The 6 Best Dolphin Watching Tours on the Big Island You Can Book

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

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

You’ll ride a Navy-style Zodiac with a small group from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay, stopping at Captain Cook Monument for reef snorkeling. Guides such as David, Chip, Sage, and Danielle share island history and point out sea caves, lava tubes, dolphins, and whales when nature cooperates. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and motion-sickness medicine if needed.

“The tour was amazing. Our family was well taken care of. The boat ride was exciting and the stories along the way were captivating. Captain Cook bay was beautiful. The weather started to pour right after we left which was a blessing. The coral and fishes were beautiful and we learned it’s an ancient burial and hide out ground for Hawaiian royalties. Highly recommend this tour to others.”

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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

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.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 from Kailua-Kona or Keauhou to Kealakekua Bay, snorkel coral reef near Captain Cook Monument, and explore sea caves when conditions allow. Guides such as Danielle, Chip, Dave, and Patty share local history and wildlife facts. Pineapple, water, gear, and flotation devices are included.

“David and Jasmine were great and friendly. Safely guided us to the great experience. I would highly recommend everyone signs up for their excellent tours!”

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

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

Board a 32-foot or 45-foot Zodiac at Kailua Pier for a three-hour coastal trip to Kealakekua Bay. You’ll snorkel for about an hour near the Captain Cook Monument, watch for dolphins and whales from the boat, view sea caves and lava formations, and enjoy lunch, snacks, drinks, and attentive crew support.

“Guides were great. My 5 year old, was not into the snorkelling part, but guides were great with her, and she did spend a good chunk of the time on the boat. My 11 year old and I loved the snorkelling. We did not see any dolphins, but we saw pilot whales and an Oceanic White Tip Shark, along with lots of fish snorkelling. Lunch was just a single hot dog, and there were no snacks offered, my kids were hungry, as I had thought there would be a bit more food. Overall it was a great experience, we had lots of fun, and saw lots of marine life.”

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5.Dolphin Watch Snorkel and BBQ in Kona, Big Island

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

Spend three hours aboard KIBOU with Iruka Hawaii Dolphin, searching Kona’s coast for dolphins, manta rays, and seasonal humpback whales. You’ll visit two boat-only snorkel spots, use provided gear, relax on a floating mat, and eat a hot dog, chips, and juice. Captain Amy and Tamae are named crew members.

“we didn't see ANY dolphin, so excurtion name should be changed, no BBQ lunch on board, just half a sandwich per person... just one Spot to snorkel that was nice. in my opinion over priced”

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6.Kailua Kona: Dolphin, Sea Cave and Captain Cook Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 14 reviews · 2h 30m · from $115

You’ll ride a small Zodiac RIB from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay, snorkel at Captain Cook Monument, and explore sea caves, lava tubes, and coves when conditions allow. The English-speaking crew provides gear, flotation aids, pineapple, and water. Dolphins and whales may appear, but sightings are never guaranteed.

“The boat was great and our Captain drove it perfectly to make everyone comfortable yet fun. The snorkeling was great. A great trip and the pineapple was delicious.”

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