About
Beyond the shallow turquoise waters surrounding Kona are the deep blue waters, home to humpback and pilot whales and spinner dolphins. For a safe and up-close experience with these creatures, visit Captain Zodiac.
Renowned as Hawaii's original rafting tour company, Captain Zodiac has become a staple for snorkeling and whale-watching enthusiasts.
These expertly navigated tours offer up-close encounters with an array of marine life, including Hawaiian spinner dolphins, humpback whales (seasonal), pilot whales, and sea turtles. You'll witness these sightings from the unique vantage point of their 24-foot Zodiac Hurricane RHIBs.
At the core of Captain Zodiac Tour's ethos is a deep commitment to sustainability and community. This is evident through their participation in the Kuleana Green Business Program since 2005. It is a pioneering initiative in Hawaii that promotes ethical, socially responsible business practices and environmental stewardship.
Its central location makes combining a guided tour with another adventure easy. For instance, visit any of the area's top beaches, like Magic Sands Beach Park or Kohanaiki Beach Park. The endless possibilities make planning your itinerary exciting and simple!
Nothing compares to watching a whale breach or spotting a sea turtle while snorkeling above colorful coral. The Captain Zodiac tour is the perfect team to make these dreams come true.
Captain Zodiac: Fun Facts & Cool Features
Captain Zodiac's fleet consists of highly maneuverable 24-foot Zodiac Hurricane Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs). These specialized vessels are adept at navigating through the Kona Coast's stunning sea caves, lava tubes, rock archways, and blowholes.
Such maneuverability offers an exclusive and up-close view of Hawaii's coastal beauty that larger vessels cannot match. With a maximum capacity of 16 passengers per raft, the tours ensure a personalized and comfortable experience for everyone on board.
Aligning with the spirit of Aloha, the tour is committed to sustainable travel. They encourage using reef-safe sunscreen and provide reusable water bottles to minimize environmental impact. This dedication to protecting Hawaii's marine ecosystems highlights their respect for the ocean and its inhabitants.
The "Beat the Crowd" tour by Captain Zodiac is a five-hour adventure that takes you to Kealakekua Bay, one of Hawaii's premier snorkeling spots. Compared to the original Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour, this extended tour offers more time to enjoy the bay's incredible visibility, calm conditions, and abundant marine life. It's an ideal choice for those who seek a more immersive snorkeling experience away from the usual Kona Island tourist paths.
Afterward, head to nearby premier eateries to refuel and celebrate your adventures. La Bourgogne serves French cuisine, while Residents' Beach House offers unprecedented ocean views at its Four Seasons location. The abundance of restaurants offers something for every taste and budget.
With exceptional destinations, boats, crews, and snorkeling gear (included in the price,) Captain Zodiac is your go-to shop for your water adventures.
Getting There
Here's how you can get to Captain Zodiac:
- Head northeast on Kaahumanu Pl toward Palani Rd.
- At the intersection, make a left turn onto Palani Rd.
- Continue on Palani Rd and then turn left onto HI-19.
- Follow HI-19 and make a left turn onto Kealakehe Pkwy.
- Take the first right to stay on Kealakehe Pkwy, then turn left to continue on the same parkway.
- Address: 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy #16, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Cost
Below are samples of some tours and the costs:
- Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour: Adults: $140 Children (4-12): $105
- Beat The Crowd Tour: Adults: $155 Children (4-12): $120
- Whale Watching Adventure (seasonal): Adults: $115 Children (4-12): $90
Prices are subject to change. Please check their website for updates.
Local Tips
- The 5-hour tour includes lunch and tends to start later to avoid crowds at Kealakekua Bay.
- These tours use small, fast-moving boats, which are less likely to cause seasickness. Taking motion sickness medicine the night before is advised as a precaution.
- The waters are generally calm all day due to Kona's protected location. Mornings typically have more blue skies, though afternoon clouds can provide sunburn protection.
- Due to the bouncy nature of the ride, it's not recommended for people with bad backs, frail older people, children under 5, and pregnant women.
- Bottled water is not provided, but you can bring reusable water bottles to fill at the stations.