Frequently Asked Questions

We offer three kayak tours: 1. Public Deluxe Kayak & Snorkel Kealakekua Bay 2. Private Deluxe Kayak & Snorkel Kealakekkua Bay and 3. Larger Groups Deluxe Kayak & Snorkel Kealakekkua Bay.

All trips include snorkeling gear, drinks & snacks, life jackets, & instruction. Paddlers travel on tandem (two man) kayaks. (Single kayaks are not available for guests). Guests paddle about 30-40 minutes continuously to reach the snorkeling area. Snorkeling time is typically between 1/2 to 1 hour.

We use sit -on-top Tandem Kayaks which are about 13′ long and about 3′ wide. The maximum weight of each paddler is limited to 275 pounds with a combined weight not exceeding 450 pounds per kayak.” Exceeding our weight limitations will result in your kayak becoming much more difficult to balance and more likely to capsize. Capsizing is common on kayaks but it is more difficult for a larger person to reenter the kayak after capsizing.

No. All paddlers will travel in tandem (2 person) kayaks. If groups have odd numbers they will be paired with other guests.

Yes. Each kayak paddler must be less than 250 pounds. Combined weight of both guests per tandem kayak cannot exceed 400 pounds. Exceeding weight limitations will result in your kayak becoming much more difficult to balance and more likely to capsize.

Capsizing is common on kayaks but it is more difficult for a larger person to reenter the kayak after capsizing. If you exceed our weight limitations we do not recommend you take a kayak tour unless you are an experienced ocean paddler.

We have an alternative activity that would be great for you – our 39′ power catamaran goes twice daily to the same snorkeling destination without the risks of multiple capsizing in a kayak. Go to www.captaincooksnorkelingcruises.com to learn more about essentially the same snorkeling experience without the tippy kayak.

Kealakekua Bay is not for beginners.  You should have experience in OCEAN kayaking and know how to “self -rescue”.  The self rescue is a multi-step process involving righting the overturned kayak, then reentering the kayak from the water performing several rapid pushups.  This is  not an easy task and beginning kayakers require training to learn it.  If you or one of your guests have not learned this self-rescue skill or do not have sufficient upper body strength to right your kayak or reenter the kayak with numerous pushups – you are not qualified for this tour.  Please see our power catamaran snorkel cruise to the same area for snorkeling without the kayak component.   Go to www.captaincooksnorkelingcruises.com to learn more about essentially the same snorkeling experience without the tippy kayak.

Each direction is about 35 – 45 minutes of continuous paddling. It is strenuous and a difficult paddle for the young, elderly and adults with low upper body strength or endurance.”

Please consider booking our motorboat snorkeling adventure at Captain Cook Snorkeling Cruises if you have any doubts about your strength or ability for a paddling trip. We have an alternative activity that would be great for you – our 39′ power catamaran cruise goes twice daily to the same snorkeling destination without the risks of multiple capsizing in a kayak.

Go to www.captaincooksnorkelingcruises.com to learn more about essentially the same snorkeling experience without the tippy kayak.

Paddling 35-45 minutes continuously is not an easy physical activity.  This can best be described as a moderate to difficult physical activity.  Anyone in your party without the strength to paddle 45 minutes against the wind and perform a self rescue, should not join the kayak tour.

Those joining the kayak tour should both be able to paddle at a walking speed. People wishing to go at their own pace or slowly should NOT book this group tour since we are required by Hawaii State Parks to paddle together.

Beginning paddlers or those uncertain whether they are able to keep up a steady paddling pace of 3 mph (average walking speed), should consider the alternative to paddling – our power catamaran and snorkel trip that travels to the same snorkeling destination and at the same price.” (Please consider joining our motorboat trip at Captain Cook Snorkeling Cruises.)

We have an alternative activity that would be great for you – our 39′ power catamaran cruise goes twice daily to the same snorkeling destination without the risks of multiple capsizing in a kayak. Go to www.captaincooksnorkelingcruises.com to learn more about essentially the same snorkeling experience without the tippy kayak.

No. Due to the kayak tours launching guests into the kayaks with up to a 3′ drop/rise, and the landing area where guests walk ashore starting in 3-4′ of water, those without full mobility cannot readily join our trip.

Yes.  You should have experience paddling a kayak into and out of a surf zone with breaking waves.  You should also have experience in a self-rescue: this is righting an upturned kayak, then reentering the kayak with a self-rescue skills.  This training involves significant upper body strength.  This is oftentimes more difficult than many paddlers under 13 or over 65 can handle.  Beginners will not be comfortable on all our trips due to surf or wind conditions. For those guests traveling with children, the elderly, overweight, or unskilled at ocean kayaking, we recommend taking the same trip but by our 39′ catamaran and snorkel cruise:  www.CaptainCookSnorkelingCruises.com

We have an alternative activity that would be great for you – our 39′ power catamaran and snorkel cruise goes twice daily to the same snorkeling destination without the risks of multiple capsizing in a kayak. Go to www.captaincooksnorkelingcruises.com to learn more about essentially the same snorkeling experience without the tippy kayak.

No, our insurance policy requires that all parties have at least one member who is 18 years old or older.  We do not allow children under 13 on our kayak tours.

Yes. All guests must speak english due to the importance of guests understanding the rules and following guide directions in a timely manner.

kayaking is a sport and requires strength, endurance and ability to paddle successfully across Kealakekua Bay (about 1.2 miles each way). Children under age 13, adults over 65 and anyone without prior paddling experience may find the kayak trip across the bay too challenging. If you or anyone in your party fit those categories you may want to skip the kayak ride and take our catamaran and snorkel cruise, which can get you to the Captain Cook Monument area for snorkeling without the risk.

We limit our kayak tours to ages 13-65.  Elderly guests must be in good physical condition, no medical conditions and have the strength to keep up with the pace of the group.

For people outside these ages and abilities we suggest taking our 39′ power catamaran and snorkel cruise:  it goes twice daily to the same snorkeling destination. Go to www.captaincooksnorkelingcruises.com to learn more about essentially the same snorkeling experience without the tippy kayak.

All trips depart Napoopoo Pier at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.

1. Deluxe Morning Kayak & Snorkel Kealakekua Bay Price: Departs daily, 8:30am 2.5 hrs.
Adult or Child price: $99.95 per person

2. Deluxe Afternoon Kayak & Snorkel Kealakekua Bay Price: Departs daily, 12:00pm 2.5 hrs.
Adult or Child price: $99.95 per person

Cancellations

Once booked your seats are guaranteed – so we don’t resell and we don’t overbook the tours. For those reasons there is  a no cancellation /no refund policy since your seats are guaranteed until the day of your trip.

Cancellation EXCEPTION: Due to the calm conditions found on the Kona coast, we rarely cancel trips but in the event of dangerous high winds or waves are present, our guide may cancel your trip. You will be given the option to reschedule, receive an online credit or receive a refund, if we cancel the trip for safety reasons.

We cannot give advance notice of cancellations since the weather conditions are not predictable the day ahead. Guests located more than an hour from our location should be aware their trip may, although not likely, be canceled when they arrive. Guests who must travel an hour or two to reach us may want to reconsider the trip in the event the trip is canceled. Again our trips operate about 95% of the time throughout the year, so it is unlikely your trip will be canceled.

Reservations

We recommend at least a week ahead or more. For wedding parties, large groups, etc. reserving a month or two ahead is best to insure you get the date and times you want.

The trip is for about 2.5 hours: Wear a hat, sunglasses, long sleeve shirt or cover up is recommended, reef-safe sunscreen, reef or tennis shoes & swim suit. (Flip flop sandals are a poor choice since the landing area is rocky). Small towels are good to bring but there is not much room in the kayak storage bag and towels often get wet on the trip across.

Also, bring a waterproof camera and tip for the guide.

If you bring electronics (electronic keys or phone), we recommend bringing a  waterproof bag or container (dry bag) – We do not provide waterproof bags or storage for your belongings during the trip.  Our kayaks are designed for stability but it is common for kayakers of all experience levels to capsize.. Wet hands after snorkeling or swimming can also be a problem for electronics.

We provide snacks and drinks – We offer a selection of granola bars, chips and bottled water. Electronics should be left in your car unless they are waterproof or you have brought a waterproof bag to protect them. There is very limited storage in the bags we provide on board the kayaks and they are neither waterproof nor water resistant bags.

Very possibly YES.  Remember this is not a beginning activity.  Even the best kayakers capsize on occasion and it is part of the kayak experience.   If you capsize you will need to re-enter your kayak from the water and right an upturned kayak.  Do not join our tour if you have not already mastered the skill of a self rescue in a capsized kayak in the ocean. If you are very tall or over 250 pounds – you are even more likely to capsize your kayak.

Those who are not interested in traveling in a kayak that commonly capsize, can join our motorboat trip to the same snorkeling destination on our motorboat Captain Cook Snorkeling Cruises. We have an alternative activity that would be great for you – our 34′ RHIB motor boat goes twice daily to the same snorkeling destination without the risks of multiple capsizing in a kayak. Go to www.captaincooksnorkelingcruises.com to learn more about essentially the same snorkeling experience without the tippy kayak.

The air temperature is comfortable with typical 85 degree F and water temperature about 80 degree F . Typical water clarity is 100′ visibility.

Yes, There are restrooms near the Napoopoo Pier, at the end of Puuhonua Road in the State Park that must be used before paddling and can be used after your trip’s return. We also carry a self contained head or bucket for guest’s emergency use while we are in Kealakekua Bay. While this is available we do not recommend reliance on the bucket, so all guests should take care to use the restrooms at Napoopoo Pier area before departing on their kayak trip.

Gratuity is not included in the tour price. As a guideline we have found the average tip to be $12 to $20 per person. Guides work hard for you during this trip and tips are appreciated and an important part of their compensation. Please bring cash and give to guides at the end of your trip.

If you typically get seasick when on the water/ocean we suggest seasickness medicine taken at least two hours before your trip. But most people find they do not get seasickness due to the type of movement in kayaks.

Those without swimming skills or who are poor swimmers are not allowed on this activity.   Snorkeling is swimming.  If you don’t swim or swim poorly this activity is not a good choice.

A ladder is available to return back after snorkeling. Initially getting into the water is just a hop off the side of the Captain Cook Monument pier.

Since we land our kayaks and go ashore near the Captain Cook Monument, we enjoy the cooling shade of the nearby kiawe trees while resting, snacking and snorkeling at the Captain Cook Monument. Those who kayak without our special landing permit do not enjoy this benefit.

Typically the Hawaiian Spinner dolphins are seen alone or in pods on about 70% of our trips. We observe them from a distance and follow “best practices” in an effort to provide the dolphins with a safe and undisturbed home. The dolphins are seen in the bay throughout the year.

We see whales about 20% of trips between the months of January and March. We also see beautiful coral gardens, tropical fish, eels, turtles and eagle rays throughout the year.

If you have food allergies or preferences we recommend bringing food with you. We DO serve granola bars, fig bars, trail mix (nuts), chips and bottled water. No meats or cheeses.

Please remember to wrap any food you bring in a waterproof container. We do not carry dry bags for guests and our storage on the kayaks are NOT waterproof and very limited in size.

This is not a trip for beginning snorkelers, swimmers or kayakers.  This is an intermediate to advanced ocean activity

While kayaking is easy to learn, it is not for everyone. If you are a beginner, under 13 or over 65, less than average strength or endurance, you might want to think twice about signing up for this ocean kayaking trip.

We have an alternative activity that would be great for you – our 39′ catamaran snorkel cruise goes twice daily to the same snorkeling destination without the risks of multiple capsizing in a kayak. Go to www.captaincooksnorkelingcruises.com to learn more about essentially the same snorkeling experience without the tippy kayak.

The morning does not offer any additional experiences not available to the afternoon trip. The same number of fish live in the bay and ocean throughout the day. Dolphins are seen both on morning and afternoon tours. The main difference is you are more likely to have clear skies in the morning and a few more clouds and breezy in the afternoon.

The different cruise ship companies have different arrival times into Kailua-Kona. If your cruise ship arrives at 9:00am or before, then you should have enough time to make the 11:30am Deluxe Kayak & Snorkel Tour.

Regardless of when your cruise ship arrives, there are a couple factors that will determine if you can get to Kealakekua Bay in time to join one of our kayak tours. Make sure that you are aboard one of the tender boats that will ferry you from the cruise ship (anchored) by 9:30am to the pier in downtown Kailua-Kona. You will also want to have a taxi waiting for you at the pier to bring you to Kealakekua Bay. You can make arrangements with the ship concierge to reserve a taxi for you. It is a 35-minute taxi ride from the Kailua-Kona pier to our meeting spot at Napoopoo Pier at Kealakekua Bay.

Can I stand up? The water at Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument varies in depth from 5′ to 50′. The best snorkeling is in a 10 to 20 foot depth. Because coral gardens thrive in this area we do not recommend you explore in water less than 10′ deep to insure you don’t inadvertently touch the coral with your fins, when treading water. Standing on the coral is not permitted under any circumstances

Unfortunately not. But we can reschedule your trip. Not happy rescheduling your trip, we can also alternatively provide you an online credit/gift certificate for use at a future time, if you are not able to reschedule at this time. We do not provide refunds except when we cancel due to dangerous waves or sea conditions, which we provide full refunds.

We do not refund whole groups or individuals in a group on our kayak trip reservations. I can at this time, RESCHEDULE your entire trip to a different day and time that can accommodate your group if you’d like?

Would you like to keep your existing reservation time or look for another time that’s better for you?

I cannot tell them to wait, only that you called and are en-route to the trip and what time you expect to arrive. Guides leave promptly at the departure times, unless someone is late. In the case where a guest is late we proceed to launch without the late guests.

We meet at Napoopoo Pier, Corner of Napoopoo Road and Puuhonua Road, Captain Cook, HI 96704.

Please Open google maps and enter NAPOOPOO PIER in the search box at the top of the app. Select Napoopoo Pier and hit enter. Then look at the bottom of the app under the location Napoopoo Pier a little icon of a car and x minutes. The amount of minutes it shows is how long it will take you to get to our meeting location. Generally speaking, the guides begin launching the kayaks at the published departure time and are gone after 5 minutes of the departure time.

You have arrived not at the meeting spot for the the guided kayak tour but at the company’s old warehouse location, which is where equipment is stored, but not where we meet for the kayak tour. The meeting location for the kayak tour was sent to you in your confirmation email and Directions. You are about 15 minutes from the meeting location. You should drive North (toward Kona Town) about 5 minutes then turn Left down Napoopoo Road. Travel down this road until you reach where it meets the ocean at Puuhonua Road. Across the street at this T intersection is the Napoopoo Pier, our meeting location. Drive there and send someone onto the pier area to announce your arrival. You can also call 808-494-5554 to talk to the guide at the meeting location. If you have a cell phone and enter Napoopoo Pier into google maps it will guide you to the Napoopoo Pier with step by step instructions.

Please open google maps and get directions to Kealakekua Bay and it will show directions and drive time from your current location.

Rough estimates on travel time to Kealakekua Bay from:
Waikoloa Resorts – 90 minutes
Waikoloa Village 100 minutes
Four Seasons 80 minutes
Hilo/Volcano 120 minutes
Waimea: 110 minutes
Kailua Kona 45 Minutes
Pahoa 120 minutes

For most accurate travel times use google maps and get directions to Napoopoo Pier from your location.

We operate on 98% of our reserved tour dates and we operate rain or shine. Days starting rainy and wet often turn sunny and warm allowing guests to enjoy kayaking and snorkeling even on days threatening rain the day before or the morning of the trip. We also operate in mild to moderate surf conditions. Since we cannot accurately predict surf conditions from day to day, or from area to area on the island, we make the decision to cancel a trip on site on the day of the trip, not the day before.

We are happy to report sunny skies and calm waters are common on the west side of the Big Island – so we cancel less than 20 tours a year due to bad weather. If the Tour Guide feels the weather will affect the safety of our guests, then they will cancel the tour and guests can reschedule their tour or receive a full refund. .. Tropical weather is known for quickly passing rain showers and changing weather conditions – because of this our Tour Guides address weather concerns on the day of the cruise, so even if there is light rain the tour will still go out. Please come to the tour site even if it is raining where you may be.

Recommended you wear closed toe shoes, not slippers or flip flops that could fall off while you walk to shore from the water.. Water shoes of any kind are great – as are tennis shoes. Barefoot is not a good idea in the area we travel.

A small waterproof camera is recommended or your cell phone. Since most cell phones are not really waterproof you would need to purchase a waterproof bag to carry the cell phone.

Kealakekua Bay is where you find the Captain Cook monument and you will land our kayaks near the Monument and snorkel from shore at the Captain Cook Monument. Our tour allows us to land near and snorkel from Captain Cook Monument, due to limited state parks permits we hold.

Yes, lead guides take lifeguard, 1st aid and emergency response courses.

Yes. We have special state park permits that allow a few kayak tours to land kayaks near Captain Cook Monument. Without our permit you would be required to exit your boat and reenter from deep water, which is similar to performing a kayak rescue. It is much easier and less traumatic landing kayaks from the shore than from the water! In order to protect the coral reef and the safety of our guests – no one is permitted to touch the ocean bottom except at our coral free zone at Kaawaloa Cove.

There is a public restroom where we begin and end our trips – that all guests are encouraged to use near the car park area when first arriving and later leaving. For those who have an emergency we carry a portable toilet which can be used and transported back with us.

This is the ocean, an area that sharks do live. But the common fish we see on the reef are the small tropical fish found in aquariums, not larger pelagic fish or sharks.