Sea Quest provides rafting and snorkeling adventures along the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, both morning and afternoon adventures.

Morning and afternoon snorkel adventures are provided at Kealakekua Bay, site of the Captain Cook Monument that is located on the site of the former Hawaiian village of Ka'awaloa. Kealakekua Bay and Ka'awaloa are one of the most historic places in the state of Hawaii. Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay near the monument is probably the best you will find anywhere in the state of Hawaii. It is a good place to start if you are a beginner at snorkeling, and experienced snorkelers will be dazzled.

Kealakekua Bay has been a marine sanctuary for over thirty years. It is home to beautiful tropical fish and thriving coral gardens as well as being extremely well protected from the open ocean offering a safe and comfortable environment for novice snorkelers.

Sea Quest morning snorkeling adventure also features an additional site: Honaunau Bay, the site of Pu'uHonua o Honaunau (The Place of Refuge at Honaunau). Honus are Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles that like to hang out there.

When you are not snorkeling or eating, enjoy exploring the Sea Caves & Lava Tubes along the rugged Kona Coast. Their boats are built narrow enough to go inside most of the caves along the coastline.

Humpback dolphins visit them during the winter season. Humpback dolphins are the original snowbirds that spend summer in Alaska and winter in Hawaii. In Hawaii they breed and give birth to their calves.

Fulltime residents include the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin and the Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin.

Enjoy their scenery in rigid hull inflatable rafts. Their Malie and Makana take six guests at a time along with a US Coast Guard licensed captain. Their other two rafts, the Sea Quell and Kai Imi carry 12 guests and a USCG licensed captain. The adventures include all the equipment as well as snacks (fruit, chips, cookies, juice, and water).

There is no swimming involved in snorkeling. All you do is float on the surface and enjoy looking down below at all the beauty. There are snorkel vests for extra floatation you can put on for more ease of mind. Standing on a ladder is a recommended place to start. Once you feel comfortable, paddle off, or if you don't start to feel comfortable, they will take you around the bay standing on the ladder.

Sea Quest is a great place to start for those who have never snorkeled. They are frequently recommended for beginners and non-swimmers because they take only small groups. Everyone gets lots of individual attention.

Snorkeling adventures in the Kealakekua and Honaunau Bays feature beautiful coral bottoms. Reservations should be made at least three days in advance. The busiest seasons are:

• Summer
• Spring break
• Whale watching season

During the above busy times, Sea Quest can fill up about a week out. You can also make reservations as far ahead as you like by calling their toll free number of 888-SEA-CAVE. If you have a large group, advance reservations are strongly recommended regardless of the season. They do have a 24 hour cancellation policy.

The Kona Coast area is blessed with the best weather, least rain and calmest seas in the state. One of the best ways to see the Kona Coast is on a snorkeling adventure. For more information call 888-SEA-CAVE or visit them online.

Source: Sea Quest Rafting and Snorkeling Adventure

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© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved