Dolphins

                                                       

Spinner Dolphin Pictures, Behaviors
(Info provided by the Wild Dolphin Foundation)

The Hawaiian name for dolphin is nai'a.  They are fun a magical creatures that have a playful and curious spirit. On the Kona Coast we have seen mostly Hawaiian Spinner dolphins are shaped and colored somewhat differently from other species of spinner dolphins.  Dolphins in Hawaii are commonly termed as "porpoise" by local folks, especially fishermen, who use the word "dolphin" when referring to the dolphin fish, or mahi mahi. So called for their high, spinning leaps, spinner dolphins are known as playful, eager bow-riders throughout much of their range.  On the Kona Coast, Hawaii, spinner dolphins are seen almost daily. They do not like being pursued but they they are fascinatingly curious and love to show off.

Dolphin Swim & Snorkel Adventure

Now featuring two very different destination snorkels, swim and dolphin encounters.  Both trips include seasoned crew to share legendary lore, provide assistance with gear and new learners, both destinations are a four hour trip departing from the Kailua Kona Pier at 9:00am and 1:00pm.

The Orca, our 30 ft Zodiac has interior, cusioned seating, pontoon seating and an awesome sun shade.  We hold 19 passengers, which gives you an intimate water snorkel experience allowing you to enjoy nature with a semblance of privacy, yet the security of knowing that your Orca crew is never far away. 

Both trips includes snorkel equipment, lunch and non-alcoholic beverages and complimentary “reef- friendly” sunscreen.  For reservations please call (808)326-4774.

  Check in location is the North side of the Kailua Kona Pier  A check in crew will be on site to assist guests (look for the Splashers Snorkel Van)

Trip 1: From the pier, we head NORTH along the Kona Coast stopping to swim with dolphins, then move on to 3 other snorkel destinations including Turtle Pinnacle, Golden Arches, and Manta Reef. The trip is a fast boat ride, and it’s all about being in the water and snorkeling with a diverse and colorful variety of fish. Expect to see underwater lava rock, dolphins, turtles, and beautiful reef fish. For this trip we guarantee swimming with dolphins or come again free (no refunds).

 

Trip 2:  Kealakekua Bay/Capt Cook Snorkel  Tour travels 17 miles south to Kealakekua Bay, home of the Captain Cook monument. Along the way we stop at historical sites and talk about local legends and points of interest. Our skilled captains watch for whales and dolphins. If the ocean conditions permit we will let guest “splash” into the ocean for the dolphins to swim up and play with them. Once in Kealakekua Bay we snorkel there for apx 1 hour. Guest can expect to see turtles, bright colored reef fish, coral that’s over 1500 years old, the Captain Cook Monument, fresh water springs, and be on the lookout for  Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins.  Once back on board the vessel via our easy re-entry ladder, lunch is provided. Consisting of a Deli Wrap, fresh fruit, granola bars and chips. Non-alcoholic beverages also provided including local juices, punches, and bottled water. We travel another mile south to a second secret snorkel destination - in the event we were able to snorkel with dolphins on the way down the coast then this destination is skipped. The dolphin swim is more popular with guest but not guaranteed, because they are wild ocean creatures. On the return trip we stop by and pull into the sea caves and lava tubes, visit Red Hill where Madame Pele can only be seen boat. Our knowledgeable crew will point out a few other points of interest.  And finally after 4 hours of fun return to the Kailua Kona Pier where the adventure began!