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Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10

This award-winning, fast-paced adventure tour is the only one that takes you to beautiful Kealakekua Bay, the only marine sanctuary on the Big Island of Hawai'i and site of the Captain Cook Monument. A 24-foot Zodiac raft provides an exciting shore-hugging ride along the Kona coast. Keep your eyes open for spinner dolphins, pilot whales, sea turtles, manta rays, and humpback whales which frequent these waters from December-April. Upon arrival at Kealakekua Bay, you can swim and snorkel in protected waters. On the return ride, you'll explore sea caves, lava tubes and learn more about the geology of the island. Note: Participants must be at least 4 years of age and weigh no more than 320 lbs. Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel. This tour is not for guests who are pregnant, who have chronic back or neck problems, or who have had previous back or neck surgery. Online price is inclusive of the Pre-book and Save offer. For more details about this tour please visit: http://captainzodiac.com/ncl
Average:
4.941 out of 5
4.9
 out of 
5
(34 Reviews) 34
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (34 reviews)
5 stars
32
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34 of 34(100%)customers would recommend this to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Review 1 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Deubie
Location:Kinnelon, NJ
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:April
Cruise Date Year:2013
Favorite activities:Adventure
Date:May 7, 2013
Exceptional - A Blast!!
Guaranteed not to be disappointed. Close tie with my helicopter tour of Kauai as my favorite cruise excursion. The snorkeling was as good, or maybe slightly better than Molikini Crater. Boat trip was a blast. Saw dolphins that swam right next to us at high speed and a turtle came up next to the boat. A definite must trip.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review 2 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
2TexasTraveler2
Location:Houston
Party size:4
I traveled with:Friends
Cruise Date Month:April
Cruise Date Year:2013
Favorite activities:Adventure
Favorite port:Lanai
I want to go here next:Europe
Date:May 6, 2013
Oh What Fun
This excursion was a blast. Captain Collin piloted the zodiac just the way we wanted, fast and fun. This excursion was well worth the money and time.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 3 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
HenFamily
Location:Michigan
Party size:5
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:February
Cruise Date Year:2013
Favorite activities:Adventure
Date:February 25, 2013
AMAZING!
This was the best! We have 2 children (8 and 10) and we traveled with my Mom (60) and we all had a great time. The guides: Shane and Buddah made this trip for sure! The ride out to snorkle was fast and a little bumpy but not scarry as some other reviews reported. Shane even offered to go slower if we wanted him to, but no one did! We saw amazing fish and sea life and even whales up close! I recomend this trip for sure!
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Review 4 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Renie
Location:North Carolina
Party size:4
I traveled with:Friends
Cruise Date Month:February
Favorite activities:Educational
I want to go here next:Panama Canal
Date:February 21, 2013
There she blows!!
The ride is a blast! Fast and fun with fantastic snorkeling at the end. The water was unbelievably clear and the site had large numbers and varieties of fish. The boat had books so we could identify some of our finds. To crown our day a whale breached yards from us on our way to the swim site. We had to stop to allow it more distance then the return trip took us close to shore to view lava tubes and another beautiful bay.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 5 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
HJW1
Location:Bismarck, North Dakota
Party size:1
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:February
Favorite activities:Adventure
Favorite port:Kona, Hawaii
I want to go here next:Alaska
Date:February 19, 2013
The Best!
This excursion was by far the best thing we did in Hawaii. Joy(ful) and Chris were great guides. The whale watching was spectacular with one whale full body breaching close to the boat. Snorkeling was incredible, and the boat ride was super exciting. Would definitely recommend and would do it again in a heartbeat! Again, by far the best!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 6 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
tigerrose13
Location:North Augusta, SC
Cruise Date Month:January
Date:January 14, 2013
Great time. Kealakekua Bay snorkeling was beautiful. Our Zodiak captain was fun. We saw many whales, a large pod of spinner dolphins, and an eel.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review 7 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
DanfromNJ
Location:Voorhees, NJ
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:December
Favorite activities:Adventure
Date:December 13, 2012
Definitely worth it.
This zodiac high-speed boat is the same kind used by the Navy Seals. You can reach 40 knots per hour, and go much faster than our ship and most other boats on the water. Although the seating is not very comfortable as you must sit sideways along the rubber tubes, you must remember to fasten your feet-belt before the ship goes into high speed. A feet-belt is a rope that runs along tightly on the bottom of the boat that you must secure at least one foot at all times in order to avoid falling out of the boat.
The trip on the way out to Capt. Cook's Cove was very exciting. We witnessed a school of dolphins surround our boat and entertain us along the way. At one point, there were between 8 to 12 dolphins trailing our wake and jumping and twirling through the water. These are known as spinning dolphins. I was able to get some really awesome video of the dolphins jumping for us.
When we arrived at the Cove, we were told the story of Capt. Cook and how he died at the cove. They built a monument there in his honor on the shores. We were then given some very brief instructions on how to snorkel. Terri had never snorkeled before and she had difficulty trying to get used to the fins and divers mask. Eventually, she took off the diver's mask and fins. She was given a boogie board with a see-through lens so that she could see under the water. She thoroughly enjoyed this although still had some difficulty moving around. At one point, everyone heard Terri scream that she saw a belly fish! It turns out that Dan (me) had stuck my oversized belly underneath her viewing screen and that's what she meant. After Terri had gotten out of the water, she took some video and pictures of me snorkeling. The colors of the Sea Coral and the amazing beauty of the fish were stunning. It is a shame I did not have an underwater camera. You can wear a life vest or use a noodle, which I chose to use, if you are not a great swimmer. Our weather that day was a little cloudy, and so it was a little bit more difficult to see far below. The boat stops at a bay, which is several hundred feet deep, once you leave the area where the coral is close to shore.
After we were both out of the water, we enjoyed some snacks of fresh pineapple, cookies, chips and soda.
We then headed back to the ship and saw more dolphins along the way. The waves were a little too rough to go into the lava tube caves that are normally included as part of the tour. Sitting sideways the entire ride back and forth is a bit uncomfortable, but if you sit towards the back, you can face forward. There was a small section in the middle of the boat where a child or two could sit facing forward. I was surprised we were not required to where life jackets while speeding along the coastline, but that is why we have feet belts, I guess.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
Review 8 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ali80
Location:Queensland, Australia
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:December
Favorite activities:Adventure
Date:December 12, 2012
A fantastic tour
We loved this tour!
The raft ride was a little bumpy (choppy waters in December) but it was a lot of fun. The snorkelling at Kealakekua Bay was fantastic. We were lucky enough to see bottle nose dolphins (apparently a little rare in this area), a manta ray and a sea turtle on our trip.
Our guides, Captain "Cautious" & Joy (sorry, my memory fails me on the Captains name) were very knowledgeable and a lot of fun - and clearly love their jobs!
Review 9 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
HoracioD
Location:Pompano Beach, Florida
Party size:1
I traveled with:Self
Favorite activities:Adventure
Date:December 9, 2012
Captain Zodiac Adventure
Did this tour while visiting Kona, Hawaii on our own (not cruising). If you want fun and thrill, there is nothing better. I hope your captain is Mr. Zodiac himself, a transplanted Floridian who is as cool as any guide you will ever find, and an open book. Wouldn't hesitate to do it again. If you are lucky, you will board the smaller (8-person) rubber boat. Hold on to your rope...
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review 10 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Reinhardt
Location:Michigan
Party size:3
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:November
Favorite activities:Adventure
I want to go here next:Europe
Date:December 7, 2012
awesome
We had Collin and Sam as our captain and guide on 11/28/12. We saw dolphins and manta rays and the snorkeling in the cove was so pretty. We even got my father-in-law to snorkel thanks to Collin. They both were professional, friendly and gave us a great experience. Of all the tours we took, this was my favorite!
Lori
Review 11 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
happytravelbug
Location:Colorado
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:November
Favorite activities:Adventure
Favorite port:Nawiliwili, Kauai
Date:December 3, 2012
rodeo riding on the water!
If you enjoy a wild ride, get on this excursion! We had Shane & Maria as our driver/guides and they like to give you your bang for your buck! Shane will drive fast over the waves, and tilt the zodiac boat on its side while also getting close to the rocks. They also take you to see dolphins, and we saw lots of them, plus a hammerhead shark when we spotted its fin in the water. Incredible. When Shane heard that there were dolphins at sea about 2 miles out where the tuna were gathering, he asked the group if we wanted to go and of course we all said Yes. It was a great thrill ride and dolphins rode by the boat in its wake.
We also snorkeled in a bay area, where you see plenty of colorful fish, we even spotted an eel and a very small stingray. You are there for at least a good hour. I am a poor swimmer and first-time snorkeler, but I was provided with a lifevest, and shown how to snorkel and breathe properly. It was amazing and I felt very safe.
If you like active, bumpy rides, this is for you. The next day, my husband and I felt sore, but great!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 12 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
gingerB
Location:Binghamton, NY
Party size:2
I traveled with:Other
Cruise Date Month:November
Favorite activities:Adventure
I want to go here next:Alaska
Date:November 23, 2012
Fantastic
This was by far my favorite excursion of my vacation. Captains Collin and Joy went above our expectations and were wonderful hosts. We got to see all kinds of sea life, from exotic fish to dolphins, and even a couple whales. The snorkeling was breathtaking, and the caves were spectacular.
One word of warning, the ride is a bit bumpy. If you have a back problem, you might not enjoy the ride.
Review 13 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
maddog40
Location:Las Vegas, NV
Party size:1
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:November
Cruise Date Year:2011
Date:November 22, 2012
Put your hat on tight
We loved this trip but if you don't like speed or getting bounced around on the water find something else to do. The "captian" was fun to listen and after 20 had a great knowledge of the surroundings. The snorkeling was great with first class equipment available. This is a must do in Kona.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 14 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
hilotown
Location:Schenectady, NY
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:October
Favorite activities:Adventure
Favorite port:Kona, Hawaii
Date:October 30, 2012
Fantastic Excursion!
We took the AM excursion (October 17)with Captain Scotty & Buddha.The raft ride out & back to the marine sanctuary was so much fun and we learned a lot about the history of the Kona area and forming of the island from the volcanic eruptions. The snorkeling at the sanctuary was beautiful-sea turtle, loads of beautiful fish and coral. The sancutary is a good place for first time snorkelers because the water is very calm. I had tried to snorkel in the past with no luck so planned on swimming while eveyone else was snorkeling. With a great deal of patience and encouragement from both Scotty & Buddha I was able to snorkel. There are only 12 people per raft so they are able to give each person attention to detail if needed. When the snorkeling time was up, we were rewarded with a fresh water shower and snacks that included fresh pineapple, oranges, juice, water, etc. During the ride out to the sanctuary we saw dolphins & on the ride back we went to a spot where they had seen pilot whales the day before. We weren't disappointed-they stiopped the raft right by a pod of pilot whales & we just spent some time observing them and their antics.
This was the most fun excursion of our trip and I would highly recommend it to anyone who meets the requirements. You could tell that Scotty & Buddha truly enjoyed what they were doing & that the safety & enjoyment of all on board with them was their top pirority.
Mahalo!
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Review 15 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
tgrfootballgrl
Date:October 19, 2012
YOU MUST DO THIS!!!
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
User submitted photo
Captain Collin and Katie were amazing! He took us 2 miles out past the cruise ship to a booey, he had seen some wales there previously. Didn't get to see any, but he still wanted to try for us! We had an older lady on our boat and she was tired once we got to the booey, Collin made every effort to rearrange us so we were all comfortable.
He then took us to the preserved spot to snorkel. We were the first boat to get there so we had a little extra time to snorkel. Katie was our instructor... I was worried because I had never done it before. She made me feel very comfortable! Jumped in the water, put my face in, couldn't believe my eyes! Absolutely amazing. After we got back in, they served us snacks then we were off to check out the coastline. Collin really knows his history. He is VERY passionate about his job. He took us up to all the lava holes. He got us right up in the waves so we would get sprayed when they hit the rocks!
Collin noticed a few boats behind us going slowly so he turned around because he thought they had dolphins... sure enough, he pulled right up in between them and the dolphins swam off ahead with our boat. He said he likes stealing other peoples thunder! The dolphins swam with us for a good 20 mins.
This was the most fun I have ever had! Collin and Katie were very fun and the trip itself was outstanding. YOU HAVE TO DO EXCURSION!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 16 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
FlowerGirl
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:August
Date:September 8, 2012
Wonderful Captains
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
User submitted photo
Caption Jack And Captain Chris were wonderful guides. Chris took note of the party on the boat to see the comfort level and we had a fun ride out to the reef. Jack spent time with the novice snorkelers before getting out in the water. Jack said I had to earn my camera before I could take off to snorkel. I was quickly on my way after his instruction. We saw many different kinds of fish. Captured beautiful pictures. Great experience. It was so beautiful I can't wait to snorkel again. After we were back on the boat we talked about the fish and animals we saw and Jack gave us the name of the fish. Thanks for a wonderful experience!!!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 17 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
BlackBird
Location:Pma
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:July
Favorite activities:Relaxing
Date:July 19, 2012
So much fun! Worth the time and money
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
User submitted photo
(Cruised on 2012)
We were very careful when we selected our excursions. My husband and I were in our honeymoon and wanted to take short excursions that didn’t wear us out that much, were reasonable in price and were fun. This was the most extreme excursion we took and we absolutely loved it. Our guides were great fun and very attentive. We took the 7:30 tour and saw some dolphins. The ride to the reef was lots of fun. The guides give you the snorkeling gear, including fins and let you snorkel on your own. Once you are ready to return to the boat they receive you with fresh water, juice, soda, chips and cookies. They also cut a fresh pineapple and oranges. We even got a cool lecture on lava tubes on our way back as we saw some tubes and caves.
I recommend taking the 7:30 tour because the sun can get very heavy on you.
Do not take if you are not into a bumpy ride!
Loved this tour, totally worth it, will always remember! ☺
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
Review 18 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Anonymous
Location:Houston, Texas
Party size:1
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:July
Date:July 11, 2012
Captain Zodiac
If you do nothing on your 7 day trip , do this one. Paul and Maria who were our guides were excellent. We saw dolphin, sharks and saw a nearby charter boat catch a 550 lb marlin. Beautiful coastline. If you like roller coasters take this ride. You'll be moving on this zodiac the whole way.
Snorkeling was great and the fish were incredible. They took the time to teach how to snorkelnif you've never done it before. Best snorkeling out of all that I've done.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 19 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Briseida
Location:Miami
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:June
Favorite activities:Adventure
I want to go here next:Europe
Date:July 3, 2012
Unbelievable
This excursion was super fun, everything described was like they said, Zodiac crew was helpful and friendly, we saw dolphins snorkeled in a beautiful and well preserved spot, and the returning trip was fantastic showing all the caves, lava holes, it was one of the best excursions we did in Hawaii.
Review 20 for Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure: Pre-book & Save $10
Overall: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fun: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Adventurous: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Family Oriented: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Cultural/Educational: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
MadonnaDJ88
Location:Indiana
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:May
Cruise Date Year:2011
Date:May 21, 2012
Best day of vacatiom
Shaun and Ciara were great hosts. Best day of Hawaii.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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