Zodiac Raft and Snorkel Adventure

Hawaii, United States of America

Skim across the waves on an exciting Big Island Zodiac tour to Kealakekua Bay, site of the Captain Cook monument and Hawaii's finest marine sanctuary. Snorkel with a rainbow of tropical fish among beautiful coral gardens in the bay's clear, crystal waters. Enjoy the delightful picnic snack provided before you head out again, exploring vast sea caves, lava tubes and the rugged beauty of the coastline.

Departing from Honokohau Marina located 3 miles (4.8km) north of Kailua-Kona, your captain will entertain you with Hawaiian folklore and Kona history as your Big Island Zodiac tour takes you along the scenic Kona coast. Keep a lookout for spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, manta rays, humpback whales (during the winter months) and other marine life that are often encountered on the expedition.

Explore lava tubes and sea caves as you travel the inaccessible shores with spectacular views of the remote coastline. Marvel at the incredible geology as your captain entertains you with narration and excites you with skillful driving in rafts used by the Navy seals and the U.S. Coast Guard. Snorkel among beautiful tropical fish living in the coral gardens (approx. 1.5 hours) before snacking on a tasty Hawaiian snack in the marine sanctuary. Learn about the geology of the island as you venture into sea caves and past lava tubes.

The Rigid Hull Inflatable Zodiac vessels used are 24 feet (7 meters) in length, powered by twin outboard motors to produce a quick moving and highly maneuverable ride. The rafts are perfect for exploring the shallow coves, sea caves and lava tubes located along this coastline. Each boat can hold up to 16 passengers.

Due to the bouncy nature of the ride, the Big Island Zodiac tour is not recommended for those with back or neck problems, or pregnant women. The Kona Coast has the calmest water and the fast-moving Zodiac is the least likely vessel to cause seasickness.

USD $103.95

Traveler Reviews

Review by: Jim M	September 2011
Mitch was our guide and made this trip a great pleasure and very fun. We had snorkeled in this same bay the day before, but all the views of the island, the spinner dolphins, the rapid ride, made this wonderful -- go on this trip!!

Review by: Joseph P N	May 2011
We had a great time.

Review by: Shona M	May 2011
Really enjoyable activity. First time snorkeling- it was breathtaking. On the way we were lucky enough to see a group of about 4 Pilot Whales, white tipped shark and a pod of about 50 dolphins. Guides were very good. Very good tour!

Review by: Sarah C	February 2011
This was an excellent trip with a smaller group, knowledgeable and fun guides, and to a beautiful snorkeling location. The only negative I can mention is the ride can be a bit rough, so take it seriously when they ask if you have back problems. Altogether a great way to spend the day!

Review by: CINDY C	December 2010
it was amazing we saw all 3 types of hawaii's dolphins, Tara and Cory we the best...I would recommend this company to everyone make sure you request Tara and Cory they'll treat you right!!! Cindy Delicate Las Vegas

Review by: S K M	December 2010
great great day fun ride wonderful experience for the entire family

Review by: Marie M	September 2010
Nature wasn't co operating. But the tour was still nice.

Review by: Janneke H	August 2010
Tara and Chad, our guides were awesome. Telling us stories and history about the Island and people. Even though I was fearful about jumping in I'm not a strong swimmer they were understanding and helpful and walked me through everything. After ten minutes I was having the time of my life and forgot to be afraid. I would totally use this outfit again.

Review by: Kurt R	July 2010
Captain Tara was great! Lots of local knowledge, entertaining and very competent. The zodiac ride was great and the snorkeling location was the best I've been to in a long time! Lunch hit the spot and there were plenty of sodasjuiceswaters to go around.

Review by: Marsha M, Canada	February 2010
Excellant-awesome-outstanding!!! This was the highlight of our trip. Carl and Josh were just great and made the trip such fun.

Review by: Ronald M, Australia	February 2008
Really enjoyed it, snorkelling was great and bonus stop for whales.

Review by: RONALD M	February 2008
Really enjoyed it, snorkelling was great and bonus stop for whales.

Review by: Mark S, United States of America	March 2007
We loved our captain. Fun, informative, beautiful! Hope we can get back again.

Review by: Paula L, United States of America	October 2006
We have been to the Big Island many times but this was the first time we went on this excursion. It was worth it! Halfway to Captain Cook monument, we ran into a school of dolphins that rode our wake for a mile or so. And snorkeling was the best we have seen, and the ride back was fun, too. Our captain and guides were friendly and informative, and made the four hours fly by. We will definitely do this next year when we return!