Kona: 3 Hour Dolphin Watch, Reef Snorkel, & BBQ Lunch

Explore the natural wonders of Hawaii’s Kona coastline on this captivating three-hour tour. Marvel at the graceful movements of dolphins as you cruise along the rugged cliffs and picturesque bays. Dive into the vibrant underwater world, discovering tropical fish, coral formations, and sea turtles at two snorkeling spots. Refuel with a delicious BBQ-style lunch while taking in the stunning coastal views. This immersive experience offers an unforgettable way to uncover the rich marine life and breathtaking landscapes of the Big Island. What secrets might this tour reveal about the island’s hidden gems?

This experience made our list of the 6 Best Lunch Experiences In Big Island of Hawaii.

Key Points

• 3-hour tour along the Kona coastline on the Big Island of Hawaii, including dolphin watch, reef snorkeling, and BBQ lunch.
• Departs from Honokohau Small Boat Harbor with a maximum of 30 travelers.
• Opportunity to spot marine life, such as dolphins, tropical fish, and sea turtles, during the cruise and snorkeling.
• Snorkeling equipment provided for a comfortable and safe experience exploring the vibrant underwater reef systems.
• Complimentary BBQ-style lunch with grilled fare and refreshing drinks to refuel after the morning’s activities.

Tour Overview

This 3-hour tour typically includes a dolphin watch, reef snorkeling, and a BBQ lunch along the Kona coastline on the Big Island of Hawaii.

After meeting at the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, you will cruise along the coast in search of marine life like dolphins.

The tour then stops at two different snorkeling spots, allowing travelers to explore the vibrant underwater world.

A complimentary BBQ-style lunch and drinks are provided on the boat.

The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed.

Most travelers can participate, and wetsuits are available to rent for an additional fee.

Meeting and Pickup

Participants meet at the Iruka Hawaii booth located at Slip A-17 in the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor to begin the tour.

This is the designated meeting point where travelers gather before embarking on the 3-hour adventure.

The activity ends back at the same location, completing the loop.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 30 travelers, so it’s recommended to arrive on time to secure a spot.

The meeting point is easy to find, and the staff are on hand to greet and guide participants throughout the experience.

With clear instructions and a central gathering spot, the tour ensures a seamless start and finish to the day’s excitement.

Cruise Along the Kona Coastline

After meeting up at the designated harbor, the tour sets off to cruise along the stunning Kona coastline.

Travelers can look forward to spotting a variety of marine life, including the tour’s main attraction – dolphins.

The boat glides gracefully along the rugged cliffs and picturesque bays, providing breathtaking views of the island’s natural beauty.

Guests keep a keen eye out for pods of playful dolphins that often accompany the vessel, their sleek bodies and joyful leaps captivating all onboard.

This serene cruise along the Kona coast sets the stage for the upcoming snorkeling adventure, as travelers eagerly anticipate the chance to get up close and personal with the diverse underwater world.

Snorkeling at Two Spots

The tour then takes guests to two different snorkeling spots, allowing them to explore the vibrant underwater world along the Kona coastline.

At these locations, travelers can enjoy the marine life, which may include a variety of tropical fish, coral formations, and even sea turtles.

The snorkeling experience is enhanced by the use of provided equipment, ensuring guests can comfortably and safely observe the underwater wonders.

Whether a seasoned snorkeler or a first-time explorer, the two-stop snorkeling activity offers a chance to discover the beauty and diversity of Hawaii’s renowned reef systems.

Complimentary BBQ-Style Lunch

Upon returning to the boat, guests are treated to a complimentary BBQ-style lunch prepared fresh on the vessel.

The grilled fare, accompanied by refreshing drinks, provides a satisfying midday meal to refuel after the morning’s snorkeling adventure.

The menu typically includes burgers, hot dogs, and veggie options, all expertly cooked by the crew.

Guests can enjoy their lunch while taking in the stunning views of the Kona coastline.

The BBQ lunch is a perfect complement to the day’s activities, allowing travelers to recharge and savor the flavors of Hawaii before heading back to shore.

Timing and Confirmation

The tour departs at 9:00 am, and travelers receive confirmation at the time of booking.

Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. This allows for flexibility in planning, ensuring travelers can adjust their schedules if needed.

The early morning departure time allows for a full day of exploration and adventure along the Kona coastline.

By providing confirmation upon booking, Iruka Hawaii ensures customers have all the necessary details to prepare for their excursion.

The generous cancellation policy demonstrates the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, making it easy for guests to plan their Hawaii vacation with peace of mind.

Tour Inclusions

Iruka Hawaii provides guests with all the necessary equipment for the tour, including snorkeling gear.

Wetsuits are available for rent at an additional cost of $10 per adult and $5 per child.

On top of that, a complimentary BBQ-style lunch and drinks are served on the boat during the excursion.

The tour inclusions are:

• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Wetsuits available for rent
• Grilled lunch provided on the boat
• Drinks included

These inclusions ensure that guests can fully enjoy the dolphin watching, reef snorkeling, and lunch without worrying about bringing or renting additional gear. The tour offers a seamless and hassle-free experience for participants.

Participant Requirements

Participants must be able to get in and out of the boat on their own, as the tour is not wheelchair accessible. Children are welcome, but infants must sit on laps during the excursion. Service animals are allowed on the tour.

Requirement	Details
Mobility	Participants must be able to get in and out of the boat unassisted. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Age	Children are welcome, but infants must sit on laps during the excursion.
Animals	Service animals are allowed on the tour.
Participant Size	The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers.
Health Considerations	Most travelers can participate, but individuals should consider their own physical abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Different Species of Dolphins Can We Expect to See?

The number of dolphin species observed on the tour can vary, as several species inhabit the Kona coastline. Visitors may spot spinner, bottlenose, and pantropical spotted dolphins, among others, though specific sightings are not guaranteed.

Is It Possible to Swim With the Dolphins During the Tour?

While it’s possible to encounter dolphins during the tour, guests are not allowed to swim with them. The tour focuses on observing the dolphins from the boat to ensure their safety and well-being.

What Types of Fish and Marine Life Are Commonly Seen During the Snorkeling?

Snorkelers on this tour often spot colorful tropical fish like butterfly fish, parrotfish, and angelfish. They may also see green sea turtles, manta rays, and other marine life in the vibrant coral reef ecosystems.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour provides a complimentary BBQ-style lunch and drinks, so guests can’t bring their own food and drinks. However, guests are welcome to bring any personal snacks or non-alcoholic beverages they’d like to have on the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, there is usually an option to extend the duration of the tour for an additional fee. However, customers would need to check with the tour operator directly to inquire about extended tour options and pricing.

Recap

This 3-hour tour offers an immersive way to explore Hawaii’s Kona coastline.

Cruise along rugged cliffs, spot playful dolphins, and dive into vibrant underwater worlds to see tropical fish, coral, and sea turtles.

Refuel with a delicious BBQ-style lunch while taking in the stunning coastal views.

This tour provides an unforgettable experience of the Big Island’s natural wonders.