12 Sailing and Yacht Snorkel Trips in Big Island Worth Booking

1.Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

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

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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2.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.”

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3.Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 535 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $177

Leave Keauhou Bay at 8:15 a.m. aboard Sea Paradise’s catamaran for a 4.5-hour cruise along the Kona coast. Snorkel at Red Hill and the Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay, with gear, reef-safe sunscreen, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and crew support included. Captains such as T-Roy and Eddie add local stories along the way.

“It was our first time snorkeling and totally worth it. The gear provided was clean and well maintained. The instructions to use the gear were pretty clear and very helpful.”

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4.Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 472 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $179

From Keauhou Bay, Sea Paradise takes you along the Kona coast to Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument. You get breakfast, lunch, gear, reef-safe sunscreen, and guided snorkeling at two sites, with a possible third stop near Red Hill. The catamaran holds up to 44 people and returns to Keauhou Bay.

“We had a wonderful time! Ship, the crew, and the experience were all amazing! Would definitely recommend!”

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5.Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 246 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $136

Set out from Keauhou Bay at 2:00 pm aboard Sea Paradise’s trimaran for a three-hour sail to Kealakekua Bay. Snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument in a protected marine sanctuary, with masks, fins, flotation noodles, snacks, soft drinks, water, and reef-safe sunscreen supplied. The crew provides safety help, Hawaiian context, and time to look for fish, dolphins, and seasonal wildlife.

“The crew was so helpful, fun and informative. The equipment was great too. A safe comfortable trip well organized and personal.”

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6.Waikoloa Catamaran Snorkel Sail Including Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 105 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Board the Spirit of Aloha from Anaeho'omalu Bay for a three-hour Waikoloa catamaran cruise. You’ll receive snorkel gear, flotation equipment, an in-water safety briefing, lunch, snacks, and drinks from a full bar. The crew may include Captain Jack, Captain Michael, Aly, or Chelsea, depending on the sailing.

“One of the best snorkeling trips we’ve done in Hawaii! The reef was awesome with many species of beautiful fish. The water was a little rough, but the crew did an excellent job of keeping an eye on everyone. The boat was clean and the entire crew was fun and hospitable. Lunch was great after snorkeling, and they even accommodated my request for a vegan meal, which was much appreciated. We will book with them again!”

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7.Kona Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $169

Sail from Honokohau Harbor aboard the Spirit of Aloha for about three hours. You’ll receive sanitized snorkel gear, flotation equipment, lunch, and drinks from a full premium bar. Captains and crew such as Mike, Nicole, Keith, and Isaiah guide the outing, with time for coastal views, snorkeling, and sailing.

“We had a great time out on the water with Michael, Isaiah, and Cesar. We saw a lot of beautiful fish and an octopus while snorkeling. Then we put the sails up and had a great time. The food and cocktails were great and even though the boat can fit over 40 people, we only had 6 people, so lots of extra room on the boat.”

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8.Morning Snorkel Sail to Captain Cook’s Monument

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 49 reviews · 4h 30m · from $178

Set sail from Keauhou Bay at 8:30 a.m. aboard the Hoku Nui for Kealakekua Bay, Captain Cook Monument, and a second site near Red Hill. You get breakfast, lunch, gear, instruction, reef-safe sunscreen, and about 45 minutes in the water at each stop. The crew covers Hawaiian history and helps swimmers of all levels.

“nice to be on the water. no suggestions for improvement”

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9.Kona Luxury Catamaran Yacht Snorkel & Sail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $449

Set out from Honokohau Harbor on a six-person luxury catamaran with a small crew such as Captain John, Brooke, or Ian. You may snorkel at Pawai Bay, Makalawena, or another Kona Coast site, then enjoy lunch, drinks, shaded seating, private changing areas, and fresh-water showers.

“We got to see spinner dolphins and snorkel at one spot. We were hoping to snorkel at one more location but that didn't happen which I was kind of bummed about but it was still a wonderful trip and the crew was so hospitable. The food display was sweet and the lunch was acceptable.”

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10.Waikoloa Catamaran Snorkel & Sail Adventure with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 39 reviews · 3 hours · from $189

Sail from Anaeho‘omalu Bay aboard the Spirit of Aloha for three hours of snorkeling, reef viewing, and coastal scenery. Your crew provides gear, safety help, lunch, snacks, and drinks, so first-time snorkelers can focus on the water. Expect clear sea, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and wide views of Waikoloa’s shore.

“One of the best snorkel tours I've ever been on. A small group of snorkelers with excellent crew and captain. Beautiful spot for snorkeling. No pressure or egos. Filled with aloha. I would totally recommend.”

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11.Kona Turtle Snorkel Sail with Lunch and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 19 reviews · 3 hours · from $169

Sail from Honokohau Harbor along the Kona Coast, then snorkel among Hawaiian green sea turtles, reef fish, and coral. Your crew supplies sanitized gear, offers in-water help, and serves a sandwich lunch with a full premium bar. The trip is suitable for first-time snorkelers, with shaded seating, restrooms, and free harbor parking.

“The crew was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. I have been on other snorkeling trips on different islands and new what to expect. This trip we had four of our grandchildren and did not know how they would react to the whole experience. The captain and crew did a great job of teaching and making everyone feel safe and comfortable. We all had a blast.”

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12.Hawaiian Sail and Snorkel in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $125Best value

Set out from Keauhou Bay around 8 a.m. aboard Kini Kini, a traditional Hawaiian double-hull sailing canoe. Your crew explains the canoe, local history, and snorkel safety before guiding you into the water for 50 to 60 minutes. The 12-person limit means close help, steady supervision, drinks, snacks, and time for questions.

“We had a great time with Eka canoe. The guys were super welcoming and seemed to really enjoy working there. We really appreciated the Captain sharing his knowledge on the islands history. It's a special place and it was very cool to see it from that angle.”

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