Snorkeling with Dolphins in Big Island: Our 9 Top Picks

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

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

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.”

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3.Dolphin, Sea Cave & Captain Cook Snorkel Combo in Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 220 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $83

You’ll ride a small Zodiac RIB with a maximum of about 14 guests to Kealakekua Bay, snorkel near Captain Cook Monument, and explore sea caves and lava tubes when conditions allow. Guides such as Danielle, Chip, Dave, and Patty share local history. Pineapple, water, gear, and flotation devices are included.

“Awesome experience! Got to see a ton of fish. Crew was knowledgeable. Couldn’t have asked for anything else. I think our crew members were Dave and chip, but don’t quote me.”

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4.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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5.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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6.4 Hour Big Island Dolphin Watch Boat Tour, Snorkeling & BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $150

Set out from Kailua-Kona aboard KIBOU with guides such as Trevor, Tamae, Scott, Mitch, or Lena. You’ll cruise for dolphins, snorkel at Garden Eel Cove and another coastal site, use a floating mat, and eat a grilled 100% beef hot dog lunch. Gear, drinks, shade, and a restroom are included.

“Mitch and Louis were great! Would definitely recommend ❤️ Loved seeing the dolphins. The bbq towards the end was a great treat too!”

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7.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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8.2-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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9.Dolphin Watch Snorkel and BBQ in Kona, Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 21 reviews · 3 hours · from $150

Join Iruka Hawaii Dolphin for a three-hour boat trip from Honokohau Marina. Captain Amy and Tamae are among the crew names associated with this outing. You’ll search for dolphins, snorkel at boat-only sites, look for turtles, reef fish, manta rays, and seasonal whales, then relax with a hot dog lunch and drinks.

“A great experience! We saw a lot of dolphins, are good hot dogs on boat and had an amazing snorkeling time!”

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