Dolphin watching and snorkelling in Kealakekua Bay, Hawai’i Island

Located south of Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua Bay is a must see spot when visiting Hawaii’s Big Island! Settled over one thousand years ago, Kealakekua Bay was once a central hub for ancient Hawaiians. In addition to being a culturally significant location in Hawaii, the bay is also a sacred spot and its name translates to ‘pathway of the gods’. In more modern times, Kealakekua Bay is known for being the site where Captain James Cook became the first westerner to land on the Island of Hawai’i and where he was later killed after instigating a skirmish against native Hawaiians.

Today Kealakekua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District whose pristine waters and vibrant reef offer some of the best snorkelling on the island! If you love to snorkel or want to try snorkelling for the first time in a protected bay while immersing yourself in the history of the Big Island, this dolphin watching and snorkelling boat tour is the perfect activity for you!

To begin your Big Island boating adventure, as the boat leaves Honokohau Harbour in Kailua-Kona and heads towards Kealakekua Bay, you can relax onboard and enjoy watching for dolphins and other sea creatures that call the waters around the Island of Hawaii home. Once you arrive by the Captain Cook monument in the bay the boat will anchor and it will be time to jump in the water and snorkel with tropical fish and Hawaiin Sea Turtles!

While you are snorkelling, back on the boat your guides will be preparing a complimentary lunch of grilled hotdogs (or veggie dogs) and chips, along with water, juice, and light snacks to replenish you after your underwater adventures. For the last leg of your snorkelling excursion, the boat will return back to Kailua-Kona while you indulge in your freshly grilled lunch with an unbeatable view!

Book your dolphin watching and snorkelling boat tour of Kealakekua Bay from Kailua-Kona now and discover the best-kept secrets of the Big Island!