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

Welcome to the ultimate Big Island aquatic adventure! If you are craving an exhilarating journey into the clear blue water of Hawaii, then it's time to book our Private Kealakekua Bay Snorkel with Dolphin Watch. This private charter is designed just for you and your loved ones, exploring the exotic isles in an intimate tour that features awe-inspiring ocean life, a taste of ancient Hawaiian history, and total flexibility.

Whether you’re planning a romantic couples retreat, a milestone family reunion, or an exciting vacation activity for a small group, our private Kealakekua Bay snorkel tour can be tailored to your needs. We provide top-of-the-line snorkeling gear, expert instruction, and a comfortable vessel so you can focus on enjoying the experience and making lasting memories. Explore vibrant coral reefs, take in a historic view of the Captain Cook Monument, and cruise along the Kona Coast as we keep an eye out for Hawaiian spinner dolphins.

Ready to experience the magic of the Kona Coast, snorkel in the protected waters of Kealakekua Bay, and encounter wild dolphins up close? Secure your preferred date today for the ultimate Private Kealakekua Bay Snorkel with Dolphin Watch.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR TOUR

Kona Coast Cruise: Your journey begins as we set off along the stunning, rugged shores of the Kona Coast. As we cruise toward Kealakekua Bay, keep your eyes on the horizon. The warm waters of West Hawaii are home to an incredible variety of marine life, and you never know what you might spot along the way.
Exciting Kona Dolphin Watch & Wildlife: As we navigate the scenic coastline, our crew actively scans the water for local wildlife. You’ll have a front-row seat as we look for energetic pods of Hawaiian spinner dolphins. You may see them surfing the boat’s wake, spinning through the air, or swimming alongside us.
Seasonal Bonus: If you are visiting during the winter months (typically November through April), you may also witness magnificent humpback whales breaching, tail-slapping, and migrating through the warm Hawaiian waters.
Snorkeling Kealakekua Bay Marine Sanctuary: Next, we arrive at Kealakekua Bay, renowned for its clear, calm waters and abundant marine life. Because the bay is a protected Marine Life Conservation District, its waters can offer exceptional snorkeling conditions and the opportunity to see a variety of tropical fish and other marine life.
The Iconic Captain Cook Monument: While in the bay, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the Captain Cook Monument. This striking white obelisk is a historic landmark associated with Captain James Cook, who was killed at Kealakekua Bay in 1779. It adds a fascinating piece of local history to your tropical adventure.
FYI: Kealakekua Bay can be challenging to access by land. The hike to the bay is steep and strenuous, making a boat tour a comfortable and relaxing way to experience this spectacular destination.

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: mask, snorkel, and fins. If you have your own mask, snorkel, and fins, you are welcome to use their if preferred.
Light snacks will be provided. You're also welcome to bring your own food and drinks on board.

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.
Hat / sunglasses. Our boat has shade, but extra sun protection in the strong Hawaiian sun is always a good idea.
Swimwear: please arrive in something suitable for swimming.
A towel for the ride back to the harbor. Custom towel ponchos are also available for purchase at checkout.
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.

We offer a professional underwater photography. The package is $200 per group and includes approximately 20–30 professionally edited photos.

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 guests

Book your Private Snorkel Tour Today!

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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 will ensure you have a "rain day" buffer of dates. If conditions force a cancellation, we will reschedule the tour within the following days.
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 PRIVATE KEALAKEKUA TOUR?

When it comes to exploring one of Hawaii’s most famous marine sanctuaries, a private charter completely elevates your day on the water. Here is why travelers consistently choose our private experience over standard commercial boat tours:

Total Itinerary Flexibility: Because this is a private tour, the schedule revolves around your group. Want to spend extra time snorkeling the crystal-clear reefs? Prefer to hunt for wildlife or relax on the boat with a cold drink? The choice is entirely yours.
Crowd-Free Comfort: Say goodbye to overcrowded decks and impersonal service. Enjoy a spacious, comfortable boat reserved solely for your family, partner, or close friends.
Personalized Attention: Captain Brenden and Monet will provide dedicated guidance, top-tier safety instruction, and fascinating insights into the history and ecology of the Kona Coast.
Family-Friendly Experience: Traveling with children or multi-generational family members? Our private format allows us to tailor the pace to suit swimmers of all skill levels and ages.