Departure PointKeauhou Bay, HIAddress78-7138 Kaleiopapa Street Kailua Kona, HI 96740DirectionsFROM KAILUA-KONA/ALII DRIVE:Drive SOUTH on Alii Drive (Ocean on your right)Turn RIGHT at 1st STOPLIGHT (Alii Highway)Turn RIGHT at 2nd STOPLIGHT (Kamehameha III Road)Turn LEFT onto Dirt Road at Sea Quest Parking Sign Before Dead EndPark in Dirt Parking LotWalk Across Sandy Volleyball Court and small pier parking lot. Sea Quest is located within the white one-story building.FROM VOLCANO AND POINTS SOUTH:Take Highway 11 toward Kailua-KonaTurn LEFT on Kamehameha III Road (near mile marker 118)Drive THROUGH Two STOPLIGHTSTurn LEFT onto Dirt Road at Sea Quest Parking Sign Before Dead EndPark in Dirt Parking LotWalk Across Sandy Volleyball Court and small pier parking lot. Sea Quest is located within one-story building.DatesSee Availability
Description
See parts of the Island most residents of Hawaii never see! Explore further down the pristine South Kona Coast than any other snorkeling tour company and snorkel at 3 incredible locations including Kealakekua Bay, the culturally significant Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, and a third remote location inaccessible any other way. Perhaps you’ll snorkel at a black sand beach and have it all to yourselves. Maybe a stone arch or a spectacular lava rock formation created thousands of years ago.
Explore sea caves and lava tubes in our safe, exciting, and maneuverable custom vessels designed to get you up close and personal with the coast. Scout for marine life such as pilot whales as long as your boat, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, and more.
Lunch is provided, as are snacks, water & juice throughout the day. All the snorkeling gear and flotation devices you need as well. You simply show up in your swimsuit with your reef-safe sunscreen and towel in hand and away we go!
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
8:30 AM
Next available
Sun, Oct 11
Adult (ages 12+)
$200
Child (ages 5–11)
$173
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 10.
Tour Options
Small Group Snorkeling Expedition South Kona
Itinerary
Sea Quest Hawaii
Admission included300 min
Explore three snorkel destinations, Kealakekua Bay, Puʻuhonua O Honaunau, and a private black sand beach. Our captain and crew will share the history and culture as they adventure through sea caves and lava tubes.
What's included
Included
Water & Juice
Bottled water
Snacks
Flotation Devices
Snorkeling Gear
Sandwich box provided to each guest. Please call with your sandwich choices: turkey, tuna, ham, roast beef, or veggie sandwiches available.
Not included
Towels
Sunscreen
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
237 reviews
5
233
4
3
3
1
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Big Island of Hawaii
Rated higher than 83% of 299 reviewed tours in Big Island of Hawaii
Starting price $200 is close to the typical $185 for tours of similar length in Big Island of Hawaii
Excurgo comparison of 526 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Swimming Experience recommended
Snorkeling Experience recommended
Must be able to climb a short pool ladder
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Small Group Snorkeling Expedition South Kona take?
Small Group Snorkeling Expedition South Kona lasts about 5 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does Small Group Snorkeling Expedition South Kona cost?
Prices start at $200 per person for this Big Island of Hawaii experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Small Group Snorkeling Expedition South Kona run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:30 AM.
How much does Small Group Snorkeling Expedition South Kona cost for children?
Children aged 5–11 pay from $173, adults from $200.
Can I cancel Small Group Snorkeling Expedition South Kona for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Departure Point: Keauhou Bay, HI. Address: 78-7138 Kaleiopapa Street Kailua Kona, HI 96740. Directions: FROM KAILUA-KONA/ALII DRIVE:. Drive SOUTH on Alii Drive (Ocean on your right). Turn RIGHT at 1st STOPLIGHT (Alii Highway). Turn RIGHT at 2nd STOPLIGHT (Kamehameha III Road). Turn LEFT onto Dirt Road at Sea Quest Parking Sign Before Dead End. Park in Dirt Parking Lot. Walk Across Sandy Volleyball Court and small pier parking lot. Sea Quest is located within the white one-story building. FROM VOLCANO AND POINTS SOUTH:. Take Highway 11 toward Kailua-Kona. Turn LEFT on Kamehameha III Road (near mile marker 118). Drive THROUGH Two STOPLIGHTS. Turn LEFT onto Dirt Road at Sea Quest Parking Sign Before Dead End. Park in Dirt Parking Lot. Walk Across Sandy Volleyball Court and small pier parking lot. Sea Quest is located within one-story building. Dates: See Availability. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Small Group Snorkeling Expedition South Kona offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 18 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Small Group Snorkeling Expedition South Kona worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 237 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Sea Quest Hawaii.
Reviews(237)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
L
Laura_L
August 12, 2026 · via Viator
Fun in the sun
Kevin and his crew were amazing today. Good vibes and patience with a strong willed kiddo. We saw turtles and a manta ray, so cool. Thanks for making it a great experience!! Loved this adventure. Highly recommend!!!
Operator response
Aloha Laura! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii!
We are so happy to hear you had such a wonderful adventure with Kevin and our crew! It means so much to know they helped create a fun and welcoming experience for your ohana, especially with a strong willed keiki along for the adventure. Their patience and care truly make a difference.
And what a special day on the water! Seeing honu and a manta ray during the same adventure is something you will hopefully remember for a long time.
Mahalo nui loa for your kind words and recommendation. We are grateful you chose to explore South Kona with us and hope to welcome you back aboard again someday!
With aloha,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Team
D
Dream56627907308
August 6, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A wonderful snorkel
Our guides were wonderful! The fish were incredible. Our snack and lunch was delicious.
Operator response
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii!
Mahalo nui loa for your wonderful review! We are so happy to hear that you had such a great time exploring the South Kona coast with our crew. It means so much to know that our guides took great care of you and helped make your experience special.
We are also glad you enjoyed the incredible fish, snacks, and lunch! We love being able to share the beauty of our ocean and coastline while keeping our guests well fed along the way.
Mahalo again for spending the day with our Sea Quest ohana. We hope to welcome you back on the water again soon!
F
Fearless54808324282
July 26, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Trip
We had a great S. Kona snorkel trip with the two "B"s--Captn. B and 1st mate, Brooke. We saw a lot of beautiful fish and swam by a turtle! Brooke even dove down 40' to save my snorkel when it went overboard. Captn. B was bubbly, very positive and full of history, facts and information, and most importantly, when one of the snorkelers was stung by a man of war, she was extremely professional and immediately rendered first aid. After the snorkeler said she didn't want to head back early, saying she felt okay, B had the snorkeler stay with her the rest of the trip to make sure she was okay.
Operator response
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii and mahalo nui loa for your wonderful review! We are so happy to hear you had an unforgettable South Kona Expedition snorkeling adventure with Captain B and Brooke. It sounds like your day was filled with incredible marine life, from colorful reef fish to a sea turtle, making for a truly memorable experience.
We will be sure to share your kind words with Captain B and Brooke. They are passionate about sharing the beauty, history, and marine life of the Kona Coast, and they always strive to provide exceptional care for every guest. We especially appreciate you recognizing Brooke for recovering your snorkel and Captain B for her calm, professional response when another guest needed first aid. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is always our highest priority, and we are proud of how our crew handled the situation with such care and compassion.
Thank you again for spending the day with our Sea Quest ohana. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure on the Kona Coast in the future. Mahalo!
A
AlexS23462
July 5, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Absolutely amazing!
Hands down, this tour was amazing! Great snorkeling sights, great lunch and snacks provided. Captain Chris and Brooke were so knowledgeable and helpful for everyone on board. The next time I visit the big island, we will do this tour again and the tour company in what they offer because they were so great. Thank you for such a great experience and making our day on the water absolutely fantastic!
Operator response
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii!
Mahalo nui loa for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that your South Kona Snorkeling Expedition was such an amazing experience from start to finish.
We will be sure to share your kind words with Captain Chris and Brooke. They are passionate about sharing the beauty of the Kona Coast while making sure every guest feels safe, comfortable, and has an unforgettable day on the water. We know they will appreciate your thoughtful recognition.
We are also so glad you enjoyed the incredible snorkeling, as well as the lunch and snacks provided during the tour. It means so much to us that you are already planning to join us again on your next visit to the Big Island and that you are excited to experience more of what Sea Quest has to offer.
Mahalo again for your recommendation and for being part of our Sea Quest ohana. We look forward to welcoming you back for another fantastic adventure.
With warmest aloha,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Team
B
B7028CGhannahp
April 28, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Bachelorette party snorkel
We took a group of girls bachelorette party for a day on the ocean. It was such a fun experience captain Skyler brought us to the black sand beach and we saw 2 different types of whales. It was truly an amazing unforgettable experience!
Operator response
Aloha Hannah,
Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii and for celebrating such a special day with us. We are so happy to hear you were able to be part of the bachelorette party and enjoy that time out on the ocean together.
It sounds like an incredible day, from visiting the black sand beach to spotting two different types of whales. Those shared moments out on the water are what make experiences like this so memorable.
Captain Skyler will be so happy to hear your kind words. He truly enjoys creating fun, unforgettable adventures for groups and special occasions.
Mahalo nui loa for joining us. We hope to welcome you back again.
With warmest Aloha,
Sea Quest Hawaii
M
michellekX8604GQ
April 28, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Truly a 5-star experience!
An unforgettable experience from beginning to end! The private boat trip was relaxing, luxurious, and so much fun. Captain Skyler was absolutely amazing and very informative with all the history facts of the coast. The highlight was seeing humpback and two pygmy whales! Snorkeling and exploring the private beaches was also a fabulous time. Lunch and fresh fruit on board was excellent and delicious! Captain Skyler and Kourtney went above and beyond to make the day special for us. I can not recommend this trip enough!
Operator response
Aloha Michelle,
Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's Expedition South Kona. We are so honored to hear that this tour was such an unforgettable experience from beginning to end.
Seeing humpback whales along with two pygmy whales is an unforgettable experience.
Captain Skyler and Kourtney will be so happy to hear your thoughtful reviews. It means the world to them to be recognized for their hard work and Aloha they share.
Mahalo for your recommendation. We hope to see you again on your next trip to the Big Island.
With warmest Aloha,
Sea Quest Hawaii
C
chriscM9189RC
March 31, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great Family Experience !
Perfect snorkeling spot - calm waters, coral and plenty of fish - great for all ages. Loved the history stops on the return
Captain Danielle & Jake were awesome.
Operator response
Aloha Chris! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's South Kona Expedition Snorkel Tour.
We are so happy to hear you had such a great experience. Calm conditions, vibrant coral, and abundant marine life truly make it a special place for guests of all ages, and we are glad it was such a perfect fit for your group.
It is wonderful to know you enjoyed the history shared along the way. Sharing these stories and connections to the coastline are something we love bringing to life for our guests.
Mahalo for the kind words about Captain Danielle and Jake. We will be sure to pass along your appreciation to them.
We are grateful you joined us and hope to welcome you and your ohana back again for another beautiful day on the water.
With Aloha,
Sea Quest Hawaii
M
markandjillhimes
March 18, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fun family snorkeling
Captain B and Ally were super friendly and very knowledgeable. Even though we couldn’t do all 3 spots to snorkel because of bad weather, they still made it enjoyable and fun. They were very kind and easy going. They made our trip great by showing us dolphins, waves, blow holes and arches in the rocks and of course beautiful fish to watch
Operator response
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii and a big Mahalo for being flexible due to the ocean conditions. We are thrilled to hear you had an enjoyable and fun trip, even though you were not able to go to all three snorkel sites. We love that you made the most of the conditions and it sounds like you still got to experience so much of what makes the Kona coast so special.
Dolphins, blowholes, sea arches, and beautiful reef life all in one trip is a pretty great day out there.
We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome your family back again for another adventure soon.
With warmest Aloha,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Ohana
T
Travel05192508736
March 13, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
4.5 hour snorkeling and sea caves visit
Our guides/captain are highly experienced and knowledgeable about the sea. They are also kind and thoughtful guides watching over our safety and comfort. As a bonus we saw a family of dolphins having fun. An experience of a lifetime.
Operator response
Aloha! Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii and Mahalo for the kind words and 5 star review! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed exploring the South Kona coast with our crew. Our captains and guides truly love sharing their knowledge of the ocean while making sure everyone feels safe and comfortable along the way, so it means a lot to hear that came through on your trip.
And how special that you were treated to a visit from a playful family of dolphins! Encounters like that are always a beautiful reminder of how magical our waters can be.
We are honored to hear this was an experience of a lifetime and thrilled we were able to share this experience with you.
We hope to welcome you back out on the water with us again someday!
With warmest Aloha,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Team
A
andrewsQ6465CH
March 10, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Cannot wait to go again!
Captain B was an amazing environmentalist who had deep knowledge of the Island and the waters we snorkeled in. Our boys loved it, and the three locations were stellar. The communication, coordination and execution by this female crew was simply amazing and we cannot wait to go again. Happy Birthday B!
Operator response
Aloha Andrew,
Thank you for choosing Sea Quest Hawaii's South Kona Expedition Snorkel Tour and Mahalo for taking the time to share such a wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear that you and your boys had such a great time exploring South Kona with Captain B. She truly has a deep passion for the ocean and the island, and she loves sharing that knowledge with our guests.
We are so happy to hear the three snorkel locations were stellar and that the crew helped make the whole experience smooth from start to finish. We’ll be sure to pass along the birthday wishes to Captain B, she’ll love that!
We can’t wait to welcome your Ohana back for another ocean adventure the next time you’re on the Big Island.
With warm aloha,
The Sea Quest Hawaii Team
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