All Reviews for Snorkeling Tours for Beginners

This experience was perfect. The snorkeling over the coral and the incredible variety of fish was nothing short of amazing! That said my 18 and 13 year olds grew tried of it (sigh ) and chose to jump from the different levels of the boat into the water. (The highest level really is quite high!) The excursion was long enough for them to get tires of that and go back out for more snorkeling! The guides were great too. They provided some history behind what we were seeing ranging from the local traditions to the arrival of Captain Cook.
I couldn't recommend this trip more!!

I've been on many catamaran snorkel trips on different Hawaiian islands over the years, this one was just OK compared to the others. The things that brought the experience down a bit for my family were the number of people on the boat, it was very crowded, the way food was handled (you're paying handsomely for some chips and a pretty bland sandwich -- they ask you what you want when you sign up for the boat but on the boat it's a free-for-all, so you might end up with something you didn't want or pay for), and lastly (and again) the number of people on the boat. The first 15 minutes of snorkeling was just spent trying to get away from everyone else so you didn't get kicked in the face or torpedoed by some mid-westerner trying to play aquaman by diving under the water and surfacing right into your abdomen. So yeah, it was OK -- wouldn't do it again for the price though.

I visited two places. The first beach didn't have many fish and the water was cold, so it might be fine to just go to one place. The second spot, Kealakekua Bay, had both coral and fish, which was great. The food was good too. The water temperature was higher here, so I think it would have been difficult if it were the other way around.

2か所行きました。最初の海はあまり魚がいなくて、水が冷たかったので、1か所だけでもいいかもしれません。2か所目ケアラケクア湾は珊瑚も魚もいて良かったです。料理も良かったです。水の温度もこっちの方が高かったので、逆だったら無理だと思います

We participated as a family of three, including our third-grade daughter. Since we were staying in the Waikoloa area, we drove to the meeting point in a rental car. It was quite a distance (about 40 to 50 minutes), but we enjoyed the drive. Along the way, we spotted some wild goats, which delighted our child.

The boat was quite rocky, but it seemed that no one was seasick. However, for those who are worried about seasickness, I recommend taking some medication beforehand. There were only two other Japanese families besides us among the participants, with the rest being Korean and Westerners. The staff only spoke English, but they provided a written notice in Japanese, so as long as you can speak a little English, it shouldn't be a problem.

The boat had two slides, which our daughter was really looking forward to, but we were surprised when we arrived! The slide's starting point was on the second floor of the boat, and the end of the slide was about three meters above the water surface, so it felt like you were almost falling into the sea. I was too scared to try it myself.

You can also dive or jump off the boat, which can be done from both the second and first floors. Snorkels and fins are available for rent, as well as life jackets or something like floaties. Since it was our daughter's first time snorkeling, she initially borrowed a bodyboard with a bottom window. As she got used to the water, she expressed a desire to try snorkeling on her own, so we rented a tube float, a child-sized snorkel, and fins, and enjoyed snorkeling together.

There was also a small child, about two years old, enjoying the sea on a board, so I think people of a wide range of ages can enjoy this activity. On the way back, snacks were provided. The snacks included taro chips and cut pineapple, and drinks included water, but for those who wanted, soft drinks could be purchased for one dollar, and alcoholic drinks were also available for a price I can't remember.

小3娘と夫婦の家族３人で参加しました。
私たちはワイコロアエリアに宿泊していたので、集合場所まではレンタカーで向かいました。
集合場所まではかなりの距離（40〜50分ほど）がありましたが、それもドライブと思い楽しみました。途中、野生のヤギを見かけたりして、子供は喜んでいました。
船は結構揺れますが、船酔いしている人はいなかった様です。ただ、船酔いが心配な方は酔い止めを飲んだ方がいいと思います。
参加者は日本人は私たちの他に２組ほど。あとは、韓国系の方や欧米系の方々でした。スタッフは英語しか通じません。でも、日本語で書かれた注意書きを貸してくれるので、専門的な英語は分からなくても多少の英語が話せれば問題ないです。
２台のすべり台が付いている船ということで、娘はとても楽しみにしていましたが、着いてびっくり！なんと、船の２階部分がすべり台の乗り場になっていて、すべり台の終わりがなんと海面からおよそ３メートルほども上なので、ほぼ海面に落ちるという感じです。
さすがに、怖くて私もできませんでした。
あとは、船からダイブというかジャンプしたりもできます。これは、船の２階からでもできるし、１階からもできます。
シュノーケルとフィンは貸し出してくれます。ライフジャケットか浮き輪のようなものも貸してくれます。娘は初めてのシュノーケルだったので、はじめは底窓付きのボディーボードのようなものを借りました。海に慣れてくると、自分でもシュノーケルをやってみたいと言い出したので、チューブ浮き輪と子供用シュノーケルとフィンを借りて、一緒にシュノーケルを楽しみました。
２歳くらいの小さな子もボードで海を楽しんでいましたので、幅広い年齢の方が楽しめると思います。
帰りにスナックが出されます。スナックはタロ芋チップスとカットパイナップル、飲み物は水が含まれますが、希望者は１ドルでソフトドリンク、値段は忘れましたがアルコールドリンクも買えます。

I participated with my 12-year-old son and my 89-year-old mother. The guide spoke entirely in English, and we were the only Asian participants, but everyone was very kind and the captain and crew provided the best hospitality. The views from the boat, the activities, the food, and the service were all wonderful.

During the activities at Kealakekua Bay, we encountered a variety of beautiful fish while snorkeling in the clear water, and we were lucky enough to see a pod of about ten dolphins swimming very close to the boat. There were slides and jumping platforms from the catamaran, allowing both children and adults to have a great time. My son, who had been afraid of going into the deep sea, ended up wanting to try jumping in, showing how he grew stronger under the charm of the beautiful bay.

We only needed to bring towels, as all the equipment like eco-friendly sunscreen, snorkels, fins, and flotation devices were provided.

As for my elderly mother, I believe it was thanks to the large Fair Wind boat that the ride was gentle, allowing her to sit comfortably throughout. During snorkeling, she was able to use a float to stay in the water, with the help of a very kind female crew member who watched over her the whole time.

Throughout the tour, it was clear that all the crew prioritized passenger safety and the protection of the beautiful nature, creating a tour with the best entertainment. There are various similar tours available, but I’m really glad we chose this one. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the Big Island, and we look forward to participating again in the future. Thank you very much for this precious and enjoyable opportunity.

12歳の息子、89歳の母と参加させて頂きました。
ガイドは全て英語で、アジア系の参加者は私たちまけでしたが、とても親切に対応下さり、船長さん、クルーの誰もが最高のホスピタリティでもてなして下さいました。船上からの景色、アクティビティ、お料理、おもてなしなど、どれもが素晴らしかったです。

ケアラケクア湾でのアクティビティでは、美しい透き通った水の中、シュノーケルで多種多様なお魚に出会ったほか、10頭ほどのイルカの群が船のすぐ近くまで泳ぎに来たのに遭遇する事ができました。カタマランから水面へ飛び込む滑り台や、ジャンプ台など、子どもも大人も目一杯楽しむことができます。深い海に行く事を怖がっていた息子も、最後はジャンプに挑戦したくなったと、自然と美しい湾の魅力のもとで強くなった様でした。
持ち物はタオルのみでしたが、サンゴなどの海洋環境に優しい日焼け止めやシュノーケル、フィン、浮き具などの道具は全て貸して頂けました。

もっとも心配していた高齢母については、大きなフェアウィンド号ならではと思いますが、揺れは穏やかで終始座って過ごすことができ、またシュノーケリング時には浮き輪を使用して水に腰をつけさせて頂くことができました。これには、大変親切な女性クルーが手伝い、ずっと見守ってくださいました。

ツアー全体を通して、全てのクルーが、乗客の安全と美しい自然の保護をもっとも大切に、最高のエンターテイメントとともにツアーを作って下さっていることが伝わって来ました。
様々な同様のツアーがございますが、こちらのツアーに参加することができて本当に良かったです。
ハワイ島を訪れる方には、是非おすすめしたいツアー、私たちもまた参加できる時を楽しみにしております。
この度は、とても貴重な楽しい機会を誠にありがとうございました。

What a wonderful afternoon, the water conditions in Kona are better than I have seen in many islands!

The Kealakekua Snorkel Tour is very well-organized. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the bay, which is incredibly beautiful. The staff on the boat are very friendly and provide support and assistance when needed. The coral and tropical fish in the bay are stunning, and it's very easy to observe the underwater scenery.

It was much colder than I expected, and I couldn't stay in for even 30 minutes. But I was glad to see a lot of fish. I was also happy to see a whale.

思っていたよりとても寒くて３０分も入っていられませんでした。でもたくさん魚がみれて良かったです。クジラもみれて良かったです

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.

This is my second time participating. The kids really wanted to go, so we chose the morning snorkeling. With breakfast and lunch included, we had a great time for two and a half hours. Thank you!

今回は２度目の参加となります。子供達が絶対に行きたいと希望したので朝からのシューノーケルにしました。朝食と昼食が付いて2時間半、たっぷりと楽しめました。ありがとうございます

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!

There was a bit of swell until we reached the snorkeling point, but since it was a catamaran, we were able to go without much rocking. The crew was also friendly, and we had a great time.

シュノーケルポイントまで、うねりが少しありましたが、双胴船だったから揺れずにいけました。クルーも親切で楽しい時間を過ごせました。

We had such a great time! The crew was so nice. We had a great snorkel day, saw lots of fish. The water activities were a great bonus. The slide and platform were fun too! We went as a couple but great for families/children also. Had pastries and yogurt for breakfast, burgers for lunch, and cash bar open the entire time. I do wish for the price at least 1 drink could be included, but it was still a great time. We even saw some dolphins following our boat shortly before docking at the end

Best time ever. The crew are all wonderful. The crew made the trip fun and educational. Lots of marine life.

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?)

We were the only Japanese participants, and although we didn't understand the content of the conversation, it felt good to be part of an overseas tour.

For lunch, it was labeled as BBQ, but it was a small, cold hamburger that had been prepared in advance. Since this was one of the reasons we chose the tour, I wish they had made adjustments if there were any changes. I don't think the tour was bad, but I felt it was expensive in terms of cost performance.

日本人は私たちだけで、話の内容はわからないものの、海外のツアーに参加している感覚もよかったです。

昼食は、BBQと書いてあったのですが、作り置きの冷えた小さなハンバーガーで、昼食も選んだ理由だったので、変わったのであれば、修正しておいてほしかったです。
ツアーは悪くなかったと思うのですが、コスパとしては、高いと思いました。

My family and I (two kids 11 and 8 plus my spouse) had a blast on the Spirit of Aloha Kohala Coast Snorkel Tour with Lunch & Drinks - Hawaii Nautical / Snorkel Sail. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer! Our captain was entertaining, the crew knowledgeable, and the facilities were clean. Equipment was sufficient and the waters were clear and calm. I highly recommend!

I participated on August 9, when there was an impact from the typhoon. Since I was staying in Waikoloa and there were strong winds with whitecaps, I thought this might be canceled as I headed to the port. However, the area around Keauhou Bay was very calm and sunny ☀️, and I was moved by the wonderful scenery and the blue of the ocean. It was a tour that even a couple like us, who are nearing retirement age, could enjoy very much. The staff were cheerful and kind, and we had a fun day. It was fascinating how the weather varied so much in different places on the Big Island.

参加したのは、台風の影響がある８月９日でした。ワイコロアに宿泊していたので強風で白波も立っていたので、これは中止かな？と思いながら港に向かいました。ところが、ケアウホウ湾の方はとても穏やかで快晴☀️、素晴らしい景色と海の青さに感動的しました。私たちのような還暦近くの夫婦でもとても楽しめるツアーでした。スタッフの皆さんが明るく親切で１日楽しかったですハワイ島は、場所によってずいぶんとお天気が違うので不思議でした。

Fun and sunny day on the gorgeous Captain Cook bay!

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!

The weather was great, and I had a very fulfilling snorkeling experience. I've tried it in various places before, but having plenty of time to enjoy it at my own pace was really good.

天気にも恵まれ、とても充実したシュノーケリング体験ができました。今までいろんな場所で経験しましたが、たっぷりな時間で、ゆっくり自由に楽しめるのがGood でした

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.

Great experience! This was a fun time on a very nice, new catamaran with a crew was friendly, knowledgeable and informative. Tho food was great and the snorkelling at the stop by Captain Cooks monument was awesome!

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!

Delightful crew. Simple food always available. very well organized. Had reef-safe sunscreen available. Even had prescription goggles for me. Captain told great stories. A great morning's adventure.

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!

Great Capitan + crew! Beautiful views! Very clean and organized! Loved the history given by crew members! Would definitely recommend!!

I was able to enjoy snorkeling in two spacious locations with excellent visibility! There were plenty of fish, and I was thrilled.

There were several types of soft drinks available for unlimited refills, and breakfast included fruit and pastries, while lunch consisted of sandwiches with a choice of fillings, which were delicious. Chips were also served as a snack. The service was great, with sunscreen provided as well.

There were about 20 participants, and my husband and I were the only Japanese people. Naturally, everything was in English, so I couldn't understand most of the explanations. However, the staff taught us how to use the snorkel through gestures.

Overall, snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay was beautiful and amazing! I highly recommend it if you're going to the Big Island.

少人数でゆったり二箇所、透明度抜群な所でシュノーケリングを楽しめました！魚も沢山いて感激しました。
ソフトドリンクは何種類かあり飲み放題、朝食はフルーツとデニッシュ、昼食はサンドイッチで具材も選ばせてもらえおいしかったです。おやつにポテチもでました。日焼け止めも置いてあったりとサービスはよかったです。
参加者は20人ぐらいいて、日本人は私達夫婦だけでした。当然すべて英語なので、説明もほとんどわからなかったです。ただスタッフはジェスチャーでシュノーケルの使い方を教えてくれました。
とにかくケアラケクア湾でのシュノーケリングは綺麗で最高でした！ハワイ島に行くならオススメです。

Had a fantastic time doing the afternoon snorkel. The crew was helpful and shared interesting facts and stories about the island as we sailed. We had plenty of time to snorkel. The boat was comfortable as well with plenty of spaces to sit in the shade or sun. We also loved the fresh water showers to rinse off coming out of the ocean. We will definitely be booking with Sea Paradise again in the future.

We signed up for a snorkeling trip online. Mind you, we’ve done these trips before where they take us out on a catamaran and find some secluded bay where we can go and check out the tropical fish and coral reef and maybe a chance at a sea turtle.

Well, this trip was not quite the same. We did find a secluded bay that had a nice cool reef and tropical fish but we got there by use of a Ford expedition (which had no AC by the way). We then traveled to a second spot by car, where we did get a chance to see a sea turtle, but not much else.

Our snorkel guide was very kind and considerate and made sure that everybody in our small group of four was safe. But it seemed like he was working with one arm tied behind his back, because he had to hunt out the two places for us to dive.