FAQs
Welcome to our FAQ page! Here, you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our snorkeling and whale watching tours. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us directly!
What is your cancellation policy?
We offer a full refund for cancellations made at least 72 hours before your scheduled departure. If your tour is canceled due to weather conditions or other safety concerns, we will provide a full refund as well. Please note that no-shows or cancellations made within 72 hours of departure are non-refundable.
Is there parking at the harbor?
Yes there is plenty of free parking at the harbor.
How do I get to the meeting point?
Please meet us at Honokohau Harbor at least 10 minutes prior to departure to ensure a smooth check-in process. The harbor is located at 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. To get there, enter Kealakehe Pkwy from Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy, take your first right, and go past the gas station. Then, take a left and look for our boat, the “Bella Rain”, on a trailer parked near the restrooms.
For parking, please park near the restrooms, which are located between the two boat ramps. We will meet you at the pavilion with the brown roof, which is right next to the restrooms. Be sure to arrive on time, as we aim to depart promptly!
Do you offer transportation to the harbor?
We do not offer transportation to the harbor. We recommend using Uber or renting a car to get to Honokohau Harbor for your tour. The harbor is easily accessible, and having your own transportation will give you the flexibility to arrive at your convenience. Let us know if you need any assistance with directions!
Is there a minimum guest count needed to run tours?
While it doesn’t happen often, there are slower times of year when we may not reach the minimum number of guests required to run a tour.
If we’re unable to reach the minimum, you’ll have the option to rebook for another day. If you’re unable to join us on a different date, we’ll provide a full refund.
You also have the option to purchase the remaining seats needed to meet the minimum, allowing the tour to run as scheduled—and you’ll essentially have a private experience all to yourselves!
What should I do about sea sickness?
If you’re prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking your preferred motion-sickness medication the night before your tour and again one hour before departure, following the medication’s directions. Staying hydrated, eating a light meal, and avoiding alcohol before your tour can also help reduce the chances of seasickness.
Is the boat shaded?
Yes! Our boat has shade over all of the bench seating. We still recommend bringing sun protection and a hat, as you’ll be exposed to the sun when we're on the water and while snorkeling.
What kind of boat will we be on?
We operate a 26-foot RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) that is Coast Guard certified and designed for comfortable, stable travel on the open ocean.
The boat features two bench seats in the front and additional bench seating in the back, all covered to keep you shaded and dry. There is also dry storage underneath the benches for your belongings.
You’re welcome to bring personal items aboard, but we recommend packing light, as storage space is limited.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during busy travel seasons, as our small-group tours have limited availability and popular dates can fill quickly.
We also recommend scheduling your tour toward the beginning of your trip whenever possible. This gives us more flexibility to reschedule you for another day if weather or ocean conditions prevent us from running your tour as planned.
Can I participate if I have a back, neck, or heart condition?
Our tours involve boat movement, ocean conditions, swimming/snorkeling, and climbing a boat ladder. Guests with back, neck, heart, or other medical conditions that could be affected by these activities should consult with their physician before participating.
If you're unsure, please reach out to us before booking.
Do you provide prescription masks for people that wear glasses?
No, we do not provide prescription snorkel masks. If you need prescription lenses for snorkeling, we recommend renting a prescription mask before your tour. You can rent one locally from Snorkel Bob's Kona.
Can I join my family on the boat and not get in the water?
Yes, any are welcome to stay on the boat during the snorkeling portion of the tour and observe wildlife topside. Please keep in mind that our price remains the same, as each seat on our vessel counts toward our limited capacity.
Do you offer discounts?
We offer a Kamaina Discount, please call to get our current discount code. If you book 2 private tours with us during your visit we can offer a 10% discount on the second private tour.
Is tipping customary on boat tours?
Tipping is not required, but it is always greatly appreciated! If you enjoyed your experience with us and feel our crew went above and beyond, a tip is a wonderful way to show your appreciation. As a general guideline, 15–20% of the tour price is customary, but please know that any amount—or no tip at all—is completely up to you.
How do I enter and exit the water?
To enter the water you will simply slide in from the side of the boat. When you’re ready to get back onboard, you’ll climb a short ladder.
You must be able to climb the ladder unassisted.
Can I take my own GoPro?
Absolutely! You're welcome to bring your own waterproof camera or GoPro.
Just make sure it is securely attached and does not interfere with your ability to safely snorkel or follow crew instructions.
Do you offer professional underwater photos?
Yes! We offer a professional underwater photography package on our Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Offshore Safari tours. The package is $200 per group and includes approximately 20–30 professionally edited photos.
We do not offer professional underwater photography on our Night Manta Ray Snorkel. However, GoPro video packages are available for the manta tour.
You can add the professional photo package during checkout. If you decide to add it after booking, please reach out to us and make sure payment is completed before your tour so Monet can have her camera ready and make sure you don’t miss out on any photo opportunities!
All professional photo packages are personally edited by Monet. Please allow up to one week after your tour for your edited photos to be delivered.
Do you offer Video packages?
Yes! We offer video packages on all of our snorkel tours. Monet will capture video of the wildlife and highlights from your trip, and your videos will be sent to you by the end of the day.
Your videos will be delivered through a Google Drive link, so you can easily view, save, and share them after your tour.