Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour at Kealakekua Bay - Fair Wind Cruises reviews, Big Island tours & activities, fun things to do in Big Island | HawaiiActivities.com

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Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour at Kealakekua Bay - Fair Wind Cruises

Overall Rating

4.80 4.80 / 5

Reviews

79 reviews
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Our first time, but not our last!

Reviewed by: Michelle M, 2024/03/18

We loved everything about this tour! The boat was comfortable and clean and there was plenty of room for our gear. The food was excellent. My husband and I are omnivores, but we thoroughly enjoyed the vegan lunch and breakfast! The snorkeling was so much fun and we were fortunate enough to have perfect weather. We brought our own snorkel equipment and fins, but the boat was equipped with all of that plus life vests, pool noodles, inner tubes, sun screen and anti fog spray for masks. Last, but most importantly, the crew was amazing. Everyone was so caring and helpful and made sure we felt comfortable and safe in the water and out. We will be sure to book with Fair Wind Cruises again when we travel to the Big Island.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2024/02/22
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Wonderful experience

Reviewed by: David F, 2024/02/14

Had a great day on the water. Right out of the bay we experience whales breaching the water. Staff was well trained, everyone had their job and was on it. They were very helpful in and out of the water. Very knowledgable about the history of the bay and Capt. Cook. Breakfast and lunch was very good and served efficiently. Saw lots of species of fish on the coral reef at the Capt. Cook Monument. To finish the day we were entertained by Spinner Dolphins jumping out of the water. Highly recommend!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2024/02/12
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A Relaxing and Enjoyable Trip with Good Food but Mediocre Snorkeling

Reviewed by: Kathy M., 2023/09/23

On the whole, I'm glad I went. It was a lovely day, the boat was comfortable, and food great. The trip included a plant-based breakfast and lunch, with Kona coffee and alcoholic drinks available for purchase. The boat stopped twice on the way out so our guide could explain what we were seeing along the shore.

All the staff members were delightful and took good care of us.

Unfortunately, Kealakekua Bay did not offer the variety of sea life I experienced in other Hawaiian locations. I wonder if the reef has been affected by global warming. My prior experiences were 20 years ago, so things may be different now.

My experience was complicated by the fact that the corrective face masks were only available in a medium, which was too large for me. Consequently, I had major water leakage and was unable to spend much time snorkeling. One of the staff explained that supply chain problems have limited the availability of corrective masks. That's a good reason for bringing your own!

My sister, who had her own mask, explored more widely and commented on the relative scarcity of sea life, although she did see one kind of fish that was new to her.

Nevertheless, the trip was fun. I enjoyed my run down the slide - my sister's dared me to do it!

A number of snorkeling tours go to Kealakekua Bay. I looked at the other tour boats there and concluded that ours was the best. All in all, it was a great way to spend the morning. (Did I mention that both breakfast and lunch were delicious?)

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2023/09/07
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Gorgeous Bay

Reviewed by: Kara, 2023/08/13

Fun and sunny day on the gorgeous Captain Cook bay!

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2023/06/25
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Great Excursion!

Reviewed by: Jen , 2023/07/03

We loved this excursion! The Boat & staff were excellent! Snorkeling was amazing (tons of fish, turtle & an eel) & the boat with the slides & high dive were so fun for my kids!! This was our favorite hawaiin excursion!

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2023/07/01
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Excellent Family Snorkel Tour

Reviewed by: Kathleen B, 2023/06/22

We went on the afternoon tour with 8 in our family ranging in age from 4 to 65. Most had no snorkeling experience. Everyone in our group thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The crew were so friendly and helpful! We were impressed with their safety precautions, including all of the crew being certified lifeguards and were watching out for everyone the entire time we were in the water. The water was pristine and we saw so many varieties of fish and even saw an eel. The coral was beautiful, too.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2023/06/20
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Highly recommended!!

Reviewed by: Or Peretz, 2023/04/13

Great crew, beautiful bay. The cruise ship was super equipped with everything you need to have a great time. The food was delicious, the snorkeling gear was great and the restrooms were clean. We highly recommend this tour!

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2023/04/08
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Great experience!

Reviewed by: Megan, 2023/03/31

We had the best experience with our two five-year olds! They were both got a little nervous about the snorkeling and the crew patiently offered different options until they agreed to the kick boards with lenses. A big hit!! We saw a variety of fish and enjoyed the beauty (and history) of Cooke Cove The slides were also entertaining as the kids watched different people (including mom and dad) zoom down!! If you are concerned about the all veg breakfast and lunch, don’t be. As meat eaters, we all agreed the food was outstanding. To top it off, the Captain’s historical knowledge and witty comments made the ride to and from the coral reefs a lot of fun. We highly recommend tour!

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2023/03/29
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Fun Time in a Historic Setting

Reviewed by: Okiman60 , 2022/04/09

The Fairwind crew is very professional, for they stress safety and they are helpful. In addition, the captain highlighted dolphin sightings and the historical information regarding ancient Hawaiian culture. He also gave facts about the Captain Cook Memorial.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2022/04/07
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Can't wait to do it again!

Reviewed by: Vincents, 2021/08/30

So much fun. The location was beautiful, the crew was friendly and the service was great...oh and the plant based menu was delicious. Seeing dolphins made the day. I learned that orcas pass through Hawaiian waters and as a result the dolphins were swimming in and we were lucky enough to see them. Would have been fun to have paddleboards. We all loved it! Thank you.

  • On our way

  • Taking a break on the boat from floating on the boogie board

Reply from activity provider

Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your experience! We hope to see you again in the future. Leah

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2021/08/28
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snorkelling, great trip

Reviewed by: D & J, 2020/03/14

staff were great, boat not over crowded, facilities & service was terrific

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2020/03/05
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Great tour

Reviewed by: Hawaii8888, 2020/01/06

This tour is very good for aged people and Baby. Everyone can enjoy.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2020/01/02
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Very attentive staff

Reviewed by: Kaschuess , 2019/07/20

The staff was great and made sure everyone had a great experience

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/07/17
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Knowledgable, respectful, fun captain and crew.

Reviewed by: Fiona, 2019/06/23

It is hard to know which cruise to book--well this is the one I would go with each time! The crew were knowledgable and respectful! As we came into the bay, their were a pod of spinner dolphins; we kept a respectful distance but we all got to take photos. Then when we pulled into anchor and snorkel, they made sure we knew to keep our distance from where the dolphins were swimming, since the dolphins come to the bay to rest it is even more important for people to give them their space--so impressed with the crew.

The snorkeling was beautiful. The coral was amazing and at many different levels with sooo many different species of fish!! Fabulous!

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2019/06/17
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Afternoon snorkeling

Reviewed by: Steve F, 2019/04/21

Crew was super friendly and organized. Boat had nice restrooms and was very easy to get in and out of water. Not huge amount of fish but relatively easy snorkel experience. Crew gave short history lesson of the area and Captain Cook. Snacks were chips and fresh fruit.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/04/18
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Great Activity

Reviewed by: CHIEH, 2019/04/20

Friendly crews, wonderful views, amazing snorkeling experience!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/04/11
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Kealakekua bay snorkeling

Reviewed by: Ca fun, 2018/06/17

Very organized and friendly staff. The restroom I used was very clean. The gears were clean. Excellent experience. If I have another chance to come back, I would definitely come back again!

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2018/06/14
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A must do!

Reviewed by: Tony, 2018/05/31

Great day out on the water. A time for the entire family, very friendly crew and the food was great.

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2018/05/28
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Snorkeling

Reviewed by: Tony, 2017/07/22

I would recommend this for all ages that are good swimmers all the boat crew were qualified life guards and very helpful. I even seen some babies is tubes with their parents pushing them in the water. I had a great time

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2017/06/30
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Sailing in calm waters

Reviewed by: Tony, 2017/07/19

As an adult amatuer snorkeler, I felt so safe with these guys. Great trip, fun in the waters, great, amenities, and I'd be back for more.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2017/07/16
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Less about snorkelling, more about water slide on boat

Reviewed by: Sucheta, 2017/06/24

The main focus of this tour was on the water slide and jumps on the boat. A good activity for families with young children. The snorkelling was average, as was the snorkelling gear provided. Most people snorkelled only for about 20 minutes before getting back to the boat. We saw a lot of dolphins on the way back though, which was excellent. Overall, a good activity got families. As a young couple, we felt it was a bit too noisy for us.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2017/06/21
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Highly recommended this adventure!

Reviewed by: Paula, 2016/11/13

We had an amazing time, this was our favorite excursion while in Hawaii this trip. Next time that we visit it will be a do over! The snorkeling was great and the crew was super! If you are looking for a great outing I would encourage you to go out and spend a day with these guys and enjoy snorkeling

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2016/11/10
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Great experience in the best place to snorkel

Reviewed by: S & S, 2016/10/01

Crew were a delight and right when you get into the water the snorkeling is amazing and full o wonder!! No board was a rep from Snuba offering scuba diving, if you get the chance, take it!!! Worth the extra payment and such a great memory!!!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2016/09/20
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Professional and Fun Group!

Reviewed by: Claire , 2016/09/22

Elvis and the crew are great fun, they really seem to enjoy there jobs. You would think taking boat loads of tourist out everyday they would get old, if it does they hide it well. They are a safe group and care for the island they are sharing with you. On the way back he turned the boat around to get us a better look at a beautiful Manta Ray. Well worth the time and money!!

The office staff is also great, they will call you to confirm, give you directions, answer questions. Really a great group, not a "sketchy tourist trap"!

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2016/09/17
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The best memory in our Hawaii trip

Reviewed by: Trina Sung, 2016/08/13

Excellent tour!!!! The staffs were very helpful and kind. Everything just went well, include the cruise, the snorkeling time and the BBQ. We had everything on time and got everything we needed. Kealakelua Bay was such a fantastic place!!!! I would never forget this trip and recommended everyone to Hawaii to come here!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2016/08/04
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Best experience!

Reviewed by: Amy, 2016/07/14

Strongly reconmended! Snorkling food view.. Everything was great! Worth it

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2016/07/11
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highly recommend

Reviewed by: a fan, 2016/07/09

My two teenagers (from LA) who don't like to show enthusiasm about anything had a great time on this activity. I loved seeing the Spinner Dolphins. We felt very safe and well taken care of. I highly recommend the Fair Wind.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2016/06/13
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Ok I guess

Reviewed by: Patty & Dan monk, 2016/06/30

Husband and I went together and the crew was great we just didn't think the snorkel was that great. We had issues with our gear and we didn't see too much

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2016/06/28
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Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Morning Cruise & BBQ

Reviewed by: Mrs. C, 2016/06/11

Very enjoyable day. The crew was friendly, but the bartender could have had some help. More help for the bartender, would have made the company more money. Fun that we also caught a fish.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2016/05/16
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Snorkeling at Captian Cook Monument

Reviewed by: Fred B., 2016/05/09

Nice boat, great crew. This was my third time on the Fair Wind, & has been just as enjoyable as the previous times. This time they caught a nice size Ono. Fun times

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2016/04/07
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