Climb aboard a boat and dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Swim in Kealakekua Bay, home to the Captain Cook Monument, or visit Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, a sacred place where history and nature come together.
Wetsuits, flotation devices, snorkel gear (including prescription masks), and post-snorkel hot chocolate are included in this Big Island tour.
What to Wear
Whether you’re taking a guided snorkel tour or exploring on your own, having the right gear is essential to ensuring a successful and comfortable experience. Start by choosing a high-quality mask that fits comfortably and forms a watertight seal when you’re underwater. A snorkel with a dry top feature prevents any water from leaking in while you’re wearing it, and the best snorkeling masks have adjustable straps to keep them securely fastened to your head when you’re not using them.
Next, consider investing in a pair of snorkeling goggles that offer clear visibility without fogging up when you dive under the water. Snorkeling boots are also useful for protecting your feet when walking over lava rock and other unsteady terrain under the sea. If you’re snorkeling in colder waters, a wetsuit is necessary for warmth and comfort.
Your swimsuit is another must-have piece of equipment when snorkeling, and it’s important to choose something that dries quickly and won’t slip while you’re swimming. Many women prefer a one-piece swimsuit with secure bottoms, while others opt for a spandex-based suit that feels like a sports bra. You can also layer your swimwear with a rash guard for sun protection.
Once you’ve put on your gear, don’t forget to bring a waterproof pouch or case for your phone and other valuables. These items are a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your phone charged and safe from accidental falls, and they double as floatation devices for people who aren’t very skilled at floating on their backs.
Lastly, don’t forget to wear reef-safe sunscreen when you’re snorkeling. Coral reefs are under threat worldwide, and you can help by avoiding products that contain ingredients known to harm them. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a snorkeling experience that’s sure to be unforgettable.
Equipment
Snorkeling is one of the few water activities that requires minimal equipment and can be done by most people who know how to swim. This makes it a great activity for first-timers who want to explore the underwater world but aren’t quite ready for scuba diving.
The most important piece of snorkeling equipment is your mask. It needs to fit like a glove and be comfortable to wear. Choosing a mask that is too large or small can lead to discomfort, and it will also cause water to seep into the mask. If water gets in your mask, you will choke and lose oxygen.
You should practice wearing your mask in a swimming pool before heading out into the ocean. It will help you get accustomed to breathing through the mask while underwater and will let you see how the snorkel fits. The same goes for the fins – choose an adjustable pair that will fit you comfortably and make it easy to kick in the water.
Many new snorkelers forget that reefs are home to wild animals, and they should respect their space. Don’t try to touch or feed the creatures that you see, as this can disrupt their natural balance and may even result in a dangerous interaction.
Snorkelers should also remember to always keep their hands and feet away from each other, as touching can disturb the delicate coral reefs. Also, be aware of the sea currents and tidal movements – if you are too close to a rocky shore or a sea cave, the strong currents can push you toward them, putting you in danger.
If you are a new snorkeler, it is best to go with a friend or join a guided snorkel tour. This will ensure that you have someone to talk to in case of an emergency and will help keep you safe from the unexpected. If you do decide to go solo, make sure that you tell someone where you are going and for how long. You should also use a waterproof communication device to alert others of your whereabouts. For an unforgettable underwater experience, book your trip with konasnorkeling.tours and explore the vibrant marine life of Kona.
Safety
Snorkeling is an outdoor activity in close contact with the marine environment, and as such, it carries risks that you should be aware of. These risks are not necessarily obvious, as a flat sea can hide currents and waves of significant size. It is important to always inquire about local marine and weather conditions and, if in doubt, postpone your snorkeling.
The most obvious safety measures are to take care of your breathing and to wear a personal flotation device (PFD). This device is designed to be worn under the water, and will ensure that you are always buoyant and able to breathe. It also provides a measure of security, as it can be used to assist you if you lose your balance or become disoriented in the water.
It is also important to keep in mind that you should never touch any marine life. Although it can be tempting to reach out and touch a cute fish or sea turtle, remember that they are wild animals and may be dangerous if provoked. You should also refrain from wearing jewelry that could get tangled in your gear or attract sea creatures that might be harmful to you (such as the flower urchin, which, despite its sweet name, can inject you with an extremely poisonous venom).
Another important measure is to be sure to stay within earshot of other snorkelers and swimmers so that you can be easily helped if you should start to struggle. It is also important to drink lots of water and to avoid overexerting yourself. Snorkeling long distances can be tiring, and even a leisurely swim can become strenuous if you overestimate your abilities.
The most popular place to snorkel in Kona is at the Kealakekua Bay marine preserve, a beautiful and diverse marine sanctuary that is home to many types of fish. Whether you explore the Captain Cook monument, ancient Hawaiian temple (heiau) or the woodsy area beyond, you are guaranteed to see some amazing marine life in this unspoiled marine preserve.
Time of Day
When you plan your Kona snorkeling trip, the time of day can play a big role in how enjoyable your experience is. While it’s impossible to say whether any specific time slot is better than the rest, many experienced snorkelers agree that morning excursions tend to provide more enjoyable water conditions. This is mainly due to the fact that the prevailing winds around Hawaii are much lighter at this point in the day, and the waters are also typically calmer.
Depending on the type of snorkeling tour you choose, the timing of your trip may have even more impact. For example, night snorkeling trips offer a unique opportunity to witness marine life in a whole new way. This is because certain marine creatures, like manta rays (Mobula alfredi), are only active at night and come together to feed on plankton. As such, a night snorkel is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you shouldn’t miss.
However, it’s worth noting that night tours do involve a bit more preparation than other types of snorkeling, and they are also generally more challenging to enjoy. Moreover, it’s also important to remember that predatory marine life is also more likely to be out at night, meaning that you will have a higher risk of encountering one if you happen to go snorkeling alone.
Fortunately, many of our favorite snorkeling tours in Kona take place at the best times to see these amazing animals. This is particularly true of our premium morning snorkel, which takes snorkelers to Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument on a regular basis. Here, visitors can look for dancing spinner dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, and even sea turtles. Plus, they’ll get the chance to explore carved out sea caves and remnants of old lava tubes that are home to a plethora of tropical endemic fish.
