Hawaiian spinner dolphins in the big island

PRIVATE CHARTER

KEALAKEKUA BAY SNORKEL

Experience Paradise: Private Kealakekua Bay Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Tour

Private Charter

(Up to 6 people)

$1200

Private Charter

(7 - 12 people)

$1500

BOOK NOW

PRIVATE SNORKELING & DOLPHIN WATCHING ADVENTURE

Explore the Kona Coast on a private snorkel adventure to beautiful Kealakekua Bay. With a flexible itinerary and a boat reserved just for your group, you can enjoy a more personal experience exploring Hawaii’s underwater world.

We’ll cruise along the coast toward Kealakekua Bay, keeping an eye out for Hawaiian spinner dolphins along the way. Once in the bay, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel in clear waters surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish, with views of the historic Captain Cook Monument from the water.

Whether you’re planning a family outing, a trip with friends, or a special day on the ocean, our private charter lets you enjoy the experience at your own pace. We provide snorkeling gear and guidance from our crew, while tailoring the trip to your group and the day’s ocean conditions.

Join us for a day of snorkeling, wildlife watching, and exploring one of the Big Island’s most beautiful coastal areas.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR TOUR

Kona Coast Cruise: Your trip begins with a scenic cruise along the rugged Kona coastline toward Kealakekua Bay. Enjoy the ocean views and keep an eye out for marine life along the way.
Dolphin Watching & Marine Wildlife: Our crew will scan the water for Hawaiian spinner dolphins and other marine life. You may see dolphins swimming alongside the boat, riding its wake, or leaping and spinning above the water. Sightings are never guaranteed, as we observe wildlife in its natural environment.
Seasonal Whale Watching: During whale season, typically November through April, keep an eye out for humpback whales as they migrate through Hawaiian waters. You may spot them breaching, tail-slapping, or surfacing nearby.
Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay: Explore the clear waters of Kealakekua Bay, a protected Marine Life Conservation District known for its coral reefs and diverse tropical fish. Your time in the water will depend on ocean conditions and what the day allows.
Views of the Captain Cook Monument: While exploring the bay, take in views of the historic Captain Cook Monument along the shoreline. The area is rich in Hawaiian history, including the events surrounding Captain James Cook’s death here in 1779.

DEPARTURE LOGISTICS & TRAVEL TIMES
The tour departs out of Honokohau Harbor, located about 10 minutes North of downtown Kailua-Kona. Parking at the harbor is free. The boat ride to Kealakekua Bay takes approximately 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful Kona coastline and keep an eye out for marine life along the way.

WHAT'S INCLUDED
All necessary equipment is included with your tour:

Snorkeling equipment: Masks, snorkels, and fins are provided. You’re welcome to bring and use your own equipment if you prefer.
Light snacks: Light snacks will be provided. Feel free to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on board as well.

WHAT WE SUGGEST YOUR BRING

A reusable water bottle: Help us cut down on single-use plastic that pollutes our ocean by bringing your own water bottle to stay hydrated.
Reef safe sunscreen: Protect your skin while helping protect Hawaii’s coral reefs.
Hat & sunglasses: Our boat has shaded seating, but extra sun protection is always recommended.
Swimwear: Please arrive wearing swimwear suitable for snorkeling.
Prescription snorkel mask (if needed): We do not provide prescription masks. If you need one, you must bring your own or rent one in advance.
A towel for after your swim: Custom towel ponchos are also available for purchase at checkout.

OPTIONAL ADD ONS

$5 Wetsuit Top: Add a wetsuit top for extra warmth while snorkeling.
$50 GoPro Video Package: Take home videos of the wildlife encountered during your tour, along with footage of you and your group snorkeling.
$200 Professional Underwater Photo Package: Receive 25–30 professionally edited underwater photos featuring the marine life encountered and your group snorkeling.
$80 Ocean Eco Tours Towel Poncho: Take home a custom Ocean Eco Tours towel poncho, available in teal, sky blue, or black.

Duration: 3 hours

Ages: All ages

Departure Location: Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in Kona, Hawaii

Private and Customizable: A flexible itinerary made just for you and your group

Book your Private Snorkel Tour Today!

BOOK NOW

What do others think of Ocean Eco Tours?

"Our family booked a private charter with Ocean Eco Tours with high expectations, and our captain Brenden and water guide Monet exceeded them in awesome fashion. Monet's communications to help us plan our adventure and to guide us in the water were helpful and informative. We enjoyed a great hour-long tour down the coast to the secluded cove near the Captain Cook Monument, where we snorkeled among the colorful fish of the coral reef. Then back up the coast to watch the sunset and join a pod of other boats to swim with the manta rays. Monet steered us to the perfect spots to see them glide by and backflip right under the float we surrounded for a truly amazing experience. Our afternoon and evening on and in the water was a high point of our first trip to the Big Island!"

- Karen B.
"Had the best time diving with Ocean Eco Tours! Brenden and Monet are seriously the kindest, most fun people to explore the ocean with. We saw pilot whales, spotted dolphins, manta rays, swam through caves and the most beautiful reefs — honestly you cant be in better company!

They make you feel so comfortable/safe and bring such good energy to the whole experience. If you’re ever in Hawaii and want to dive, go with them — guaranteed best day ever."

- Nikhitha R.
"We hired First Mate Monet & Captain Brendan for a private charter and it COMPLETELY BLEW OUR MINDS!!! Not only were they sincerely professional, kind, and bursting with aloha, they somehow magically attracted dozens of mantas sending our group into an unforgettable frenzy we’ll all be talking about for the rest of our lives. Monet captured gorgeous underwater video, Cpt. Brendan navigated us safely and skillfully… we couldn’t possibly be more satisfied. Mahalo nui loa!!!"

- Rich A.
"We loved every minute of this tour! If you’re able to book the private snorkel tour, I HIGHLY recommend it! Brenden and Monet truly catered the trip to us and what we wanted to spend more time on. Honestly, one of the highlights of our trip, and we will be booking with them when we come back next year. Great people!"

- Tara O.
"My wife and I did a tour with Ocean Eco Tours with a group of friends. We had so much fun. Monet and Brenden were knowledgeable about the waters and the creatures in it. The experience was phenomenal. And they provided free photos from the tour! It was our first time in Hawaii, let alone the big island. They made our first experience unforgettable. We even seen some takos, mantas, pilot whales, and dolphins. Monet and Brenden put our safety first. We cannot wait to schedule another trip to Hawaii, and we will definitely be scheduling another tour with them."

- Daniel C.

TIPS FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCE

Book a tour early in your trip: Booking early in your stay gives you a buffer in case weather or ocean conditions force a cancellation. If your tour is canceled, we’ll do our best to reschedule you for another day during your stay, subject to availability.
Protect yourself from the sun: The Hawaiian sun can be strong, especially when you’re spending several hours on the water. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen, and remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
Snorkel responsibly: Kealakekua Bay is home to a variety of marine life, so please help us protect this special environment. Give fish, dolphins, turtles, and other wildlife plenty of space and never touch or chase animals. Remember the golden rule of responsible snorkeling: look but don’t touch.

WHY CHOOSE OUR PRIVATE KEALAKEKUA BAY TOUR?

A private charter gives you the freedom to explore the Kona Coast at your own pace, with a boat reserved just for your group.

Total Itinerary Flexibility: Every group is different. We’ll tailor the trip around your interests, whether you want to spend more time snorkeling, look for dolphins and other marine life, or enjoy the views from the boat.
A More Personal Experience: Skip the large tour groups and enjoy a more relaxed day on the water with your own private boat and dedicated crew.
Personalized Guidance: Brenden and Monet bring their knowledge of the local waters, marine life, and ocean safety to help make your trip both enjoyable and informative.
Great for Families and Groups: Enjoy time on the water with family and friends, with the flexibility to adjust the pace to your group’s needs and comfort levels.