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Fair Wind Snorkel Cruise (Hawaii's Big Island)

More Hawaii's Big Island Activities

Location: 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St., Kailua-Kona

Our thoughts: If you want to snorkel on the Big Island, you've got many options. We chose Fair Wind because of its gigantic two-level catamaran. It can hold 100 people, which would turn some off immediately. However, the boat offers four important features: a shade deck/lounge, which lets you comfortably get out of the sun; stairs that descend from the boat to the water, letting you get on and off the catamaran with ease (important when you're wearing flippers); a water-slide that goes from the top level down to the first and into the water; and clean bathrooms. Those are pluses you won't find on a Zodiac inflatable raft or a standard catamaran.

We took the 4-hour morning cruise with about 40 other passengers. There were a lot of people there, but the boat didn't seem crowded. On the hour ride out to our snorkel spot, we were served bagels, juice, fruit and danishes, and fitted with snorkels and fins. Soon we arrived at beautiful Kealakekua Bay, the sit of Captain Cook's unfortunate demise. For two hours you're allowed to snorkel around the large beautiful area. Although there were more than three-dozen other snorkelers in the area, it didn't seem crowded or detract from the experience. There were plenty of amazing fish and coral beds and reefs to go around.

While at the bay, the Fair Wind staff cooks burgers and hot dogs (veggie options too) for the passengers, so you don't go hungry. A cash bar also serves beer and other libations. Overall, the Fair Wind snorkel cruise was thoroughly enjoyable and well worth the price. Again, discount tickets are available from most hotels if you sit through a time share pitch.

Tip: Wear lots of sunscreen, you can burn easily snorkling in the Hawaiian sun.

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