Kona Hawaii’s most experienced rafting company, Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions established in 1974, invites you on an intimate journey to Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii’s finest marine preserve and the site of Captain Cook's Monument.

Departing from the Kailua-Kona pier, where the cruise ship tenders disembark, your captain will entertain you with Hawaiian folklore and Kona history as you travel along the scenic Kona coast. Keep a lookout for Hawaii spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, manta rays, humpback whales (during the winter months) and other marine life that are often encountered on the expedition.

Explore lava tubes and sea caves as you travel the inaccessable shores and get the feeling of traveling back in time on this remote coastline. Marvel at the incredible geology as your captains entertain you with their narration and excite you with their skillful driving in rafts just like the Navy seals and the U.S. Coast Guard use.

Sea Caves

Snorkeling

Whale Watch

Comments from some of our customers:

March 8, 2012

Captain Mitch and Maria...MAHALO :) You shared the soul of Hawaii with us on the waters this morning! Dreamt of seeing a dolphin or 2 and just maybe a whale...NEVER would have imagined we'd be surrounded by Dolphins and Whales accompanying our boat ! MAGICAL :)
- Kimi Shaatbi

February 8, 2012

Thank you, so much to Collin and Ciarra (In Kona) for one of the most enjoyable days I have ever had. Collin was so helpful in making me comfortable with my first time snorkeling, we had an added bonus with unexpected Whale watching. I will highly recommend Captain Zodiac tours to any one I know traveling to Hawaii. Collin & Ciarra you two are the best! Thanks, Patty
- Patty Town

March 8, 2012

Mahalo to Captain Zodiac, and to our captains/guides Chris and Cory! We had a great time on March 8th (back in NY now, and missing Hawaii!). It was just what we expected, and we were very fortunate to see a great show from several humpback whales toward the end of our trip. My 8 year-old son really loved the speedy raft ride! And Captain Chris expertly guided the raft through seas that were somewhat rough, especially on the return, while Cory shared lots of interesting information. Again, mahalo!
- Alice Barnes Hempstead

June 22, 2012

Chris and Joy did a great job today. We saw beaked whales- apparently a rare sight! We were also entertained by a pod of spinner dolphins. The coral reef and various fish, blow hole, sea cave, lava tube, and other coastal sights were amazing! Chris made some fun sharp turns to add some excitement for the kids on our zodiac boat ride to our snorkel sight. We were all hoping the moms wouldn't fall out LOL. Joy told an interesting story about Captain Cook as we observed the monument to him on the shore where he was killed.
- Lisa Rider

December 2011

Just got back home to California and still can't get over how awesome of a time I had with Captain Shane and T on Monday. Definitely the highlight of my vacation. My parents and my brother and I had an incredible time. Thank you guys so much! Keep in touch!
-Shelby Flick

Just back from our cruise on the Carnival Spirit. Last day was spent in Kona Snorkeling, went out with Preston and T. It was the highlight of the cruise. Had a great time and would definitely recommend you guys to anyone going to Kona!!!!
· -Charlene Lothier

November 2011
Best activity we booked while on the island!! Thanks Capt Colin and Brandt (Buddha) for a great day!!
-Cindy Miller

Had a great outing with this group today! Shane, Cory, and Max!!! Thanks guys. The snorkel spot was awesome and all your recommendations on places to go we're just what we needed.
-Summer Savik

Captain Ken & T
Best dolphin and snorkel outing we've ever been on. Knowledgeable, safe, and Fun! Great interaction with all the folks.
- Tim & Jenny Kenworthy, Indiana

August 2011

There is a dual purpose to this note of appreciation, with the first being to acknowledge to you all that you provided the BEST excursion during our NCL cruise … From the time we arrived at the dock, EVERY employee of Captain Zodiac was just full of energy and of passion to provide an outstanding service to everyone taking this excursion. Secondly, PLEASE recognize two of your most outstanding employees, Captains Mike and Andy. They are genuine, knowledgeable, humorous, kind and safe. They are terrific with those persons who are not the strongest of swimmers, but have a strong desire to snorkel and learn all about Kona. What a great team they are, in that they work so well together. They are a better advertisement than the web sites, as we have already told two couples going to Hawaii about your excursion. These two couples are now committed to going on the Captain Zodiac adventure.

Again, Captains Mike and Andy, you two made this excursion, and thanks again for all the effort the two of you put forth to make this the time of our lives.

Mark and Marianne Schmitt (The M& M's)

Cleveland, Ohio

July 2011

My wife and I just returned from a 7 day Hawaiian cruise – which was the vacation of a lifetime. We did the dolphin-snorkel excursion via the ship. The snorkeling was the best I ever did – including great sites in Hawaii and parts of the Caribbean. We were also lucky enough to run into a pod of 50-100 dolphin. What really put the trip over the top – were the leaders – Mike and Buddha. They were knowledgeable and really helped us all have a great and fun time.

Marty

Massachusetts

July, 2011

I just wanted to say thank you from my family and I. Ten of us, ages 49-13, went on your excursion through Norwegian Cruise Lines this past week. This had to be the highlight of our trip! I myself was very nervous because I am not a strong swimmer. I did not ever need to have any fear. The captain and his first mate were awesome! They truly made me feel safe. We were able to see hundreds of spinner dolphins, a pod of pilot whales, and many fish too numerous to name. My family still talks about how much fun we had. Thanks for a great time!!

Cheryl Rich

Ohio

February 2011
Your outfit ROCKS. I had a great time today and could not be happier if I didn't do anything else this year. Thank you for the magical journey with so much Aloha. Best wishes to you all! See ya soon. Aloha
- Michelle Aboumrad

December 2010
I was on a tour with Captain Zodiac on either the 23 or 24 of December 2010 – with Captain Colin and Tetau. They were both AWESOME and did a fantastic job. It was one of my family’s favorite days of our two week trip……so thank you!!
- Amber Walker

November 2010

I just wanted to say thank you all so very much for such an awesome experience! Everyone was so great to deal with! Captain Collin and First Mate Lesile (not sure how to spell their names...sorry) were wonderful to not only us, but our 7 year old daughter Haley! She has made friends for life! Lesile was so sweet and even took her out to snorkel with her...it just made Haley feel so important and special!!! She is a true gem of a lady! Captain Collin had the best stories and was so excited about showing us everything he could, what a great guy!

Thank you again to a wonderful staff and for making us feel like family!

We will recommend your tour over and over again!!! Mahalo!

- The Browns (Brian, Heather and Haley)

September 2010

My husband and I were in Kona aboard the Pride of America cruise ship and we went on the excursion to snorkel on one of your zodiacs. Our captain was Capt. Mitch with first mate Tetau (not sure of the spelling). They were both wonderful! They were great tour guides and historians. Capt Mitch , with Tetau’s keen eye sight, put in the middle of a huge pod of pilot whales. It was beautiful. We really enjoyed the trip.

- Barbara abd Norman Wright

September 2010

My wife and I booked a snorkeling trip through Princess cruise lines while in Kona. We had a great time. The crew gave us the best snorkeling trip we have ever had, some was the location but their knowledge of the area and tips on snorkeling really made the trip the best. We are spreading the word to everyone we talk to.

Thanks for a really great experience.

John & Michele Reynolds

August 2010

Just wanted to extend my thanks further for an amazing trip during my stay in Kona, Hawaii. I was lucky to have an opportunity to spend two weeks on the islands with my family and friends and we had an amazing trip. We spent a week on the big island and then did the cruise around the rest of the islands. The Capt. Zodiac tour was by far the BEST excursion we did during our entire two week stay. We had an awesome time and experience. Everything about it was amazing, the whale and dolphin sightings, snorkeling, and the beautiful caves along the coast! Everything that was pointed out to us was truly remarkable.

I would have to say though that our tour would not have been nearly as good without Captain Colin and Shane. They were truly knowledgeable and experienced which showed throughout the entire trip. They both shared their love for the ocean and the islands with us which I really admired. I have found in my experience with excursions on these islands that the tour guides either make or break the trip. In this case they certainly added that extra bonus so please share my thanks with these guys and also the rest of the staff. We all appreciated everything that we got to experience in our brief time together. I didn't know what to expect with this excursion, but my expectations were by far met above and beyond. Don't change a thing!!! Thanks again for everything! Mahalo!

- Gabby Curry..... New Jersey girl turned Hawaiian sweetheart

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Comments like these are all we ever get! Best trip, best people, funnest boats, great dolphin shows, incredible whale watch are among the many comments we receive! The comment we hear the most is " this is the best thing we did on our vacation!" So join us on our incredible journeys and you will be sharing comments with friends and family about the best tour in Hawaii, Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditons.