Captain Cook Snorkeling Cruise | Departs from Honokohau Harbor

Exploring the Big Island’s coast by boat is a popular way to enjoy Hawaii’s stunning scenery and vibrant marine life, and the Captain Cook Snorkeling Cruise offers an accessible way to do just that. This 3.5-hour tour takes you on a comfortable 40′ catamaran along the Kona Coast, with the chance to snorkel at Kealakekua Bay—one of Hawaii’s most famed marine reserves—or an alternative snorkeling spot. However, with mixed reviews and some notable limitations, it’s a tour that appeals to certain travelers more than others.

What stands out most is the scenic ride itself. You’ll enjoy beautiful coastal vistas and potentially spot spinner dolphins, flying fish, and even whales (seasonally from December to March). The boat’s stable design and shaded areas make for a relaxed outing, especially if you’re seeking a calm, scenic adventure. Still, some guests have found the overall experience somewhat disappointing, citing long periods of boat travel with limited snorkeling time. This tour is best suited for those who prioritize scenery, wildlife spotting, and a laid-back vibe over lengthy or intense water activities.

A key consideration is that this experience isn’t ideal for everyone. If you’re eager for a full day of snorkeling or with mobility challenges, you might want to explore options with more dedicated time in the water or different boat configurations. Nonetheless, for families, first-timers, or those who simply want a scenic cruise with light snorkeling, this could be a good introductory trip. It’s also worth noting that the trip is priced at $125, which, given the short duration and included amenities, offers reasonable value for a relaxing day on the water.

Key Points

• Comfortable vessel: The 40′ catamaran is stable and shaded, making for an easy ride.
• Wildlife viewing: Opportunities to see spinner dolphins, flying fish, and whales depending on the season.
• Snorkeling experience: Equipment and floatation devices are provided; snorkel instruction is available if needed.
• Limited snorkeling time: Due to the long boat ride, actual snorkeling may be brief, sometimes as little as 30 minutes.
• ** Scenic coastal route:** The boat stays close to shore, offering views of sea caves, blue waters, and tropical coastlines.
• Mixed reviews: Some guests find the boat ride rough and the snorkeling time insufficient, while others appreciate the safety and scenery.

In-Depth Review of the Captain Cook Snorkeling Cruise

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

This tour kicks off at Honokohau Harbor around 12:30 pm, with the boat ready to set sail on a relaxed and scenic 3 to 3.5-hour cruise. The vessel itself is a comfortable 40-foot catamaran, known for its stability and shaded deck—ideal if you’re sensitive to sun or prefer a cooler experience while underway.

Once aboard, the captain and crew—like Brian and Matt, according to some reviews—set the tone for a friendly, safety-conscious trip. They’ll review snorkeling protocols, ensuring everyone feels comfortable before jumping in. The journey is designed to stay close to shore, meaning you’ll get a lovely sightseeing experience with views of sea caves, the vivid blue ocean, and tropical vistas.

One of the main highlights is the chance to spot marine life. Guests have reported seeing spinner dolphins and flying fish along the way, with whale sightings possible in the right season (December to March). The ride itself, however, can be somewhat rough and lengthy—some reviews describe a “long uncomfortable boat ride,” which can be a concern for travelers prone to seasickness or those with mobility issues.

The Snorkeling Experience

When the boat reaches the designated snorkeling spot—typically Kealakekua Bay—the crew provides all necessary gear, including snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and floatation noodles. The captain reviews the best routes and safety tips, which helps especially first-time snorkelers feel more confident.

Jumping into the warm, 80-degree water is generally straightforward; a ladder makes re-entry easier. Underwater, you’ll find beautiful coral gardens and vibrant tropical fish. Some guests, like a reviewer who said, “Brian and Matt made sure everyone’s needs were taken care of,” appreciated the safety and attention to detail.

Yet, the actual snorkeling time can be limited—often just around 30 minutes—with some guests feeling that the boat ride took up too much of the 3-hour window. One reviewer expressed frustration, noting that “it was 3 hours of boating and maybe half an hour of snorkeling,” and the return journey was hurried, especially if seas were rough.

The Scenic Return and Relaxation

After snorkeling, guests can relax on the deck with snacks and drinks—fig bars, trail mix, chips, and tropical fruit-flavored drinks are included. This downtime, with the warm sun and cool ocean breeze, provides a relaxing end to the adventure.

As the boat heads back along the coast, passengers can take in views of sea caves, cobalt blue waters, and lush tropical landscapes. The return trip can be both scenic and a bit bumpy, so packing a seasickness remedy might be wise.

The Overall Value and Practicalities

For $125, the tour offers a reasonable price point considering it includes snorkeling gear, snacks, drinks, and a scenic boat ride. The trip’s main appeal is the combination of coastal scenery, wildlife spotting, and a relaxed atmosphere, rather than long snorkeling sessions or high-adrenaline adventure.

However, reviewers have voiced concerns about the rough seas and limited snorkeling time. One wrote, “Did the afternoon snorkel, spent a lot of time on the boat, and felt rushed back,” highlighting that if your priority is extensive snorkeling, this might not be the best fit. Conversely, others appreciated the safe and friendly environment provided by guides like Brian and Matt, especially for families or those new to snorkeling.

Who Is It Best For?

This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a scenic boat ride with some light snorkeling and wildlife viewing. It suits travelers who want a relaxed, hassle-free experience, especially those interested in coastal vistas and possibly seeing dolphins or whales. It’s less suited for those seeking lengthy or intense snorkeling adventures or travelers with mobility or seasickness concerns.

The Sum Up

The Captain Cook Snorkeling Cruise offers an accessible and comfortable way to explore the Kona Coast from the water, with beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. Its stable vessel and friendly crew create a relaxed environment, perfect for families, first-time snorkelers, or anyone seeking a scenic day on the ocean.

However, the short snorkeling window and sometimes rough seas mean you won’t get hours of underwater exploration, making it less appealing for serious snorkelers or those craving a more active experience. The included snacks and sightseeing add to its value, but travelers should be prepared for a longer boat ride and possibly limited underwater time.

In summary, if your priority is relaxing scenery, wildlife spotting, and a gentle introduction to snorkelling, this tour is worth considering. For those wanting a more immersive or lengthy snorkeling experience, it might be worth exploring other options on the Big Island.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, including boat time and snorkeling.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Honokohau Harbor, specifically from the public restrooms near Captain Cook Cruises.

What’s included in the price?
Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, flotation noodles, snacks (fig bars, trail mix, chips), and bottled drinks are included.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children must be accompanied by an adult when snorkeling, and the tour isn’t recommended for travelers over 75 years old or over 280 pounds. It’s also not suitable for those with mobility issues or who cannot swim independently.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, the tour accommodates up to 39 travelers, which helps maintain an intimate environment.

Can I expect to see whales or dolphins?
Yes, depending on the season, particularly from December to March, you might spot whales, spinner dolphins, and flying fish.

Is transportation provided?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to Honokohau Harbor.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and seasickness remedies if needed. The tour provides basic gear, but personal preferences are welcome.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This detailed review aims to help you decide whether the Captain Cook Snorkeling Cruise fits your needs. It offers a scenic, relaxed day on the water with some snorkeling, but if underwater exploration is your main goal, consider your options carefully.