Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions and get all the information you need for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re preparing for the tour, curious about snorkeling or excited to see marine animals, we’ve got you covered.
About The Tour
What Is Parking Like?
Parking in Kona town can be challenging, especially during peak travel seasons. We do offer validated parking for our guests that wish to park at the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel (address is 75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740). The parking fee is $13 for the day. For those guests that wish to take advantage of this option, please bring your parking ticket and pay the validation fee at our store during check-in. There is also a free municipal parking lot located at 75-5668 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. From the municipal parking lot, head to Alii Drive and turn right. We are located approximately 2 blocks away at the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Beach Hotel and Resort, next to the pool bar and hotel fitness center.
Where Do I Check-In for My Kona Tour?
What Time Should I Check In for the Kona Snorkel Tour?
Please check-in 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
What Do I Bring With Me?
Guests should bring their swimsuits, towels, reef-safe sunscreen and additional sun protection, such as a hat and sunglasses. There is plenty of space on the Kona Style catamaran, so guests are welcomed to bring backpacks or bags to store their personal items. If guests have their own snorkel equipment, they are welcomed to bring that as well. We also carry multiple sets of snorkel equipment that guests can use if they do not have their own.
Can I Bring My Camera?
Yes. We get incredible views of the Kona coastline and we regularly see whales (seasonal) and dolphins, so cameras are highly recommended. We also offer waterproof cell phone cases for purchase at our check-in location.
Do I Need to Bring a Towel With Me?
Yes, except for our all-inclusive Alii Adventure tour.
Are Kids Welcome on the Tour?
Will My Things Get Wet?
While there is ample dry storage on the vessel, there is always a possibility that what you bring aboard may get wet. If you have valuable electronics that you will be bringing on board with you, we always recommend placing them in drybags or in Ziploc bags when not in use.
Will I Have Cell Phone Service?
For most of our tours, there is cell phone service. However, in and around Kealakekua Bay guests should expect limited to no cell phone service in that area.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks on Board for My Tour?
Yes, Guests can bring their own snacks aboard.
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages on the Tour?
No. However, we do offer beer, wine and spirits for purchase and we have some of the best liquor prices of any boat operating on the Kona coast. Our full bar only accepts cashless payment from all major credit cards and tap to pay.
What Will Happen With the Tour if the Weather Is Bad?
In the event that we do end up canceling a tour due to inclement Kona weather, guests will be offered the opportunity to rebook to another day or receive a full refund.
Will I Get Seasick on the Tour?
We operate a catamaran (two hulls) which traditionally offers a much smoother ride than a monohull. However, for those guests that are prone to seasickness, we do recommend taking anti-nausea remedies prior to going on the trip.
Does the Tour Go to Kealakekua Bay/Captain Cook?
Yes. Our Kealakekua Snorkel and Sail adventure goes to Kealakekua Bay, which is home of the Captain Cook Monument, and where our guests will have the opportunity to snorkel in the marine sanctuary.
Snorkeling
Do We Have to Bring Our Own Snorkel Gear for the Kona Snorkel Tour?
No. We have ample snorkel equipment for guests to use on their Kona snorkel tour, including masks, snorkels, fins and swim noodles. Guests that do have their own snorkel gear may choose to bring their own snorkel sets with them if they wish. Please be advised that we do NOT allow the use of full-face snorkel masks on any of our tours.
Prescription goggles available (Minus 1 to Negative 7)
Do I Need to Be an Experienced Swimmer to Go on the Kona Snorkeling Tours?
While we do not require that all guests be experienced swimmers, all guests going in the water on a Kona snorkeling tour must know how to swim.
I Can’t Swim, Can I Snorkel?
No. All guests snorkeling must know how to swim. For those guests that can swim, but do not know how to snorkel, we do provide snorkeling instruction on the boat. Guests that would like to maximize their Kona snorkel tour also have the ability to take a paid snorkel lesson at the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa.
Will We See Fish When We Snorkel?
Yes. The Kailua-Kona Coast is world-renowned for its abundance of tropical Hawaiian fish.
What’s the Temperature of the Water?
The water temperature in Kona averages about 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Where Are the Best Places to Snorkel on the Big Island?
If you’re wondering where to snorkel in Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua Bay has some of the best snorkeling in Kailua-Kona Hawaii
Manta Rays
Are We Guaranteed to See Manta Rays on the Kona Manta Ray Snorkel?
Are Manta Rays Dangerous?
No. Manta rays feed on plankton and they do not have barbed tails as stingrays do.
How Big Are the Rays?
Manta rays average 11’ across. The Manta Alfredi is the type of manta rays that we will see on our Kona manta ray snorkel.
Sealife
Will We See Dolphins on the Kona Snorkel Tours?
We regularly see nai’a (dolphins), especially during our day Kona snorkel tours.
Will We See Turtles on the Tour?
While we typically do not see honu (turtles) on our tours, just ask one of our team members where the best spots are to see them as there are a few beaches here on Hawai’i Island that the honu like to sunbathe at.