SNORKELLING · BIG ISLAND SNORKELING TOURS

Big Island Snorkeling Tours: Our Top 15

85 trips  ·  from $25 per person

Warm, clear and worth the boat ride. These 15 big island snorkeling tours are priced and timed so you can decide in a couple of minutes and get back to planning the rest of the week.

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel - Getting into the water at night
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

1.Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,656 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84Our pick

Meet Hang Loose Boat Tours at Keauhou Bay for a sunset boat ride and nighttime snorkel with manta rays. Your crew provides snorkel gear, a flotation device, and a wetsuit top, with snacks and water aboard. The water can be rough, so you need real swimming and snorkeling skills. Guides may include Bryce, Jordan, Vince, or Noah.

“I won’t give a negative review for a tour that couldn’t happen due to weather. We have rebooked another night and pray the weather cooperates.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor - Meeting at Keauhou Harbor and getting ready
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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

2.Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,465 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $25Best value

Meet at Keauhou Harbor, collect your mask and snorkel, then take a three-minute boat ride to a manta feeding site. In the water for up to 30 minutes, you’ll float beside wild rays drawn by a 150,000-lumen light board while guides such as Greg, Jake, Mahina, and Eric provide safety help and facts. Wetsuits cost extra.

“It was a really fun experience, so unique. The crew was excellent. I was thinking while I was out there, this is where the party is every night!”

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Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch - Lunch, Snacks, and the Ride Home
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Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

3.Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,232 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85

Cruise from Honokohau Marina to historic Kealakekua Bay with Hang Loose Boat Tours. Captains Aiden or Bryce and crew members such as Jordan and Kiwami may lead the trip, depending on availability. Snorkel over coral, watch for dolphins and winter humpback whales, enjoy lunch, then return along Kona’s volcanic coast.

“We traveled about 14 miles south via catamaran and snorkeled while surrounded by beauty. Huge shout out to the captain, the jokes had my husband and I laughing the whole time!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings - What happens at the manta site
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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

4.KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,212 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $49

From Kailua-Kona, you’ll ride a 23-foot RHIB with up to 11 passengers to a manta viewing site. Expect 25 to 30 minutes in the water, guided instruction from crew such as Taco, Peyton, or Mike, and close views of wild rays. Snorkel gear is included, wetsuits are optional, and no-sighting trips qualify for a free re-ride.

“This was the most magical experience ever! We got to see these beautiful gentle giants who come kissing distance to you. I was blessed to be grazed by a mantas fin on my stomach. My boyfriend and I laughed as they came right up under our faces. The guides were amazing and so friendly. Highly recommend if you are comfortable in the ocean and around sea creatures. This is all we talked about for the whole trip! It was our favorite moment. I highly respect the staff as they taught us about the mantas and what to do to keep us and the mantas safe in their natural habitat.”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island - Check-in at Ali‘i Drive, then a short move to the boat
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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

5.Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,758 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $44

Swim beside wild manta rays after dark off Kona with Dolphin Discoveries. You’ll check in at the Ali‘i Drive shop, receive a mask, snorkel, and short-sleeve wetsuit top, then take a short boat ride to the viewing site. Guides such as Vinny, Brianna, and Bryce have been praised for calm safety help. Swimming skills are required.

“Amazing experience. The water was rough, which made it a little challenging, but totally worth it. The guides were great and the rays were incredible.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves - Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument
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Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

6.Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,411 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $71

Ride a fast Navy-style Zodiac from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay, where you’ll snorkel coral reefs near the Captain Cook Monument. Guides such as David, Chip, Sage, and Danielle share island history, point out lava tubes, and watch for dolphins and whales. The trip lasts about 2 hours 45 minutes and carries no more than 18 people.

“Wonderful tour. Beautiful bay full of fish and calm water to snorkel. On return, visited caves and landmarks. Captain was super knowledgeable about Hawaiian history. Highly recommend and would book again!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays - From Honokohau Harbor to the open water
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Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

7.Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,254 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $80

From Honokohau Harbor, you ride offshore for a Kona sunset and about 45 minutes beside giant manta rays feeding under bright lights. Bite Me Sportfishing provides wetsuits, snorkel gear, flotation noodles, snacks, and water. You can swim or remain aboard, but swimmers must know how to swim.

“We had a great time with our Captain, Lena, and Deck Hand, Mattie, who were knowledgeable, entertaining, and energetic making this excursion one to remember. We saw fish and had a close encounter with a manta ray that couldn’t stop showing off.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona - Getting ready for the light board
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Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona

8.Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,141 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $145

Meet at Keauhou Harbor for a short sunset boat ride to Kona’s manta site. A small group holds a glowing light board while mantas feed below. Guides such as Sara, Molly, and Justin explain manta behavior and help swimmers stay comfortable. Snorkeling is optional, but all passengers need tickets.

“It was amazing to just float and have these majestic creatures swim so close. The tour was a small group and our guide was very informative A must do!”

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Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay - Cruising past Kuamoʻo Point and Lekeleke
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Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay

9.Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 957 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $193

Set out from Keauhou Bay at 8:30 a.m. on Fair Wind Cruises’ large catamaran for about 2.5 hours of snorkeling and water play near the Captain Cook Monument. Breakfast, lunch, reef-safe sunscreen, gear, floatation toys, slides, and helpful crew are included. The boat can hold up to 90 people, but its wide water stairs make entry easy.

“Absolutely amazing views and experience! Captain even stopped return of boat when we spotted a baby whale and momma!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure - Preparing for the night snorkel
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Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure

10.Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 843 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $154

You’ll sail the Kona coast aboard a 50-foot catamaran, watch the sunset, then hold a light board while manta rays feed below you. Captain Dan and the crew provide safety guidance, snorkel gear, drinks, hot cocoa, and an in-water escort. The tour lasts about 2 hours 15 minutes and includes a free rebooking if no manta appears.

“Great experience. Saw lots of Manta rays. Great crew. Saw the sunset from the water. Not sure what else to type to meet my 100 character minimum for this review.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona - Leaving Kailua Pier along Kona’s Gold Coast
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Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

11.Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183

From Kailua Pier, Body Glove Cruises takes you along Kona’s Gold Coast to the Red Hill snorkeling area. Expect about two hours in the water, dolphin watching, breakfast, a BBQ lunch, paddleboards, a 20-foot slide, a high-jump platform, and attentive crew support. This is a lively family boat day, not a Kealakekua Bay reef trip.

“The crew was great. Very attentive and made sure to stop by to see if anything was needed. The food was good and there was plenty of it. The snorkel gear was in very good shape. It was nice to not have to bring your own gear. My family had a great time and would consider this tour again if we were looking for a snorkel tour on the Big Island.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona - Leaving Kailua-Kona at 4 p.m.
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Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

12.Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 777 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Leave Kailua-Kona at 4 p.m. aboard Manta Adventures’ Maheli-Heli for a sunset cruise to Garden Eel Cove. You can snorkel from the lighted board with fins, mask, flotation gear, and wetsuit, or stay aboard with snacks and water. Captain Bill, Captain Dan, and crew members such as Drew, Sam, Melissa, and Cal have all led trips, though the exact crew varies.

“Just amazing!!!!! The mantas were extraordinary. Captain and staff were terrific! Highly recommend!!!”

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Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed - Why the night setting works so well
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Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed

13.Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 738 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $141

From Keauhou Bay, Sea Paradise takes you aboard the trimaran Hokulani to Kona’s Manta Ray Village. After a short cruise and safety briefing, you hold a lit flotation raft while manta rays feed below. Wetsuits, masks, snorkels, drinks, and snacks are provided. Plan on about 45 minutes in the water.

“a very incredible night, saw 6 manta rays. staff were fun and friendly and very helpful. It was so majestic seeing the Manta rays swimming and passing by.”

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Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument - Leaving Keauhou Bay at 1:45 pm
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Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

14.Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 722 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $136

Leave Keauhou Bay at 1:45 pm for a three-hour afternoon boat trip along the Kona coast. Snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument with supplied gear, flotation noodles, reef-safe sunscreen, snacks, and drinks. The crew shares local history and safety guidance, with possible sightings of spinner dolphins and whales. Alcohol is available for purchase after snorkeling.

“I booked this trip last minute and I’m so glad I did. The crew including Matt, charlotte, and Ashton were so nice, accommodating, and helpful. They were literally prepared for everything. I loved the stories that they told about the places we went.”

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Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) Snorkel and Sail Adventure - Snorkeling Near the Captain Cook Monument
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Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) Snorkel and Sail Adventure

15.Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) Snorkel and Sail Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 695 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $189

Sail from Kailua-Kona aboard a 50-foot catamaran with Captain Dan or another Kona Style captain. Enjoy Kona coffee and pastries, hear local history, snorkel for about an hour near the Captain Cook Monument, then return with lunch and coastline views. Bring a towel and know how to swim.

“Capt. Dan and crew were amazing. Great service, very informative and lunch was great. Would book again and highly recommend.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

New in Big Island Snorkeling Tours

★ 4.5Waikoloa Catamaran Snorkel Sail Including LunchFrom $189105 reviews
★ 5.0Two Tank Morning Reef Dive and SnorkelFrom $19554 reviews
★ 4.5Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday SnorkelFrom $8043 reviews
★ 5.02-Hour Dolphin Watching and Double Reef with Snorkel in HawaiiFrom $9723 reviews
★ 5.0Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour in Kailua-Kona, Big IslandFrom $125382 reviews
★ 5.0Kona Luxury Catamaran Yacht Snorkel & SailFrom $44940 reviews
★ 5.0Premium Kona Coast Morning SnorkelFrom $164179 reviews
★ 4.5Private Big Island Snorkeling30 reviews
★ 5.0Sunset Cruise & Manta Night Snorkeling CharterFrom $990 per boat (seats 6)16 reviews
★ 5.0One Tank Manta Night Dive and SnorkelFrom $13556 reviews
★ 5.0Private Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Dolphin WatchFrom $1,500 per boat (seats 12)23 reviews
★ 5.0Midday Meander – Kealakekua Bay Kayak and Snorkel AdventureFrom $18768 reviews
★ 5.0Morning Magic Kayak and Snorkel Adventure in Kealakekua BayFrom $257183 reviews
★ 5.0Hilo Sea Turtle Snorkel AdventureFrom $9925 reviews
★ 5.0Night Manta Ray SnorkelFrom $15033 reviews

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