Over the course of our stay in Hawaii, there were very few complaints. Normally, we grumble about getting out of bed early, but not on this trip! Nearly every day, we were up before 6:00 AM. Of course, that would be like 11:00 EST!

Going to Sea Quest was like going to visit a new friend. Price, Matt and I couldn't wait! What a wonderful way to start our last day in Hawaii. We left the condo at 6:45 AM and arrived at Sea Quest a little early.

While we were filling out our waivers, we ran in to Skylar. It would be super cool if he was on our boat again. When it was time to put us in groups, we ended up with Captain Kendra, a dolphin expert named Amanda, and a first mate named Kevin. Unlike our first snorkel boat, this one had shade, but no Skylar.

Our adventure started in Keauhou Bay in nearly the exact location of our Manta Ray experience. Not long after we were in the water, Amanda spotted some dolphins swimming by the bay. Matt had the GoPro and got a good look at them, but I was super far away. 

Dolphin Swim By

Amanda was enthusiastic, "Did you see them?" My response, "Just barely." We put our heads back under the water and saw a familiar friend.

Manta Ray

It was one of the manta rays! The rest of our group was very excited about seeing it. After our amazing night time manta adventure, this was not super impressive. We stayed in the bay for a while longer, but there were no more dolphin sightings. 

Family of Dolphins

We got back on the boat and set out for a new location further down the coast. Kevin spotted some dolphins swimming toward us and we got back in the water. The pod was it's way to Kealakekua Bay.

It wasn't long before a group of dolphins were swimming below us! Every now and then, we'd see a baby swimming next to his family. Very cool! I started counting them. There were over 100! 

I was very intently counting dolphins below me when I noticed one swimming right next to me!

Great Googly Moogly! How amazing!!! That's when I lost count.

Dolphins

WOW! Dolphins are so cool!

Dophins

Yet again, Sea Quest Snorkeling and Rafting delivered!

After the dolphins were gone, we got in the boat and Captain Kendra took us further away from the shore. I was sitting near the front and was surprised when I saw a stream of mist rise up from the surface of the water. It was a humpback whale!

Spotting nothing

Every year, humpback whales migrate to the water off the coast of Hawaii to breed, give birth, and nurse their young.

The peak season for whale watching is from January to March each year. We were showing up near the end of their stay. With the exception of this rebel whale, the others had gone. 

For the next 30 minutes, we desperately tried to get a good picture of the whale. Before we left the area, each of us had gotten a glimpse of the whale, but none of us were fast enough to capture the moment on film. It was so frustrating!

On the way to go snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay, we saw the dolphins again. It was time for them to go to sleep. Kendra started to tell us the story of Capt. Cook, but the dolphins kept showing up. We were all so excited that we repeatedly interrupted her - poor Kendra!

While we were watching, we spotted a woman snorkeling with the dolphins. She had her face in the water, but we could hear her humming through her snorkel, Apparently, the dolphins enjoy her music because they were swimming around with her. According to Amanda, this local woman swims with the dolphins  every single day! I wish I could do that!

Dolphins Sleeping

During the Sea Quest Dolphin Encounter, we visited some of the same places we'd seen on the Deluxe Morning Adventure.  One major difference: The dolphin encounter was an extra hour and lunch was provided.

Smiling Fish

When we got back to the boat dock, I mentioned my website and quest to skydive in every state. I snapped a picture of Cathy Baits with Kendra, Amanda & Kevin.

Kendra, Amanda & Kevin

Skylar & Sarah

Even though the trip duplicated some of the experience we had on our first snorkel, we were happy we decided to do it! Going on multiple tours, gave us an opportunity to see how things worked.

Manta rays, whales, and dolphins are intelligent and predictable creatures.

The manta rays stick around Keauhou Bay because they know the lights will be on at night and there will be plenty of food.

When Kendra headed out to sea to look for whales, she had a good idea where we might find one. The humpback whales come every year and stay from November until early May.

The dolphins swim nearly the same route every day and they like to sleep in Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District where they are supposed to be protected. However, we saw violations by other snorkeling companies that did not respect their need for sleep.

On the way out, I ran into Skylar. I asked him how he ended up in Hawaii. It turns out, his aunt and uncle own Sea Quest! Awesome! I wish I had family living in Hawaii. I'd come for a visit and never leave!

No such luck! Our stay in Hawaii was nearly over. When we left the bay, it was after 1:30.