On my recent visit to the Big Island of Hawaii I was fortunate enough to book a Kealakekua Bay snorkeling cruise. It was by far one of the best highlights of the trip!
I Prefer Sustainable Tour Operators
When I travel it’s important that I have an amazing experience, but also minimize my impact on the natural environment. That’s why I always try to support businesses and organizations that are committed to providing authentic experiences and operate using a sustainable business model.
We booked a tour with Sea Paradise for our Kealakekua Bay snorkeling trip, and it was amazing! They are one of Hawaii’s Certified Sustainable Tour Operators. You can view a list of all certified tour operators on the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii website.Â
A Cruise Down the Coast
We set sail from the Keauhou Bay Harbor and headed south down the coastline. The views of the island are amazing when viewed from the ocean. It took about 45 minutes to arrive at the bay.
Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Experience
Kealakekua Bay snorkeling is amazing because of the water clarity and the abundance of life. We saw colorful tropical fish, healthy coral plumes, and even manta rays on our trip!Â
Alex, one of the crew members on the ship, caught an octopus and brought it to the surface for everyone to view. Just another example of the amazing wildlife you can find in this marine sanctuary!
Cliffside Sacred Burial Grounds
One of the crew members on the cruise provided us with some interesting history of Kealakekua Bay and how the natives would bury the bones of Hawaiian royalty in small holes or pukas in the cliff face.
Captain Cook Monument
To one side of the bay is a monument in remembrance of the events that took place between British explorer James Cook and the local natives in the late 18th century. Most of the snorkeling cruises will bring you to this side of the bay, where you can get out of the water and view the monument.Â
Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Hike
Kealakekua Bay snorkeling cruises are not the only method of getting to the bay. The bay and Captain Cook monument is also accessible via the Captain Cook’s Monument Trail.Â
Have you been to the bay? How did you get there?Â
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