Top Big Island Snorkeling Tours – Book Your Adventure Today!

Discover the Magic of the Big Island's Underwater World

Planning your perfect Big Island snorkeling tour can be overwhelming. This list highlights seven top-rated Big Island snorkeling tours for 2025, making your choice easy. Whether you're seeking thrilling manta ray night dives or exploring calm coral reefs, find the ideal tour for your skill level and interests, from Kona Snorkel Trips to Kona Diving Company. Discover unforgettable underwater adventures waiting for you.

1. Kona Snorkel Trips: Dive into the Big Island's Best

Kona Snorkel Trips consistently earns top marks as one of the highest-rated and most-reviewed big island snorkeling tours providers, and for good reason. Their commitment to safety, personalized service, and environmental responsibility, combined with a diverse range of tours, sets them apart. Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or dipping your toes in for the first time, Kona Snorkel Trips offers an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Why Choose Kona Snorkel Trips for Your Big Island Snorkeling Adventure?

Their extensive tour selection caters to a broad range of interests and experience levels. From the thrilling Manta Ray Night Snorkel, where you'll witness these gentle giants illuminated by high-powered lights, to the historic Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour in Kealakekua Bay, rich with history and vibrant marine life, there's something for everyone. Learn more about Kona Snorkel Trips to see their full range of offerings. They even offer seasonal whale watching tours for an extra dose of awe.

Exceptional Experiences for Every Type of Ocean Lover:

• Adventurous Travelers: Explore the hidden gems of the Big Island's coastline and encounter incredible marine life.
• Family Vacationers: Create lasting memories with family-friendly tours suitable for various ages and skill levels. Note, however, that some tours may require moderate physical activity and might not be suitable for very young children or those with limited mobility.
• Marine Life Enthusiasts: Get up close and personal with Hawaii's diverse underwater ecosystem, from vibrant coral reefs to majestic manta rays.
• First-Time Snorkelers: Benefit from expert guidance and a supportive environment, ensuring a comfortable and safe first snorkeling experience.
• Experience Gift Seekers: Kona Snorkel Trips offers gift cards, providing a unique and memorable present for ocean lovers.

Features and Benefits that Make a Splash:

• Manta Ray Magic: Experience the unique thrill of a night snorkel with manta rays, using custom snorkel boards equipped with high-powered lights for optimal viewing.
• Historic Explorations: Journey to Kealakekua Bay, a site of historical significance, and discover its thriving underwater world on the Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour.
• Diverse Destinations: Explore various snorkeling locations, including Pawai Bay, known for its calm waters and abundant marine life.
• Eco-Conscious Approach: Kona Snorkel Trips is dedicated to environmental sustainability, ensuring the preservation of Hawaii's precious marine ecosystem.

Pros:

• Highest rated and most reviewed snorkel company in Hawaii, boasting over 7,700 positive Google reviews.
• Exclusive manta ray night snorkeling experience.
• Wide variety of tours, including historical sites, diverse locations, and seasonal whale watching.
• Strong focus on safety, personalized service, and environmental responsibility.
• Competitive pricing starting at $129 for tours like the Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour and $139 for the Manta Ray Night Snorkel. Gift cards are also available.

Cons:

• Some tours, like whale watching and manta ray night snorkels, have limited seasonal availability.
• Moderate physical activity is required, which may not be suitable for all individuals.

Get Ready to Explore:

Ready to book your big island snorkeling tours adventure? Visit the Kona Snorkel Trips website: https://konasnorkeltrips.com

2. Sea Paradise Snorkel Tours

Sea Paradise Snorkel Tours earns its spot on this list of top Big Island snorkeling tours for its focus on providing a premium experience at one of Hawaii's most sought-after snorkeling destinations: Kealakekua Bay. If you're seeking an unforgettable encounter with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, particularly at the historic Captain Cook Monument, this tour might be the perfect fit. This makes it a fantastic option for adventurous travelers, family vacationers, marine life enthusiasts, and even first-time snorkelers looking for a truly special experience.

Their primary offering revolves around exploring Kealakekua Bay, a pristine marine sanctuary teeming with colorful fish and intricate coral formations. Often boasting visibility up to 100 feet, this location provides unparalleled underwater views. Learn more about Sea Paradise Snorkel Tours to see the range of offerings they may have.

One of the key advantages of choosing Sea Paradise is their use of a spacious 45-foot catamaran. This provides a stable and comfortable ride, minimizing seasickness and offering ample shade and amenities, including bathroom facilities and freshwater showers – a welcome comfort after a salty dip in the ocean. For families with children, beginners, or even experienced snorkelers who appreciate comfort, this setup offers a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

The professional crew, which includes PADI-certified guides, ensures a safe and informative snorkeling experience. All necessary snorkeling equipment is provided, along with instruction, making it suitable even for those new to snorkeling. This is a great advantage for first-time snorkelers and families with children who may not have their own gear. Furthermore, breakfast and lunch are included on most tours, offering high-quality meals on board, so you can focus on enjoying the breathtaking scenery and underwater world. This can be especially appealing to families who want a hassle-free day on the water.

While Sea Paradise offers an exceptional experience, it's important to consider the cost. Tours range from $129-159 per adult, making it a more expensive option compared to some other Big Island snorkeling tours. This premium pricing reflects the quality of the experience, the smaller group sizes (leading to a more personalized tour), and the access to Kealakekua Bay. Ocean lovers and watersports enthusiasts who value comfort and a more curated experience will find this to be a worthwhile investment. Even scuba divers with families can appreciate the ease and access this tour offers for a mixed group.

Another factor to consider is availability. Due to its popularity, Sea Paradise tours, especially during peak season, can sell out weeks in advance. Booking your tour well in advance is highly recommended. Finally, morning tours can sometimes be affected by afternoon winds and waves, a common occurrence along the Kona Coast. Despite these potential drawbacks, the exceptional snorkeling experience at Kealakekua Bay, the comfortable amenities, and the attentive crew make Sea Paradise Snorkel Tours a strong contender for anyone looking for top-tier big island snorkeling tours.

Find out more and book your tour at https://seaparadisehawaii.com/.

3. Fair Wind Cruises

For a classic Big Island snorkeling tour experience, Fair Wind Cruises is a reliable choice. Operating since 1971, this well-established company offers daily excursions to Kealakekua Bay, a renowned snorkeling spot, and other locations aboard their spacious vessels: the 60-foot catamaran Fair Wind II and the 55-foot power catamaran Hula Kai. Their focus on family-friendly fun and comprehensive amenities makes them a popular option for large groups and families with children. You'll find everything you need for a comfortable day on the water, including snorkeling gear.

Fair Wind Cruises distinguishes itself with multiple daily departure times, offering both morning and afternoon big island snorkeling tours. This flexibility allows you to tailor your snorkeling adventure to your schedule. Their large vessels accommodate a significant number of guests and come equipped with amenities designed for a comfortable and enjoyable experience, including water slides, diving platforms, freshwater showers, and restrooms. All necessary snorkeling equipment—mask, fins, snorkel, and flotation devices—is provided, along with boogie boards for added fun. A comprehensive food and beverage service is also included in the tour price.

For families, the water slides and easy water entry options make getting in and out of the water a breeze. The experienced crew, backed by decades of operation, ensures a safe and informative experience for all. If you're traveling with a large group or planning a special event, Fair Wind Cruises can accommodate your needs with ease. Learn more about Fair Wind Cruises

While the comprehensive amenities and family-friendly atmosphere are definite advantages, the larger group sizes can lead to a more crowded snorkeling experience in the water. The premium pricing, starting at $145+ per adult, should also be considered. If you're seeking a quieter, more intimate snorkeling adventure, a smaller tour operator might be a better fit. However, for a fun-filled, hassle-free day of snorkeling on the Big Island with a focus on comfort and convenience, Fair Wind Cruises is a solid option. Check their website for current pricing and departure times.
Fair Wind Cruises website

4. Kona Ocean Adventures

If you're seeking a more intimate and adventurous Big Island snorkeling tour, Kona Ocean Adventures should be on your radar. They prioritize personalized service and smaller groups, capped at 16 passengers, allowing for a more focused experience with knowledgeable guides. This makes them a great choice for families with younger children, first-time snorkelers looking for extra guidance, or anyone who values a more personalized experience. Their focus isn't just on what you see, but also how you experience it.

What sets Kona Ocean Adventures apart is their use of fast, rigid-hull inflatable rafts (RHIBs). These nimble vessels can access secluded snorkeling sites, including sea caves and lava tubes (when conditions allow), that larger tour boats simply can't reach. This opens up a world of exploration and offers a higher chance of encountering diverse marine life, including dolphins. They often incorporate multiple snorkeling locations into a single tour, maximizing your time in the water and variety of experiences. One tour might include a drift snorkel along a vibrant reef, followed by exploring a hidden cove and even a dolphin encounter. This makes them a particularly appealing option for experienced snorkelers looking to go beyond the usual tourist spots or marine life enthusiasts hoping to glimpse dolphins in their natural habitat.

Kona Ocean Adventures specializes in dolphin encounters, and while swimming with wild dolphins isn't guaranteed, their expertise and knowledge of local dolphin pods significantly increase your chances. This focus on wildlife also extends to other marine creatures. The smaller group size allows guides to point out interesting species and provide insights into the underwater ecosystem, enhancing the educational aspect of the tour.

The trade-off for this intimate and adventurous experience is a higher price point, ranging from $135-165 per person. The smaller boats also offer fewer amenities compared to larger vessels. Expect limited or no restroom facilities and less shade. The ride on a RHIB can also be rougher, so this tour isn't recommended for pregnant women or those with back problems.

Pros:

• More intimate, personalized experience with knowledgeable guides
• Access to less crowded snorkeling spots and unique locations like sea caves and lava tubes
• Higher chance of wildlife encounters, particularly dolphins
• More adventurous and varied experience than larger boat tours

Cons:

• Rougher ride on smaller boats not suitable for all
• Fewer amenities (limited or no restrooms, less shade)
• Higher price point ($135-165 per person)

For those seeking a premium Big Island snorkeling tour with a focus on personalized service, adventure, and wildlife encounters, Kona Ocean Adventures (https://konaoceanadventures.com/) delivers an exceptional experience that justifies the higher cost.

5. Body Glove Ocean Adventures

Body Glove Ocean Adventures offers a premium big island snorkeling tour experience aboard their spacious 65-foot catamaran. This tour stands out for its combination of thrilling onboard activities and educational cultural insights, making it an attractive option for families and ocean enthusiasts alike. Their signature tour focuses on Kealakekua Bay, a historically significant site, providing a deeper appreciation of the area beyond just its stunning underwater world.

This tour is ideal for families with children who might enjoy the added excitement of the 20-foot waterslide and high jump platform, making it a fun-filled day for all ages. While seasoned snorkelers will appreciate the clear waters and vibrant marine life of Kealakekua Bay, first-timers can feel comfortable knowing they're in the hands of a professional crew. The historical narration about Hawaiian culture and the Captain Cook monument adds an educational layer, appealing to those interested in learning more about the island’s rich history. Marine life enthusiasts will be thrilled with the opportunity to spot dolphins in the morning, and even scuba divers traveling with families who prefer to snorkel will find this a pleasant and engaging way to experience the bay.

Body Glove’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable tour practices is a significant plus for eco-conscious travelers. The comfortable amenities, including ample seating and viewing areas, further enhance the overall experience. A continental breakfast and BBQ lunch are included in the tour price, along with the availability of a full bar service for those seeking premium beverages.

Features:

• 65-foot catamaran with a 20-foot water slide and high jump platform.
• Comfortable seating and ample viewing areas.
• Historical narration about Hawaiian culture and the Captain Cook monument.
• Continental breakfast and BBQ lunch included.
• Full bar service available.
• Morning dolphin spotting opportunities.

Pros:

• Fun additions like water slides and a high jump make it great for families.
• Educational component with historical and cultural information.
• Comfortable vessel with excellent amenities.
• Good value with meals and premium drinks included.
• Focus on sustainable tour practices.

Cons:

• Larger boat means more people at the snorkeling site.
• Fixed schedule may limit time at Kealakekua Bay.
• Premium pricing starting at $149 for adults.

Pricing: Starting at $149 for adults.

Website: https://www.bodyglovehawaii.com/

Body Glove Ocean Adventures earns its place on this list by offering a well-rounded big island snorkeling tour that caters to a broad audience. The blend of adventure, education, and comfort makes it a strong contender for those seeking a premium experience. While the price point is higher than some other options, the included amenities and focus on quality make it a worthwhile investment for many. If you're looking for a fun, educational, and comfortable way to experience the beauty of Kealakekua Bay, Body Glove Ocean Adventures is a solid choice.

6. Kohala Sail & Sea

For a more intimate and ecologically focused big island snorkeling tour, consider Kohala Sail & Sea. They offer a unique experience compared to larger, more crowded tours, specializing in small group excursions along the stunning Kohala Coast in North Kona. Instead of the often-packed Kealakekua Bay, you'll explore the quieter, yet equally vibrant reefs of Puako, Kawaihae, and areas near the resorts, maximizing your chances of encountering diverse marine life. This makes them an excellent option for those seeking a more personalized experience with a focus on education and conservation.

Their 34-foot sailing catamaran accommodates a maximum of 12 guests, fostering a comfortable and interactive environment. The smaller group size allows for more personalized attention from the guides, who are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the local marine ecosystem. Throughout the tour, you'll learn about marine biology, reef conservation, and the importance of protecting these delicate environments. Light refreshments and snacks are included, keeping you energized throughout your adventure.

Features:

• Small groups (max 12 guests)
• Exploration of less crowded Kohala Coast reefs (Puako, Kawaihae, etc.)
• Sailing and snorkeling combination
• Marine biology and reef conservation education
• Light refreshments and snacks

Pros:

• Less crowded snorkeling locations: Enjoy a more tranquil experience and better visibility underwater.
• Personalized attention: Benefit from smaller group sizes and dedicated guides.
• Higher chance of sea turtle encounters: The Kohala Coast is known for its resident sea turtle population.
• Ecologically conscious: Support a company dedicated to marine conservation and education.

Cons:

• Snorkeling sites may have less dramatic coral formations: While beautiful, the Kohala Coast reefs might not have the sheer scale of Kealakekua Bay's formations.
• Variable weather: The Kohala Coast can experience more changeable weather conditions.
• Less extensive food offerings: Refreshments are provided, but larger operations may offer more substantial meals.
• Higher per-person cost: The intimate experience and smaller group size come at a premium, with prices ranging from $145-165.

Pricing: $145-$165 per person

Website: https://www.kohalasailandsea.com/

Kohala Sail & Sea earns its spot on this list of big island snorkeling tours by offering a distinct experience tailored to those who prioritize smaller groups, personalized learning, and exploring less-trafficked areas. While it may not be the cheapest option, the focus on conservation, education, and increased opportunities for wildlife encounters makes it a valuable choice for discerning travelers and marine life enthusiasts. If you're looking for a more intimate and educational big island snorkeling adventure, Kohala Sail & Sea deserves your consideration.

7. Kona Diving Company

For those seeking a more intimate and specialized big island snorkeling tour, Kona Diving Company stands out. While their primary focus is scuba diving, their snorkeling tours leverage their deep understanding of the island's underwater world. This means access to premium dive sites that are equally spectacular for snorkeling, offering a unique experience you won't find on many standard snorkel tours. They prioritize smaller groups, enabling personalized attention from their professional dive master guides and allowing them to navigate to secluded spots often inaccessible to larger vessels.

Kona Diving Company's expert guides provide invaluable insights into the marine life you encounter, enriching your snorkeling experience. Their specialty lies in their Manta Ray night snorkeling tours, a truly unforgettable experience. Imagine floating on the surface as these gentle giants gracefully glide beneath you, feeding on plankton attracted by underwater lights. This unique offering makes them a compelling choice for big island snorkeling tours. They also include high-quality snorkeling equipment, often a step up from the standard gear provided by more general tour operators.

Thinking about taking the plunge? Here's a breakdown of their pricing and offerings: Day snorkeling tours start at $129 per person, while the highly recommended Manta Ray night snorkel experience is priced at $139. This higher price point reflects the specialized nature of their tours, smaller group sizes, and access to unique locations.

While Kona Diving Company offers incredible experiences, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. The smaller boats, while allowing access to exclusive locations, may offer fewer amenities and less comfort compared to larger, dedicated snorkel tour boats. Also, as diving is their primary business, snorkeling tour availability can be limited, so booking in advance is essential. Lastly, some tours may have shorter in-water times compared to dedicated snorkeling excursions.

Pros:

• Expert guides with extensive marine knowledge enhance your understanding of the underwater world.
• Access to unique and pristine snorkeling locations not visited by larger tour boats.
• Unforgettable Manta Ray night snorkeling experiences.
• Provision of high-quality snorkeling equipment.
• Small group sizes ensure personalized attention.

Cons:

• Higher prices than general snorkel tours, starting at $129 for day snorkeling and $139 for the Manta Ray night snorkel.
• Fewer onboard amenities compared to dedicated snorkel tour boats.
• Limited availability due to their focus on diving.
• Potentially shorter in-water time for some tours.

For those seeking a more premium, specialized big island snorkeling adventure with expert guidance and the chance to swim with Manta Rays, Kona Diving Company (https://konadivingcompany.com/) is definitely worth considering. Just remember to book early to secure your spot!

Big Island Snorkeling Tours Comparison

Ready to Snorkel the Big Island?

Choosing the perfect Big Island snorkeling tour can feel overwhelming with so many fantastic options. This guide has highlighted some of the best, from family-friendly excursions with Fair Wind Cruises and Body Glove Ocean Adventures, to specialized tours like Kona Diving Company for certified divers and Kohala Sail & Sea for a unique sailing experience. We've also explored Kona Ocean Adventures and Sea Paradise Snorkel Tours, each offering unique perspectives on exploring Hawaii's underwater world. Remember to consider your budget, experience level, and desired marine life encounters when making your selection. Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, the right tour can greatly enhance your experience by providing expert guidance, quality equipment, and access to prime snorkeling locations.

From swimming with majestic manta rays with Kona Snorkel Trips to discovering vibrant coral gardens, the Big Island's underwater world awaits. Take the plunge and explore the magic that lies beneath the surface! Ready to embark on an unforgettable snorkeling adventure? Kona Snorkel Trips offers a variety of Big Island snorkeling tours to fit every need, from beginner-friendly excursions to thrilling night swims. Book your adventure today and discover the underwater paradise that awaits at Kona Snorkel Trips!