Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

Exploring the Big Island’s stunning coastline is a must-do for any Hawaii traveler. The Deluxe Sail & Snorkel tour to the Captain Cook Monument promises an unforgettable adventure. With a knowledgeable crew, vibrant underwater landscapes, and a delightful breakfast and lunch, this half-day excursion offers the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views, exciting snorkeling, or simply a chance to learn about the island’s natural beauty, this tour has something special in store.

Key Points

• Deluxe half-day sailing and snorkeling tour to the Captain Cook Monument and Red Hill underwater lava formations on the Big Island of Hawaii.
• Accommodates up to 44 travelers on a 50-foot catamaran with continental breakfast, lunch sandwiches, snacks, and beverages including alcoholic options.
• Provides snorkeling gear, fish identification charts, and basic tips, with common sightings of dolphins, whales, tiger sharks, and tropical fish.
• Features a strong emphasis on safety, with close monitoring of snorkelers and reef-safe sunscreen provided.
• Highly rated by customers for the friendly and knowledgeable crew, wildlife encounters, and overall experience.

Tour Overview and Details

The Deluxe Sail & Snorkel tour is a popular half-day cruise on the Big Island of Hawaii that takes guests to the Captain Cook Monument and Red Hill underwater lava formations.

The tour departs from Keauhou Bay at 8:30 AM and returns around 1:00 PM, accommodating up to 44 travelers on a 50-foot catamaran.

Guests will enjoy a continental breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, snacks, and beverages, including alcoholic options for purchase.

Reef-safe sunscreen is provided, and the crew monitors snorkelers, prohibiting full-face masks for safety.

The tour earns high reviews, with 98% of travelers recommending it.

Snorkeling Experience

The Deluxe Sail & Snorkel tour offers guests two premier snorkeling sites: the Captain Cook Monument and the Red Hill underwater lava formations.

Guides provide snorkeling equipment, fish identification charts, and basic snorkeling tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Sightings of dolphins, whales, tiger sharks, and tropical fish are common. The crew monitors snorkelers closely, and full-face masks aren’t allowed for safety reasons.

Reef-safe sunscreen is provided, and guests can enjoy a continental breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, snacks, and beverages, including alcoholic options, throughout the tour.

Food and Amenities

The tour includes a continental breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, snacks, and a variety of beverages, including soda and juices.

Alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase.

To ensure sun protection, the crew provides reef-safe sunscreen.

While gratuities aren’t included, they’re appreciated by the staff for their attentive service.

With a focus on satisfying the travelers’ needs, the tour’s food and amenities complement the overall snorkeling experience, allowing participants to refuel and recharge between exploring the underwater world.

Customer Feedback and Experience

Guests have overwhelmingly praised the Deluxe Sail & Snorkel tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 440 reviews.

Travelers commonly highlight the friendly and knowledgeable crew, the tour’s strong focus on safety, the beautiful snorkeling locations, and the delicious food.

Many guests have also reported positive experiences with wildlife sightings, such as dolphins, whales, and tropical fish.

The crew’s attentiveness has also been widely praised.

Many visitors recommend returning for a second experience, underscoring the tour’s exceptional quality and value.

Logistics and Additional Information

The tour begins with check-in at 8:15 AM at Keauhou Bay, and the catamaran Hoku Nui departs promptly at 8:30 AM.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests should inform the staff of any dietary restrictions 24 hours prior.

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Guests can expect a 50-foot catamaran for the half-day cruise, which runs from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 44 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personal experience during the snorkeling adventure.

Captivating Landscapes and Marine Wonders

As the catamaran glides across the tranquil waters, guests are treated to captivating landscapes and a wealth of marine wonders.

The towering sea cliffs, adorned with lush greenery, rise majestically along the coastline, while the shimmering, turquoise waters beckon exploration.

Towering sea cliffs draped in lush greenery rise majestically along the coast, inviting exploration of the shimmering, turquoise waters below.

Beneath the surface, the snorkeling sites at the Captain Cook Monument and Red Hill reveal a vibrant underwater world teeming with tropical fish, coral formations, and the occasional sighting of dolphins or whales.

Guests are empowered with fish identification charts, enabling them to appreciate the diverse marine life up close during this unforgettable adventure.

Safety and Sustainability Measures

Crew members prioritize guest safety throughout the excursion, closely monitoring snorkelers and prohibiting the use of full-face masks, which can hinder awareness underwater.

The company provides high-quality snorkeling equipment and basic instruction to ensure a comfortable and secure experience. Reef-safe sunscreen is available at no extra cost, aligning with sustainable practices.

Passengers can enjoy the stunning natural beauty while minimizing their environmental impact. The crew’s vigilance and eco-friendly policies create a safe and responsible adventure, allowing guests to fully enjoy the marine wonders of Hawaii’s coastline.

Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Adventure

Although the Deluxe Sail & Snorkel tour provides a stellar experience, savvy travelers can elevate their adventure with a few insider tips.

Arrive early to secure a prime spot on the catamaran’s deck and enjoy the tranquil harbor views.

Bring a waterproof phone case or bag to capture stunning underwater photos.

Skip the full-face snorkel masks in favor of traditional ones for a more immersive experience.

Pack light, as storage space is limited.

Finally, don’t forget to hydrate and reapply reef-safe sunscreen throughout the day for maximum comfort and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Marine Life Are Commonly Spotted on the Tour?

The tour is known for sightings of various marine life, including dolphins, whales, tiger sharks, and a variety of tropical fish. The guides provide fish identification charts to help guests spot and appreciate the diverse underwater ecosystem.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Snorkeling Activity?

There’s no minimum age requirement for the snorkeling activity. However, children must be accompanied by an adult and able to swim independently while wearing provided snorkeling gear.

Can Professional Underwater Camera Equipment Be Used During the Tour?

Guests may bring their own underwater camera equipment to use during the tour. The crew provides guidance on taking photos and videos in a way that doesn’t disturb the marine life or environment.

How Do I Prepare for the Snorkeling Portion of the Experience?

To prepare for the snorkeling, pack swimwear, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, basic tips, and guidance from experienced staff. Stay hydrated and listen to safety briefings to fully enjoy the underwater adventure.

Is There a Changing Room or Restroom Facility Available on the Boat?

The tour boat has a restroom available for passengers to change into their snorkeling gear. There’s no dedicated changing room, but the restroom provides a private space to get ready for the snorkeling portion of the experience.

The Sum Up

The Deluxe Sail & Snorkel tour to the Captain Cook Monument offers an unforgettable experience. Explore the vibrant underwater lava formations, spot diverse marine life, and indulge in a delightful breakfast and lunch. With a knowledgeable crew and a personalized service, this half-day adventure is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the Big Island of Hawaii.