By Tadeo Andi
If you’ve never been on a Captain Cook snorkeling tour, this is a must-do activity when visiting the Big Island. The warm, clear water is home to schools of golden yellow tangs and rainbow-colored coral reefs. The captain cook snorkel tour is the perfect way to spend a day in Kona and creates unforgettable memories. Read on to find out more about the experience and what to expect. Then, let us help you plan your adventure!
Honaunau Bay
You can find some incredible marine life by snorkeling in Honaunau Bay. Because the bay is sheltered from the ocean’s swell, it offers calm waters with excellent visibility. Green sea turtles and spinner dolphins also live in Honaunau Bay. A great place to go snorkeling in Hawaii, Honaunau Bay is also located under a sacred Hawaiian site called Pu’u Honua o Honaunau.
While the water is generally calm, the parking can be difficult, and parking may be limited. You might be lucky enough to spot dolphins, but this is unlikely to happen during peak times. You will, however, see lots of tropical fish and other marine creatures. You’ll probably be lucky enough to see a few rays if you go early enough. The water is shallow and easy to get into and out of, which makes it an ideal location for a snorkeling trip.
Kealakekua Bay
If you want to spend your vacation with a snorkeling adventure, Kealakekua Bay is the perfect destination. The bay is a protected marine area where you can snorkel among schools of tropical fish and see Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. You can also go for a great dive in the bay’s world-class diving area. The bay offers a great combination of world-class diving and mirror-like ocean conditions.
You can choose a Captain Cook snorkeling tour for a family, couple, or group of friends. The trip can be bouncy and exciting depending on the water’s condition. Especially in the winter, you’ll want to have a responsible adult accompany you at all times. There are also some interesting facts about the famous explorer on tour. In addition to the history of the bay, you’ll learn about Captain Cook’s first visit to the island.
Captain Cook monument
The best area to snorkel around the Captain Cook monument is along the shore. The coral shelf starts in just a few feet of water right next to the memorial and drops rapidly as you swim away from the beach. The first five feet of water are ideal for spotting coral and fun stuff. Visibility is excellent – up to 100 feet. It’s best to be prepared for some waves and strong currents. But once you get familiar with the spot, you’ll be diving in no time.
If you’d like to try kayaking in the bay, there are two options available. First, you can choose between kayaking and canoeing. Both of these options are excellent. Unfortunately, Hawaii has restricted the number of kayaking tour companies that can use Napo’opo’o Pier. But you can still use the same spot if the kayaker carries a State Parks decal on its bow.
Kealakekua Bay snorkeling
One of Hawaii’s most beautiful and popular snorkeling locations is the famous Kealakekua Bay. It is the largest natural bay on the Big Island and measures 1.5 miles long by 0.5 miles wide. Its waters were designated a Marine Life Conservation District in 1969. The snorkeling area is accessed by boat or kayak and is not car-accessible. While there is no lifeguard on duty, you can take a swim here.
Hiking to Kealakekua Bay requires a 1.8-mile hike. Hikers should bring plenty of water and sturdy shoes. Wear long pants and sleeves. The walk is not very scenic, but it will reward you with spectacular views of the surrounding water and coral reef. It is recommended to bring snorkeling gear as well as a pair of flippers, a mask, and a snorkel. While hiking is not very strenuous, it will test your body.
Kealakekua Bay diving
If you’re looking for a perfect Hawaii beach for your next vacation, consider taking a snorkeling trip to Kealakekua Bay. The water here is crystal clear, with visibility up to 100 feet. Despite the shallow water, there are many colorful species of tropical fish and lizardfish to be spotted, and you’ll likely spot some Hawaiian spinner dolphins. So it’s no surprise that Hawaii’s Big Island has some of the best snorkeling in the world.
You can take a guided tour or opt to rent a kayak and explore the bay on your own. The guided tours are typically about 45 minutes long and are led by US Coast Guard-certified crews. Once in the water, your guide will educate you on the Hawaiian Coast, show you the best spots to snorkel, and provide snacks and beverages. Typically, you’ll spend an hour or so snorkeling, so book ahead.
Kealakekua Bay catamaran tour
You can easily spot Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins and Humpback Whales while on a catamaran from Honokohau Harbor on the Captain Cook snorkel tour. The captain of the time could even maneuver the boat into the sea caves at the base of Mount Hualalai. The captain will tell you about the geological and cultural significance of this area and give you tips to see wildlife. Besides snorkeling, you can also watch for spinner dolphins and whales.
This area has vital historical significance. Legend has it that Hawaiian royalty was buried in the cliff walls. It is also the location of a human sacrifice heiau. In 1779, Captain Cook landed on the Big Island, where the Hawaiians celebrated a harvest festival for the god Lono. On his first visit, the Hawaiians greeted him with welcoming festivities.
Have you ever wondered about eating starfish? Learn about the edibility of starfish and the cultural significance of this delicacy at surfsupmagazine.
