The 10 Best Trips for Reef Snorkeling in Big Island

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

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

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!”

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2.Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona – Coral Reef Snorkel Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 376 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125Top rated

Meet Coral Reef Snorkel Adventures at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor for a 90-minute night trip to Kona’s manta feeding area. You’ll hold a lightboard while manta rays feed below. Guides such as Jacob, Jeff, Cody, and Erika have earned strong praise for calm instruction and ray knowledge. Bring a towel and prepare for a fast, bumpy boat ride.

“Up close and personal with the Manta Rays! The experience was amazing and worth the price for sure. We had an excellent experience, but my husband (who is thin) got cold even with the wet suit jacket. We also had a few people in our group who were kicking a lot which kept some of the rays aways away. Overall very glad we did this.”

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3.Two Reef Snorkel Trip-See Captain Cook Monument & Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 347 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $119

Set out from Kailua-Kona at 8 a.m. with Dolphin Discoveries for two reef stops, usually about an hour each. You’ll snorkel Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay, with a chance to see turtles, dolphins, and seasonal whales. Captains such as Dennis, Rob, Bryce, and Craig also point out lava tubes, sea caves, and Hawaiian history along the coast.

“It was a great trip with amazing snorkeling! Bryce was a great guide along side Captain Rob. On the way back we were able to see beaked whales and a Humpback whale and her calf. A total bonus!!”

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4.Captain Cook Reef Snorkeling of Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 133 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $80

Cruise from Honokohau Harbor to Kealakekua Bay aboard a comfortable boat with a crew such as Aidan, Elayo, Kelly, or Lena. You’ll receive snorkel gear and instruction, explore the reef near the Captain Cook Monument, enjoy lunch and snacks, and watch for dolphins, pilot whales, and seasonal humpbacks.

“Great crew Kelly and Eleau (spelling) were great. We seen Dolphins, whales and many more sea animals”

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5.Best Coral Reef Snorkel Tour in Kona – Protected Marine Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 118 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $125

Cruise from Honokohau Harbor to protected Kealakekua Bay, where a swim guide leads you across clear reef water for up to an hour. The boat holds no more than 14 people, though many outings are much smaller. Captains such as Adam, Andy, Bob, and Jeff add island stories, while dolphins, whales, turtles, and octopuses may appear along the way.

“Adam and Carmella were great guides. They went above and beyond our expectations. They took us to see whales and sharks and gave us a lot of history about the area. The snacks were great too. All around great trip. Communication and texting us to make sure we knew everything we needed to do before trip. Thanks Carmella and Adam.”

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6.Kona Shore Excursion: Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 73 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

Ride a 32 or 45-foot Zodiac from Kailua Pier to Kealakekua Bay, with stops for sea caves, lava formations, and marine life. Snorkel for about an hour near the Captain Cook Monument, where you may see turtles, reef fish, coral, and dolphins from the boat. Crew members such as Trevor, Chris, Diego, and Tamae are praised for attentive service.

“Our captain was named Christian and he was awesome! His beautiful first mate was adorable. He’s knowledgeable of the area. He’s patient. He’s thoughtful. He’s kind. The trip was amazing. The snorkeling was great. The lunch was a surprisingly nice touch.”

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7.Two Tank Morning Reef Dive and Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $195

Start at 8 a.m. with Aquatic Life Divers in Kona for two reef outings chosen from more than 40 local sites. Scuba participants and snorkelers can share the boat, with guides such as Mary, Calypso, Marc, and Tara helping guests explore lava formations and marine life. Coffee, soda, and snacks are included, but scuba equipment is not.

“Amazing team of guides and an amazing dive master, Mary. We had a great day with half of us diving and the other half snorkeling. Everyone had a great day.”

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8.Dolphin, Sea Cave, Captain Cook, Kealakekua Bay Reef Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Ride a Navy SEAL-style Zodiac RIB from Kailua-Kona to Captain Cook Monument and Kealakekua Bay. You’ll snorkel with provided gear, look for dolphins and whales, explore coastline caves, and enjoy pineapple and water. Guides such as Erik and Lacey keep the small group moving, but basic swimming skills and ladder access are required.

“The boat ride & music was a blast! Erik & Lacey were great hosts and super accommodating for the snorkel experience. We plan to come back and do it again in April!”

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9.2-Hour Dolphin Watching and Double Reef with Snorkel in Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $97

Meet at Honokohau Marina for a two-and-a-half-hour trip on a speedy RHIB boat. Your captain takes you to two favored reefs, where you can snorkel for 45 minutes to an hour at the first stop and continue at the second. Gear, water, Hawaiian juices, ginger ale, snacks, shade, and a six-person group size are included.

“This was a great experience. Small group, great guide and wonderful snorkeling spots and so many dolphins.”

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10.Tropical Reef & Wildlife Boat Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $230

Cruise from Hilo Bay on a 35-foot yacht with a small group of no more than six. Your guide, including crew members such as Trevor or Isiah, leads you to reef structures, coves, and sand patches where you may see tropical fish, eels, dolphins, turtles, rays, or manta rays. Gear, snacks, juice, and harbor transport are included.

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