We signed up for the Dolphin Encounter and Kealakekua Bay Snorkelling Tour.
There were four of us at $135 each. We specifically signed up to do both of these experiences. When I called to book I specifically asked if it went to the Kealakekua Bay as advertised and was told yes. Imagine my surprise when the Captain announced that he advised not going there because there are just too many boats and people there. It wasn’t weather or any other reason, he just didn’t want to go and strongly discouraged those on board. When I asked him if we would be snorkeling in another fabulous area that was just as good, he replied “yes”. So, off we went to swim with the dolphins which was a wonderful experience. We then headed out to sea for 30 or 40 minutes of really large swells to look for whales! (I love whales, but I didn’t sign up for a whale watching tour as we had just seen well over 100 whales on Maui). We saw one whale in well over an hour and several people were throwing up d/t the large swells. We then headed back over rough seas to our snorkeling location which were in rough conditions a short 10 minutes from the marina. I was shocked at this point that this was where they decided to snorkel, it was pointless. We were in easily 60 feet of water with very little fish or an attractive reef. In fact, it was the worst snorkeling in our month in Hawaii. This was the last day of our trip therefore I never did get to see Kealakekua Bay, the one thing I wanted to do!! Disappointed big time on this portion of the boat tour. If weather had been a factor in the decision not to go to the Bay I would have been understanding, however, it was not. I’m sure the others on the tour were equally disappointed, esp. those who were sick. I know you can’t guarantee fish sightings, but the snorkelling location was lame at best.