15 Catamaran Cruises on the Big Island for a Free Day

1.Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

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

Meet Hang Loose Boat Tours at Honokohau Marina for a four-hour catamaran trip to Kealakekua Bay. You will cruise the volcanic Kona coast, hear about Captain Cook and Hawaiian royalty, snorkel with provided gear, and enjoy lunch aboard. Captains Aiden or Bryce and crew members such as Jordan and Kiwami may lead the trip, depending on availability.

“Great excursion. Would highly recommend it. it was a nice lunch.. Great crew. Very patient waiting for the dolphins and whales.”

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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 $183

Cruise from Kailua Pier along Kona’s Gold Coast aboard Body Glove’s roomy catamaran. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, gear, reef-safe sunscreen, about two hours at Red Hill, and access to a 20-foot slide and 15-foot jump platform. Dolphins and whales are possible, but snorkeling conditions can vary.

“My wife got sick before the trip and I canceled ahead of time. They did not offer a refund despite my advanced notice. As a Hawaii resident, I’ll never book with them again.”

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3.Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

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

From Keauhou Bay, you’ll cruise the Kona coast to Kealakekua Bay for about an hour of guided snorkeling near the Captain Cook Monument. Sea Paradise supplies gear, flotation aids, reef-safe sunscreen, snacks, and drinks. Expect a small-boat feel, cultural stories, and possible dolphins, whales, or flying fish, though wildlife and fish sightings vary.

“Amazing experience, knowledgeable staff and an overall great time! I really loved this it was the perfect amount of time to enjoy a day on the boat and some snorkeling. The staff was friendly and attentive. I am so happy with this experience I would use them again!”

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

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

You’ll sail from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay aboard a 50-foot catamaran, with Kona coffee and pastries on the way out, about an hour of guided snorkeling, and a deli lunch on the return. The crew shares Hawaiian history, watches for dolphins and seasonal whales, and helps you use the wide water-entry staircase safely.

“We had a wonderful time sailing and snorkeling on this trip.the captain and crew were very personable and attentive. Loved the historical information the captain gave us. I also thought our catamaran seemed a much better vessel than the others moored at Captain Cook bay. I would highly recommend this particular trip!”

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5.Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

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

From Keauhou Bay, Sea Paradise takes you along the Kona coast to Red Hill and Kealakekua Bay. Expect breakfast, lunch, snacks, gear, reef-safe sunscreen, and crew support in the water. Captain T-Roy, Fernando, and other crew members are known for history, safety tips, and easygoing humor.

“The Captain and crew were awesome! He had a nice and relaxing experience and everything was handled for us. We had a great time! A must when visiting Kona!”

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6.Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

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

Sail from Keauhou Bay along the Kona coast to Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen, and guided time at two sites, with a possible third stop near Red Hill. The catamaran carries up to 44 people, and guides share marine life and Hawaiian cultural details along the way.

“So fun! Great opportunity for beginners. Family friendly, staff was great, made us feel relaxed and safe. They provided sunscreen and lotion and walked around tending to any needs. Gave history of the island and places we visited. So much fun”

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7.Waikoloa Signature Catamaran Sunset Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 396 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $159

Sail from Anaehoomalu Bay on a 53-foot catamaran with up to 49 people. You’ll get coastal views, live commentary, a premium bar, light snacks, shaded seating, and a sunset stop. Crew members including Captain Rob, Nicole, Kuapapa, Keith, and Henry have been praised for warm service. The cruise lasts about 90 minutes.

“We had a great cruise. The crew was terrific. We enjoyed the catamaran. The drinks were varied and the dinner was a surprise.”

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8.Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

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

Leave Keauhou Bay at 2 p.m. aboard Sea Paradise’s trimaran for a three-hour sail to Kealakekua Bay. You’ll snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument with provided gear, floatation noodles, reef-safe sunscreen, snacks, soft drinks, and water. The crew offers instruction and close safety support, with spinner dolphins often seen along the coast.

“Amazing experience. Crew was knowledgeable, kind, and made me very comfortable. Snorkeling experience 10/10, so calm and serene. Ensured we not only had fun, but gave our respects to the bay and land we were snorkeling near.”

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9.Kona Signature Catamaran Sunset Sail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 218 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $109

Sail from Honokohau Harbor along the Kona Coast on a spacious catamaran for about 90 minutes. You’ll have shaded and open-air seating, a restroom, premium drinks, snacks, and often a casual teriyaki dinner. Captains and crew members such as Michael, Xander, Nicole, John, and Caesar are known for friendly service, while dolphins and whales may appear offshore.

“Beautiful trip, great and friendly staff, good food. We booked our trip at the last minute and this trip did not disappoint! We saw a few whales while sailing out. Our only bummer was the weather which could not be controlled. It is HI so we were still perfectly content. 😁”

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10.Kailua-Kona: Captain Cook Reef Catamaran Day Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 189 reviews · 4 hours - 270 minutes · from $80Best value

Set out from Honokohau Harbor with guides such as Bryce, AJ, Aidan, and Kelly for a four-hour catamaran trip to Captain Cook Monument. Choose the snorkeling option for nearly two hours in Kealakekua Bay, with gear, lunch, fruit, snacks, and drinks included. Expect scenic cruising, local history, music, and possible dolphin or whale sightings.

“So much fun! AJ and Kelly gave us great information about Hawaii. snorkeling was a blast!”

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11.Waikoloa: Catamaran Sunset Sail with Cocktails

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 68 reviews · 1h 30m · from $159

Spend 90 minutes aboard Hawaii Nautical’s Spirit of Aloha catamaran, sailing from Anaeho‘omalu Bay along the Kohala Coast. Captain Michael and the local crew serve tropical cocktails, beer, wine, snacks, and soft drinks while you watch the sun set behind the Pacific, with Mauna Kea and Hualālai in view.

“Everything about the sunset sail was awesome. Beautiful sailing and sunset; as well as expert/kind/wonderful captain and crew. I couldn’t have enjoyed it more.”

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12.Sunset Cocktail Cruise on our Sailing Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $165

Spend about two hours cruising the Kohala Coast from either ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay or Kawaihae Harbor. Ocean Sports provides a professional crew, unlimited soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails, plus hot and cold pupus. The sunset is the main event, with room to sit, stand, mingle, or find a quiet spot on deck.

“Very relaxing. Nice crew. I would definitely book this trip again. It was so nice being on the blue waters.”

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13.Morning Snorkel Sail to Captain Cook’s Monument

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

You sail aboard the Hoku Nui from Keauhou Bay at 8:30 am, stopping in Kealakekua Bay for about 45 minutes of snorkeling before lunch and a second site near Red Hill, weather permitting. The English-speaking crew provides gear, instruction, food, reef-safe sunscreen, and stories about Captain Cook and Hawaiian history.

“Friendly and very helpful crew, with Capt Mike and mates Alex and Bailey. One other crewmember maintained a lower profile, but took on the job of mooring the trimaran and bringing up am octopus to delight the clients onboard. Abundant goodies available at breakfast and a personalized lunch sandwich with a great choice of beverages. Never felt rushed. Wonderful visibility at each of the two snorkeling sites, with lots of healthy coral and fish, esp. at the Capt Cook Monument at Kaleakekua Bay. Knowledgeable crew on lors of topics. We give the experience an unequivocal five stars.”

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14.Waikoloa Catamaran Snorkel & Sail Adventure with Lunch

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

Set sail from Anaeho‘omalu Bay aboard the Spirit of Aloha for three hours of reef snorkeling, sea turtle spotting, coastal views, and an easy lunch on deck. Hawaii Nautical supplies gear, instruction, drinks, shaded seating, restrooms, and in-water help, making this a friendly choice for families and first-time snorkelers who can swim.

“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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15.Kona: Catamaran Sunset Sail with Cocktails and Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 1h 30m · from $109

Settle aboard the Spirit of Aloha for a 90-minute Kona sunset sail from Honokohau Harbor. You’ll get panoramic ocean and mountain views, island-inspired light bites, and a full premium bar with cocktails, beer, wine, soda, juice, and water. Luke has guided the cruise, and the open-air deck suits couples, families, and friends.

“Luke was a wonderful tour guide, we had a lovely time!”

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