The 15 Private Snorkeling Charters in the USA That Earn Their Price

1.Turtle Canyon Snorkel: Semi Private Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 710 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $109Our pick

Join Captain Max Boat Tours for a 90-minute Turtle Canyon trip from Honolulu. A maximum of six people ride a fast zodiac-style boat to snorkel with wild sea turtles, tropical fish, and possibly dolphins or monk seals. Guides such as Max, Sofia, Santiago, and Chris help beginners, provide flotation gear, and point out marine life.

“Great boat ride! Didn't see many turtles and it was still wonderful! Such a warm, sunny, beautiful day!”

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2.Private ‘OG’ Manatee Snorkel Tour with Guide for up to 10 people

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 598 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $671 per boat (seats 10)

Meet at River Ventures in Crystal River for a private boat trip into the national wildlife refuge. You’ll watch a short manatee briefing, receive a wetsuit and snorkel gear, then enter the water with guides such as Sarah, Kelly, Dave, or Lindsey. Guides search for manatees and take photos above and below the water, available to buy afterward.

“Our guide Sarah and Captain Chip were fantastic! We did the private tour and were glad we did. Just the 4 of us with Sarah in the water with 3 huge Manatees and a baby. They came up to us and rolled around like puppy dogs, even looked us in the eyes face to face within inches many times. Couldn't have dreamt of a better experience with those creatures and our crew. This company cares about the Manatees, our environment, and their customers!”

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3.Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 431 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $575 per boat (seats 4)

Meet at 33000 Overseas Hwy in Big Pine Key for a private three-hour trip to Looe Key. Your captain leads the snorkel, helps you spot barracuda, rays, sharks, parrotfish, and blue tang, and keeps the outing personal for your group of up to four.

“Loved spending time with Captain Brian and learning so much from him! He was patient with our girls wanting to dive out of the boat! Thank you :)”

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4.Eco-Raft Tour: Maui-Lanai Snorkel / Dolphin Watch (Semi-Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 259 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $96Best value

Ride from Lahaina on a semi-private raft with up to 15 people. Captain Jack, Jill, Darrell, and other crew members may guide you to Lanai snorkel sites, sea cliffs, dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales. Choose a five-hour snorkel trip, a two-hour dolphin watch, or a winter whale-watch combo. Food, drinks, gear, and instruction are included.

“What a fantastic day on the water. Captain Jack was hilarious, informative, and a highly skilled mariner. Loved all of it! The best food we’ve ever had on a boat trip… and we have done many. Mahalo!”

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5.Private Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Tour in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 152 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $749 per boat (seats 6)

Set out from Kewalo Basin with Hawaii Ocean Charters for a private two-hour cruise along Oahu’s coast. Your crew, often including Sam, Nick, Rylan, or Francisco, can tailor the outing around swimming, snorkeling, wildlife, and Diamond Head views. Equipment, water, soda, coolers, and Bluetooth music are provided.

“Such a spectacular morning! Such a nice and professional boat experience. Incredibly comfortable, fun and exciting. We were treated to a huge pod of spinner dolphins swimming with us on our way to the snorkeling spot, where we then saw tons of gorgeous fish and sea turtles. It was amazing to have a guide in the water with us to help point out everything to be in the lookout for. All in all spectacular, and soooo nice to have a private boat experience, worth the splurge!”

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6.Private Snorkeling and Wildlife on The Adventure Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $725 per boat (seats 6)

Join The Adventure Boat for a private two-hour trip from Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. Captain Chris, Josh, Ryan, Adam, or Tim may guide your group along Oahu’s south shore for snorkeling, wildlife watching, and fast scenic boat rides. Snorkel gear is included, and the boat returns to the harbor.

“Amazing day on the water. Thank you!!! Fun and professional hosts who know the secrets of the island”

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7.Private Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $1,461 per boat (seats 10)

Meet Captain Brian and crew at Honokohau Harbor for a 3.5-hour private boat trip along the Kona coast. You’ll hear local history, stop at points of interest, and snorkel at Kealakekua Bay near the Captain Cook Monument, with pineapple, snacks, and drinks served aboard.

“Had a great time with my friends here. We saw a ton of fish and learned about the history of the big island, the natives and captain cook. He offered tons of snacks and drinks along the way too. Definitely would recommend if you’re looking for a lowkey setting with family or friends.”

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8.Private Big Island Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 30 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Set out from Kawaihae Harbor aboard The Outrider for a private, two-hour snorkeling trip tailored to your group. Captain G shares Hawaiian history and marine life facts while you search remote reefs for turtles, tropical fish, rays, octopus, eels, dolphins, and reef sharks. Gear, local fruit, water, and underwater photos are included.

“Swimming with sea turtles was amazing! Captain G was great! Highly recommend for a personal experience.”

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9.Private Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour – Up to 6 Passengers

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $599 per boat (seats 6)

Join Diamond Head Cruises & Adventures for a private 1-hour-45-minute boat trip from Kewalo Basin Harbor. Your group of up to six can snorkel near Turtle Canyon, swim, watch for dolphins or whales, and enjoy fruit, light snacks, and bottled water. Crew members such as Grace, Paul, Kim, and Sam have earned praise for friendly, patient service.

“Grace and Andi were fabulous guides! Great experience, knowledgeable and friendly. 10/10 highly recommend, especially over crowded tours. Go for the individual attention.”

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10.Private Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $1,500 per boat (seats 12)

Cruise Kona’s coast with guides Monet and Brenden on a private four-hour outing for up to 12 people. Snorkel Kealakekua Bay, visit the Captain Cook Monument, look for dolphins, and listen for whales in winter. Snacks and gear are included, with underwater photos sometimes available.

“As pessoas eram super simpáticas, no passeio de barco até ao sitio de snorkelling vimos golfinhos e baleias. Quando vimos as baleias parámos e eles meteram um microfone debaixo de água para podermos ouvir as baleias a cantar. Depois fomos para dentro de água, foi muito giro, vimos muitas espécies de peixes diferentes. A senhora que mergulhou conosco tinha uma câmara profissional e tirou fotografias aos peixes que vimos e a nós!”

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11.Sunset Cruise & Manta Night Snorkeling Charter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $990 per boat (seats 6)

From Kealakehe Parkway, your private group of up to six cruises along the Kona coast at sunset before snorkeling with manta rays after dark. Captain Hunter explains local marine life, supplies gear, snacks, and soft drinks, and uses the boat’s maneuverability to seek active manta viewing areas.

“Fabulous experience! Book with this private tour if you can. We had a group of 6 family and so it was the same price for this priva te tour as it would be for a group one and it was absolutely the best choice. Our boat captain took us out for a beautiful sunset view and took pictures for us (no extra charge like with some other tours we have taken). He sent us ones he had taken of us afterwards and was happy to take pictures with our camera also. He has a fast boat which was a fun ride out to the area. It was easy to find…”

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12.Semi-Private Eco-Raft Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 11 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $204

Join Captain Jack, Captain Mark, or another Hawaii Ocean Rafting crew for a four to five hour Lanai trip aboard a 37-foot raft carrying fewer than 18 people. You get breakfast, snacks, drinks, gear, and beginner instruction, with two or three snorkel stops chosen for the day’s conditions. Dolphins and whales may appear, but sightings are never guaranteed.

“Olivia, Nicole, and Mark (?) were great. It was expensive, but so are all the tours on Maui that I found. We got to see whales and dolphins. We headed to Lanai, but the water was too choppy, so Mark took us to another smoother water spot to snorkel. Olivia told us about whales. All in all it was a fun experience!”

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13.Kona Hawaii Fishing/Snorkel Large Group Private Charter on OE

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 10 reviews · 4 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $2,262 per boat (seats 10)

Set out from Kailua-Kona with Bite Me Sportfishing on a private 4 to 8 hour charter for up to 10 people. The captain and crew provide fishing gear and advice, while you bring food and drinks for the iced cooler. Expect a flexible day on the water, with possible reef fish, mahi mahi, dolphins, or pilot whales.

“The captain and crew were amazing. very helpful, accommodating and professional. The crew went out of their way to make sure we had every chance possible to have a successful trip.”

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14.Private Turtle Snorkeling with Customizable Itinerary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 2 hours · from $721 per boat (seats 6)

Set out from Kewalo Basin on a private power catamaran with a captain and guide. Snorkel at Turtle Canyon, watch for turtles, dolphins, monk seals, and whales, then cruise past Diamond Head and Waikiki. Bring your own food, drinks, and music for a relaxed two-hour outing tailored to your group.

“We had an amazing experience. Francesco and Nick were very accommodating. We had a lot of fun. Thank you!”

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15.Kona Hawaii Fishing/Snorkel Large Group Private Charter on OE II

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 4 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $1,939 per boat (seats 10)

Set out from Kailua-Kona aboard OE II with a private group of up to 10. The Bite Me crew supplies rods, tackle, ice, and fishing guidance while you bring lunch and drinks. Depending on the day and your plan, you may troll for marlin, tuna, spearfish, mahi mahi, or request snorkel gear in advance.

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