On this 4.5 hour cruise, there is ample time for water fun and snorkeling, or just relaxing while taking in the Kona shoreline scenery as you travel 10 miles down the coast while looking out for dolphins, whales (Dec-Apr), and other marine life. Included are snorkeling gear and snorkel class (as needed), a 20 foot water slide and high dive platform, and a variety of flotation and water toys including viewing boards and paddleboards. Friendly onboard staff will keep you (and any kids) well taken care of and entertained. On many trips, you're likely to observe spinner dolphins in their natural environment as they leap out of the water and follow the boat in pods!
Also enjoy a continental breakfast, a BBQ lunch with burgers (or taro patty for vegetarians) grilled onboard, and drinks, along with a premium cash bar. For your comfort, the spacious 65-foot 2-story boat has his and hers restrooms, plenty of seating and shade available, 2 fresh-water showers, and 2 staircases for easy entry & exit from water.
Looking for an evening sunset dinner cruise & historical tour on this boat? Check that out here.
WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS OPTION OVER OTHERS
April 27 - May 19: Out of Service
This cruise is unfortunately not scheduled to operate approximately April 27 to May 19 (please check the calendar for the most up-to-date availability) while it undergoes its biennial "dry dock" (full maintenance/inspection). Please note that these dates are subject to change, especially small variations of the start/end date, so you may want to check the booking calendar again in the future. For other top activities during this time, please consider a Hawaiian Luau or manta ray night snorkel.
Customer Rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Also rated on :
Hawaii Big Island Revealed Guidebook:
Good boats, crew, and location make this a good deal, and we recommend it wholeheartedly
Fodor's Guidebook:
Good choice for families; kids love the waterslide and the high-dive platform
There is an excellent chance all year of seeing dolphins from the boat, as they enjoy riding the boat’s wake. On rare occasions, they come to visit at the snorkeling location.
This cruise follows federal law that prohibits humans from actively approaching dolphins within 50 yards. Scientific evidence has shown this is harmful for dolphins, which rest during the day. You can read more here. Dolphins and whales are welcome to, and sometimes do, approach the boat and humans in the water, but it must be their decision to do so.
As of 2021, swimming with dolphin tours (in the open ocean) have been banned. (reference, reference 2).
The boat may approach 100 yards from the whale, per federal law. However, the boat may then turn off the engine and the whale may get closer to the boat on its own. Whale season is generally mid-December to mid-April.
Please note this cruise is not predominantly a whale watching cruise and it needs to stay on schedule to get to the snorkeling spot and give enough time there for time in the water / lunch / etc. Therefore, it has more limited time than our whale watching cruise to seek out and get close to whales, so for this snorkel cruise it will be more about luck. Often it can be a highlight of this cruise, whereas other times whale sightings can be limited in which case you may want to consider booking a whale watch for after this cruise.
Red Hill, which is much less crowded than Kealakekua Bay / Captain Cook’s Monument
This cruise specializes in accommodating those who are new to snorkeling and non-swimmers. “Snorkeling 101” is offered for beginners or those wanting a refresher course. There are an array of complimentary flotation water toys, including life jackets, noodles, sea view boards, boogie boards, and inner-tubes. The Captain and crew are first aid, CPR, and lifeguard certified. There are always at least 3 designated lifeguards who are on watch while anyone is in the water.
Yes, masks with built-in prescription lenses ranging from -1.5 to -7.0 are available at no additional charge.
Yes, there are three, including two gender-specific ones and one spacious family restroom.
Yes, there is a specialized boarding ramp that makes the boat 100% wheelchair accessible. The lower deck of the 65′ catamaran is fully accessible from bow to stern including tables and restrooms. There is limited handicapped parking at the pier; if you have a handicap parking placard, please make a note at checkout that you interested in a spot, which are issued first-come, first-serve and may not be available for late bookings. The handicap parking at the pier is not available on Wednesdays when there is a large cruise ship in port.
The bigger the boat, the more stable it is. The vessel is 65′ in length with a 30′ beam and the largest boat of its kind on the Kona Coast. It’s a totally different experience than being on a smaller boat or a raft. If you know you are prone to sea sickness, it is recommended you take Bonine or Dramamine the night before and one several hours before your cruise. Please read directions to see that you are able to take this medication. It is also available onboard, but it is best to have it in your system prior to boarding. Also offered are complimentary Ginger pills and a Ginger drink which are great for motion sickness and are all natural. You are more likely to feel better on the lower deck of the vessel as there is less pitch.
No, unless you have medical reasons to use a specific brand, a “Reef Safe” sunscreen is available onboard that not harm the coral reef and stays on your skin and not in the ocean. There are several SPF pump stations for complimentary use.
While unnecessary for most due to the warm water temperature (78-82 degrees), wetsuits are available for rental ($10). You can ask for and pay for on the day of the cruise.
It is a premium bar serving locally made rum, vodka, whisky, and beer. Blender-made cocktails, including passion fruit daiquiris, available!
Craft Beers
Kona Brew Long Board Lager
Kona Brew Big Wave
Maui Brew Bikini Blond
Maui Brew Big Swell
Ola Brew IPA
Ola Brew Pineapple Cider
Domestic Beer
Bud Light
Coors Light
Wine
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Red Blend
Cabernet Sauvignon
On the Rocks
Mai Tai with Koloa Rums
Bloody Mary
Sex on the Beach
Blended Cocktails
Pina Colada
Lava Flow
Margarita
Daiquiri
Blue Hawaiian
Chi-Chi
Above selections cannot be guaranteed
Yes! Pending availability (at least a couple months in advance is recommended), your group can buy out the boat. Please contact us for more details.
Yes, adults who do not plan on going in the water at all may choose the children rate. Please also make a note at checkout. If the adult changes their mind on the cruise, they will be charged the upgrade fee at that time.