Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we do offer SNUBA aboard the Fair Wind II vessel during the Morning Kealakekua Snorkel Tour, however SNUBA is a separate concession that can adjust their scheduling. Please call our office for current availability and to schedule SNUBA during your snorkel tour. 808-322-2788 *Additional Fee

Fortunately we are blessed with sunny skies and calm waters on the west side of the Big Island, therefore, we usually cancel less than 10 cruises a year due to inclement weather. However, if the Captain feels the weather will adversely affect the safety or enjoyment of our guests then they will cancel the cruise and all prepaid guests will receive a full refund. In addition, our office staff will do their very best to get you rescheduled on another cruise before you leave the island. Tropical weather is infamous for quickly passing rain showers and varied weather conditions; because of this our Captains are typically put in the position of addressing weather concerns on the day of the cruise.

No, in order to protect the sensitive coral reefs, marine shoreline and the safety of our guests no one is allowed to climb onto land. Each vessel will act as your private island allowing you to come and go as you please while you enjoy your day at sea.

The Fair Wind II and Hula Kai each have shade canopies on both lower and upper decks, however sun-protection and light cover-up is still strongly recommended.

We recommend covering up as much as possible with clothing and hats that provide an extra layer of protection from harmful UV rays. A mineral-based, Reef Safe sunscreen should be applied to uncovered skin while you are dry and at least 15 minutes prior to entering the water. Re-apply every two hours to exposed skin or after swimming.

Reef-safe sunscreens contain mineral based ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These ingredients provide broad-spectrum protection and block both UVA and UVB light. Sunscreens containing chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and many others have been shown to impact coral and cause severe stress to these living creatures. Please avoid these products which leave coral sterile and susceptible to disease and death.

Eczema friendly reef-safe sunscreens contain mineral based ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These ingredients provide broad-spectrum protection and block both UVA and UVB light. Select a product with an SPF of 30 or greater that is water resistant. Avoid products that contain fragrances and parabens that can irritate skin.

Towel, sunscreen, hat & sunglasses, camera, and warm cover-up is recommended.

Generally, it's not necessary. If the water is rough, tours aboard our Hula Kai vessel may experience some splashing of water into the seating area - so a dry bag can be helpful in those rare situations. So, some people do pack their things in dry-bags just to be safe. Both vessels are large & sturdy, so it's quite uncommon for water to splash on-board.

Yes, all of our Captains and Crew take regularly scheduled lifeguard, 1st aid and emergency response courses throughout the year.

Yes, we routinely accommodate pregnant snorkelers. Both of our boats are equipped with wide slanted steps that allow you to easily walk in and out of the water, 2 large bathrooms and a variety of floatation devices to assist you while snorkeling.

No, our marine insurance policy requires that all parties have at least one member who is 18 years old or older.

Our experienced Captains, Crew and equipment are able to offer a wide range of assistance to people with varying handicaps. Due to the nature of the boats being tied to the dock, rocking back and forth with the movement of the water and a series of about 4 stair steps up to board our vessels, each passenger will need to be able to cross the threshold under their own power (there is not a ramp from pier to vessel). To help ensure the safety of our guests and crew, no one is permitted to be carried up the steps and across the gap between the boat and dock.

The different cruise ship companies have different arrival times into Kailua-Kona. You will need to check with your cruise line to find out if they expect to arrive at 7:00am or 8:00am. If your cruise ship arrives at 7:00am then you should have enough time to make either the Fair Wind II or Hula Kai morning cruise. If your cruise ship arrives at 8:00am then you won’t have enough time to make the Fair Wind II morning cruise. Regardless of when your cruise ship arrives, there are a couple factors that will determine if you can get to our office in time to board one of our morning cruises. 1st you will need to make sure that you are aboard one of the first few tender boats that will ferry you from the cruise ship, which is anchored offshore, to the pier in downtown Kailua-Kona. 2nd you will want to have a taxi waiting for you at the pier to bring you to our office. We recommend that you make arrangements with the cruise ship concierge to reserve a taxi for you. It is approximately a 25-minute taxi ride from the Kailua-Kona pier to our office and boats.

We do not offer transportation. While staying on the island, you will probably find it cheaper and more convenient to rent a car. Otherwise, there are a number of taxi companies that can assist you.

The community places lights in the water which attracts plankton to a popular night snorkel location called Manta Village. Manta rays come to feed on the plankton at night, regularly concentrating the manta rays every evening. This mutual benefit allows for manta ray night snorkel viewing and dinner for the manta rays. Learn more about Manta Rays on our Manta Ray FAQ page or take our Manta Ray Night Snorkel.

Manta rays are gentle giants and without any barbs or stingers. Manta rays cannot hurt you; they eat plankton; and do not sting or otherwise interact with snorkelers. Learn more about Manta Rays on our Manta Ray FAQ page or take our Manta Ray Night Snorkel.

There are two species of manta rays in the earth’s ocean. Manta alfredi, Hawai'iʻs manta rays, are born at about 3 feet in length and the smaller of the two species found in Hawai'i’s coastal waters. Hawai'iʻs manta rays can reach a width of approximately 12 feet across. Manta birostris can also be seen infrequently in Hawaiian waters and can reach up to 22 feet across. Learn more about Manta Rays on our Manta Ray FAQ page or take our Manta Ray Night Snorkel.

The best opportunity to see whales is between late December and late March when the Humpback Whales migrate to Hawai'i from the north Pacific. During that time of year, we will occasionally see whales during some of our daily snorkel cruises. During other times of the year, different types of whales are sometimes sighted during our Hula Kai Deluxe Snorkel Tours.

Contrary to what you might have heard, the morning does not offer any additional marine life or marine encounters. The same number and types of fish live and swim in the bays all day long. The main difference is you are more likely to have clear skies in the morning and a little more clouds in the afternoon. Additionally, the morning tour offers breakfast & lunch and provides an extra 1-hour of snorkel time.

Yes, we have two large bathrooms and 2 outdoor fresh water showers on both boats.

Typically yes unless weather dictates differently.

The best Kona manta tour depends on the experience you want, including the boat, departure location and onboard amenities. For travelers who value comfortable seating and a short boat ride, Fair Wind’s manta ray night snorkel aboard Hula Kai is a strong choice. Our 55-foot power catamaran has individual theater-style seating, two onboard restrooms and freshwater showers. We depart from Keauhou Bay for nearby Manta Village, with hot soup and drinks after snorkeling.

Look for individual seating, onboard restrooms, freshwater showers and a convenient departure location when comparing manta tours. Fair Wind’s Hula Kai combines these features on a 55-foot catamaran. It is well suited to travelers who want onboard comforts as part of their evening with the mantas, with a short return to Keauhou Bay after snorkeling.

Tours departing from Keauhou Bay can reach nearby Manta Village in just a few minutes. Fair Wind’s manta ray night snorkel aboard Hula Kai has an approximately five-minute ride to the viewing area. That makes it a convenient choice if you prefer a short transfer to the mantas and a quick ride back after your time in the water.

Compare the departure location, boat type, seating, restrooms, time in the water, equipment, swimming requirements and no-sighting policy. Fair Wind’s Hula Kai tour offers individual seating and onboard amenities, a short ride from Keauhou Bay and approximately 45 minutes in the water. Guests must be at least seven, swim independently and have prior snorkeling experience. Check current policies and inclusions before booking any operator.

Fair Wind offers a manta ray night snorkel from Keauhou Bay, near OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa. The tour visits Manta Village, the viewing area near the resort, aboard Hula Kai. Check in at Fair Wind’s office at 78-7130 Kaleiopapa Street. The boat ride to the viewing site is approximately five minutes.

Yes. Fair Wind’s manta ray night snorkel takes place aboard Hula Kai, a 55-foot catamaran with individual theater-style seating and two onboard restrooms. Freshwater showers are also available. These are useful features to compare if seating and onboard facilities matter to your choice of tour.

Fair Wind’s manta ray night snorkel aboard Hula Kai includes hot homemade plant-based soup, a dinner roll and hot cocoa after snorkeling. These are part of the onboard experience, along with snorkeling equipment and wetsuits. Bring a towel and warm clothes to change into after your time in the ocean.

Yes. Fair Wind powers its vessels, including Hula Kai, with locally produced biodiesel. Our manta ray night snorkel also includes plant-based soup, and our wider environmental practices include reducing single-use items and composting food preparation scraps at our family farm. Guests are asked to respect the mantas by observing without touching or pursuing them.

Yes. Fair Wind’s manta ray night snorkel is designed for guests who can swim independently and have prior snorkeling experience. The crew helps guests prepare for the water, where snorkelers float at the surface holding a lighted float to observe feeding manta rays. The tour departs around sunset and generally lasts about 1.5 hours. Guests must be at least seven years old.