You won't see fish any more plentiful in the islands than off the Big Island of Hawaii
 Snorkeling Tours on Hawaii |
 Adventure X Rafting - Dolphin Watch and Snorkel |
| Adventures In Paradise - Kayaks |
| Blue Sea Cruises - Makai a 46 foot power catamaran |
Body Glove Cruises - 51' Trimaran  |
| Captain Zodiac - Snorkel-Rafting Trip |
| Dolphin Discoveries - Snorkeling and Dolphin Watch |
| Fair Wind - 50' Sailing Catamaran |
| Hula Kai - Kona Sunrise Charters - 55' Teknicraft Catamaran |
| Kamanu Charters - 36' Sailing Catamaran |
| Kona Jet Ski - Manta Ray Adventure |
| Kona Sea Sports - Shogun is a Cabo 35' fishing boat |
| Manta Ray Dives-Neptune Charlies - 28' Orca Twin Diesel Power Boat |
| Mauna Lani Sea Adventures - 50' Sailing Catamaran |
| Ocean Encounters - 46' Delta |
| Sea Paradise - Snorkel - 50' Catamran |
| Sea Quest Rafting - Inflatable Rafts |
| Sea Wolf Charters on Hawaii - 33' Raft - RIGID With Shade Canopy |
| Splashers Ocean Adventures - 30' RIGID Hull Inflatable Raft |
| Sunlight On Water - Snorkeling Tours |
| Wild Hawaii Ocean Adventures - 36' Navy Seal Raft |
Big Island of Hawaii Snorkeling Tours
(From: $39.00 - To: $1,950.00)
The first time I went snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii I couldn't believe my eyes.
Actually, I wasn't expecting to snorkel at the time. I love to long distance swim and I asked the concierge, at my hotel where I might find a good beach to swim for distance.
|
Information Related to Snorkeling Tours on Hawaii |
|
Hilo or Kona for snorkeling? |
She misunderstood me and sent me to a spot that was somewhat rocky with an occasional reef. I didn't notice at first the underwater reef terrain. I warmed up on the beach, adjusted my goggles, waded into the water and then made my first lunge into the underwater world of the "Big Island".
I almost jumped right back out again. I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was as though I had just jumped into an aquarium. I had never before seen so many fish of so many sizes and colors in one place in my life. It was absolutely fabulous I spent the next half hour just marveling at the underwater sights.
The Big Island of Hawaii has a number of different boats that offer snorkeling. Many of them cruise the coast off Kona down to Captain Cook. Most of the boats offer morning and afternoon trips and one trip even offers "night snorkeling" to see the giant Manta Rays. Whichever one you choose you won't be disappointed.
The Big Island of Hawaii is simply the best spot I have found for snorkeling and the very best spots are the ones that are found by taking the boats in Hawaii's snorkel fleet. Many of these places are found on the open ocean side of the reefs where the best accessibility is from a boat. This is one activity that is a "must" on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Some of the best locations to snorkel in the Big Island of Hawaii are:
- The Kohala Coastline
- Kealakekua Bay
- Pawai Bay Off The Kona Coast
Tom's Tips - Big Island of Hawaii Snorkeling Tours
- Do you have a mustache? Your mask will probably have a slow leak no matter what you do. It's no big deal, but you might want to try goggles.
- Morning is the best time of day to snorkel in the Big Island of Hawaii, before the wind comes up.
- Life jackets and flotation devices are provided by many Big Island of Hawaii snorkel boats for first time snorkelers. These are great if you're a little apprehensive in the beginning.
Snorkeling Tours and Snorkeling Trips in Hawaii - Options Below:
Adventure X Rafting Adventure X Rafting specializes in whale watching and searching for wild dolphins! Malaialena offers a vacuflush toilet with standing head room / changing room. She has fresh water rinse on deck. Lot's of seating, about 60% under shade. There are two crew members onboard besides the captain to serve you. We look forward to sharing with you all the magical moments and miracles that bless us everyday.…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $98.90 - To: $121.90) |
Adventures In Paradise Are you looking to get a little bit of exercise in with your snorkeling? Then you might want to consider trying a kayak instead of a motorboat on your next snorkeling trip. Going snorkeling from a kayak is an entirely different experience then it is to snorkel from a motorboat. You will generally see a smaller section of the coastline when your under paddle power (because you won't be going as fast), but the section that you see you will get to know much more intimately. The perspective of a kayak is much closer to the water then even the smallest motorboat. Paddling allows you to feel the energy of the ocean as you move over the undulations of the oceans surface. Under paddle power you will be able to be aware of the subtleties of the ocean. You will be able to feel the surges and currents in the water that would be impossible to notice from a larger boat. However, please be aware that kayaks do not paddle themselves and there is a bit of physical exertion required for these tours.…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $75.90 - To: $75.90) |
Blue Sea Cruises Enjoy a morning of fun and exploration. Start your tour by relaxing in cushioned comfort on the upper shaded deck of Makai while enjoying a continental breakfast, coffee and drinks. Cruise the scenic Kona Coast, watch for some of the many marine inhabitants that often include dolphins or whales. Upon arrival at Fantasy Point, get ready to snorkel in beautiful clear water and explore the pristine reef and abundant sealife or just play with the many water toys available to you. Lifeguard and Instructor to help you out.…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $69.90 - To: $69.90) |
Body Glove Cruises The Kanoa ll is a luxury, state of the art, sixty-five foot power catamaran owned by Body Glove Cruises, that offers wonderful snorkel cruises off the coast of Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. Body Glove cruises has been a long time fixture in Kona and its snorkel tours to Pawai Bay Marine Reserve are likely to provide some of the most fun you will have on your vacation. This snorkelling location boasts having over five-hundred separate species of fish and visibility generally in excess of one-hundred feet. The colourful fish and coral formations found here while snorkelling are rivalled by no other location in the state. In addition to the underwater world you are likely to see dolphins as well and even whales during their seasonal rendezvous in the winter months. The boat, Kanoa ll was designed for these waters and can reach speeds comfortably of up to twenty-two knots per hour. In fact the entire boat is designed for comfort and luxury with exotic brushed stainless steel and translucent back-lit blue waves as a decor. There are three bathrooms on board, two freshwater showers, two large swim platforms and a full sound system throughout. …(more info) | Price Range: (From: $120.90 - To: $120.90) |
Captain Zodiac If you like you're snorkeling adventure filled with excitement you might want to consider one of Captain Zodiac's snorkeling tours off the coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. These boats are speedy and manoeuvrable and your positioning just above the ocean's surface puts you in direct contact with the marine environment. Seeing turtles, dolphins, manta rays or even whales from this perspective is very exciting. Some of the best snorkeling to be found in all of Hawaii is at Kealakekua Bay's National Marine Reserve and this is exactly where Captain Zodiac generally goes on their Four Hour Rafting Expedition.…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $93.90 - To: $105.90) |
Dolphin Discoveries Dolphin tours in the ocean off the coast of the Big Island are among the most popular and educational of tours available to Hawaii visitors and one of the most personalized dolphins tours to go out with would be the tours offered by Dolphin Discoveries. Dolphin Discoveries offers small groups the opportunity to see the dolphins but in many cases even swim with them as well. Several tours are offered in which you can cruise the beautiful Kona Coastline of the Big Island down to Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook's Monument to enjoy some of the island's best snorkeling. These tours almost always will offer you views of the dolphins as they often enjoy racing the boat on the way down to the snorkel location. Perhaps the most exciting of the tours offered however are the ones that actually get you in the water with dolphins. Dolphins are very curious and very playful and if they choose (at their discretion) to come over to you and play a bit (and this happens quite a bit of the time) you will have a day out with the dolphins that you won't soon forget.……(more info) | Price Range: (From: $74.90 - To: $123.90) |
Fair Wind The Fair Wind ll is the sixty-foot catamaran that is operated by Fair Wind Charters to take you on an outstanding snorkeling tour to the tremendous snorkeling area of Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook's Monument. Kealakekua Bay is both an underwater state park and a marine sanctuary and as such it is known as one of the most heavily touted snorkeling locations in Hawaii. The protecting cliffs surrounding the bay provide a remoteness and inaccessibility, not being able to be reached by land.....just by boat, and the clarity of the water generally provides one-hundred feet of visibility. It is so remote and protected that it is known that some marine life-forms are found here and nowhere else in the state. The Fair Winds has designed its boat to be both safe and comfortable. The upper observation deck is a great place for sunning and the bottom deck is protected from the sun. There is a fifteen foot waterslide on board and strong, wide and sturdy step platforms leading you into the water. This is a great boat for people of all ages but particularly for kids. …(more info) | Price Range: (From: $75.00 - To: $129.00) |
Hula Kai - Kona Sunrise Charters The Hula Kai is one of the newest and most technologically advanced snorkel boats to cruise the coastlines of the Big Island. The Hula Kai actually makes use of hydrofoil technology and this catamaran provides some of the fastest and smoothest rides in the industry. Because of its advanced speed it can easily visit a number of different snorkel locations which will be chosen do to the weather and current sea conditions of the day. Kealakekua Bay is an obvious choice being one of the best snorkeling locations in Hawaii but other choices might include: Pali Kaholo, Red Hill, Turtle Rock or Rob's Reef. The morning to mid afternoon snorkel tour is the most popular and includes a breakfast buffet, gourmet BBQ lunch, two separate snorkel destinations and tons of marine life. …(more info) | Price Range: (From: $99.00 - To: $195.00) |
Kamanu Charters Many boats participate in snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii and one of the most private of them is on the snorkel trip with the sailing boat Kamanu. The Kamanu only takes small groups of up to ten couples providing for a delightful day of snorkeling. From their departing point of Honokohau Marina they head north for a beautiful coastline cruise to the spectacular Pawai Bay. This is truly one of the most amazing snorkel locations in the state as you will have a chance to view its many underwater lava and coral formations, sharp ledges, caves and steep drop-offs. Fish are prevalent as well and you will see hundreds in addition to the likely arrival of a Spotted Manta Ray, Green Sea Turtle and Bottlenose or Spinner Dolphins. The famous Humpback whales also frequent these waters and can be seen during whale season which is between December and May. Pawai Bay is one of the most secluded bays along this coastline as it is not easily accessible from the land. Visibility in this underwater marine reserve is often over one-hundred feet of crystal clarity. This casual and laid-back tour aboard the Kamanu has been operational since 1974 making it one of the very first boats to offer snorkeling tours on the Big Island. …(more info) | Price Range: (From: $55.00 - To: $128.90) |
Kona Jet Ski Kona Jet Ski now offers a nightly Manta Ray Adventure where you can snorkel or just observe from their very special platform the antics of these beautiful creatures. Kona Hawaii is billed as one of the top destinations in the world to see Manta Rays. Kona Jet Ski also offer the excitement of jet skiing in the beautiful waters off Kona. Family or friends are welcome on the platform as a dock-a-long, for a small fee, and can enjoy being out on the ocean and watching you have fun.
…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $39.00 - To: $79.00) |
Kona Sea Sports Kona Sea Sports is a unique company in that it offers private charters for families to combine snorkeling, a dolphin swim or whale watching with sportfishing. Shogun is a Cabo 35' fishing boat that offers comfortable bridge and cockpit seating, a salon with A/C, a full galley, a marine head and 2 staterooms. …(more info) | Price Range: (From: $175.90 - To: $1,187.90) |
Manta Ray Dives-Neptune Charlies Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii operated by Neptune Charlies Ocean Safaris has made a living by taking divers out to visit the Manta Rays. This is not to say that this is the only dive or snorkel they have on their menu. They also offer an amazing Dolphin adventure and whale watching during the winter months. …(more info) | Price Range: (From: $85.00 - To: $117.90) |
Mauna Lani Sea Adventures Snorkeling holds a special place of respect on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island and it is relished to the max on the fifty-foot sailing catamaran "Winona" run by the Mauna Lani Adventures. The Winona is sleek and beautiful and its morning snorkel cruises, although certified by the Coast Guard for forty-nine passengers, will confirm with as few as six passengers so these snorkel cruises with Mauna Lani Sea Cruises are often very personalized.…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $93.90 - To: $93.90) |
Ocean Encounters Ocean Encounters features a 46 foot Delta boat ideal for families and groups to go out and swim with dolphins, snorkel with manta rays or go whale watching in the winter months. The Delta boats are famously stable, strong and seaworthy. …(more info) | Price Range: (From: $88.90 - To: $117.90) |
Sea Paradise If you enjoy snorkeling in beautiful and exotic locations you are certain to enjoy the snorkel tour offered by Sea Paradise off the Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Sea Paradise will take you on its fifty-foot sailing catamaran, Hokuhele, to the underwater marine reserve of Kealakekua Bay. Kealakekua Bay as well as being a great snorkel site has great historical significance in Hawaii as well as it was the location of the death of Captain Cook. The bay is filled with colorful coral formations and tropical fish and you'll hopefully be able to see some sea turtles as well. The marine life along this coast line is not limited to under water and you may also have the opportunity to see the numerous spinner dolphins found there and of course the Humpback whales during the winter.…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $67.90 - To: $117.90) |
Sea Quest Rafting One of the most marine intensive coast lines found on the Big Island is found along the South Kona Coast and one of the best ways to see it is by the swift, maneuverable and personalized rafts used by Sea Quest Rafting. Sea Quest Rafting has been in operation for over twenty years and has tons of experience in providing their clients with the most excitement that can be derived with one of these versatile vessels. They are also small enough and maneuverable enough to be able to get into some of the caves to be found on the shoreline. Sea Quest offers tours that go to two separate sites for snorkeling along the coastline and a second trip that offers an additional, bonus site, that will be added for your additional snorkel enjoyment. Don't forget that your tour will also always have the opportunity to see dolphins should they choose to appear and whales are a big favorite when they arrive during the winter months. …(more info) | Price Range: (From: $71.90 - To: $107.90) |
Sea Wolf Charters on Hawaii Sea Wolf Charters on the Big Island of Hawaii offers short snorkel tours to visit the underwater world and see the marine life. Sea Wolf Charters uses a thirty-three foot rigid hulled inflatable (similar to something you might have seen Jacques Cousteau in but with a hard bottom) to speedily travel to coastal areas for a snorkel in tropical waters. The reef life along the coastline of Kona is known to be spectacular for snorkeling with tons of fish and lots of beautiful coral but in addition you are likely to see sea turtles and also either Bottlenose dolphins or Spinner dolphins in route. Manta Rays are always an option on the Big Island as well and certainly whales are a big attraction when they arrive in the winter months.…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $79.00 - To: $160.00) |
Splashers Ocean Adventures Known for being "the most fun ever" the captain and crew of Splashers offers wonderful dolphin encounters, night manta ray snorkeling and whale watching in season. Did you know, that on the Kona Coast, Hawaii, spinner dolphins are seen almost daily. They do not like being pursued but they they are fascinatingly curious and love to show off. Also, there are only 3 spots to swim with Mantas on the entire planet earth and 2 of them are right here on the Big Island. …(more info) | Price Range: (From: $85.00 - To: $85.00) |
Sunlight On Water Generally when people think about snorkeling they think about snorkeling above a reef with plentiful reef fish but not so with the boat tour company with the unusual name called-- Sunlight On Water. On Sunlight On Water they snorkel with wild dolphins and huge manta rays. This unique company has been snorkeling with the wild dolphins longer than any company in Hawaii and their experience shows. They are able to swim with the dolphins in the open ocean fully ninety-eight percent of the time. They know where to find the dolphins and they know how to approach them when in the water. The same goes for the Manta Rays which they swim with in the daytime and at night. The forty-foot custom built vessel Sunlight On Water uses, "Uhane Nui O Nai'a" is especially designed for snorkeling and rides very smooth and stable. There are two special ladders for easy "in and out" access to the ocean, a canopy for shade if needed and a hydrophone system for listening to the whales during the winter months.…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $71.90 - To: $171.90) |
Wild Hawaii Ocean Adventures Wild Hawaii Ocean Adventures gives you the wild Hawaii truly off the beaten path. Bring your sense of adventure and let's journey together with Wild Hawaii.
…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $150.00 - To: $1,950.00) |
Big Island of Hawaii Snorkeling Tours and Cruises - The waters off the western coastline of the Big Island may be the most beautiful waters in Hawaii for snorkeling. That at least has been my experience. You have your choice of a number of different types of vessels ranging from large and stable double deck catamarans to sail boats and zodiacs. Each offers a different experience and a different type of ride but the one thing they all have in common is the incredible snorkel locations they take you to. On the Big Island, in addition to seeing the colorful underwater marine life, you also have the great likelihood of seeing dolphins and of course, whales in season.
