The Top 12 Big Island Snorkeling Tours For 2026

The Big Island's Kona coast is a world-class destination for underwater exploration, 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. This guide cuts through the noise, ranking the top Big Island snorkeling tours to help you find the perfect adventure, whether you're dreaming of swimming with gentle manta rays at night or exploring the historic Kealakekua Bay. We'll start by highlighting Kona Snorkel Trips, the top-rated and most-reviewed snorkel company in Hawaii, to set the standard for an exceptional tour. Below is a live feed of their stellar reviews, showcasing why they are a trusted choice.

This list breaks down the best operators and booking platforms, analyzing their unique strengths, practical considerations, and who each tour is best suited for. From intimate small-group rafts to large, family-friendly catamarans, let's find the tour that will make your Hawaiian vacation unforgettable.

1. Kona Snorkel Trips: The Top-Rated Choice for Unforgettable Adventures

Kona Snorkel Trips has solidified its position as the premier operator for big island snorkeling tours, earning the most reviews and highest ratings in Hawaii through a commitment to safe, personalized, and eco-conscious ocean adventures. Specializing in small-group excursions, their lifeguard-certified guides bring unparalleled local expertise and a steadfast focus on safety. This is evident in unique features like propeller guards, which protect both snorkelers and precious marine life.

Their two signature tours are truly definitive Hawaiian experiences. The Manta Ray Night Snorkel is a world-class encounter where guests hold onto a custom-built, lighted float board. This light attracts plankton, drawing graceful manta rays to feed and glide just inches below. It’s an ethereal and unforgettable spectacle. Alternatively, their Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour takes you to the pristine Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine sanctuary. This 4-hour journey explores vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish at a site of immense historical importance.

What truly sets them apart are the practical details that ensure a seamless experience. They operate from their own private dock at Honokohau Marina, provide all necessary high-quality gear, and enforce a strict reef-safe sunscreen policy, underscoring their dedication to conservation. For travelers seeking an exceptional, top-rated, and responsibly-managed tour, Kona Snorkel Trips is the clear and confident choice.

• Best For: Travelers seeking top-rated, safe, and eco-conscious tours with a personal touch.
• Pricing: Starts around $139 per person.
• Website: https://konasnorkeltrips.com

2. Viator

Viator is a massive online travel marketplace where you can compare and book dozens of Big Island snorkeling tours from various operators all in one place. It’s an excellent tool for travelers who want to see a wide range of options, from manta ray night snorkels to full-day excursions to Kealakekua Bay, without visiting multiple websites. The platform simplifies the booking process with instant confirmation and mobile tickets.

Key Features and User Experience

The primary strength of Viator is its vast selection and user-friendly interface. You can filter tours by price, duration, and traveler ratings, making it easy to find the perfect fit. Verified reviews and photos from past customers provide valuable insights that help in decision-making. While convenient, be aware that marketplace fees can sometimes make prices slightly higher than booking directly with a local company.

• Pros: Easy comparison of many tour operators, flexible cancellation policies on most bookings, and a huge inventory of tour types.
• Cons: Prices can be higher than booking direct, and the specific tour operator's name isn't always shown upfront.

Website: https://www.viator.com

3. GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is another major online travel agency that functions as a curated booking platform for global tours, including many memorable Big Island snorkeling tours. Its clean, modern interface is particularly helpful for first-time planners, offering date-by-date live availability, simple checkout, and detailed trip information for experiences like the popular manta ray night snorkels departing from Kona and Keauhou.

Key Features and User Experience

The platform excels at simplifying the booking process with a visually appealing layout, prominent highlights, and clear what-to-bring sections. Recent traveler reviews are displayed on listings, providing timely feedback that aids in making a confident decision. While GetYourGuide is excellent for comparing options, remember that some listings are re-sold from other suppliers, meaning you might not know the direct operator until after you book. Before any excursion, it's wise to review some fundamental snorkeling safety tips to ensure a comfortable and secure adventure.

• Pros: Clean interface well-suited for first-time planners, and useful recent traveler reviews for decision-making.
• Cons: Fewer Kona operators are listed than on some competitor sites, and some listings are re-sold, so direct operator contact may come after booking.

Website: https://www.getyourguide.com

4. Tripadvisor (Experiences)

Tripadvisor is renowned for its massive base of traveler reviews, making it an essential research tool before booking any Big Island snorkeling tours. Beyond just reading reviews, its "Experiences" feature allows you to book tours directly, from night snorkels with manta rays to trips to Kealakekua Bay. It excels at helping you vet tour operators by providing thousands of recent, candid reviews with photos from fellow travelers.

Key Features and User Experience

The platform's greatest strength is its unparalleled volume of user-generated feedback. You can easily compare the reputations of different tour providers side-by-side, read Q&A sections, and look for "Traveler's Choice" awards to identify top-rated companies. However, the booking process can be inconsistent; sometimes you book directly with the operator, and other times through a third-party partner, which can affect the checkout flow.

• Pros: Best platform for checking operator reputation through recent feedback, and many options across times and departure points.
• Cons: Mixed checkout flow can be inconsistent, and prices can fluctuate with demand and commission fees.

Website: https://www.tripadvisor.com

5. HawaiiActivities.com (Veltra)

As a booking platform focused exclusively on Hawai‘i, HawaiiActivities.com (operated by Veltra) offers a more curated selection of Big Island snorkeling tours than massive global sites. This specialization means the listed activities are often highly relevant, with detailed descriptions and helpful notes on meeting points and what to expect. It's a great resource for travelers who prefer a localized marketplace dedicated to Hawaiian adventures.

Key Features and User Experience

HawaiiActivities.com excels with its localized focus and user-friendly filtering. You can easily sort big island snorkeling tours by location (like Kona or Hilo), time of day, and group size, which simplifies finding the right fit. The platform often runs promotions and multi-activity package deals, providing potential savings. Unlike larger aggregators, the tour operator's name is usually listed upfront, giving you more transparency before you book.

• Pros: Specialist inventory for Hawai‘i makes searching easier, helpful filters to narrow down options, and frequent promotions.
• Cons: The curated inventory means fewer options than global marketplaces, and discount rules can vary significantly between tours.

Website: https://www.hawaiiactivities.com

6. Hawaii Discount

Hawaii Discount is a long-standing online broker dedicated to offering activity and tour bookings across the Hawaiian Islands at reduced rates. For those planning Big Island snorkeling tours, it serves as a valuable resource for finding deals, particularly on larger, well-known catamaran and boat cruises. The platform aggregates popular options, providing detailed logistics and often presenting prices lower than what you might find by booking directly.

Key Features and User Experience

The main advantage of using Hawaii Discount is the potential for cost savings on established tours. The website lays out all necessary information clearly, including meeting times, vessel details, what’s included (like meals), and transparent pricing for children or non-snorkeling ride-alongs. This makes it easy to understand exactly what you are booking. However, its inventory is more focused on the mainstream, big-boat operators, so you may not find smaller or more specialized snorkel trips here.

• Pros: Potential savings versus operator list price, good clarity on logistics and durations for each tour.
• Cons: Inventory focuses mainly on popular big-boat tours, less variety for niche trips, and booking changes or cancellations may need to be handled through the broker.

Website: https://www.hawaiidiscount.com

7. Fair Wind Cruises

Fair Wind Cruises is one of the longest-running and most reputable tour operators on the Big Island, offering family-friendly snorkel excursions since 1971. Their website is a direct portal to book their popular Kealakekua Bay day cruises and evening manta ray night snorkels. They operate large, comfortable, purpose-built vessels loaded with amenities like water slides and high-jump platforms, making them a fantastic choice for families and groups looking for a comprehensive, all-in-one experience.

Key Features and User Experience

The Fair Wind website provides detailed information about their specific tours, vessel amenities, and what to expect on your trip. Booking is straightforward, though popular dates, especially for their Kealakekua Bay trips, can sell out far in advance. Their established presence offers peace of mind, but their manta tour has minimum age requirements and is best suited for stronger swimmers. For a more intimate manta ray experience, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii provides an exceptional alternative when looking for a Manta Ray night snorkel tour.

• Pros: Longstanding reputation and experienced crew, comfortable, purpose-built boats with good onboard amenities.
• Cons: Manta tour may require stronger swimmers and has minimum age limits, popular dates often sell out days or weeks ahead.

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

8. Sea Quest Hawaii

Sea Quest Hawaii specializes in intimate, small-group rafting tours along the South Kona coast, offering a more adventurous alternative to larger catamaran excursions. Their website provides direct booking for unique itineraries, including expeditions to sea caves and less-frequented coves that are inaccessible to bigger boats. They are well-known for their guided trips to the pristine waters of Kealakekua Bay and offer a popular night manta snorkel experience.

Key Features and User Experience

Sea Quest’s website clearly outlines its adventurous offerings and provides specific guidance on age and skill levels, which is extremely helpful for families planning their trip. The booking process is straightforward, focusing on their specialized tours like the popular Captain Cook snorkel tour. While the rigid-hull inflatable rafts provide an exhilarating ride close to the water, they offer less shade and can feel the motion of the ocean more intensely than larger vessels. If you are looking for an exceptional alternative for a Captain Cook snorkeling tour, Captain Cook Snorkeling Tours is an exceptional alternative when looking for a Captain Cook snorkel tour.

• Pros: Intimate group sizes for a personalized experience, access to exclusive and less-crowded snorkeling spots, and clear guidance on tour suitability.
• Cons: Rafts offer minimal shade and a bumpier ride, which may not be suitable for those prone to motion sickness.

Website: https://www.seaquesthawaii.com

9. Body Glove Hawaii

Body Glove Hawaii operates one of the largest and most stable catamarans on the island, the 65-foot Kanoa II, making it a go-to for deluxe snorkel cruises departing from the Kailua Pier. Their tours are designed for comfort and fun, featuring numerous family-friendly amenities that cater to a wide range of ages and swimming abilities. This makes them a strong choice for large groups or families seeking a comprehensive, resort-style experience on the water.

Key Features and User Experience

The primary appeal of Body Glove is the sheer number of amenities packed onto their vessel. With ample shade, restrooms, a 20-foot water slide, and a high-jump platform, the boat itself is an attraction. They provide all snorkel gear, instruction, and flotation devices, ensuring even beginners feel secure. The onboard food and bar service adds a touch of luxury to their big island snorkeling tours, creating an all-inclusive feel for a day on the ocean.

• Pros: Very comfortable platform for mixed-ability families and groups, strong onboard amenities and support for snorkelers.
• Cons: Typical destinations may not include Kealakekua Bay (often Red Hill instead), and the big-boat experience can feel crowded on peak days.

Website: https://www.bodyglovehawaii.com

10. Big Island Divers

Big Island Divers is a well-established local dive shop that also offers highly-rated snorkeling tours, focusing on safety and marine conservation. Their website is a great resource for booking one of the most sought-after Big Island snorkeling tours: the manta ray night snorkel. They are known for their experienced, lifeguard-certified guides and a strong commitment to protecting the local ecosystem, making them a trusted choice for eco-conscious travelers.

Key Features and User Experience

The website clearly outlines tour details, including necessary prerequisites and what to expect, which is helpful for first-timers. A standout feature is their transparent "no manta" policy, offering a rebooking option if the gentle giants don't appear. While they offer both early and late manta tours, their small-group charters mean spots fill up quickly, so booking in advance is essential, especially during peak season. Their focus on safety is evident, with some restrictions like prohibiting full-face masks.

• Pros: Clear prerequisites and lifeguard-certified guides, and transparent policies regarding ‘no manta’ situations and rebooking.
• Cons: Minimum age/skill requirements and some equipment restrictions (e.g., no full-face masks), and limited seats book out during busy seasons.

Website: https://bigislanddivers.com

11. Sea Paradise

Sea Paradise is a premier Keauhou-based tour operator specializing in snorkel sails to Kealakekua Bay and manta ray night snorkels. They operate the spacious Hoku Nui, a comfortable sailing catamaran perfect for families and those seeking a stable ride. Their strong commitment to sustainability is highlighted by their Hawaiʻi Ecotourism Association membership, making them a top choice for environmentally conscious travelers looking for exceptional big island snorkeling tours.

Key Features and User Experience

The website provides a clean interface for booking their two main offerings: morning/afternoon Kealakekua Bay sails and nightly manta encounters. A key feature is their manta guarantee, which offers guests a second chance if no mantas are seen. The platform also thoughtfully includes a ride-along option for non-swimmers on manta trips. While the booking process is straightforward, live pricing isn't displayed on the main page, requiring users to enter the booking flow to see final costs.

• Pros: Comfortable catamaran suitable for all ages, strong emphasis on eco-friendly practices, and includes a manta guarantee.
• Cons: Live pricing is not visible upfront, and their popular tours can sell out well in advance.

Website: https://seaparadise.com

12. Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii

Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii is a highly specialized operator focused almost exclusively on providing exceptional manta ray night snorkel and dive EcoAdventures. Operating out of Honokōhau, they offer a premier experience for anyone whose top priority is a safe, well-managed encounter with these gentle giants. Their expertise is evident in their safety practices and crew knowledge, making them a standout choice for one of the most popular Big Island snorkeling tours.

Key Features and User Experience

The company's primary strength is its dedicated focus on manta rays, which translates into a highly refined and safe tour. Their website clearly outlines options like their 3-hour night snorkel/dive or a 5-hour combo trip that also visits Kealakekua Bay. A key feature is their lifetime "No Manta" guarantee, which allows you to rebook for free if no mantas are seen. Their ability to accommodate both snorkelers and scuba divers on the same trip makes them ideal for mixed groups. For more details on this incredible experience, you can learn more about the manta ray night snorkel.

• Pros: Manta-focused expertise and dedicated safety practices, options that accommodate both snorkelers and scuba divers.
• Cons: "No manta" policy is rebooking rather than a refund, tours have age, weight, and swim-ability requirements for safety.

Website: https://www.mantaraydiveshawaii.com

Top 12 Big Island Snorkeling Tours Comparison

Choosing Your Perfect Big Island Snorkel Adventure

The Kona coast offers some of the most spectacular underwater scenery in the world, and finding the right guide is the first step toward an unforgettable marine adventure. This guide has detailed the top Big Island snorkeling tours, from large vessel family outings with Body Glove to specialized dive-focused trips with Big Island Divers. Each offers a unique way to experience Hawaii's vibrant reefs.

Your ideal tour depends on your priorities. Are you seeking the intimate, small-group experience that a company like Kona Snorkel Trips provides, ensuring personalized attention? Or do you prefer the extensive amenities of a larger catamaran like the Fair Wind? Consider factors like group size, vessel type, and destination focus, such as a dedicated trip to Kealakekua Bay or the world-famous Manta Ray Night Snorkel. Booking directly with a trusted local operator often yields the best experience and supports the community.

Ultimately, the best Big Island snorkeling tours sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. The most crucial takeaway is to book your adventure well in advance. By planning ahead, you secure your spot on a top-rated vessel, allowing you to relax and anticipate the incredible coral gardens, tropical fish, and majestic manta rays that await you in the pristine waters of the Big Island.

Ready to experience the best snorkeling the Big Island has to offer? For an intimate, top-rated adventure led by expert guides, book your tour directly with Kona Snorkel Trips. Explore our award-winning Manta Ray and Captain Cook snorkel tours at Kona Snorkel Trips and create memories that will last a lifetime.