Deluxe Kayak And Snorkel Tour
Quick Details
Duration: 3.0 Hours
Departure TIMES: 10:00AM
mEETING lOCATION: nAPOOPOO PIER AT KEALAKEKUA BAY
Age Restrictions: 7 - 73
- Duration: 3.0 Hours
- Departure Times: 10:00 am
- Meeting Location: Napoopoo pier at Kealakekua Bay
- Age Restrictions: 8-68
Deluxe Kayak, Snorkel & Dolphin
Departs Kealakekua Bay At Napo’opo’o Pier 10am
Walk the path of famous explorer and circumnavigator James Cook on a unique kayak, dolphin and snorkel tour at Kealakekua Bay. Start your day by paddling along the beautiful and rugged Pali of Kealakekua Bay on the big island of Hawaii – famous for the Captain Cook Monument (dedicated to one of the greatest explorers of all time – Captain Cook of the Royal Navy). The land on which the monument stands is actually not American soil but a part of the British Empire making the area remarkable for both its rich Hawaiian history and unique connection to Great Britain.
The bay has some of the best kayaking & snorkeling in all the islands: this is due to the bay’s protection from ocean swells, 80 degree warm waters, 100’ visibility with amazing underwater topography and featuring a beautiful coral reef and myriads of colorful tropical fish.
If that weren’t enough, Kealakekua Bay is also a spinner dolphin habitat where these playful and remarkable marine mammals reside and are seen on over half our excursions. These funloving creatures play in the warm waters of the bay and rest before they return to the open ocean waters to feed at night. The dolphins are a joy to see jumping and spinning in the waters below the Pali surrounding Kealakekua Bay. Also seen here are long tailed tropic birds soaring across the Pali cliff faces. It’s a nature lovers delight!
Giant green sea turtles are frequently seen on our excursions and remarkable for their great size. In the winter months we see Humpback whales (December to March).
Paddling the Kona coast and Kealakekua Pali
You will enjoy riding in one of our stable tandem, sit-on-top kayaks, fitted with seat-backs and able to carry up to a maximum of 250# guest. Maximum combined guest weight per tandem kayak is 400 # .We also provide snorkel gear and drinks and snacks for guests on our paddling excursions.
There is only room aboard the kayaks for the bare essentials. Bring a small dry bag to hold your cell phone, sunblock, and keys. Arrive for your tour dressed in bathing suit and coverup you can wear while paddling and snorkeling. In addition to bringing a dry bag / small bag, you should also bring shoes that are securely attached to your feet. Flip flop sandals or bare-feet are not good choices when you land at Capt. Cook Monument due to the abundance of sea urchins in the bay.
Our tours paddle along the flanks of Mauna Loa, where lava tubes, sea caves and lava cliffs abound. We land on the north side of the bay at Awili Landing, an ancient canoe landing where you may see the plaque that marks the place of Captain Cooks demise in 1776. Once our kayaks are landed on shore you ready yourself for snorkeling in 80 degree warm and clear ocean water. You’ll love swimming above coral reefs and tropical fish in an underwater world with 100′ visibility! It’s like swimming in an aquarium!!
You will also enjoy using our quality snorkel gear (mask, snorkel and fins), and having available child or adult lifejackets to make treading water easier while you snorkel. An introduction to snorkeling safety and snorkeling tips will be reviewed with guests prior to entering the water. Those new to snorkeling can request guides to review snorkeling basics too. For those electing not to snorkel, the vistas from the Monument are spectacular! Surrounding the bay are 600′-1000′ shear cliffs, cobalt blue and emerald green water, and beautiful white tailed tropic birds floating near the cliff edges – so be sure to bring your camera or phone for capturing the sights.
Snorkeling at Captain Cook Monument:
You’ll snorkel near Captain Cook Monument, one of Hawaii’s very best snorkeling spots. Experience fascinating sea life including:
- Myriads of colorful Tropical fish
- Vibrant Coral reef and amazing underwater terrain
- Hawaiian spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins
- Green Sea Turtles
- Humpback whales (seasonal)
- Manta Ray and Eagle Rays
Also, see where the famous explorer Captain James Cook of the English Royal Navy first arrived in Hawaii. Visit the site of historic Ka`awaloa village and home to Hawaiian Royalty.
No snorkeling Experience Necessary – Beginning snorkelers and Children are welcome. Flotation provided includes swim lifejackets. Trips depart at 10am for a 2.5-3 hour excursion.
Whats included:
What’s not included:
Itinerary
- Night before the cruise – check your email for meeting location updates and directions. Kayak Tours all leave from Napo’opo’o Pier in Captain Cook, Hawaii,
- Arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time: Use nearby State Park restrooms prior to departure. Meet the guide and receive kayak orientation and check-in for your trip.
- Launch from Napo’opo’o Pier and paddle 1.5 miles toward the Captain Cook Monument. Land kayaks and begin snorkeling from Captain Cook Monument.
- Land at beautiful and historic Awili Cove, near Captain Cook Monument. Dolphin watching occurs in the bay on 50% of our trips. See dramatic 1000’ cliffs and emerald green coral gardens.
- Return to pier for drinks, snacks and warming up in the warm 85 degree Kona sun.
- Pack up the gear, pull up the ladder and say goodbye to Kealakekua Bay for the day. Return to Napo’opo’o Pier.
Featured Highlights
This adventure includes a relaxed paddle on Kealakekua Bay, views of dramatic Mauna Loa mountain, lava cliffs, sea caves, lava tubes, & beautiful green and cobalt blue ocean waters.
Sightings of Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, flying fish, humpback whales, manta rays and giant sea turtles. Snorkeling in warm, 100’ visibility, snorkeling in emerald green coral gardens and above myriads of colorful tropical fish. Finally, see where the famous and first western explorer – James Cook first arrived in Hawaii. You will travel close to the site of historic Ka`awaloa village and the home of Hawaiian Royalty.