Go SnorkelingBig Island
Snorkeling is a great way to stick your head in the water without the inconvenience of holding your breath. The Big Island’s see-through water and mostly sunny skies make it easy to spot marine life, which is generally the objective of a snorkeling trip.
Snorkeling aboard a catamaran will probably include marine life viewing, plenty of food, no-host cocktails, restrooms, water slides, high jumps and lots of flotation equipment. The more adventurous cruises take place in powered, rigid-hull inflatable rafts.
Kealakekua Bay, an underwater marine preserve that is a resting area for dolphins and the site of the Captain Cook Monument, is a popular destination. So are the crystal clear waters off the Kohala Coast and Pawai Bay. The bay is located between Honokohau Harbor and Kailua Bay and is known for its abundant marine life.
Snorkel gear can be rented or purchased. In either case, all you’ll need is a mask, a snorkel and some fins. Gear comes in many sizes and shapes, but be sure you have a good fit.
Here are a few safety tips:
1. Never snorkel alone. Hang with a buddy.
2. Never turn your back to the ocean.
3. Whenever possible, snorkel in the morning, when fish are more activeand water clarity is at its peak.
4. Marine life tends to congregate around structures, so stick to reefs for the best opportunity to score a face-to-face encounter.
5. Don’t feed the fish.
6. Even on the cloudiest of days, use waterproof sunscreen.
7. Take a small cooler with bottled water, snacks, and food.
8. Snorkeling isn’t so much about swimming as it is about floating. Stay relaxed, float and kick only when necessary. The more relaxed you are in the water, the more relaxed and friendly the fish will be.
9. Be respectful of the ocean. Avoid standing on coral, as broken coral takes many years to grow back.
10. Don’t combine snorkeling with alcohol or drugs.
• Adventures In Paradise (808) 323-3005
• Adventure X Rafting (808) 937-7245
• Body Glove (808) 326-7122
• Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions (808) 329-3199
• Dolphin Discoveries (808) 322-8000
• Fair Wind Cruises (808) 345-0268
• Kamanu Charters (808) 329-2021
• Kona Boys Beach Shack (808) 328-1234
• Sea Quest Rafting Adventures (808) 329-7238
• Snorkel Bob’s Kona (808) 329-0770 or Kaloko (808) 329-0771
• Torpedo Tours (808) 938-0405
