Top 12 Big Island Snorkeling Tours for 2025

The Big Island's Kona coast is a world-renowned paradise for snorkelers, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and encounters with majestic marine life. But with so many options, choosing the right experience can be overwhelming. Are you dreaming of floating alongside gentle Manta Rays at night, or exploring the historic and biodiverse waters of Kealakekua Bay? This guide breaks down the top Big Island snorkeling tours to help you find the perfect adventure. We'll compare the best operators, from intimate small-group rafts to comfortable family-friendly catamarans, ensuring you make an informed decision for an unforgettable day on the water.

As Hawaii's top-rated and most-reviewed snorkel company, Kona Snorkel Trips has set the standard for safe, memorable, and eco-conscious ocean excursions. See what fellow travelers are saying:

1. Kona Snorkel Trips (Our Top Pick)

Kona Snorkel Trips stands out as our top recommendation for big island snorkeling tours due to its unparalleled commitment to safety, guest experience, and marine conservation. As the Big Island's top-rated and most-reviewed operator, they offer meticulously planned small-group excursions that cater to both new snorkelers and seasoned ocean enthusiasts. Their approach combines local expertise with a personalized touch, ensuring every trip is memorable and impactful.

Key Offerings and Strengths

What truly sets this company apart is its focus on high-quality, signature experiences. Their famous Manta Ray Night Snorkel (from $139) uses custom-built, illuminated snorkel boards, allowing guests to float comfortably while watching majestic manta rays feed just inches below. It's a truly magical encounter. For those seeking this specific adventure, an exceptional alternative is the tour offered by Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii.

Their Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour (from $139) takes you to the pristine waters of Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine life conservation district renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant fish. For another excellent option to explore this historic bay, consider Captain Cook Snorkeling Tours.

Why It's Our Top Pick

Kona Snorkel Trips excels in operational details that enhance safety and convenience. All guides are lifeguard-certified, and their vessel, the Orca, is uniquely equipped with propeller guards to protect marine life. Tours depart from a private dock at Honokohau Marina, providing easy parking and a stress-free start to your adventure. This thoughtful planning is a key reason they are a leader among Big Island snorkeling tour providers.

Website: https://konasnorkeltrips.com

2. Fair Wind Cruises

Fair Wind Cruises is a long-standing, family-owned operator renowned for its comfortable and stable catamaran tours, making it an ideal choice for families and first-time snorkelers. Their website offers a straightforward booking experience for some of the most popular big island snorkeling tours, including multiple daily trips to the protected waters of Kealakekua Bay, home of the Captain Cook Monument. The site clearly lists tour inclusions, schedules, and transparent pricing.

What truly sets them apart is their large, well-equipped vessels that feature amenities like water slides, freshwater showers, and ample shaded seating, ensuring a high level of comfort throughout the journey. In addition to their classic Kealakekua Bay tour, they offer a premium multi-stop South Kona adventure on their faster Hula Kai vessel and an exciting manta ray night snorkel. While their popular tours can sell out well in advance, their consistent quality and 50+ year track record make them a reliable and trusted booking platform.

• Best For: Families with young children, beginners, and travelers prioritizing comfort and stability.
• Standout Feature: Large, amenity-rich catamarans with slides and shaded areas.
• Booking Tip: Reserve your spot several weeks ahead, especially during peak travel seasons.

Visit Fair Wind Cruises Website

3. Body Glove Cruises (Kona)

Body Glove Cruises is a premier Kona operator known for its large, comfortable 65-foot catamaran, the Kanoa II. Their website provides an easy-to-navigate platform for booking one of their popular 4.5-hour snorkel and dolphin-watching big island snorkeling tours. The site clearly details tour inclusions, like the onboard BBQ lunch, and showcases their commitment to sustainability, making them a top choice for environmentally conscious travelers.

What makes them stand out are the impressive big-boat amenities, including a 20-foot water slide, freshwater showers, and cushioned seating, which ensures a fun and comfortable experience for the whole family. For those seeking a more intimate adventure, they also offer trips on a smaller super-raft. While their catamaran cruises can feel busier than small-boat alternatives and come at a higher price point, the combination of comfort, amenities, and service offers excellent value for a memorable day on the water.

• Best For: Families, mixed-ability groups, and travelers who value comfort and onboard amenities.
• Standout Feature: The 65-foot catamaran with a 20-foot water slide and a full BBQ lunch served onboard.
• Booking Tip: Check their website for seasonal whale watching add-ons during the winter months.

Visit Body Glove Cruises (Kona) Website

4. Sea Quest Hawaii

Sea Quest Hawaii offers an adventure-focused alternative to larger vessel tours, specializing in small-group rigid-hull inflatable raft excursions. Their website provides easy booking for some of the more rugged and intimate big island snorkeling tours, including expeditions along the South Kona coast to explore sea caves and lava tubes inaccessible to bigger boats. The site clearly outlines its various tours, from a multi-stop Captain Cook adventure to its popular night swim with manta rays.

What sets Sea Quest apart is its emphasis on getting you closer to the action. The nimble rafts allow for exploration of unique geological formations and less-crowded snorkel spots. This approach delivers a more personal and thrilling experience compared to a large catamaran cruise. While the rafts offer less shade and no onboard restrooms, the trade-off is unparalleled access and a high-adventure feel, guided by a knowledgeable local crew with a long-standing reputation for quality and safety.

• Best For: Adventurous travelers, small groups, and snorkelers wanting to explore sea caves and remote coastlines.
• Standout Feature: Small-group rafts that can enter sea caves and navigate close to lava tubes.
• Booking Tip: Not recommended for those with back problems or who require more comfort and amenities like restrooms.

Visit Sea Quest Hawaii Website

5. Captain Zodiac

Captain Zodiac is the original rigid inflatable raft (Zodiac) tour operator on the Kona coast, offering a thrilling and intimate alternative to larger catamaran excursions. Their website provides an easy-to-navigate platform for booking one of their several fast-paced big island snorkeling tours to Kealakekua Bay. Users can quickly compare options like the extended 5-hour "Beat the Crowd" tour, a shorter 2.5-hour "Express" trip, and private charters, with clear descriptions and online availability.

What makes Captain Zodiac unique is their focus on adventure and access. The nimble Zodiac rafts can explore sea caves and lava tubes that are inaccessible to larger vessels, adding an exciting element to the journey. This small-group format means more time in the water and less time in transit. While the ride is more adventurous and less suitable for those with back issues, it’s an unbeatable choice for thrill-seekers who want to get up close with Kona's dramatic coastline and snorkel in the pristine waters of Kealakekua Bay.

• Best For: Adventurous travelers, small groups, and snorkelers wanting to maximize water time and see unique coastal features.
• Standout Feature: Fast Zodiac rafts that can enter sea caves and explore otherwise unreachable parts of the coastline.
• Booking Tip: Book the early morning "Beat the Crowd" tour to enjoy Kealakekua Bay before the larger tour boats arrive.

Visit Captain Zodiac Website

6. Sea Paradise (Keauhou Bay)

Sea Paradise offers a classic sailing catamaran experience departing from the convenient Keauhou Bay, just south of Kailua-Kona. Their website provides a clear overview of their main offerings: morning and afternoon snorkel cruises, often heading to the pristine waters of Kealakekua Bay, and their highly-rated manta ray night snorkel. The booking process is straightforward, with transparent pricing and schedules easily visible for their big island snorkeling tours.

What sets Sea Paradise apart is their focus on the quintessential sailing experience aboard their 50' catamaran, the Hoku Nui, which provides comfortable 360-degree views. Their consistent manta ray program is a major draw, providing one of the area's most reliable encounters with these gentle giants. While their catamaran can accommodate larger groups than smaller rafts, the spacious deck offers plenty of room to relax and enjoy the journey. This operator is an excellent choice for those seeking a more traditional and leisurely sail to premier snorkel sites. You can learn more about their snorkeling trips and compare them with other local options.

• Best For: Travelers staying in the Keauhou area, sailing enthusiasts, and those prioritizing a reliable manta ray night snorkel.
• Standout Feature: The classic 50' sailing catamaran experience and a consistent, well-regarded manta ray night program.
• Booking Tip: Wetsuit tops are recommended for the night manta snorkel, as the water can feel cool after sunset.

Visit Sea Paradise Website

7. Big Island Divers

Big Island Divers is a full-service dive and snorkel operator with a stellar reputation built on safety, professionalism, and marine conservation. Their website offers easy booking for some of the most sought-after big island snorkeling tours, most notably their world-famous manta ray night snorkel. The site provides clear details on tour logistics, crew certifications, and what to expect, ensuring you're well-prepared for your adventure.

What distinguishes Big Island Divers is their profound commitment to safety and responsible wildlife interaction. Their crews are USCG certified and lifeguard trained, providing an extra layer of security in the water. For their manta tours, they offer a transparent manta-sighting calendar and a "come-again" policy if no mantas appear. While they have a minimum age for group charters, this focus on safety and small-group management makes them a top choice for those prioritizing a secure and well-run experience. For those looking for an exceptional alternative, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii also offers incredible tours.

• Best For: Adventure travelers, marine wildlife enthusiasts, and snorkelers who prioritize safety and expert guides.
• Standout Feature: High safety standards with lifeguard-trained crews and a transparent manta-sighting guarantee.
• Booking Tip: Check their online manta calendar to get an idea of recent activity before booking your night snorkel.

Visit Big Island Divers Website

8. Hawaiʻi Ocean Sports (Kohala Coast)

Hawaiʻi Ocean Sports is the go-to operator for travelers staying on the scenic Kohala Coast, offering convenient departures from Anaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay) and Kawaihae. Their website provides a clear and easy-to-navigate portal for booking one of their relaxing catamaran big island snorkeling tours, eliminating the need for a long drive to Kona. The site transparently lists schedules, tour details, and family-friendly pricing for their various ocean activities.

What makes them stand out is their strategic location, serving the Waikoloa and Kohala resort areas with a range of accessible excursions. Beyond their popular three-hour snorkel sails, they offer glass-bottom boat tours, seasonal whale watching, and comprehensive beach gear rentals right at A-Bay. While their northern snorkel sites may not have the dramatic sea caves of the South Kona coast, the convenience and family-oriented service make them a top choice for resort guests.

• Best For: Guests staying at Waikoloa or Kohala Coast resorts seeking convenient snorkel tours without the drive to Kona.
• Standout Feature: Prime departure locations directly from resort areas and a wide range of beach activities available.
• Booking Tip: Note that boarding from A-Bay is often a "wet boarding" experience via a shuttle boat from the beach.

Visit Hawaiʻi Ocean Sports Website

9. Kona Snorkel Trips

Kona Snorkel Trips specializes in intimate, guide-led excursions, offering a refreshing alternative to larger, more crowded vessels. Their website provides a simple, direct booking process for some of the most sought-after big island snorkeling tours, including daily trips to Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) and the world-famous night snorkel with manta rays. The platform clearly displays live availability, tour details, and what’s included, making planning straightforward.

What truly sets this operator apart is its commitment to small group sizes. This ensures personalized attention from knowledgeable guides who share insights about marine life and local history. While their raft-style boats offer a more adventurous, close-to-the-water experience, they have less cushioned seating than large catamarans. For those seeking an intimate connection with the ocean, from whale watching to private charters, Kona Snorkel Trips delivers an authentic and memorable adventure with a personal touch.

• Best For: Solo travelers, couples, and small groups seeking a personalized, guide-led experience.
• Standout Feature: Small-group format that guarantees an intimate and attentive tour.
• Booking Tip: Review the age and weight limits for certain tours before booking to ensure it’s a good fit for your group.

Visit Kona Snorkel Trips Website

10. Viator (Tripadvisor’s booking platform)

As a massive online marketplace, Viator functions as a one-stop-shop for comparing a huge variety of big island snorkeling tours from different operators. The platform aggregates hundreds of options, from Kealakekua Bay trips to Kohala catamaran sails and private charters, allowing you to filter by price, date, and user ratings. Its powerful search and comparison tools are perfect for travelers who want to see all their choices laid out in one place.

What sets Viator apart is its sheer volume of inventory and the strength of its verified customer reviews, which help you gauge the quality of an operator before booking. Features like mobile tickets and frequent promotions, including a "Lowest Price Guarantee" on many listings, make it a convenient and often budget-friendly choice. However, because it's a third-party aggregator, making direct changes with the tour provider post-booking can sometimes be more complex, and specific operator details may only be revealed after your purchase is complete.

• Best For: Planners who want to compare prices, reviews, and availability across multiple tour companies at once.
• Standout Feature: Extensive filtering options and a vast collection of verified user reviews to guide your decision.
• Booking Tip: Read the cancellation policy carefully for each listing, as it can vary between the tour operator and Viator’s own policy.

Visit Viator Website

11. GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is a major global booking platform that provides a wide selection of big island snorkeling tours from various local operators all in one place. Its user-friendly interface allows for easy comparison of different excursions, particularly for popular activities like manta ray night snorkels and morning Kona coast cruises. The site excels with its powerful sorting and filtering tools, making it simple to find tours based on availability, duration, and user ratings.

What sets this platform apart are its exceptionally flexible booking options, with many listings offering free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" feature. This provides travelers with peace of mind when planning their trips. The sheer volume of recent, verified user reviews for each tour is invaluable for making an informed decision, and "Likely to sell out" indicators help you prioritize booking popular trips. While service fees can sometimes make prices slightly higher than booking direct, the convenience and flexibility are often worth the small premium.

• Best For: Travelers who want to compare multiple tour operators and value flexible booking and cancellation policies.
• Standout Feature: "Reserve now, pay later" and free 24-hour cancellation on many tours.
• Booking Tip: Read the most recent reviews for insights into current tour quality and conditions before booking.

Visit GetYourGuide Website

12. Expedia (Activities/Things to Do)

For travelers who prefer managing their entire trip in one place, Expedia’s “Things to Do” section serves as a familiar and convenient marketplace. The platform aggregates dozens of big island snorkeling tours from various local providers, allowing users to compare options, bundle activities with flights and hotels, and earn OneKey Cash rewards. Its extensive listings cover everything from Kealakekua Bay cruises to the popular manta ray night snorkel, making it a useful tool for itinerary planning and centralized booking management.

What makes Expedia a practical choice is its integration with existing travel plans and its often flexible cancellation policies. While the tour descriptions can sometimes be generic since they are syndicated from operators, the platform’s trusted brand name and the ability to manage all bookings in one app provide significant value. It’s an excellent option for those who prioritize convenience and loyalty rewards over direct communication with the tour company.

• Best For: Travelers already using Expedia for flights/hotels, rewards point collectors, and those wanting a wide selection in one place.
• Standout Feature: Integration with the Expedia ecosystem for earning OneKey Cash and bundling with other travel bookings.
• Booking Tip: After booking, check your confirmation for the local operator's direct contact info for any specific day-of questions.

Visit Expedia (Activities/Things to Do) Website

Top 12 Big Island Snorkeling Tours Comparison

Making Your Choice: Final Tips for Your Big Island Snorkel Adventure

Navigating the diverse options for Big Island snorkeling tours can feel overwhelming, but the perfect underwater adventure is within reach. This guide has equipped you with the tools to compare everything from intimate, small-boat excursions to larger catamaran cruises and booking platforms. Remember to align your choice with your personal travel style. Are you a new snorkeler needing personalized attention, a family seeking a safe and educational outing, or an adventurer eager to explore remote sea caves?

Your priorities will dictate the best fit. Consider the tour's location relative to your accommodation, the vessel size, and the specific marine life you hope to encounter. For those seeking an unparalleled encounter with either the majestic manta rays at night or the vibrant reef at Kealakekua Bay, a specialized operator like Kona Snorkel Trips is often the superior choice. Their focus on small groups and lifeguard-certified guides ensures a safer, more intimate, and memorable experience compared to larger, more generalized tours.

Ultimately, the key to an unforgettable trip lies in preparation. Book your tour well in advance, especially for popular excursions like the Manta Ray Night Snorkel. Always use reef-safe sunscreen to protect Hawaiʻi's delicate ecosystems, and most importantly, trust your guides. They are your best resource for a safe and awe-inspiring journey into the Big Island's aquatic wonderland.

Ready to experience the best of Big Island snorkeling with a top-rated, safety-focused team? For a truly personalized and unforgettable adventure to Kealakekua Bay or a magical swim with manta rays, book your tour with Kona Snorkel Trips. Explore their small-group excursions today at Kona Snorkel Trips and secure your spot in paradise.