Sunblock...check! Breakfast...check! The four of us were ready to leave the condo by 6:15. Traffic was a breeze and we arrived at the Sea Quest parking lot with plenty of time to spare. After a short detour, we found the office, but they weren't open because it wasn't even 7:30! Shortly thereafter, the staff showed up, and we filled out waivers.

While we were waiting for others to get checked in, Matt tried to get the mount off my GoPro. The screw was stubborn! We all gave it a try and then I asked some guys for help. They tried, but no luck. One of them offered to get a screwdriver and it worked great! Turns out, the screwdriver guy, JC, was our captain for the day.

JC & Skylar

As we headed to Honaunau Bay, Skylar (1st Mate) spotted something in the water and JC altered his course so we could check it out. Fins! We weren't sure what they were at first. Dolphins? Nope! Sharks? Ah...no. They were Pygmy Sperm Whales!!! This was completely unexpected as they haven't been spotted in more than a year. Bonus!!!

Pygmy Whales

Our first snorkel was at Honaunau Bay (Place of Refuge). Captain JC told us the history of Pu’uhonua o Honaunau. After violating the sacred laws of the kapu, ancient Hawaiians could come here for sanctuary and avoid being punished by death.  

Snorkeling Spot 1 - Pu'uhonua o Honauna Bay

Price Snorkeling

I was so excited - ! When I I tried to dive with the GoPro strapped to head, it fell off! The video is hilarious because it seems as though I might have been attacked by a shark.

I wasn't the only one having problems. Matt was back at the boat and my dad hadn't made it in the water. I swam over to see what was going on.

Dad Snorkel

Dad was fine. He was still getting ready, but Matt was having issues. He'd swallowed a bunch of salt water.  Poor Matt!

Price figured out how to snorkel before the rest of us got the hang of it. Dad eventually got in and reported that he saw a turtle. I'm so jealous! I wish I had seen a turtle!

The GoPro did a pretty good job of capturing the underwater sights!

First Snorkel Picture

On the way to the second snorkel spot, we saw a pod of sleeping dolphins. Although it is illegal to interact with these sleeping beauties, that didn't stop some people from trying to snorkel with them. However, we stayed on the boat and watched. Sea Quest is very respectful of allowing the dolphins to rest unlike some of the other companies that offer snorkeling tours.

Dolphin at Kealakekua Bay

Our second snorkel was at Kealakekua Bay - the location of the Captain Cook Monument. JC told us the story of Captain Cook. In his story, Cook died drowning. This differed from the information I found when I got home. Either way, it was an entertaining story!  

Captain Cook Monument 

This time, we saw a ton of fish! It really was a very amazing site!  

Second Snorkel

On the way back, we explored sea caves and lava tubes from the boat. Check out the cool face in the picture below!  Lava used to run out of the "eyes" and "mouth".

We also found another group of dolphins. Captain JC drove the boat in a circle and they played in our wake - they were having a good time!

Dolphins Playing

I took advantage of the quiet time on the way back to ask JC a few questions. "How does anyone afford to live here?" JC told us that most of the locals have their own fruit trees or know someone with them. There's Wal-Mart and Costco.

When I asked where to get sushi, JC told us about the rivalry between two poke restaurants and recommended that we have lunch at Umeke's (his favorite of the two). 

Matt & SarahIn addition to whales, dolphins and snorkeling, Sea Quest provided an entertaining and educational experience. They also provided drinks and yummy snacks including fresh fruit AND chocolate covered macadamia nuts!

When we got back to the boat dock, it was only noon! What an awesome adventure! Thank you Sea Quest!

As we drove to the condo, we talked about our morning. It was going to be hard to top!