Shore Excursion Details

Captain Zodiac Raft & Snorkel Adventure

Kona, Hawaii

Captain Zodiac Raft & Snorkel Adventure

DETAILS

  • 31/2
    hrs Estimate Duration
  • Weight
  • Age

Your adventure starts by viewing historical points of interest while off shore from the village of Kailua-Kona. While zipping down the coast on these fast and fun Zodiac Hurricanes, you may be able to stop to interact with marine life. There are 17 species of dolphins in Hawaii that may be seen on any given day. You may encounter the Hawaiian Spinner, Pacific Bottlenose or Spotted dolphins. As well as the seasonal Humpback whales that migrate yearly from Alaska (Jan-Apr), you may also find pilot whales, false killer whales and other rare, elusive whales that live here year-round. When you are in the Zodiac, you are just 2 feet above the water line, so you have a great vantage point from which to view the marine life.


Your ultimate destination is Kealakekua Bay marine preserve, site of the Captain Cook monument. Kealakekua Bay is known around the world for its abundance of coral and tropical fish - over 220 varieties of marine life in total. You will spend 1 ½ hours snorkeling the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the bay. All the snorkel gear is provided, including masks (RX if needed), snorkels, fins, and flotation devices. Non-swimmers and first-time snorkelers will be provided with flotation devices and instruction. There is a 3-4 rung ladder that is lowered from the Zodiac and you must be able to get up the ladder and back into the raft on your own. There is no access to land on this tour, the Zodiac is your "island" where you can get in and out of the water as often as you like at the snorkel spot.


While enjoying your tropical snacks and refreshments, you’ll hear all about the history of the bay and the story of Captain Cook. You will get up close to explore the rugged coastline and see natural blowholes, exposed giant lava tubes and your Zodiac will poke its' nose into sea caves. See beautiful colors and striations of the lava up close. Your captain is a naturalist, geologist, historian and some like to think that they are comedians. It is guaranteed that you'll be laughing from the minute you step off the dock into the Zodiac.

Need to Know:

Note: Participants must be at least 4 years of age and weigh no more than 320 lbs. Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel. This tour is not for guests who are pregnant, who have chronic back or neck problems, or who have had previous back or neck surgery due to the fast and sometimes rough & bouncy ride. You will not get in the water with dolphins. They are observed from the raft. Boarding and disembarking the raft from the pier is a 2-foot step down onto the boat from the dock and then 2 more feet from the pontoon into the boat. At the snorkel site, a small 4 rung ladder is placed on the side of the raft and you will need to be able to climb to re-board the raft. Snorkelers must be able to swim. There is no shore landing. Due to new rules per the DLNR in order to protect our reef environment, only reef safe sunscreen will be allowed.

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ACTIVITY ATTRIBUTES

Excursion Type:

Scuba-Snorkel

Activity Level:

Image Title
  • 1
    Easy
  • 2
    Moderate
  • 3
    Challenging
Tours with this activity level involve a considerable amount of physical activity such as substantial walking over cobblestone streets, uneven or steep terrain, climbing stairs, or extended periods of standing. Not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended.
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