Are you thinking about snorkeling on the Big Island? Keep scrolling to find out everything you need to know about the best Kona snorkel tours on the Big Island of Hawaii.
This list of the best Kona snorkel tours on the Big Island was written by Marcie Cheung (a Hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Looking for an exciting way to spend a day in Kona?
During your trip to the Big Island, you will definitely want to go snorkeling to see the Hawaiian fish, coral, and incredible marine life in the ocean. You will find some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island right in Kona!
With our list of the best Kona snorkel tours, you are sure to find the perfect tour for you and your family.
Need a reason to consider my guidance? My extensive 40+ visits to Hawaii make me a genuine expert in its attractions.
So what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the beautiful world beneath the waves!
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Best Kona Snorkel Tours
A Kona snorkel tour is a great way to spend a day in paradise and see some amazing marine life. Here are some of the best Kona snorkel tours!
1. Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona
One of the most exciting Big Island snorkeling tours happens during the night! Enjoy a beautiful Hawaiian sunset, followed by snorkeling to see some Manta Rays.
Snorkeling in Hawaii, in general, is a magical experience, but when you see these fascinating Manta Rays, it is even more special. Check rates here.
With this tour, you will head to the Manta Ray Village, where your guides will light up the area so you can watch these creatures eat the plankton. It is a two-hour tour that guarantees you see Manta Rays while you are out on the water.
Hot drinks and all snorkel gear are included in this nighttime snorkel trip departing from Honokohau Harbor in Kona. Children 3 and older can have fun during this incredible adventure! Check the latest rates and availability.
2. Fair Wind Kealakekua Bay Snorkel & Captain Cook Monument Cruise
This is one of the best Captain Cook snorkeling tours on the island! With this tour, not only do you get to spend close to five hours out on the ocean having fun but breakfast and lunch are included as well!
You will depart from Kealakekua Bay on a 63-foot eco-friendly catamaran that is comfortable and spacious. Check the latest rates.
What makes this tour incredible is that you get 2 ½ hours of snorkeling time! Take your time to enjoy the beautiful coral gardens and tropical fish, and when you are finished, have fun on the waterslide too! Check the latest rates and availability.
3. Sea Quest Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour & Rafting Sea Cave Expedition
If you don’t mind being on a smaller raft, you will find some of the best snorkeling on Hawaii’s Big Island with this snorkel tour and rafting sea cave expedition.
You have the option of going on a 3-hour, 4-hour, or 5-hour snorkeling tour. With a smaller raft, you get to go see sea caves and lava tubes up close where other boats cannot reach! Check rates here.
You will also be in a smaller group, making it a more intimate experience. During this tour, you will snorkel at two of the best snorkeling locations in Kona: Honaunau Bay and Kealakekua Bay. It is the perfect tour for beginner snorkelers! Check the latest rates and availability.
4. Kona Kayaking & Snorkeling Sea Cave Adventure
Another one of the fun Kona Hawaii snorkeling tours uses kayaks instead of a boat to head to the best snorkeling destinations. This is perfect for those who love outdoor adventures and are limited on time; you get to snorkel and kayak, all with the same tour!
You will get a unique view of the sea caves and sea cliffs during this tour. Look for dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and whales while you kayak out to Keauhou Bay. You’ll have time to spend at the cove where you can even cliff jump if you want to! Check rates here.
This kayak and snorkel tour is perfect for couples on their honeymoon in Kona! Check the latest rates and availability.
5. Kealakekua Bay Guided Kayak & Snorkeling Tour at the Captain Cook Monument
During this kayak tour, you will head to one of the popular Big Island snorkeling spots: Kealakekua Bay. You can go on a quick two-hour tour in the morning or a four-hour tour in the afternoon.
You will have a tour guide who will show you the best places to see some stunning coral reefs and tropical fish. Check rates here.
You don’t need any experience to go on this kayak tour. Grab a tandem kayak and head out on an adventure you won’t forget! This is another great tour for a couple’s trip to the Big Island. Check the latest rates and availability.
6. Kona Deluxe Snorkel Cruise & Dolphin Watching Tour
If you go snorkeling on Big Island and want a luxurious tour, this Kona deluxe snorkel cruise will not disappoint. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and plenty of snacks during this four-and-a-half-hour snorkeling tour.
Aboard this 65-foot catamaran boat, you will cruise out to a private Marine Sanctuary at Red Hill, where you will find calm waters filled with tropical fish and sea life to observe. While you ride out, you might spot some dolphins and sea turtles too! Check rates here.
With its paddle boards, diving platform, and built-in waterslide, this is the perfect Kona snorkel tour for families! You will have a blast having fun in the water all day long together, making many memories. Check the latest rates and availability.
7. Sea Quest Kealakekua Bay & Honaunau Bay Premium Snorkel Tour
This premium five-hour tour will take you to the best Big Island snorkeling you’ll find. After you enjoy snorkeling, you’ll have an incredible farm-to-table lunch.
The Sea Quest Snorkel Tour takes place on a smaller, covered raft, so you will have a more enjoyable time looking at the fish in calm water. Check rates here.
The crew will take you through some of the best snorkeling spots in the area, and you’ll be able to see some amazing marine life, all the while learning about the rich Hawaiian history.
Not only will you possibly see dolphins and whales, but you might also spot some playful sea turtles while you head out to Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay. Check the latest rates and availability.
8. Kona Snorkel Cruise
Another one of the fun Kona snorkel trips happens aboard the Ocean Encounter. This one happens in the afternoon and is a bring-your-own food and drink type of cruise.
You will get 3 hours out on the water looking at incredible coral reefs and exotic fish, and you might be able to swim with the turtles too! Check rates here.
This is a smaller tour with only 19 people aboard the 46-foot boat. The experienced crew will teach you about Hawaiian culture and take you to places where you might see dolphins along the way too! Check the latest rates and availability.
9. Kealakekua Bay Private Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Cruise
If you want an intimate Kona dolphin tour with snorkeling, this is the cruise for you. You will have a completely private snorkel cruise on a luxurious speed boat with up to six of your group.
It is perfect for couples on their honeymoon or for a nice family adventure. Check rates here.
On this private tour, you will head out to Kealakekua Bay to snorkel with all the tropical fish. Along the way, you will see the stunning Kona coast, along with the Captain Cook Monument. You might even spot some dolphins too!
You have the option of choosing either a 3-hour or 4-hour private tour. Check the latest rates and availability.
10. Kona Morning Makalawena Snorkeling Cruise to Puu Alii Bay
This is one of the snorkeling tours on the Big Island that takes you to Puu Alii Bay to snorkel on Makalawena Beach, the remote beach that is only accessible by boat or by taking a hike.
This allows you to avoid the crowds and see some incredible fish and other parts of Kona. Check rates here.
You will take off in the morning for a five-hour tour you will absolutely love. During this Kona snorkel tour, you will see some lava rocks, sea turtles, colorful coral, and other marine life.
It is a great tour for both beginners and experienced snorkelers! Check the latest rates and availability.
11. Kona Marine Life Snorkel Cruise
During this three-hour Hawaii Big Island snorkeling tour, you will swim through clear waters and see bright, colorful fish and an incredible coral reef.
This tour also provides you with a picnic lunch, snacks, and 2 free drinks as well. Check rates here.
You will set sail aboard a 53-foot catamaran. Along the way, you might spot some sea turtles, dolphins, and during the winter, even whales! Check the latest rates and availability.
Kona Snorkel Tours FAQs
Kona has some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii! Here you will find stunning coral reefs, volcanic bays, and plenty of marine life to explore.
Kona definitely has some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii’s Big Island when compared to Hilo. The western side of the island has incredible snorkeling tours to help show you the best places to snorkel.
Yes, you can snorkel at Captain Cook Monument! You have the option to snorkel from the shore, or you can rent a kayak to take you right to the monument before you go snorkeling. There are even some Kona snorkeling tours that take you there as well!
Kona Snorkeling Tours Wrap Up
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out or an exciting adventure, these Kona snorkel tours are perfect for your vacation to the Big Island!
While you can snorkel on your own, these tours help you see some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island! Be sure to check one out during your trip to Hawaii.
