This was one of our favorite memories from our trip to Hawaii. We had to wake up early to drive to the Kona side of the island from our stay in Keaau but it was definitely worth it. We were 2 on the 6 person morning voyage out to the City of Refuge and Kealakekua Bay; we had never snorkeled before but it was easy to pick up. Our captain, Mare, was great and it was nice to have fresh fruit, drinks, and snacks after our stops. We enjoyed both snorkeling locations but City of Refuge was our favorite as we got to swim alongside a sea turtle and get caught in the flow of the tide with all the beautiful fish down there.

My first time snorkeling and I cannot say enough good things about the two women who took us out. They were fun and instructive. Snacks after we got out of the water was an unexpected bonus. They were quite delightful -- highly recommended.

OK, there are many different choices for a snorkeling adventure, but I picked this one because a friend who lives here recommended them. These are definitely the small guys on the block, and that's a great thing because their boats are small (6 or 12 passengers), and the crews young and enthusiastic.

Our tour had a variety of ages (probably 8 to 65 years old) and experience levels (complete novice to experienced swimmer), but the crew made us all feel comfortable, carefully explained the process, and within minutes everybody was having a wonderful time. If your swimming is shaky, they'll provide flotation devices. One lady, who was more than a bit overweight and said that she was afraid and hadn't ever done anything like this before had so much fun that she was the last person back on the boat on our second stop.

If you've never done this before, it's amazing. The scenery is spectacular, and the reefs look like something out of Saving Nemo.

Hint: Take the morning tour. You see more, and the seas are calmer.

We have taken this trip twice and will probably do it again. We like the smaller zodiac boat with fewer folks and, if you are prone to seasickness (as my wife) this is the better option to the catamarans and larger snorkel cruise boats. If you book ahead you get a discount, I'm pretty sure-and there are coupons around. Be careful where you park so you don't get towed - especially now that the Marriott has re-opened. We always go in the morning - smoother trip and let crowds and the sun is not AS tough. There is no shade but it doesn't matter as long as you put on the obligatory SPF 387 sunscreen (which you ARE going to do anyway, right?) We have seen flying fish by the hundreds, spinner dolphins, turtles, and, of course, more fish than any other place we've snorkeled on the Big Island. The Ho'onauanau snorkeling is unbelievable; Captain Cook ain't bad either. (Stay off the coral!) Snacks are appropriate for a zodiac, the captains make little palm leaf souvenirs while you snorkel (tropical fish on a stick for us) if therer is time. Great equipment - even Rx goggles if you need them and those long float things for the less confident. The trip back through the caves along the shoreline is really neat - be sure to look for the cool "skull" formation where two lava tubes side-by-side had fires lit in them by the ancient Hawaiians to scare off attackers- pretty clever. We have always had a great time with Sea Quest and highly recommend it. By the way, bring some tip money. Our "Captains" have never asked, but they certainly deserve anything you can give for the personal attention given.