Kona Snorkel Tour (departs 10 mins from Kailua-Kona)
Head out for a less frequented (read: less crowded) snorkeling destination with all the beauty of the Kona coast! This Kona snorkel tour takes you to Pawai Bay which is inaccessible by land and only allows a handful of visitors per day.
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Activity Overview
Kona Snorkel Tour Highlights
- 2 hour duration
- 1:30 pm-3:30 pm Wednesday and Friday through Sunday
- Departs from Honokohau Harbor, 10 minutes north of Kailua Kona (click for directions)
- 18 guests maximum
- Get exclusive access to Pawai Bay where only a handful of snorkelers a day can go.
- All snorkel gear, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks are provided
- Children ages 3+ are welcome!
Kona Snorkel Tour Details
Skip the crowds at Kealakekua Bay in favor of some more exclusive snorkeling at Pawai Bay. Only a handful of snorkelers get access to Pawai Bay each day, so your tour may be the only boat on site! We love this alternative for these reasons, it’s a shorter boat ride to Pawai Bay than to Kealakekua Bay and a shorter ride means more time snorkeling!
On the way over and back, keep a lookout for spinner dolphins, manta rays, and whales (whale season is December-March)! In the water, you’re sure to find giant schools of fish, spectacular coral reefs, and incredible lava rock arches!
All of your snorkel gear plus snacks and drinks are included, so all you have to do is show up with your towel and reef-safe sunscreen in hand!
This tour departs from Honokohau Harbor just north of Kailua-Kona
Less crowded
Not only are you heading out with a relatively small group of up to 18 guests, but Pawai Bay doesn’t have nearly as many tours as more popular destinations like Kealakekua Bay.
Convenient departure
This tour departs from Honokohau Harbor, just north of downtown Kailua-Kona.
Ages 3+
Many tours are restricted to ages 5+ so it’s nice to find a tour that allows smaller children. Plus they have snacks, we all know how much kids (and grown-ups) love snacks!
Kona Snorkel Tour FAQ
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel anytime before 48 hours before your tour time for a full refund. Any cancelations within the 48-hour window will not receive a refund, even if the trip was initially booked less than 48 hours before departure.
In case of operator cancellation, you will be offered an opportunity to reschedule, otherwise, you will receive a full refund.
Are there any snorkeler restrictions?
Guests must be 3 years or older and be able to swim independently. No pregnant guests or those with neck or back problems. Beginners or first-time snorkelers are welcome.
Know Before You Go Snorkel Safety
Swimming and snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean should not be taken lightly. To keep you safe, please know your health limits, swim with a buddy, never turn your back on the ocean, and read and obey posted signs. Check HIOceanSafety.com for ocean conditions at lifeguard beaches.
What should I bring?
- Arrive wearing a swimsuit
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sun-protective cover-up
- Reef-safe, non-aerosol sunscreen
- Towel
- Waterproof camera (GoPros are available to rent)
About Kona Snorkel Trips
Kona Snorkel Trips was started and is operated by a group of friends determined to create memorable snorkeling experiences for their guests. They love what they do and it shows, so get ready for an exciting snorkeling adventure!
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