The Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour is by far the most popular snorkel tour in Kona. It draws hundreds of divers and snorkelers every night to 3 different popular locations.

Kona Snorkel Trips gets prepared to head out on a Sunset Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour

Does Kona have good snorkeling?

The short answer is yes, Kona easily has some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. Mostly this has to do with the geology of the Big Island. Check out our post on the topic to learn why.

What is the best Snorkel Tour in Kona For Families?

The Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour is the most family friendly of all of the Kona snorkel tours. It’s good for ages 3+.

Is snorkeling better in Hilo of Kona?

Kona has much better snorkeling with warmer, clearer water, fewer sharks, and better reefs.

Is snorkeling better in Maui or Kona?

While Maui snorkeling can be nice. The Big Island’s Kona side has superior snorkeling to Maui. This is because the reefs are nicer, and the water is much clearer. Additionally the Big Island of Hawaii has an abundance of large marine animals like whales, dolphins, and manta rays just to name a few.

Is snorkeling better in Oahu or Big Island?

Kona easily has superior snorkeling to Oahu. Kona has clearer water, more interesting and healthier reefs, and an abundance of marine life including many large animals like manta rays in abundance.

Is it better to snorkel in the morning or afternoon in Hawaii?

It’s better to go snorkeling or just be out on the ocean earlier in the day when there is less wind and wind waves.

See the list below of what to avoid while snorkeling in Hawaii and you should be fine. Or book a tour with Hawaii’s top rated and most reviewed snorkel company and they will take care of everything so you don’t have to worry.

What to avoid while snorkeling in Hawaii?

1. Getting lost

Make sure you know where you got in and where you can get out.

2. Sunburn

See our guide to snorkeling UV protection to learn how to prevent getting sunburned. The sun in Kona is very intense due to it’s proximity to the equator.

3. Currents

Stay away from points.

4. Waves.

Watch your back when getting out and check the swell before heading out.

5. Poor fitting Gear

Get a mask and fins fitted at a Kona dive shop.

6. Touching Marine life

This can injure you and the creature. There are a number of animals like crown of thorns sea stars that can cause painful injuries.

7. Touching the reef

This can injure you and the reef. The reef has a layer of protective mucus that keeps it from getting disease. Touching it will remove this layer. Also coral reefs are made of hard sharp coral rock. This means you can easily cut yourself by touching it.

What is the best month to go to Kona?

June – October are the best months to go to Kona for snorkeling. January & February are the best for their cooler weather, snow on the mountains and excellent hiking conditions.

Do you Need Flippers to snorkel in Hawaii?

No but they will make it much easier to get around. Especially if you’re not a strong swimmer. They will also make it much easier to dive underwater and swim down to the bottom of the sea while equalizing.

Do you need a wetsuit to snorkel in Hawaii?

In general no. Some people get cold and a wetsuit will help you float better on the surface. It will also protect you from getting sunburned and stung by jellyfish or scratched by sharp reef rocks.

Did Hawaii ban full face snorkel mask?

No. They conducted a study and found certain causes of snorkel deaths. The study did not find full-face masks to be the culprit.

What to do if you see a shark while snorkeling in Hawaii?

Usually if you see a shark while snorkeling it will be a harmless reef shark. In this case you should consider yourself lucky. If you should happen to see a shark that is swimming at you and lingering nearby then get out of the water. This is , however, extremely rare since humans are not usually on the list of prey items for sharks.

Do you see sharks while snorkeling in Hawaii?

While it is possible to see sharks while snorkeling it’s not common. Most snorkeler who are lucky enough to see a shark find reef sharks which are harmless to humans.

Are there sharks in Kona?

Yes. There are sharks in the ocean and Kona has plenty of ocean. If you’re afraid of sharks then you probably would never get in the ocean. Most people who see sharks in Kona consider themselves very lucky because it’s relatively rare to spot one unless you’re really trying to find one.

What is the best time to snorkel in Hawaii?

Mid to late morning is the best time because early in the morning (around sunrise) is when sharks hunt and later in the day the wind can pick up causing wind waves to make laying on the surface uncomfortable.

Which beach is best for snorkeling in Hawaii?

On the Big Island there are many beaches that have good snorkeling and since the Island is so large it’s better to go to a beach nearby. Check out our Top 15 Snorkeling Spots on the Big Island to choose a beach nearest you.

Should I pack a towel to Hawaii?

Only if you are unsure if your accommodations will provide a towel. Most hotels and BnB’s will provide this as a standard item.

So that’s about it. Have a question we haven’t answered here? E-mail us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to respond. If you’re question was answered and you’ve decided you do want to snorkel in Hawaii’s best snorkeling destination you can check out our Guide to the Top 15 Spots for the Best Snorkeling on Big Island or book a Kona snorkel tour with us.

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What is the most popular snorkel tour in Kona?