Top 12 Big Island Snorkeling Tours for 2025

The Big Island of Hawaii offers a world-class underwater spectacle, from graceful manta rays dancing in the dark to vibrant coral gardens teeming with life. With so many options, choosing the right adventure can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies your search by detailing the top Big Island snorkeling tours, helping you find the perfect match for your skill level, budget, and sense of adventure. We'll explore everything from intimate raft excursions to family-friendly catamarans. As the top rated & most reviewed snorkel company in Hawaii, Kona Snorkel Trips is proud to share our insights to help you plan an unforgettable ocean journey. See what fellow travelers are saying!

1. Kona Snorkel Trips

As the Big Island’s highest-rated and most-reviewed operator, Kona Snorkel Trips has established itself as the gold standard for big island snorkeling tours. Their operation is built on a foundation of safety, intimate small-group settings, and profound respect for the marine environment. This professional approach ensures both first-time snorkelers and seasoned underwater explorers have an exceptional and secure experience.

Departing from a private dock at Honokohau Marina, they offer convenient parking and easy boarding, getting you to premier snorkeling sites faster.

Key Offerings and Strengths

Kona Snorkel Trips stands out with its meticulously crafted tours and industry-leading safety protocols. All guides are lifeguard-certified, and their vessel is the only one in Kona equipped with propeller guards to protect marine life.

• Manta Ray Night Snorkel: This signature 2-hour tour (from $139) is a must-do. Guests hold onto a custom-lit floatation board, watching as majestic manta rays glide and feed on plankton attracted to the light. It's an unforgettable, almost surreal encounter. For more details, see their Manta Ray Night Snorkel tour page.
• Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour: A 4-hour journey (from $139) into the pristine Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District. The area is a protected sanctuary known for its vibrant coral, abundant reef fish, and calm, clear waters. You can find more information on their Captain Cook snorkel tour page.
• Safety & Environment: Their commitment is clear, with a strict reef-safe sunscreen policy and top-tier rescue gear on board.

Their thousands of positive online reviews and active social media presence provide strong social proof of their consistent quality and customer satisfaction. You can discover more about their tour options on konasnorkeltrips.com.

• Pros: Lifeguard-certified guides, propeller guards for marine safety, small-group focus, and a strong environmental commitment.
• Cons: Premium pricing for private charters; popular tours can book up quickly. Manta sightings and weather conditions are not guaranteed.

https://konasnorkeltrips.com

2. Fair Wind Cruises (Hula Kai)

Fair Wind is a long-standing, family-owned operator that has been running Kona snorkeling tours since 1971. Their website serves as a direct booking platform for their well-regarded cruises, offering a blend of family-friendly excursions and more advanced multi-stop adventures. This operator excels at providing a highly organized, safe, and comfortable onboard experience.

The website's online booking system is straightforward, showing live availability and seasonal promotions. This makes it easy to plan and secure your spot on one of their popular big island snorkeling tours. Their primary offerings include morning and afternoon trips to Kealakekua Bay, which are ideal for families thanks to features like water slides and included meals. For a deeper dive into Kealakekua Bay's rich history and marine life, check out this detailed guide.

Key Offerings and Considerations

• Vessel Options: The main Fair Wind II catamaran is built for comfort and families. The Hula Kai is a smaller, faster vessel designed for more experienced snorkelers (ages 7+), reaching remote South Kona sites.
• Tour Variety: They offer classic Kealakekua Bay trips, an advanced 5-hour multi-stop snorkel on the Hula Kai, and a Manta Ray Night Snorkel.
• Booking Tip: Their reputation means tours, especially during peak season, sell out weeks in advance. It's crucial to book early.
• Limitations: While great for organized groups, those seeking a more intimate, small-group feel might prefer a different operator.

3. Sea Quest Hawaii

Sea Quest Hawaii specializes in intimate, adventure-focused tours on rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), offering a distinct alternative to larger catamarans. Operating since 1987, their website is the direct booking hub for thrilling explorations of South Kona's sea caves, lava tubes, and premier snorkel spots. This operator is ideal for travelers who crave a more personal, up-close encounter with the rugged Kona coastline.

The website clearly lays out their tour options, from expeditions to Kealakekua Bay to multi-stop coastal journeys. The small-group format ensures a personalized experience, allowing the captain to navigate into coves and near blowholes that larger vessels cannot access. This makes their big island snorkeling tours feel more like a private expedition than a standard group outing. For those specifically interested in Kealakekua Bay, Captain Cook Snorkeling Tours is an exceptional alternative for a Captain Cook snorkel tour.

Key Offerings and Considerations

• Vessel Options: Tours are conducted on fast and maneuverable RHIB rafts, which provide a thrilling, close-to-the-water ride.
• Tour Variety: Offerings include morning and afternoon Captain Cook/Kealakekua Bay trips, a more extensive "Deluxe" morning adventure, and a Manta Ray Night Snorkel.
• Booking Tip: Due to the small-group nature (typically 14-18 guests per boat), tours fill up quickly. Booking well in advance online is highly recommended.
• Limitations: The raft-style seating and bumpy ride may not be comfortable for guests with back problems or those prone to seasickness. Onboard amenities like restrooms are limited.

4. Body Glove Cruises (Kailua-Kona)

Body Glove Cruises is a well-known operator in Kailua-Kona, offering amenity-rich catamaran and raft tours directly through their website. They specialize in creating a comfortable, full-service experience that appeals to families and guests who prioritize onboard comforts like meals, shade, and restrooms. Their site provides a clear overview of their main big island snorkeling tours, making it easy to see which vessel and itinerary fit your group's needs.

The booking process on their website is user-friendly, allowing you to select from their popular Snorkel & Dolphin Watch cruise or more adventurous options. The primary tour on the 65-foot Kanoa II catamaran is particularly suited for multi-generational groups, featuring a waterslide, included breakfast, and a BBQ lunch. This makes it a one-stop-shop for a fun and effortless day on the water.

Key Offerings and Considerations

• Vessel Options: The large Kanoa II catamaran is designed for stability and comfort. For those seeking a smaller group and more speed, their 41-foot “Super-Raft” offers a thrilling two-stop snorkel adventure.
• Tour Variety: Their main offerings include the snorkel and dolphin watch, a historical dinner cruise, and seasonal whale watching tours.
• Booking Tip: The catamaran's amenities make it a top choice for families. Book in advance, especially during school holidays, to secure your preferred date.
• Limitations: The larger catamaran trips can feel busy compared to smaller raft tours. The base price may be higher than more basic operators due to the included amenities.

5. Captain Zodiac

Captain Zodiac offers a unique, high-adventure alternative to the larger catamaran tours, operating since 1974. Their website is the direct booking hub for their famous Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) excursions. These tours are designed for thrill-seekers who want to explore the Kona coast's rugged sea caves and lava tubes up close before snorkeling in the pristine waters of Kealakekua Bay.

The website cleanly presents its core offerings, focusing on the 4-hour "Kona Coast & Kealakekua Bay" tour and private charter options. Booking directly is simple, showing clear schedules and pricing for their intimate, small-group big island snorkeling tours. The experience is less about onboard amenities and more about an exhilarating ride and maximizing water time at one of Hawaii's premier snorkel spots.

Key Offerings and Considerations

• Vessel Options: Tours are conducted on 24-foot RHIBs (Zodiacs), known for their speed and maneuverability, allowing access to coastal features larger boats cannot reach.
• Tour Variety: Their main offering is a 4-hour morning snorkel adventure to Kealakekua Bay, which includes narrated history and geology along the coast. They also provide private charters for customized experiences.
• Booking Tip: Due to the small group size (typically around 16 passengers), these tours fill up quickly. Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
• Limitations: The bumpy, fast-paced ride is not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back or neck problems. Amenities are minimal compared to larger vessels.

6. Kona Snorkel Trips

Kona Snorkel Trips is a direct booking website for a highly-rated, small-group tour operator specializing in intimate marine encounters. Their platform emphasizes safety and education, with lifeguard-certified guides and a strong focus on reef-safe practices. This approach makes them an excellent choice for first-time snorkelers or anyone seeking a more personalized and informative experience on the water.

The website offers a seamless booking process for their core tours, including Kealakekua Bay and the famous night snorkel with manta rays. The clear pre-trip guidance and detailed tour descriptions are particularly helpful for new snorkelers. For those specifically interested in the manta experience, their Manta Ray Night Snorkel page provides extensive details to prepare you for this unforgettable adventure.

Key Offerings and Considerations

• Tour Focus: They specialize in small-group daytime trips to Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) and premier Manta Ray Night Snorkels. Whale watching and private charters are also available.
• Vessel Type: Tours are conducted on rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), which offer a fast and exciting ride but have minimal shade and basic seating compared to larger catamarans.
• Booking Tip: Their small group size means popular sunset and manta ray tour times sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking well in advance is highly recommended.
• Limitations: This operator is not ideal for those seeking the amenities of a large vessel, such as onboard restrooms, extensive sun cover, or water slides.

7. Big Island Divers

Primarily a highly respected dive shop, Big Island Divers also runs exceptional snorkeling charters known for their strong emphasis on safety and marine education. Their website is a direct portal for booking these tours, appealing to those who value a professional, safety-conscious experience. They are a top choice for one of the most iconic big island snorkeling tours: the Manta Ray Night Snorkel.

The website cleanly lays out their snorkel offerings, including morning reef explorations and the famous manta ray night snorkel. Booking is straightforward, and the site also details their on-site retail and rental shop, which is perfect for any last-minute gear needs. Their "see mantas or come again" standby policy provides peace of mind when booking this incredible wildlife encounter. For another exceptional option when looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour, consider Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii.

Key Offerings and Considerations

• Signature Tours: Their specialty is the Manta Ray Night Snorkel, but they also offer excellent daytime reef snorkels and seasonal whale watching trips.
• Safety Focus: With roots as a premier dive center, their crews are exceptionally well-trained, providing structured guidance and maintaining high operational standards on all tours.
• Booking Tip: Their manta ray tour is extremely popular. Book directly on their site well in advance, especially during tourist seasons, to secure a spot.
• Limitations: This operator is not the cheapest option, and the night snorkel can be chilly and more intimidating for very nervous swimmers.

8. Dolphin Discoveries (Kona)

Dolphin Discoveries specializes in small-group, fast-paced tours on rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), designed to maximize sightseeing and beat larger crowds to top locations. Their website is the direct booking portal for these efficient adventures, which are perfect for snorkelers who want to visit multiple premier sites, like Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau, in a single morning outing. Their focus is on wildlife encounters and in-water experiences.

The website clearly outlines their tour itineraries, allowing users to easily book their unique big island snorkeling tours. The main draw is their two-stop morning snorkel, a time-saver that combines two of the best snorkeling spots on the Kona coast. Dolphin Discoveries also offers a Manta Ray Night Snorkel and private charters, with some of their tours also listed on third-party sites like Viator for booking flexibility.

Key Offerings and Considerations

• Vessel Options: Tours are conducted on swift and maneuverable RHIB rafts, which provide a more adventurous, close-to-the-water experience.
• Tour Variety: Their signature offering is a morning snorkel combining Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay (Place of Refuge). They also run a popular Night Manta Ray Snorkel near Keauhou.
• Booking Tip: These small-group tours have limited capacity and can fill up quickly. Booking directly through their site is recommended to secure your spot.
• Limitations: The RHIB-style boats are not for everyone. They offer a bumpier ride and typically lack onboard restrooms, which can be a consideration for some passengers.

9. Hawai‘i Ocean Sports (Waikoloa / Kohala Coast)

Hawai‘i Ocean Sports is the go-to operator for visitors staying on the island's sunny Kohala Coast. Departing from Anaeho‘omalu Bay (A-Bay) in Waikoloa, their website provides direct booking for a range of relaxing catamaran sails, which eliminates the long drive to Kona for those in northern resorts. This convenience is their primary advantage, offering a beautiful day on the water without the added transit time.

The website clearly lays out their sail and snorkel cruises, glass-bottom boat tours, and seasonal whale watching trips. Booking is straightforward, showing different departure times and what’s included, like lunch and an open bar. While their big island snorkeling tours explore pleasant local reefs, they are geared more toward a leisurely sail experience than an intense wildlife encounter like those found in South Kona.

Key Offerings and Considerations

• Convenience: The primary draw is their location, offering easy access for guests at Waikoloa, Mauna Lani, and other Kohala Coast resorts.
• Tour Variety: They provide a mix of snorkel sails, sunset cruises, glass-bottom boat tours, and whale watching in season, catering to families and couples.
• Booking Tip: Check their schedule online at hawaiioceansports.com as departure times can vary, and book ahead for popular sunset sails.
• Limitations: The snorkeling sites may not have the same marine life density or dramatic underwater topography as renowned spots like Kealakekua Bay. They also run fewer daily trips than larger Kona-based fleets.

10. Manta Adventures (Kona)

Manta Adventures provides a focused and streamlined website for booking one of Kona's most popular activities: the manta ray night snorkel. Their platform is built for efficiency, presenting clear schedules and transparent, value-oriented pricing. This operator is an excellent choice for travelers whose primary goal is to experience the world-famous Manta Ray Village without committing to a more expensive, multi-feature tour package.

The website's booking process is simple, allowing users to quickly see tour times and what's included. They offer a dedicated big island snorkeling tour focused on the manta ray night experience, complete with a sunset cruise. For a comprehensive look at what to expect on this unique excursion, you can learn more about the manta ray night snorkel. For those seeking a similar high-quality experience, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii is an exceptional alternative for this tour.

Key Offerings and Considerations

• Primary Focus: Their specialty is the Manta Ray Night Snorkel, making them a go-to for this specific adventure. They also offer a few select daytime snorkel trips.
• Family-Friendly: The atmosphere is geared toward families, and they provide an option for non-swimmers to join as "observers" on the boat.
• Booking Tip: The straightforward, value-based pricing makes this a popular option. Book in advance, especially if your travel dates are not flexible.
• Limitations: The portfolio of tours is limited compared to larger operators. As with all manta tours at this popular site, the experience can be influenced by weather and the number of other tour boats present.

11. Viator (Marketplace aggregator)

Viator is a massive online marketplace that aggregates a wide variety of tours from numerous local operators, including well-known names like Body Glove and Captain Zodiac. It functions as a one-stop-shop for browsing, comparing, and booking many different big island snorkeling tours across Kona, Kohala, and Hilo. The platform is especially useful for seeing a broad overview of what’s available on specific dates and filtering options side-by-side.

The primary advantage of using Viator is its powerful search and filter functionality. You can easily sort tours by price, duration, traveler rating, and specific features, such as "free cancellation." The platform also handles all booking logistics, providing mobile tickets, a centralized customer support system, and user reviews to help guide your decision. This convenience simplifies the planning process for travelers trying to coordinate multiple activities.

Key Offerings and Considerations

• Tour Variety: Lists a vast inventory, including Kealakekua Bay trips, manta ray night snorkels, and coastal explorations from dozens of different companies.
• Comparison Tool: Excellent for quickly comparing prices, departure times, and inclusions without visiting multiple websites.
• Booking Tip: Pay close attention to the tour descriptions, as some operators list the same tour under slightly different titles. Read recent reviews to verify the experience.
• Limitations: Prices on Viator can sometimes be higher than booking directly with the tour operator due to platform fees. It acts as a middleman, which may complicate direct communication with the boat captain or crew for specific questions.

12. Hawai‘iActivities by VELTRA (Hawaiiactivities.com)

As a Hawai‘i-focused online travel agency (OTA), Hawai‘iActivities by VELTRA provides a curated selection of tours from various operators across the islands. Their platform is particularly useful for comparing different types of big island snorkeling tours beyond the main Kona coast, offering options that include Hilo and the Kohala coast. The site excels at presenting clear, detailed logistics for each trip.

The user experience is straightforward, with transparent "what to bring" sections and explicit mention of restrictions. This helps travelers easily understand if a tour is a good fit. Frequent coupon promotions and bundle discounts make it a good place to check for deals, especially if you’re booking multiple activities. The detailed meeting and check-in notes provided for each tour are a significant advantage for planning.

Key Offerings and Considerations

• Tour Variety: Find unique options like Hilo beach-entry snorkels, two-stop Kona raft adventures, and Kohala catamaran sails with included lunch and an open bar.
• Detailed Listings: Each tour page clearly outlines the itinerary, inclusions, and important logistics, reducing pre-trip uncertainty.
• Booking Tip: Look for promotional banners and coupon codes on the site before booking to secure a potential discount.
• Limitations: Inventory can sometimes be smaller than on larger, global OTAs, and the interface may occasionally display duplicate information blocks within a listing, so read carefully.

Big Island Snorkeling Tours — 12-Provider Comparison

Choosing Your Perfect Big Island Snorkel Adventure

The Big Island's coastline offers a spectacular variety of underwater ecosystems, each accessible through a tour designed for a specific type of adventurer. From the ethereal nighttime ballet of manta rays to the vibrant, historically significant coral gardens of Kealakekua Bay, your ideal experience is waiting. The key to unlocking an unforgettable memory lies in matching your personal preferences with the right operator and vessel.

By evaluating the tools and resources we’ve detailed, you can now make an informed decision. Consider your group's size, your swimming proficiency, and what marine life you most want to encounter. Are you seeking the intimacy of a small-group raft trip with a company like Sea Quest Hawaii, or the amenities and stability of a larger vessel from Fair Wind Cruises? Each of the big island snorkeling tours we've covered offers a unique pathway to exploring Hawaii's marine wonders. Your next step is to align your priorities, from eco-consciousness to boat amenities, with the tour that best fits your vision.

Ultimately, choosing the right tour is about more than just a destination; it’s about the quality of the experience. Look for companies with excellent safety records, knowledgeable guides, and a genuine commitment to marine conservation. This ensures your adventure is not only breathtaking but also respectful of the delicate environment you've come to admire.

Ready to experience the best snorkeling the Big Island has to offer? Kona Snorkel Trips specializes in small-group, eco-friendly tours that bring you face-to-face with incredible marine life in a safe and intimate setting. Book your unforgettable adventure with us today!