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Hawaii (HI)
Island of Hawaii
Kailua-Kona
Things to do in Kailua-Kona
Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions

Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions

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Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions
5
#1 of 43 Nature & Parks in Kailua-Kona
Scuba & SnorkellingReefsBoat ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Full view
About
Captain Zodiac has entertained guests for over 50 years on our exciting 24-foot Zodiac rafts. Book our unique tours or a private charter and design your own adventure. Explore the rugged coastline up close to see exposed lava tubes, blowholes and archways. Snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Kealakekua Bay Marine preserve viewing over 150 varieties of fish. Our naturalist guides keep a sharp eye out for pods of dolphins, whales and other marine mammals that call Hawaii home. The Zodiac ride is fast, fun and educational! You will hear about the Hawaiian history of the area, learn about marine life behaviors and the island’s geology.
Kailua-Kona, United States
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Tours and Tickets by Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions
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Travellers talk about

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions
5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles1 830 reviews
Excellent
1 688
Very good
101
Average
18
Poor
7
Terrible
16
Danielle S
Island of Hawaii, HI8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Private charter for the day
Jan 2021 • Family
Wow, what a perfect day! Worth EVERY PENNY! We booked a private 4-5 hour charter for our family that turned into over 6 hours of amazing activities! Talk about value for the money! We started the day with a humpback breaching right in front of us as we exited the harbor. Then raced to see multiple endangered false killer whales up close and feeding. Our Captain Colin has connections to find all the great wildlife sightings in the area! Absolutely incredible and completely rare to see!! Next we headed south to Capt. Cook Bay for some of the best snorkeling we’ve ever done with almost no crowd. Lunch on the boat with plenty of food for all and an incredible tour up the coast of Kona in our IRB checking out cool caves, lava formations and learning about local history. The kicker, checking out caves literally means driving the boat into caves and bays at speed to really check things out! Seriously the best. Like three tours in one and all for one price. Plus it was just our family so no sharing space with a bunch of strangers. Talk about value for the money. We would have spent a ton more had we taken a wildlife tour and a snorkel tour and been packed on boats with strangers. Captain Colin was top notch. Safety briefings, clear instructions, great information to share and so comfortable to spend the day with. The IRB is great fun as long as you aren’t fragile! I highly recommend this experience. You will not be disappointed!
Written 4 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
captainzodiac
We really appreciate taking time to give us a shout out! Sounds like you did get three tours in one. Sometimes our captains are having so much fun they don’t even want to go in and we don’t mind them staying out late either. As long as everyone is having a great time we kind of go by Hawaiian time. We are happy that your Private charter was everything and more for a snorkel tour in Kona. Hope to have you guys come out again.
Written 21 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael A
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Snorkel trip on the Big Island
Feb 2023 • Family
We were a group of 12, 6 adults and 6 kids. We rented a private charter on the Big Island. The staff at Captain Zodiac allowed us to rebook since the weather was poor on our original reservation. Our boat captain (Shelly?) and assistant Holly were great with the kids. They gave us great suggestions on where to go as we wanted to see some whales and turtles. It worked out wonderfully - best whale encounter ever. We probably saw 15-20 different whales with staying on the surface to fin slapping and a great breach that Holly caught on camera and sent to each family. Her choice for snorkeling was outstanding. So many corals, reef fish, and the sea turtles. It was an awesome experience. The crew went out of their way to help make sure that everyone had a great experience. I would definitely book with Captain Zodiac again.
Written 24 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
captainzodiac
What an fantastic day!! We are glad there was good weather to help make it a great experience. Captain Ashley and first mate Holly are incredibly knowledgeable. They are also very skilled at spotting playful whales! Mahalo to you and your family for including us in your vacation! We hope to have been a highlight for everyone.
Written 28 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Getaway431212
San Diego, CA3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great Day on the Water! 10/10
Jun 2022 • Business
I went out on a morning rafting and snorkeling tour with Captain Shaggy on a corporate trip and he far exceeded my expectations. The boat ride itself is super fun - he takes you up the coastline really fast and tells you about the local Hawaiian history and wildlife. And we saw Spinner Dolphins and sea turtles from the boat. The visibility for snorkeling in Cooks Bay is great and if you venture away from the crowds you can see Moray Eels and lots of fish. Highly recommend!

Written 12 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
captainzodiac
We really appreciate the time you took to leave feedback, I know Shaggy appreciates it. Sounds like you got a full and exciting tour of Kealakekua bay. We are very thankful for corporate groups and sharing our island with others.
Written 13 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Qing Z
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Snorkeling Trip
Jun 2022 • Family
This trip was really fun and the detours so you could see the caves up close was really fun. This is one of the best snorkeling trips I ever had, and the crew are very nice. This is worth your time and money, since while others last for only 2-3 hours, this actually lasted 5 hours. The boat is fast and no male, allowing close ups on everything, except for the dolphins since these are protected by law. The crew is very nice and helpful, so this is definitely worth your time.
Written 5 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
captainzodiac
Aloha, We are happy to hear you had a great time on our Kealakekua snorkel tour and could really spot the difference between us and the other boat companies. We really try to design these tours with the guest in mind and make it enjoyable as well as worth the value. Hope to see you again on another vacation.
Written 6 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Muriel M
Millville, DE5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Simply Magnificent
Feb 2023 • Couples
We had a magic time with Captain Andy and Erin on our whale watching excursion. They not only ensured we saw a lot of Whales but we also saw them Jumping out into the air. It was incredible. They were both also so patient and informative with all the passengers.

We would definitely go again with them.

Thank you for such a memorable trip and all the best
Written 22 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike C
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Exciting morning whale watching
Jan 2024 • Couples
Captain Ash and 1st mate Shelby did a great job of making you feel comfortable on this style of boat first off. Group consisted of ages from young teens to seniors, they treated everyone with respect and ways to make sure everyone had a great experience. Captain was able to answer all the whale questions brought up and other interesting facts. One must remember these whales are not kept in an aquarium, so captain can’t just drive out and show you whales. Luckily for us captain somehow was able to give us an amazing trip with all kinds of whale activity. Even when it slowed, was able to locate some dolphins to keep the tour exciting. Mahalo to Captain Zodiac for a memorable safe trip.
Written 25 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
captainzodiac
So happy to hear but not surprised Captain Ashley and Shelby were paying close attention to all the guests on board. We are very fortunate to have them working for us and have tons of knowledge to share with guests. So happy you made good memories out on the whale watch with them during your Hawaii vacation.
Written 9 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda C
12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great private snorkeling power raft tour!
Jul 2023 • Family
My family of 6 - 2 adults, 4 kids ages 7,11, 14 and 16 did a private power raft tour with captain Rick to snorkel at captain cooks monument. It was the highlight of our time in Big Island! Captain Rick was so knowledgeable and kind. We all loved the ride- it’s bumpy but thrilling. The kids were all laughing- even my normally stoic teenage boys were smiling and giggling.
The snorkeling at captain cooks monument was amazing! Like swimming in an aquarium! Visibility was amazing and there were so. Many. Fish!
We loved having the private boat. Definitely the way to go if you can do it. Highly recommend this company, the private tour and especially Captain Rick!!!
Written 31 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen G
11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great experience!
Jan 2024 • Solo
Loved the sunset whale watching trip! The captain & guide were very fun and knowledgeable. They made sure we saw plenty of whales while being very conscientious of the whales. Even saw spinner dolphins on the way out of the harbor! Highly recommend! And the views of the sunset and island were incredible.
Written 19 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
captainzodiac
Thank you, mahalo, for letting us know you loved your sunset whale watching trip with us! Seeing dolphins and whales is such a wonderful experience and we are glad you shared with with us!
Written 22 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jay C
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A great experience for a bargain price
Mar 2024 • Family
I've been on five Capt. Zodiac tour over the years and never been disappointed. Compared to tours on larger boats, Zodiac is much swifter and adept at finding whales. The price for a 3-hour trip is a bargain.
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
captainzodiac
First of all, thank you for your continued loyalty; we love repeat guests! We also enjoy our zippy zodiac boats which enable us to search vast distances for marine animal sightings! We look forward to seeing you on your next trip to Kona! Until we meet again, a hui hou!
Written 22 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike M
Fort Collins, CO4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great day on the water with many whales and breaches!
Feb 2022 • Couples
My wife and I have done about 12 whale watches over the years and yesterdays was top 2 or 3 in our book.
We saw many many whales and males breaching to impress the ladies !
Cpt. JC and Devonte were excellent guides and very knowledgeable on whales and their activities.
They were also funny and very attentive to the guests needs. We even got a good recommendation for a few dinner spots.
The zodiac is a great way to see the whales and feel like you are “in the ocean” with the whales. Can be bouncy but that is part of the fun!
Written 19 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

CAPTAIN ZODIAC RAFT EXPEDITIONS (Kailua-Kona) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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