Best Big Island Snorkeling Tours

Kona Snorkel Tours | Kona Snorkeling & Manta Ray Snorkel

Are you an adventurous person? Book now before Kona’s ultimate snorkeling adventure sells out. Explore crystal-clear waters and encounter amazing marine life with Kona Snorkel Trips, Hawaii’s top-rated and most-reviewed snorkeling company, offering the best Big Island snorkeling tours. Our tours depart from Honokohau Marina, conveniently located between downtown Kona and the Kona airport, where we have our own dock for easy boarding—no struggling with crowded launch ramps or parking hassles. Your adventure begins under a shaded awning with a view of the beautiful harbor, where you might spot a turtle or eagle ray gliding by. Our experienced, knowledgeable, and Lifeguard Certified crew provides a thorough briefing to ensure your safety and enjoyment, making us a leader in the best Big Island snorkeling tours.

As we cruise from the harbor along Kona’s stunning volcanic coastline, you may witness spinner dolphins leaping or, during winter months (December to April), humpback whales tail-slapping or breaching. The Big Island’s young geology, with its steep volcanic slopes, brings deep waters close to shore, creating abundant reefs teeming with colorful fish, green sea turtles, octopuses, eels, and even the occasional white-tip reef shark or manta ray. Kona’s lack of sand ensures exceptional water clarity, and our tours highlight dramatic underwater features like arches, lava tubes, and caverns, setting the stage for some of the best Big Island snorkeling tours. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or a seasoned ocean enthusiast, our adventures are suitable for most families, kids, and skill levels, requiring only basic swimming ability.

Our Snorkel Tours

Kona Snorkel Trips offers a diverse range of experiences, consistently earning top ratings as one of the best Big Island snorkeling tours providers, with over 7,700 five-star Google reviews. Below is a detailed overview of all our available tours, designed to cater to various interests, group sizes, and adventure levels. Each tour is crafted to deliver unforgettable encounters with Hawaii’s vibrant marine life and pristine reefs, ensuring safety, education, and fun.

Deluxe Morning Snorkel

Our Deluxe Morning Snorkel tour is a half-day adventure exploring two of Kona’s most pristine snorkeling spots, including Pawai Bay, known for its vibrant coral reefs, massive schools of fish, and lava rock arches. This tour is perfect for those seeking the best Big Island snorkeling tours with maximum time in the water. Aboard our custom 40-foot power catamaran, capped at 16 passengers, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience with expert guides who share insights about the marine ecosystem. The tour includes all snorkel gear, flotation devices, reef-safe sunscreen, snacks, and drinks. You might encounter sea turtles, octopuses, or even dolphins, making this a highlight for marine life enthusiasts. The morning departure ensures optimal water conditions and visibility, often exceeding 100 feet. Book early, as this popular tour sells out quickly, especially during peak season.

Local Morning Snorkel

For those looking to avoid the crowds of Kealakekua Bay, our Local Morning Snorkel tour takes you to Pawai Bay, one of Kona’s hidden gems and a top spot for the best Big Island snorkeling tours. This shorter, budget-friendly option focuses on a single, high-quality snorkeling location, offering a more intimate experience. Expect to see colorful reef fish, eels, octopuses, and possibly an eagle ray or manta ray. The tour departs from Honokohau Marina and includes all necessary gear, snacks, and expert guidance from our Lifeguard Certified crew. Ideal for families or first-timers, this tour provides a relaxed yet thrilling dive into Kona’s crystal-clear waters, with small group sizes ensuring personalized attention.

Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Experience one of the world’s most unique adventures with our Manta Ray Night Snorkel, a must-do for thrill-seekers and marine life lovers, often cited as a pinnacle of the best Big Island snorkeling tours. Departing in the evening, you’ll explore Garden Eel Cove or the waters in front of the iconic Keauhou hotel, where manta rays—gentle giants weighing 900 to 1,500 pounds—feed on plankton attracted by our custom-built, high-powered lightboard. Guided by professional underwater naturalists, you’ll float calmly at the surface, watching these majestic creatures perform mesmerizing barrel rolls below. All gear, including wetsuits and flotation devices, is provided, and our crew ensures safety and comfort, even for those new to night snorkeling. With an 80-90% success rate for manta sightings (and a free retry voucher if none appear), this tour is a bucket-list experience. Basic swimming skills are required, and the tour is suitable for ages 7 and up.

Captain Cook Snorkel Tour

Snorkel the world-renowned marine sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay, home to the Captain Cook Monument, consistently ranked among the best Big Island snorkeling tours. This half-day tour aboard our fast RHIB takes you to this historic and ecologically rich site, where your lifeguard certified in-water guide will swim with you among vibrant coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and possibly sea turtles or spinner dolphins. The bay’s protected waters offer visibility up to 100 feet, showcasing dramatic underwater topography like arches and swim-throughs. Our expert guides share the cultural and historical significance of the area, including the story of Captain Cook’s arrival and demise in 1779. All snorkel gear, snacks, and drinks are included, and the tour is family-friendly, making it ideal for all skill levels. Due to its popularity, we recommend booking well in advance, especially during peak season (December to April).

Private Snorkel Tour

For a truly customized adventure, our Private Snorkel Tour lets you command your own boat and crew to explore Kona’s pristine reefs, remote beaches, or marine hotspots like Kealakekua Bay or Pawai Bay. Perfect for honeymoons, family reunions, corporate events, or special occasions like proposals or ash scatterings, this tour is tailored to your preferences. Want to snorkel world-class reefs, watch whales (in season), or simply relax on the boat? We’ll make it happen. Our private charters accommodate all ages (note: no infant life jackets are available) and include all gear and personalized service. This exclusive experience ensures you visit the best snorkeling spots at your pace, avoiding crowded tours. Contact us to design your dream ocean adventure—our reasonably priced private tours are a standout choice for a unique Big Island experience.

Combo Tours: Kealakekua Bay or Local Snorkel + Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Get the best value by combining two of our most popular experiences into one unforgettable day! Choose between our Kealakekua Bay Snorkel or Local Morning Snorkel, paired with the iconic Manta Ray Night Snorkel. This combo tour saves you money while maximizing your underwater adventures, offering a full day of exploring The best Big Island snorkeling tours. Start with a morning dive at Kealakekua Bay’s Captain Cook Monument or Pawai Bay’s vibrant reefs, then join the evening manta ray experience for a thrilling night under the stars. All gear, snacks, and expert guidance are included, with small group sizes ensuring a personalized adventure. This is the ultimate way to experience Kona’s diverse marine life, from colorful reef fish to majestic manta rays, in one seamless package. Book early, as these combo tours are highly sought after.

Why Choose Kona Snorkel Trips?

Kona Snorkel Trips stands out as Hawaii’s premier snorkeling company, with a commitment to safety, education, and environmental stewardship. Our vessel, the Orca, a well-maintained rib inflatable, offers shade, comfort, and an open bow for an immersive experience. We prioritize small group sizes (capped at 18 for most tours) to ensure personalized attention, unlike larger, crowded catamarans. Our crew, trained in manta behavior and marine biology, provides in-depth knowledge about Kona’s unique ecosystem, from its volcanic reefs to its abundant wildlife. We use reef-safe sunscreen and eco-friendly practices to protect the fragile coral ecosystems we explore. With thousands of glowing reviews, our tours are designed to create lifelong memories, whether you’re swimming with manta rays, exploring Kealakekua Bay, or customizing a private adventure.

Booking and Tips

Our tours sell out daily, often weeks in advance, especially during peak season (December to April). Book early to secure your spot via our website: https://konasnorkeltrips.com. For the best experience, visit in the morning for calmer waters and better visibility, and always use reef-safe sunscreen to protect our marine environment. Basic swimming skills are required for all tours, and our crew provides all necessary gear and instruction, making our adventures accessible to beginners and experts alike. For those seeking gift ideas, we offer gift cards for a memorable experience. If you’re planning a special occasion or need a customized itinerary, our private charters are the perfect solution.

Go home with a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life. Schedule your tour today and dive into the magic of Kona’s underwater world with Kona Snorkel Trips, your gateway to the best Big Island snorkeling tours