12 Best Big Island Snorkeling Tours for 2025

The Big Island of Hawaii boasts some of the world's most breathtaking underwater landscapes, from vibrant coral reefs in Kealakekua Bay to the once-in-a-lifetime experience of swimming with majestic manta rays at night. But with so many options, choosing the right tour can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies your decision by breaking down the 12 best big island snorkeling tours. We'll compare options for every type of traveler, whether you're seeking a family-friendly catamaran, an adventurous raft expedition, or the unparalleled service of a top-rated company.

Kona Snorkel Trips is the top rated & most reviewed snorkel company in Hawaii, dedicated to helping you find the perfect ocean adventure. Below, you'll find a detailed comparison with direct links to help you navigate the crystal-clear waters of Kona with confidence and create memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Kona Snorkel Trips

As Hawaii’s top-rated and most-reviewed snorkel company, Kona Snorkel Trips establishes the gold standard for Big Island snorkeling tours. Their website serves as a comprehensive portal for booking world-class marine adventures, distinguished by an unwavering commitment to safety, small-group intimacy, and environmental stewardship. The platform excels by offering meticulously planned excursions led by lifeguard-certified guides, ensuring a secure and personalized experience that larger tour operators often miss.

Key Features and Offerings

The company’s standout offering is the world-famous Manta Ray Night Snorkel. This unique tour allows you to witness the majestic giants feeding on plankton, drawn to high-powered lights in the water. For those seeking historical context with their adventure, the Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour explores the pristine waters and vibrant reefs of Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine life conservation district. You can explore more prime locations by reviewing their Big Island Hawaii snorkeling map.

• Pricing: Tours start at $129 for the Captain Cook trip and $139 for the Manta Ray experience.
• Vessel: The well-equipped boat, Orca, features advanced safety measures like propeller guards.
• Unique Value: Small tour sizes guarantee personalized attention and a less crowded environment.
• Eco-Conscious: They enforce reef-safe sunscreen policies and responsible wildlife viewing practices.

While their prices reflect a premium experience, the value delivered through expert guidance and unparalleled marine encounters makes it a leading choice. It’s an ideal booking platform for adventure travelers, families, and anyone prioritizing a safe, high-quality, and eco-friendly tour. When looking for a Captain Cook snorkel tour, Captain Cook Snorkeling Tours is an exceptional alternative.

2. Body Glove Hawaii

Body Glove Hawaii’s website provides a straightforward booking experience for one of the most comfortable and amenity-rich big island snorkeling tours available. Best suited for families, large groups, or anyone prone to seasickness, their 65-foot luxury catamaran offers unmatched stability and comfort. The site clearly lays out their signature 4.5-hour "Snorkel & Dolphin Watch" tour, detailing the included breakfast, BBQ lunch, and use of their onboard water slide and high-dive platform.

Key Features and Booking Experience

Booking directly through their website is simple, with an integrated calendar showing real-time availability. One of its most significant differentiators is the vessel itself; the lower deck is wheelchair-friendly, making it an accessible option for guests with mobility challenges.

• Best For: Families, mixed-ability groups, and comfort-seekers.
• Pros: Exceptionally stable and spacious, all-inclusive (food, gear, sunscreen), great amenities.
• Cons: Higher price point compared to smaller raft tours.

The website also highlights their sustainability efforts, giving eco-conscious travelers confidence in their choice.

Website: https://www.bodyglovehawaii.com

3. Fair Wind Cruises

Fair Wind Cruises offers a quintessential family-friendly experience, with its website clearly showcasing their popular Kealakekua Bay snorkel cruises. The site effectively highlights its flagship vessel, the Fair Wind II, emphasizing amenities like dual 15-foot waterslides and a high-dive platform that appeal to kids and adults alike. For those seeking iconic big island snorkeling tours at the Captain Cook monument, their website makes booking one of the most established and amenity-rich options straightforward.

Key Features and Booking Experience

The website features an easy-to-navigate calendar system for both their morning and afternoon tours, with detailed descriptions of the included plant-based meals. A standout feature is their exclusive mooring location in Kealakekua Bay, which the site notes provides guests with an exceptional 2.5 hours of water time. For an enhanced adventure, you can add SNUBA to your tour directly during the online booking process.

• Best For: Families, first-time snorkelers, and those wanting maximum water time in Kealakekua Bay.
• Pros: Excellent amenities and flotation options, generous snorkel time, strong positive guest reviews.
• Cons: Larger group size, not ideal for those seeking an intimate raft experience.

The site also mentions their complimentary reef-safe sunscreen, underscoring a commitment to marine conservation.

Website: https://www.fair-wind.com

4. Sea Quest Hawaii

Sea Quest Hawaii’s website is the gateway to some of the most adventurous big island snorkeling tours, specializing in small-group rigid inflatable boat (RIB) excursions. This is the perfect choice for thrill-seekers who want to explore Kona’s dramatic coastline, including sea caves and lava tubes, away from larger crowds. The site clearly presents their popular multi-stop daytime tours to Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau, as well as their thrilling Night Manta Ray Snorkel, detailing what makes their intimate raft experience unique.

Key Features and Booking Experience

The website offers a direct and efficient booking process, allowing you to easily view trip availability and secure a spot on their sought-after tours. What sets Sea Quest apart is its commitment to small group sizes (around 14 guests), which provides a more personal and uncrowded feel. In-water guides enhance the experience, ensuring you feel safe and see the best marine life.

• Best For: Adventurous snorkelers, small groups, and those wanting to explore coastal geology.
• Pros: Intimate, uncrowded experience, access to unique sites, knowledgeable narration from crew.
• Cons: The bumpy raft ride isn't suitable for guests with back or neck issues.

The platform also emphasizes their sustainable practices, which is a key consideration for eco-conscious travelers.

Website: https://www.seaquesthawaii.com

5. Sea Paradise

Sea Paradise’s website is the go-to resource for booking one of the most iconic big island snorkeling tours: the night manta ray snorkel. Based out of Keauhou Bay, they specialize in this unique experience, operating since 1985 at the famed "Manta Village." Their site clearly presents their manta-focused tours on a comfortable catamaran, making it ideal for those who prioritize a stable and amenity-rich vessel for this nighttime adventure. The booking process is streamlined, highlighting their manta sighting guarantee.

Key Features and Booking Experience

The website simplifies booking with a direct calendar view, showcasing real-time availability. A key differentiator is their later second departure time, a strategic choice to avoid peak crowds and offer a more intimate viewing experience. They also offer a manta sighting guarantee, providing a voucher for a future tour if no mantas appear.

• Best For: Manta ray enthusiasts, first-timers, and those wanting a comfortable boat.
• Pros: Good value, stable catamaran ideal for manta viewing, long-standing reputation.
• Cons: Focused primarily on manta snorkeling, with fewer daytime multi-stop options.

When looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii is an exceptional alternative.

Website: https://www.seaparadise.com

6. Kona Snorkel Trips

Kona Snorkel Trips' website focuses on safety-first, small-group excursions, making it a standout for those seeking personalized attention. The platform specializes in the world-famous Night Manta Ray Snorkel, clearly outlining swimming prerequisites to ensure all guests are prepared for the open-water experience. This emphasis on readiness and small tour sizes makes their big island snorkeling tours feel intimate and secure, particularly for those with some, but not extensive, snorkeling experience. Their straightforward online booking system shows dynamic pricing and availability.

Key Features and Booking Experience

The site excels at providing comprehensive trip details, from what’s included (wetsuits, gear) to what to expect. Booking is simple, with clear cancellation policies and options for private charters. Their manta ray tour is a highlight, and the website makes it easy to book this specific, lifeguard-guided adventure.

• Best For: Confident swimmers, marine life enthusiasts, and small groups.
• Pros: Strong safety orientation, personalized small-group atmosphere, comprehensive trip information.
• Cons: Not suitable for complete non-swimmers or first-time snorkelers on the manta trips.

When looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii is an exceptional alternative.

Website: https://konasnorkeltrips.com

7. Dolphin Discoveries (Kona)

Dolphin Discoveries’ website highlights their specialization in small-group tours through South Kona’s pristine waters, offering some of the most personalized big island snorkeling tours. The site effectively showcases their veteran-owned heritage and focus on naturalist-led excursions, making it easy to browse their Captain Cook, two-stop Kona, and popular Night Manta Ray Snorkel adventures. Their use of agile RIB boats allows them to access more secluded spots often missed by larger vessels, appealing to those seeking a more intimate marine encounter.

Key Features and Booking Experience

The website provides clear descriptions and a simple booking interface for its varied trip lengths. It stands out by offering excellent value, particularly for its two-site snorkel options that maximize underwater time. For those intrigued by the famous manta rays, you can learn more about why you should try the manta ray snorkel in Kona.

• Best For: Adventurous snorkelers, small groups, and marine life enthusiasts.
• Pros: Small-group setting, knowledgeable naturalist guides, excellent value for two-stop tours.
• Cons: Raft-style boats offer a bumpier ride and fewer amenities than catamarans.

The site also clearly states its kid-friendly minimum ages, helping families plan accordingly.

Website: https://www.dolphindiscoveries.com

8. Hawai‘i Ocean Sports (Kohala Coast)

Hawai‘i Ocean Sports’ website is the go-to resource for visitors staying on the sunny Kohala Coast, offering convenient departures from Anaeho‘omalu Bay and Kawaihae. Their platform clearly details shorter, family-friendly cruises, making them one of the most accessible big island snorkeling tours for those in the Waikoloa and Kohala resort areas. They specialize in 3-hour sails on stable catamarans, which are ideal for a relaxed morning or afternoon on the water without the long boat ride to South Kona.

Key Features and Booking Experience

The website features a straightforward booking calendar that simplifies selecting your preferred date and departure point. A key differentiator is their location; by launching directly from the Kohala Coast, they eliminate a long drive for resort guests. Their tours include a picnic lunch, an open bar after snorkeling, and all necessary gear.

• Best For: Resort guests on the Kohala Coast, families with limited time.
• Pros: Convenient northern departure points, all-inclusive pricing, stable catamarans.
• Cons: Snorkel sites are condition-dependent and may have lower visibility than Kealakekua Bay.

The site also provides valuable marine life briefings, enriching the experience for all guests.

Website: https://hawaiioceansports.com

9. Kohala Divers (Kawaihae)

Kohala Divers’ website serves as a practical portal for one of the most reputable PADI 5-Star operations on the island, specializing in the North Kona and Kohala Coast. The site is a go-to for families or groups that include both certified divers and snorkelers, offering mixed charters that cater to everyone. It clearly presents its two-site snorkel and dive trips, highlighting a small-group focus that ensures personalized attention from the crew. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a more intimate and less crowded experience.

Key Features and Booking Experience

The website simplifies booking for both tours and rental gear, including specialized options like prescription masks. A unique advantage is their location in Kawaihae, which provides convenient access for guests staying at the major Kohala Coast resorts, minimizing travel time. Private charters are also easily discoverable on the site, appealing to those who want a completely customized day on the water.

• Best For: Mixed groups of divers and snorkelers, resort guests on the Kohala Coast.
• Pros: Strong safety pedigree, personalized attention, high-quality rental gear available.
• Cons: Limited manta ray snorkeling offerings; focus is mainly on daytime reef sites.

Their robust retail and rental section makes them a one-stop shop for gearing up.

Website: https://www.kohaladivers.com

10. Hilo Ocean Adventures (Hilo side)

For visitors staying on the eastern side of the island, Hilo Ocean Adventures’ website is the go-to resource for a diverse range of big island snorkeling tours. The site showcases unique excursions that depart from Hilo, saving travelers a long drive to the Kona coast. Their offerings are particularly well-suited for beginners and families, featuring guided snorkeling at black-sand beaches and sea turtle lagoons, all detailed with clear descriptions and straightforward online booking.

Key Features and Booking Experience

Booking through the website is simple, clearly separating boat tours from shore-based experiences. A standout feature is their focus on the Hilo side’s distinct marine environments, offering a different perspective than typical Kona tours. The site also functions as a portal to their full-service dive shop, where you can book swim lessons or certifications.

• Best For: Travelers staying in Hilo, families, and new snorkelers.
• Pros: Convenient East Hawaii location, small group sizes, beginner-friendly options.
• Cons: Ocean conditions on the windward side can be less predictable.

This makes them an essential option for anyone looking for convenient and accessible water activities in East Hawaii.

Website: https://www.hilooceanadventures.com

11. Viator – Big Island Snorkeling (Marketplace)

Viator functions as a massive online marketplace, providing a one-stop-shop for comparing dozens of big island snorkeling tours from various operators. The platform is ideal for travelers who want to see a wide range of options, from Captain Cook excursions to the famous manta ray night snorkel, all in one place. Its powerful filtering tools allow users to sort by price, duration, and traveler ratings, making it easy to find a tour that fits specific budgets and schedules. The sheer volume of recent user reviews and photos offers invaluable, real-world insight into each experience.

Key Features and Booking Experience

Booking through Viator is straightforward, with mobile vouchers and instant confirmations for many listings. The "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option adds flexibility for planning your trip. While you can find great deals, it’s a marketplace, so the quality of the actual tour provider can vary significantly.

• Best For: Comparison shoppers and last-minute planners.
• Pros: Extensive selection, frequent deals, huge number of user reviews.
• Cons: Quality varies between operators, potential for extra platform fees.

It’s an excellent tool for initial research, but always cross-reference the operator's direct site.

Website: https://www.viator.com/Big-Island-of-Hawaii-tours/Snorkeling/d669-g17-c58

12. GetYourGuide – Kailua-Kona Snorkeling

GetYourGuide serves as a curated marketplace for various big island snorkeling tours, presenting a user-friendly interface to compare options. The platform excels at offering flexible booking policies, such as "reserve now, pay later" and free cancellation, which is ideal for travelers with evolving itineraries. Its strength lies in aggregating multiple tour operators, providing clear details on inclusions, meeting points, and verified customer reviews, making it easy to find and book activities like the famous manta ray night snorkel.

Key Features and Booking Experience

The app-friendly booking process with digital tickets streamlines the experience, eliminating the need for printed vouchers. GetYourGuide is particularly useful for last-minute planners, as it often shows real-time availability when direct operator sites might appear full. While some tours are resold, the platform’s reliable policies and instant confirmation provide a secure booking safety net.

• Best For: Last-minute bookings, comparing tour prices, and flexible travelers.
• Pros: Excellent cancellation policies, reserve-now-pay-later options, easy to compare similar Kona tours.
• Cons: Smaller inventory compared to Viator, some tours are resold from the same operators.

This makes it a valuable tool for quickly assessing and securing a spot on a popular tour.

Website: https://www.getyourguide.com/kailua-kona-l2966/snorkeling-tc57/

Big Island Snorkeling Tours Comparison

Choosing Your Perfect Big Island Snorkeling Tour

The Big Island’s underwater realm offers an unparalleled spectacle, from the vibrant coral gardens of Kealakekua Bay to the otherworldly nighttime ballet of manta rays. Navigating the diverse array of big island snorkeling tours can feel overwhelming, but the key is to align your choice with your personal travel style and comfort level. This guide has detailed everything from large, family-friendly catamarans to nimble rafts built for adventure, giving you the tools to make an informed decision.

Your ideal tour hinges on a few critical factors. First, consider your group's needs. Are you traveling with young children who require extra stability and amenities, or are you an experienced snorkeler seeking a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience? Second, evaluate your priorities. Is seeing manta rays a non-negotiable bucket list item, or are you more interested in historical context, like the kind offered on a Captain Cook tour? Answering these questions will narrow your options significantly. For further comparison and highly-rated options, you can also explore these 5 best Big Island snorkeling tours to see how different operators stack up.

Ultimately, selecting the right operator is just as important as choosing the destination. Look for companies with a proven safety record, lifeguard-certified guides, and a genuine commitment to marine conservation. A smaller group size, like that offered by dedicated specialists, often translates to more personalized attention and a higher-quality encounter with wildlife. By investing a little time in research, you ensure your Hawaiian snorkeling adventure is not just a fleeting activity, but a collection of cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to dive in and discover the magic that lies just beneath the surface.

Ready to experience the best of Hawaii's underwater world? For a truly memorable and personalized adventure, book your next outing with Kona Snorkel Trips. Their commitment to small groups and expert guidance makes them the premier choice for exploring the vibrant reefs and marine life of the Big Island.