If you want to explore all the amazing ocean wonders around Kona, all you have to do is book a spot with My Kona Adventures. Their trips promise to show you all the best sights along the western shores of the Big Island. You can explore sea caves in South Kona, snorkel around the Captain Cook Monument, and even go whale watching in the winter months. Want to see manta rays up close? They can help you do that, too.
All their tours go out in small groups of 12 people or fewer, launching from near the Sheraton Resort along Keauhou Bay. They take multiple trips per day to accommodate all their eager patrons. So, you’ll want to arrive at least 40 minutes early to check in and board the boat. That way, they can glide out onto the waves right on time.
As the captain expertly pilots the boat to your desired destination, simply kick back and relax while enjoying the views. You’re strongly encouraged to take photos all along the way, so you can show the world your adventures once you return to shore. The team also takes video footage of the trips, which you can likely purchase at the end of the tour.
Once you get to the snorkeling site, the crew will help you get geared up and into the water. Full fare bookings come with a wetsuit and all the snorkel gear you need to enjoy your time in the water to the fullest. They do not provide floatation devices, however, so you must be able to swim around on your own. The team does not instruct you on using a snorkel either, making it a less than friendly option for beginners.
If you know what to do, however, you’ll have a great time kicking around in the water and checking out all the sights beneath the surface. No matter which tour you go on, you’ll likely get to spend at least an hour in the water. Their Manta Ray Night Snorkel is the shortest at one hour, while their South Kona Snorkeling Adventure lasts three hours. Not all of that time is spent snorkeling, of course, but their launch point is pretty close to the sites, maximizing your time swimming in the ocean.
Their most popular adventures include:
Captain Cook Snorkel Tour
Designed for just six people at a time, the Captain Cook Snorkel Tour takes you to the Kealakekua Bay reef beneath the monument. Sea turtles are a common sight around there, as are tropical fish, eels, and so much more.
South Kona Snorkeling Adventure
On the South Kona Snorkeling Adventure, you’ll spend three hours on the water, exploring all the best sites along the coast. Expect to see dolphins, sea turtles, and tons of tropical fish while cruising across the waves and snorkeling around.
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
By signing up for the Manta Ray Night Snorkel, you get to dip into the water in the dark of night and get close to magnificent 1,000-pound rays. Then, you can watch in awe as they filter feed on plankton and other tidbits that come toward the bright lights.
In the off chance you do not see manta rays on your trip, they will rebook your tour for free. You can then come back at the designated time for another chance to see these majestic creatures up close. If you purchased your tour at a discounted rate, they charge a nominal charge for the return trip.
Insider Tips:
-Think you might get seasick? Use an over-the-counter motion sickness remedy about 20 minutes before checking in.
-If you get a discount rate on your tour, you’ll need to rent your wetsuits separately for an extra charge.
-Wear reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen and your swimwear of choice. Also, bring a towel, extra sunblock, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed sunhat.
-You can park in the Sheraton lot or search for open space along the roadside.