Kailua Kona Dolphin Tour Review: Snorkeling Paradise
Thinking about booking a dolphin watching and snorkeling adventure in Kailua Kona, Hawaii? You, too, might be curious to know if the Kailua Kona Dolphin Watch Double Reef Snorkel Tour is really worth the time and money. This is actually your guide, a review, to give you the information that, in some respects, might help you make an informed choice, that’s to say, from real-life experience.
First Impressions of the Tour
So, imagine beginning your day at the Kailua Kona pier, a spot so full of anticipation. The air actually feels alive with the salty scent of the sea and the cries of seabirds, that kind of vibe. Meeting the crew, I mean, they were friendly and very helpful, that’s very good. You, too, might notice their commitment to both safety and really making sure everyone has a fantastic time, so that was a reassuring start. The boat itself, I mean, it wasn’t super fancy, that is, it had all the essentials: plenty of space to sit, areas to store your stuff, and, too, a restroom – just the basics, really.
As we left the harbor, so the excitement really started building. The coastline is just striking, by the way, that dark lava rock meeting the incredibly blue ocean. The crew started telling us what we might see during the trip, like different types of marine life and a bit about the area’s history, that made the boat ride quite enjoyable, and they set the stage, arguably, for what, very, very probably, would be a memorable day.
Dolphin Watching: A Dream Come True
Finding the dolphins was our primary target, you see. Well, the crew worked super hard to locate a pod, sharing knowledge about dolphin behavior and their conservation. Eventually, there they were! Seeing those wild dolphins swimming right next to the boat was breathtaking. So, you get the chance to watch them play, leap, and, too, communicate with each other. The crew also kept a respectful distance, and that prevented any disturbance to the animals, a little bit more ethically sound that way.
Those dolphins, anyway, seemed just as interested in us, so too they would swim along, turning on their sides to gaze up at the people on board. It’s almost like experiencing them looking right into your soul, if you buy into all of that, really. That opportunity, still, made you remember the beauty and the intelligence of these creatures. I have to say, if the tour ended right then, I, too, still probably would’ve felt I’d gotten my money’s worth; I mean it’s hard to put a price on seeing something that incredible, right?
Snorkeling at Two Reef Locations
Following the dolphin watching, so it was time to snorkel, so very much a chance to discover the underwater beauty of Kailua Kona. The tour took us to two separate reef locations, and both were very diverse, almost like their own undersea worlds. You could even notice the colorful coral formations teeming with fish of every color and shape.
The crew actually gave everyone snorkeling gear and also, in addition, some clear instructions, therefore they’re going above and beyond there. They made certain everybody was comfortable with using the equipment, but also explained how to stay safe while exploring the reefs, so that was very helpful for less experienced snorkelers. The water clarity was superb that day, arguably that was a benefit. I saw all manner of interesting fish plus a couple of sea turtles that casually swam by; these are sights I never get tired of experiencing, and also that’s why I will continue to book snorkel trips wherever I happen to be!
While, still, you can rent your equipment on the boat, you, too, may want to bring your own gear. As a matter of fact, having a mask that, like your face, fits perfectly can increase your comfort level considerably and let you fully appreciate the view. Consider using a reef-safe sunscreen, by the way. Regular sunscreen can potentially damage the coral reefs, therefore it is best to pick one that is environmentally conscious. Don’t forget to hydrate between snorkeling sites. Snorkeling is exercise and also it could be very dehydrating, really. I forgot, I suppose, I would become dehydrated so I was a bit weary later in the day!
Food and Refreshments Onboard
Between our dolphin sightings and snorkeling sessions, so the tour provided drinks and light snacks. I think having these available really enhanced the entire experience; it always tastes better out on the ocean! You, too, will have some of that kind of situation with any excursion. Though the refreshments are not a full meal, arguably that keeps you going until the tour returns. If you think you could become hungry or have particular dietary requirements, that is, bring something with you anyway.
You may wonder if you should pack your own meals? Well, maybe. Call the tour group. I guess many are accommodating in this regard. As a matter of fact, food sensitivities are more pervasive and several visitors might have issues. Perhaps eating only certified gluten free options could very well be a necessity for some persons, really. Don’t wait to call; just call them now!
Things to Consider Before Booking
Before booking this Kailua Kona Dolphin Watch Double Reef Snorkel Tour, so there are certain details you, too, might find very useful to take into account. Primarily, consider the season. While tours typically operate year-round, ocean conditions do change and also weather conditions might also change depending on the period of the year. That’s a bit to consider when thinking about scheduling, for certain.
Think of the seasickness aspect! Even in very calm waters, some people still suffer a bit from motion sickness. If you’re among those prone to it, that is, consider taking motion sickness medication before the tour. Just an additional tip: usually staring at the horizon really helps ease symptoms. Consider too that conditions will have impact on dolphin sightings. Spotting dolphins cannot actually be guaranteed because it is nature, you know? I think the tour operators still usually are skillful at locating them; be sure to go knowing that wildlife viewings could not ever be certain.
Think, too, in order to maximize your comfort, it could very well be best to think about what you wear and bring along. A sun hat, sunglasses, as well as reef-safe sunscreen actually are very important, like they keep you protected from UV rays. Put on swimwear with something on top; something comfortable and loose like the water splash or you perspire. Finally, don’t forget that towels plus a camera, or you take images or perhaps capture amazing moments; this kind of planning enables you to really relish the experience with no interruptions, I suggest.
Final Thoughts
I would argue, so the Kailua Kona Dolphin Watch Double Reef Snorkel Tour provides something amazing. It’s really very exciting seeing those dolphins in the open and furthermore those reefs filled with marine creatures.
- Dolphin Encounters: Incredible opportunity to see dolphins in their home.
- Snorkeling Adventure: Visiting two unique snorkeling locations, that means a world full of vibrant fish and, too, colorful coral
- Professional Crew: Team were well-informed, friendly and, too, ensured that the tour proceeded very efficiently.
- Worth the Investment: Great experience which would make recollections last forever.
Consider it something like this. The value you obtain will, obviously, be very subjective. So, too, one has different ideas about which thing counts; however in total, I feel that those Kailua Kona tour gives exceptional value for cash if it comes down seeing dolphins while respecting the wild surroundings; in other words while diving inside world brimming life below water level- making memories which linger very long indeed!
