10 Best Big Island Snorkeling Tours: good prices + our favorites

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We book a Big Island snorkeling tour on every visit as they are reasonably priced (compared to Maui!) and offer excellent snorkeling locations that you can’t do from shore. Here are our favorite tours we have done, plus ones our readers have highly reviewed.

Known for having excellent visibility and plentiful marine life, the Big Island is one of the best places in Hawaii to get out your snorkel gear. Experience underwater lava tubes, Hawaiian stories, lava formations, swim with sea turtles, and historic monuments on these Big Island snorkeling tours.

Add in vibrant reefs plus the chance to see dolphins and whales (in winter), and the Big Island soars straight to the top of our list for snorkeling in Hawaii.

Hawaii’s Big Island is actually our #2 in terms of the best islands for snorkeling, although just because it isn’t our favorite doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have some seriously incredible places to dive below the waves in search of sea turtles and colorful fish. 

These are the ten best Big Island snorkeling tours and everything you need to know about jumping on a snorkeling excursion here.

Take a deep dive and get all you need to know with our Big Island Travel Guide
Figure out the best part of the Big Island to stay on and explore where to stay
Explore the best beaches on the island and even more activities to keep you busy

The Best Big Island Snorkeling Tours

Kealakekua Bay is a marine life sanctuary and one of the Big Island’s most popular places to snorkel. We have snorkeled in Kealakekua Bay over four times, and we’ll keep going back!

We highly recommend taking a Captain Cook snorkeling tour if you want to experience this area, as getting there on foot is challenging with a steep hike. 

1. Kayaking Snorkeling Tours

These two kayak snorkeling tours take place at the Captain Cook Monument and combine the fun of kayaking with snorkeling. You’ll paddle out in stable, double kayaks from Kealakekua Bay to reach the coral gardens that surround the monument. Along the way, your guide will share the area’s history. 

You may also spot spinner dolphins while kayaking out to the monument, and even humpback whales in the winter months!

A state-permitted kayak tour company is the only way to go onto land when visiting Kealakekua Bay by boat. The kayak tours reviewed below all go ashore at the monument.

We share two kayak tours at different price points, lengths, and start times.

You can also DIY this tour by renting your own kayak in Kealakekua Bay. We share details on renting kayaks in the full review below. Renting kayaks is your lowest-cost option for visiting Kealakekua Bay without the hike down!

2. Small Group Snorkeling Tour

Not into the idea of snorkeling with a big group? Then check out this Small Kealakekua Bay Tour with Hawaii Oceanic.

Head out with a group of no more than 12, exploring the beautiful Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument, one of the best places to snorkel on the Big Island.

You’ll take a small powerboat out to the snorkeling spot from Keauhou Harbor, located just north of the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort.

Spend your three hours of uninterrupted snorkel time looking for Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua’a, or the lauwiliwilinukunuku’oi’oi’ele’ele. Both of these are found off the Kona Coast! 

Your vessel for the tour is Hawaii Oceanic’s 27-foot Force Marine powerboat, built in Hawaii and made specifically for its unique ocean conditions. The boat is comfortable with plenty of shade to escape the Hawaiian sun. This tour allows children 5 and older. Snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear are all provided.

We have gone out with Hawaii Oceanic twice on their manta ray night snorkeling tour. The small group and low price make this one of our three favorite manta ray tours. Learn more here: Hawaii Oceanic Manta Ray Review.

3. Larger Boat, Waterslides, Great Price: Fair Wind

This environmentally-friendly tour onboard the spacious FairWind II boat is a wonderful way to experience snorkeling at the Captain Cook Monument – with the fun addition of waterslides! 

While the crowd might be larger than others (this tour can accommodate up to 90 people), it’s perfect for families as all ages are welcome – including pregnant women.

Push off from Keauhou Harbor and make your way south to the stunning Kealakekua Bay with breakfast, lunch, and drinks included. 

All meals are vegan to keep the tour environmentally friendly, but with Kona coffee, banana bread, BBQ pulled jackfruit, various salads, homemade pickles, chips, and cookies, you won’t miss the non-vegan options.

This tour is extra comfy: there are two bathrooms onboard, plenty of shade, and ride-alongs (for those who aren’t snorkeling) are also allowed. Snorkeling gear is provided.

4. Catamaran Snorkeling Trip: Sea Paradise

Revered as one of the best snorkeling areas in Hawaii for its crystalline water and abundant tropical fish, this 50’ catamaran tour sets sail for Kealakekua Bay twice a day. You’ll spend about 45 minutes sailing at either end of your snorkeling session, enjoying beautiful views of the Kona Coast as your guide shares the area’s history and highlights interesting landmarks along the way. 

Once you reach the marine sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay, you’ll have an entire hour to snorkel around searching for Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful fish, and even spinner dolphins. You’ll also have the chance to spot humpback whales in winter!

If conditions are good, you may have the opportunity to tack on an additional snorkeling spot, the Red Hill. Underwater lava tubes and archways will reveal themselves just beneath the surface – along with vibrant tropical fish.

Luckily, all ages are welcome on this tour as the catamaran offers smooth sailing. Continental breakfast or deli-style lunch (depending on departure time), snacks, drinks, and snorkel gear are provided, making this tour a no-brainer. You can also purchase alcoholic drinks. The Hoku Nui has two bathrooms and some shade in the galley.

5. Rafting Snorkeling Trip: Captain Zodiac

One of the more adventurous trips to Kealakekua Bay, this snorkeling trip takes place aboard Captain Zodiac’s Power Raft. Unlike some of the other tours, this unique vessel allows you access to sights along the Kona Coast you can’t see otherwise, like blowholes and sea grottos.

They offer two types of tours: the 5-Hour Beat the Crowds and the 4-Hour Kealakekua Bay Tour. Both go to the same incredible snorkeling spots. The 5-hour tour perfectly times your snorkel adventure to beat both the early morning and afternoon crowds, giving you a more intimate experience (as the name suggests). 

Tours are only suitable for children ages 4 and up and leave from the Kona Marina. The 5-hour tour is punctuated with lunch served between your snorkeling sessions. On your way back to the marina, you’ll have the chance to investigate the sea grottos, caves, and blowholes that can only be seen from the agile zodiac.

Keep in mind that because this is a zodiac tour, there is no shade. If you’re prone to seasickness, this trip could trigger it more easily due to the nature of the vessel. 

6. KonaStyle’s Luxury Catamaran Snorkeling Tours

We have enjoyed snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay from a zodiac power raft and kayaks. Those were wonderful Kona snorkel tours, and we will do them again! This tour was a luxury version, perfect for our whole family.

Enjoy a three-hour tour with breakfast and lunch from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekau Bay. We liked this tour for the following reasons:

• These Kona snorkel tours are unique for their departure location (click for directions to Kailua Pier). They depart from Kailua Pier, so it is super easy to start the tour and explore downtown Kona afterward.
• The catamaran provided a smooth ride to Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument. Breakfast was comfortable, and we enjoyed the pace. We looked for sea turtles and whales, and the time went by fast.
• The breakfast and lunch were simple yet tasty. For a larger and more substantial lunch, do their Ali’i tour.
• The catamaran’s staircase made it easy for our young family to get into and out of the water. The snorkel equipment was top-notch, too. They provided an excellent Kealakekua Bay snorkeling experience!
• Culture and history! On the way back, the captain gave us a tour of the Kona Coast, stopping at sea caves, lava formations, and places of ancient Hawaiian battles. The Captain told us fascinating stories of Hawaiian history. He said he consults with his Hawaiian crew members and friends to ensure accuracy.
• A good price! Both tours are reasonably priced for Hawaii, given the experience they provide.

Those are all the best Big Island snorkeling tours that go into Kealakekua Bay. Now, let’s review the best tours that visit the Kona Coast.

These Kona Coast snorkeling tours will skip the crowds to take you to unique spots, plus plenty of marine life like sea turtles and dolphins.

7. Pawai Bay Snorkeling Tour

Explore the exclusive Pawai Bay onboard a retired Navy SEAL vessel on this snorkeling tour.

You’ll head out from the convenient location of the Honokohau Harbor in Kona to reach the stunning Pawai Bay. This is frequently touted as one of the best snorkel spots on the Big Island but is impossible to reach unless you arrive by boat. 

Take in the lava rock coastline during your trip. It’s not possible for non-natives to set foot on this sacred land, which also makes it impossible to snorkel from dry land here. The craggy coast creates the perfect underwater hiding place for eels, turtles, and octopus, and you’re sure to see Hawaii’s endemic reef fish as well. Keep your eyes peeled for spinner dolphins on your way out to the snorkel spot and humpbacks from December to March.

You’ll get briefings on the wildlife and the surrounding area’s history before jumping in the water. Snacks, juice, sparkling water, and snorkeling gear are provided. The ride out is just 15 minutes, so you can spend more time snorkeling in this stunning marine reserve. 

Children must be 3 years of age to enjoy this tour. Due to the nature of the vessel, it is not recommended for pregnant women or those who have had recent surgery.

8. Kona Coast Snorkeling Tour on a Fun Catamaran, BBQ Lunch

Most Big Island snorkel tours ask you to make a trade-off. Drive 45 minutes south to Kealakekua Bay for the famous reef, or paddle a mile across open water, or take a power rafting tour.

Body Glove asks for none of that. You walk onto a 65-foot catamaran at Kailua Pier in downtown Kona, and four and a half hours later you walk off having snorkeled a reef most people never see, eaten two meals, and probably watched spinner dolphins ride the wake.

We went out on the Body Glove snorkel cruise in August 2026, and it’s the tour we now recommend first to anyone traveling with kids, anyone nervous in the water, or anyone who just doesn’t want their snorkel day to be a project.

Find a great place to stay in Kona:
Where to Stay in Kona: the 7 Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals
Kona vs Waikoloa: What’s the Best Place to Stay on the Big Island
Marriott Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
Kona Reef Resort: walkable in Kailua-Kona
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa

It’s a good idea to go snorkeling with a tour near Hilo because of the strong currents that can kick up on the Big Island’s windward side. A tour adds safety through equipment and eyes on the water and ocean conditions.

9. Beach Snorkeling Tour in Hilo

Located on the Big Island’s eastern coast, highlights of this snorkeling tour with Hilo Ocean Adventures include swimming along a striking black sand beach and floating alongside sea turtles! You’ll visit two different snorkeling spots on this half-day adventure. 

This tour is great for first-time snorkelers and is suitable for children, too. Your snorkel guide will be there to teach you the basics and to help along the way. Beyond teaching the ins and outs of snorkeling, your guide is also a wealth of knowledge on the area’s unique geography, including the black sand beaches and volcanoes. One of your stops is especially well known for its abundant sea turtles. 

Snacks and juice are included. Because this tour leaves from the beach, all ages are welcome. 

10. Boat Snorkeling Adventure in Hilo

Hop aboard a 35’ Wellcraft Small Yacht for a little touch of luxury on this two-hour snorkeling adventure in Hilo!

This quick tour departs from Hilo Bay with an expert local guide to help you spot spinner dolphins and other wildlife along the way. They’ll also give you a briefing about the animals you might encounter while snorkeling and the landmarks you can spot while sailing to your destination.

After reaching your snorkeling spot, your guide will help you look for incredible marine life like sea turtles, eagle rays, eels, and vibrant reef fish. 

This experience is for ages 8 and up. Snorkeling gear is not provided! If you need to rent gear, you’ll need to arrive early to be properly fitted. While this tour is a quick out-and-back, it’s worth it for the added chance to see unique wildlife. 

Find more great things to do in Hilo:
Private Waterfall Swim in Hilo (plus kayaking, SUP, and rappelling options)
ATV Off-Road Adventure North of Hilo
1 Perfect Day in Hilo: Things to Do in Hilo for the Day

Big Island Snorkeling Tour FAQs

Which side of the Big Island is the Best for Snorkeling?

The best area to go snorkeling on Hawaii’s Big Island is the leeward side of the island, especially in the summer months. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at the Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay, Two Step at Honaunau Bay, and Kahalu’u Beach Park. Some of these locations will require that you be a more advanced snorkeler and swimmer. Always check ocean conditions before hopping in the water!

Are snorkeling tours on the Big Island worth it?

We used to find ourselves squarely on one side of this debate: snorkeling tours were not worth the money. However, as we’ve done more of them (and gone on great tours), we’ve come to really appreciate that a good snorkeling tour is definitely worth the time and money for a number of reasons: 

• You can snorkel in hard-to-access areas: Most of the Big Island snorkeling tours take you to spots that aren’t easily accessible from the shore. These places are often challenging (or impossible) to reach without a boat, like Kealakekua Bay or the exclusive Pawai Bay. Because these spots are harder to reach your chances of seeing abundant marine life are higher!
• Access to a naturalist: You’re there to snorkel and have fun, but there’s also something to be said about actually learning more about Hawaii, the ocean, and sea life while you’re on your tour. The best boats come with fantastic naturalists who can educate you on what you’re seeing and answer any questions that you have.
• A crew dedicated to keeping you safe: Snorkeling is a fun activity but there are times when it isn’t so safe. When you head out on a quality boat tour, you have a crew dedicated to keeping passengers safe. That means providing good gear, having people in the water to help anyone in distress, and taking you to safe places. 
• Excellent gear: We own our own snorkeling gear but we almost always leave that at home and use what our tour provides. Why? The quality of the equipment is great, they take away any hassle of cleaning it, and we get to try out new brands. While rare, some tours don’t provide your snorkeling gear for free. Look for this info in the fine print.
• Easy and all-inclusive: Beach days require some planning — bringing the gear, finding a spot, and packing enough food and water. A snorkeling tour requires a lot less planning. They take care of the food and drink for you. Just bring your towel and your favorite reef-friendly sunscreen!
• Better reef and environmental protection: Protecting the reef and the sea life in Hawaii is very important. When you travel on a guided snorkeling tour, there is little chance that you’ll find yourself stepping on and damaging coral or violating any of the animal protection laws that are in place. 

While you can of course snorkel from the shore on the Big Island, one good, quality snorkeling tour is a worthwhile experience. There’s a snorkeling experience for everyone, whether you’re a novice or an expert. Seeking out destinations you couldn’t otherwise reach and spotting wildlife that might not be as common at snorkeling spots near shore are two huge reasons why a tour is worth the extra money!

What can you expect on a Big Island snorkeling tour?

Although all snorkeling tours are different, these are some of the things you can generally expect from a Big Island snorkeling tour. 

• A naturalist or experienced guide: These guides can educate you on what you’re seeing as well as how best to keep you and the marine life safe. They are extremely knowledgeable and love bestowing their information to guests. Be sure to listen up when they’re talking about the wildlife and both the geographic and historic sites along the way.
• Snorkeling gear: Most tours provide you with safe snorkeling gear. This is great because it means that you won’t have to lug your snorkeling gear back and forth. Obviously, if you want to bring your own, that’s okay too! Just know that most snorkeling tours don’t allow guests to bring full face masks as they have been deemed unsafe (they have a tendency to leak and make it difficult to communicate with the crew).
• Food and drinks: Most tours provide snacks and drinks at the bare minimum while others pull out all the stops with a continental breakfast and deli-style lunch. No matter which option you choose, this is a welcome addition as it means you won’t have to bring along a heavy cooler. You’ll also likely be treated to Hawaiian specialties like local pineapple.

Even more to do on the Big Island:
21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island (2023)
The 21 Best Things to do in Kona (+ tips to know before you go)
The 10 Best Big Island Farm Tours You Won’t Want to Miss

The Best Big Island Itinerary

Finish your vacation planning with ease. We’ve done all the work for you so all you have to do is download the itinerary and go have the vacation of a lifetime! The Big Island Itinerary narrows your choices down from hundreds to a handful. From where to stay, what to do, where to eat, even the best tour operators, we’ve hand picked the best so you can rest easy knowing you’re going to have a great time.

The itinerary days themselves organize your stops in a way that makes the most sense (no backtracking!), lay out everything you need to pack, when to make reservations, and even hook you up with where to find parking. When we say we’ve done all the work of planning, we mean all the work!

Just wanted to tell you that we followed your vacation guide almost to the T and had a wonderful time when we went a few months ago in November!  Your recommendations were awesome!

Allan D.