Frequently Asked Questions

Please be aware that snorkeling can be physically demanding and may pose serious health risks for certain individuals. This activity is not recommended for those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, severe asthma, obesity, limited mobility, recent long-haul travel, or elderly individuals.

It’s a good idea to let us know if anyone in your party carries an EPI pen, uses an inhaler, or is diabetic. Please bring all required medication with you, as indicated. Failure to do so may require you to reschedule or forfeit your spot.

Please read the Snorkel Safety Study and Conclusion to educate yourself on snorkeling risks.

Full payment is due at the time of booking.

Refundable Ticket:
Cancellation: Full refund if canceled up to 48 hours before the trip.
Rebooking: Free rebooking up to 48 hours before the trip.

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing at least 48 hours before the trip’s start. Reservations made within 48 hours are not eligible for a refund.

Non-Refundable Ticket:
Cancellation: No refunds.
Rebooking: Rebooking allowed up to 48 hours before the trip.

Trip Protection for Refundable Tickets
If you purchased trip protection, your cancellation window has been extended up to 12 hours before the start of the tour. You’ll be fully refunded for the ticket (minus the trip protection and fees). Request should be made by email.

No Shows and Late Arrivals will not be refunded.

What if we cancel?

We reserve the right to cancel for any reason, including, but not limited to weather, ocean conditions, passenger count, mechanical issues, safety for you, our guests, and our crew. We’ll do our best to reschedule your trip based on availability or you’ll be issued a refund in full.

We commit to our employees and other guests and adhere to our 48-hour cancellation policy regardless of circumstances.  We suggest traveler’s insurance for any issues such as illness, weather delays, and other circumstances that prohibit travel or participation on your part for any of your travel plans.

We are not responsible if we can not contact you for important information regarding the charter. We do not call international numbers.

Since manta rays are wild animals their presence is affected by a variety of factors, and we don’t have control over whether or not they grace us with their presence. Because your enjoyment on the trip is a high priority to us (second only to safety), we do everything we can to find mantas for you including making informed decisions on where to go to have the best opportunity to see them. 

MANTA GUARANTEE

Manta Rays are wild animals and their presence is not guaranteed. There is no refund if the wildlife does not appear. However, if you do not see a manta on your night out, you can go again on another night on a space-available standby basis. Keep in mind that standby spaces may be extremely limited, especially during peak season. This offer never expires, but is non-transferable and has no refund or cash value.

Yes, each tour requires a minimum of 6 guests to confirm the tour.  While it typically isn’t an issue we do have slower periods of the year where it may occur.  We will stay in touch with you and do our best to accommodate you during your vacation.   If your trip doesn’t confirm and you can’t join us on another day you will have the option for a full refund.

How will you know?  We’ll email, text, or call you!

No, if you are pregnant (doesn’t matter how far along) you are not allowed on our vessel.  We recommend Sea Paradise for those who are expecting.

Both Non-Refundable and Refundable Tickets: If it is outside 48 hours before the start of the trip you can reschedule/rebook your tour by clicking Change booking via this email. It’s located under the date of your activity.

If you’re inside of the 48 hours changing your booking is not possible. We require this to be done 48 – hours in advance so it allows us to rebook your spots.

If you need to cancel your trip respond to your confirmation email with your request or email info@konasnorkeltrips.com with your booking number.

Remember…..

Refundable Tickets are eligible for a refund if canceling outside of 48 hours.

Non-refundable tickets are not eligible for a refund, no exceptions.

No, we can only contact you by the email you’ve provided. Please check your email regularly as we may have to contact you with important information regarding your trip.

Yes, swimming skills are required (swim/stay afloat without assistance) to enter the water on all the tours.  Beginner snorkelers are welcome on all daytime tours.

For the manta snorkel, you should be able to swim 50 yards without additional floatation. You should have prior snorkeling experience and consider yourself an intermediate snorkeler as this is a nighttime open ocean activity. In the event of an emergency would be you able to get yourself back to the boat?

Non-swimmers can join the morning snorkel trip to enjoy the iconic Kona coastline from the boat, but will not be permitted to enter the water. Non-swimmers are not permitted on manta ray charters. This is for your safety, the crew’s safety, and courtesy to the other guests onboard. Wearing a life jacket is not a replacement for swimming ability.  If you require a life vest ocean activities are not for you.  Swimming skills are a requirement, with no exceptions.

No, your safety is our number one priority. While we admire your desire to power through and still be adventurous we will advocate for your safety and you’ll be denied boarding or entry to the water (injury dependent).  No refund will be offered.  This is at the discretion of the Captain and crew.  If you have any questions about your injury the fact you have an injury means the answer is no – you cannot join.

No broken legs, arms, dislocated shoulders, sprained ankles, new knees or hips, etc.  (This is not an all-inclusive list) You should be in good physical condition to join our tours.

Yes! We provide good quality snorkeling gear including masks, snorkels, and fins for our day snorkel trips.

Wetsuits are provided for the manta tour only.

All of our guests wear floatation belts on the manta tour to keep your hips and feet up from dangling and kicking the mantas.   This is not a replacement for swimming skills.

We can provide you with either a pool noodle or float belt for the daytime snorkel to give you extra confidence but keep in mind all guests must have basic swimming skills to enter the water. 

Kids ages 5-12 wear a life vest while underway and in the water on all tours.  This is not a replacement for swimming skills.

Wetsuits sizes are from kids 6-8 to adult 3X.

Yes, we have a limited selection of prescription masks available for those nearsighted (negative numbers). They are first come first served. If you plan to snorkel more than once, purchasing a mask (check out Kona Honu Divers selection) may be worthwhile with your correct prescription.  For those farsighted (positive numbers), you’ll need a unique custom mask that is not easily obtained from a dive shop and needs to be ordered from www.prescriptiondivemasks.com.

Snorkel Bob’s in Kona has a full selection to rent.  If you have a strong prescription it’s recommended you bring your snorkel mask or rent the one you need.

Yes! We want you to be comfortable and have an enjoyable experience. We welcome you to bring your own snorkel gear or use ours – whatever is more comfortable for you.

Day Trips

• Hat
• Sun-protective clothing
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Towel
• GoPro

Manta Night Snorkel

• Towel
• Jacket (zip up)
• GoPro

A small dry bag is recommended as we have limited dry storage onboard and seaspray is normal if you have any medication you need to bring, but there is to storage space for bags si kindly leave any extra items in your car or in our storage locker on the dock. Key storage is provided as well, so those don’t get lost!

Yes, you’ll want to capture some memories!  A GoPro is the best – especially for the manta charter as you’re using one hand to hold onto the board. 

Yes, we have a couple of GoPro’s to rent on a first-come basis. The rental price is $40.00 for the day (night). SIM cards are available for purchase.

You’ll want to arrive wearing your swimwear, ready to go! For daytime snorkels, we highly recommend a rashguard and leggings with sun protection instead of sunscreen. If you do bring sunscreen – kindly make sure it’s reef safe.  We know you want to have fun in the sun, but Hawaii’s sun is strong and we don’t want you to get a sunburn so covering up is your best option.

At night those same items can provide a little bit of additional warmth and protect you from tiny critters that sting.  

Yes, but we do not recommend them. Full-face masks have a higher tendency to fog and your mouth is enclosed, making it extremely difficult for us to hear you if you have an issue.  Your comfort is important to us so if you will have a better experience snorkeling with your full-face mask, you’re welcome to. We provide the standard mask and snorkel setup.

No, there is no weight restriction but guests must be able to physically and safely maneuver on and off the vessel without assistance.  Snorkeling can also be a physically exerting activity and we are 20-45 minute boat ride from medical care in the event of an emergency. Our vessel is not suitable for everyone and if we feel it is unsafe for you to join you will be denied boarding and no refund will be offered.  Your safety is our number one priority.  You must be in good physical and mental health to join the tours.

Please be aware of severe health risks – this can be a stress-inducing activity and is not recommended for those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or those who have severe asthma.

No, we have minimum age requirements.  We do not recommend our vessel for anyone over the age of 75.  Our vessel is not suitable for everyone and if we feel it is unsafe for you to join you will be denied boarding and no refund will be offered.  Your safety is our number one priority.  You should be in good physical and mental health to join the tours.

• We depart from the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. The easiest way to get there is to follow the Google Maps link in your confirmation email or type Kona Snorkel Trips into Google Maps and follow the directions.  If you know where the harbor is just turn in and stay to the left and follow the road until you come to the two-story building with a red roof and gas station.  Park in the lot and meet us at the covered picnic tables.  If you arrive at check-in and our boat is not there or no one is present to check you in we are either bringing the boat around or coming back from our previous trip.  Of course, it doesn’t hurt to check your confirmation email for the correct date.

• The address for GPS or smartphone maps is: 74-381 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua, HI 96740 or you can put Kona Snorkel Trips in Google Maps

We are about a 10-minute taxi ride away from where you get off the cruise ship.  We’d love for you to join us, but keep in mind sometimes taxi’s and Uber’s are scarce.  There is not a shuttle from the pier to our location. The Pride of America ship begins disembarking at 7:00 am.  We recommend you request to be off the boat on one of the first tenders to join our morning tour with a check-in time of 8:15 am.

While we’d love for everyone to come with us our boat is not suited for everyone.  To board the boat one must take a big step up from a floating dock onto the pontoon and then a big step down into the boat. To get back in the boat, from the water, guests must be able to climb a short ladder unassisted.

On our daytime snorkel trips, we are guaranteed to see an abundance of live coral reefs rich with marine creatures big and small and many varieties of fish, including many endemic species. Often times we are fortunate enough to see the local spinner dolphins from the boat.  

**Please note that the spinner dolphins and whales are protected under the marine mammal act and we can only observe from the designated distance.  If dolphins try to engage we have to take evasive measures to disengage from them.

Besides the obvious, location.  The Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay Snorkel is excellent if you’ve never been on a day snorkel tour on the Big Island.  You’ll enjoy a longer scenic boat ride, allowing you time to admire the island’s beautiful topography from the ocean.  Kealalakekua Bay is an iconic spot with stunning views in addition to the lovely reef.  This is also a fantastic choice for non-swimmers who can relax in sun and enjoy the view.

Our local snorkel tours are for people who have been snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay before and want to experience a variety of new spots, prefer a shorter boat ride, or want more time in the water.

The itinerary for both trips is the same, just the timing is different. On the earlier trip, we check in during daylight hours, catch the sunset from the boat and enter the water after dark.  There are often more boats out during this time frame.

On the later trip, we check in at night and zoom off into the darkness to our manta snorkel location. Fewer boats do a second trip.  You’ll get home late – especially during the summer months.

During both experiences we are snorkeling in the dark, however, the ocean is lit by lighting equipment on the snorkel boards. The mantas aren’t particularly more prevalent on one trip or the other – they’re wild animals so they show up on their own time.

This is the most popular tour on the island which is why we offer two tour times so that we can accommodate all the guests that want to attend.

You will be wearing a mask, snorkel, wetsuit, and floatation belt.  We’ve modified surfboards that have rope “handles” going around the perimeter of the board.  You’ll lightly hold onto the rope handle superman style (arms outstretched over your head).  This is why it’s important not to have any shoulder issues!  In the middle of the board, we’ve cut out holes and inserted high-powered lights that attract plankton which is what the mantas love to eat!  There are 9-10 guests per board.  Your guide will “tow” you around to the best spots to view the mantas.

On our morning snorkel trip, we provide chips, Hawaiian juices, and water.  If you have any specific dietary restrictions you’re welcome to bring your own snacks!

No, our license doesn’t allow us to serve alcohol. For your safety and the best experience for all guests, please don’t consume alcohol prior to your snorkel trip. You’re welcome to bring your own and enjoy beverages once you’re done snorkeling and out of the water (day tours only). Cheers!

Yes, we have a bimini that provides limited shade.

No, we do not have a restroom on board.

It’s better to be PROACTIVE instead of REACTIVE when you’re headed out on the ocean.  If you’ve experienced seasickness before then take proactive measures to prevent it again.  If you don’t know if you get seasick take proactive measures to help never experience it.  Even if the ocean is dead calm you may still get seasick – we cannot tell you how YOUR body will react to the motion of the ocean.

You slide into the water from the side of the boat, easy peasy!  There is a short ladder to climb to get back into the boat.  You must be able to climb the ladder unassisted.

We limit the number of guests onboard to 18 plus 3 crew members. Our coast guard allowed capacity is more, but 18 guests fit comfortably.

If it’s not safe we don’t go! Our team will make a determination whether or not the trip can go out safely. If we cancel, we will do our best to rebook you for another time. We will give you a full refund if we cannot accommodate you.  A little rain doesn’t hurt anyone – you’re getting wet anyway!

We sometimes have to cancel the trip at the last minute.  While we know it is a major inconvenience for our guests sometimes the conditions change from safe to unsafe right before the charter.  Or the ocean conditions are calming down and we hope they’ll be safe enough to run the tour by check-in time – and they aren’t.  What is a major bummer is canceling too early and then conditions are fine at tour time.  That’s the biggest bummer!  We do our best with the information we have and the experience under our belt to make the best decision -we’ll always err on the side of caution for you and our crew.

Our boat, Orca, is a 27.8’ rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) with twin Yamaha 200 outboard motors, allowing us to move quickly down the coastline. Orca is a retired Navy Seal vessel.

Our captain and crew are prepared to handle any situation that may arise and will instruct you in the event of an emergency. All of our staff are certified with current CPR with AED and Oxygen and have acquired in-water rescue skills as either a dive master (or higher) or level 1 freediver or lifeguard certification. Rest assured, you’re in good hands with our team!

Yes, our boat is a coast guard certified vessel and complies with all of the requirements for a commercial vessel, and then some. We have a first aid kit, oxygen (O2) kit, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), flares, horn, life jackets, and fire safety equipment on board

Yes, the Coast Guard requires commercial boats to carry emergency life vests for all guests in the event of an emergency.  Children under 13 are required to wear lifejackets while underway.  We do not provide life vests for swimming.  You must have swimming skills to enter the water – it’s for your safety.  Wearing a life jacket is not a replacement for swimming ability.  If you require a life vest ocean activities are not for you.  Swimming skills are a requirement, with no exceptions.  

Kids are welcome on all of our charters (the minimum ages vary per charter), but they must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.  Keep in mind we do not permit ride-alongs on our manta snorkel.

Parking is free and convenient. When you arrive at check-in, you’ll see gravel spaces for parking nearby. Park, lock, and come over to start your adventure!

No, we’ll be doing it Hawaiian style – barefoot – for all of our trips. Because stepping on lava is dangerous for guests and stepping on coral is dangers for guests and damages the reefs we enjoy, we will not be stepping or standing on anything except our boat deck and ladder for the duration of the experience.

People typically have a few questions when this happens…

Q: How do you get on a standby list?

A: Hitting reply to your confirmation email letting us know which dates work best for you is typically the easiest because it’s associated with your original reservation.

Q: Is being put on the standby list the same as being confirmed?

A: The standby list is just like flying standby on airlines. If space is still available before the start of the tour you’ll be confirmed. You can try again for a different night if there is no space that evening.

Q: Do I have to use it on my current vacation trip?

A: No, the offer does not expire! If you come back in two years we’ll still honor our manta guarantee if space is available 2 hours before the start of the tour.

The length of time you’re in the water varies by trip. Typically on our Kealakekua Bay Morning Snorkel trips, guests have an hour or more in the water. If you’re done snorkeling before that, you’re welcome to climb aboard and hang out with the captain. On both of our Manta Ray Snorkel trips, guests have 30-40 minutes in the water. We find that’s a good amount of time to view the mantas and have a great experience before guests are ready to get back on the boat.

Yes, as awkward of a subject as it can be, it’s a question that we get multiple times per day.  

No, group discounts are not available, however, often times it’s more financially advantageous for a group to select a private charter depending on the number of guests. A private charter can accommodate up to 18 guests.

Yes, when you book any two tours online simultaneously you’ll receive 15% off your second tour!

For our active US military, we offer 5% off any shared tour.

We occasionally run promo’s on our website so keep an eye out!

You cannot combine or stack discounts.

Yes!  Purchase a FREE Kama’aina Membership and receive 15% off any shared tour.  This is for Hawaii Residents ONLY with a valid Hawaii Driver’s License.  It does not apply to family or friends visiting.

Ridealongs are not permitted for the Manta charter but are available for daytime tours.  The cost for a snorkeler or rider is the same.

No, we do not provide transportation.  We highly recommend having a rental vehicle as Uber, Lyft, and taxi services are not very reliable

Leave all valuables at your accommodations.  We have a gear locker (where we keep our snorkel equipment) where we’ll store your shoes and car keys.  It is advised NOT to leave luggage in the car.  Make your reservations accordingly so you have time to drop off your luggage before joining us.

The temperature varies seasonally, but year-round our water temps are relatively warm. During the winter months, it may dip down to 74 degrees. Late summer will be around 80 and the rest of the year somewhere in between!

Yes, we have a lost and found for items left behind on the boat.  To retrieve items give us a call and we’ll tell you the next time we’ll be there for a charter check-in and the window of time you have to pick it up.

We share the check-in area with other companies so if something is left behind on one of the picnic tables we are not likely to pick it up as we don’t know if it belongs to one of our guests or another operator.

We do not mail items left behind.

Unfortunately not,  we recommend Body Glove Cruises for those with limited mobility.  Their boat has a ramp and is wheelchair accessible.

Fortunately, the manta rays don’t care what month or season it is!  We are lucky enough to have them all year round.  There are certainly evenings where they don’t show up, but there is no pattern based on the month.   Winter in Hawaii often brings bigger ocean swells so it is more likely to have rougher conditions and that is also the time we might need to cancel due to safety concerns about the ocean conditions so we aren’t out there to see if they are.