Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour at Kealakekua Bay - Fair Wind Cruises
Overall Rating
4.80
A Relaxing and Enjoyable Trip with Good Food but Mediocre Snorkeling
Reviewed by: Kathy M., 2023/09/23On 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?)
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/07 |
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Fun Time in a Historic Setting
Reviewed by: Okiman60 , 2022/04/09The 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.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2022/04/07 |
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Afternoon snorkeling
Reviewed by: Steve F, 2019/04/21Crew 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.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2019/04/18 |
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Less about snorkelling, more about water slide on boat
Reviewed by: Sucheta, 2017/06/24The 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.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2017/06/21 |
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Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Morning Cruise & BBQ
Reviewed by: Mrs. C, 2016/06/11Very 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.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2016/05/16 |
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Great Snorkel Cruise
Reviewed by: HawaiiLove, 2013/08/31Family trip with 3 teenage boys. Everyone loved it. Water slides were a fun addition. Good breakfast and lunch including vegetarian options. Snuba on trip was not as fulfilling. Overpriced ($69 additional to cruise charge) and too short(30mins). For the price, they should have included that free with the cruise as others do. Otherwise, great trip. Thanks~
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| Attended as: | Families |
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OKIES ON 30TH ANNIVERSARY TRIP
Reviewed by: SHARON FROM OKLAHOMA, 2009/07/02THIS WAS A BLAST!!! THE BOAT WAS PERFECTLY SUITED FOR SNORKELING AND THE FOOD WAS GREAT. THE STAFF WAS VERY HELPFUL AND OFFERED GREAT TIPS TO A FIRST TIMER LIKE ME. IF I COULD AFFORD IT, WE WOULD HAVE BOOKED A SECOND TRIP. BUT OVERALL THE SNORKEL TRIP WAS ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE ACTIVITIES WE SCHEDULED ON THE TRIP.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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a great experience
Reviewed by: lari, 2009/06/23We booked with the Fair Winds because one of us doesn't swiim and they made it possible for us both to share this amazing experience. Outstanding crew
support!!! It was sad to see so few fish but the coral beds were lovely. Well worth doing!!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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Untitled
Reviewed by: pmjenkins, 2008/06/24We had a great time! The staff was very helpful, especially to my husband who was snorkeling for the first time. We would difinately do it again.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Awesome Experience
Reviewed by: The Sharp Family, 2008/06/24Everyone we talked to on the Big Island said that this was the best snorkeling experience in Hawaii. After taking an afternoon sail, I can see why. The simple answer is that it has an extremely awesome crew. They are both knowledgeable and very friendly. The snorkeling gear fitted well (and we were one of the last groups to receive ours so they clearly had enough to go around) and the snorkeling was great. My children enjoyed both the diving platform and the slide (and i did as well.) Mahalo.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Great Experience
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous, 2008/06/24We had a wonderful time last Thursday aboard the Fair Wind. The weather could have been better on our afternoon cruise; however, that is obviously beyond the control of the crew. The snorkeling was great and it was a unique way to see the coast (and to visit the Captain Cook monument without having to make the drive.) Best of all, the crew was fanstastic--organized, efficient and very friendly. It was probably our only Hawaii activity where tips were truly vountarly. Thanks for a great time.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
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Captain Cook Afternoon Snorkel
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous, 2008/06/17The crew was knowledgeable, informative, and willing to accommodate every skill level. They provided a narrative about the Captain Cook Monument and a quick review of how to snorkel for the experienced participants. For those with little or no experience they provided further assistance. The waters were clear and the coral was beautiful. We spotted several different types of fish too. The fresh oranges and pineapples provided as snacks were quite delicious after being in the water for so long. All in all this was a very pleasant excursion.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
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