.
We offer a full refund if we cancel due to dangerous sea conditions or under-booked trips. We do not offer refunds for customer cancellations, as we guarantee holding guest seats until departure time.
All tours and activities meet 30 minutes before the published departure time.

Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Cruise: Ages 1-78
Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Ages 7-73
Captain Cook Dolphin & Snorkel: Ages 3-73

If you can swim 25 yards, you can safely join any of our tours.

Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Cruise: non-swimmers may enter the water only if lifejacket worn and stay within 10 yards of the boat.

Manta Ray Tour: You may enter water only with lifejacket worn and must stay at light board at all times.

Captain Cook Dolphin & Snorkel Tour: non-swimmers may enter the water only if lifejacket worn and stay within 10 yards of the boat.

Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Manta Rays appear for our tours roughly 90% of the time. If you do not see at least 1 manta ray, we will offer you a free trip on any tour with availability.

Manta Rays eat microscopic plankton.
No, They do not have barbs or stingers.