Hawaii · SNORKELING TOURS IN BIG ISLAND

The 15 Best Snorkeling Tours on the Big Island You Can Book

58 tours  ·  from $25

Island days are short and flights between them are not. These 15 snorkeling tours on the big island are the ones worth the slot, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to know before you commit.

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel - Leaving Keauhou Bay and watching the Kona sunset
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

1.Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,656 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84Our pick

Meet Hang Loose Boat Tours at Keauhou Bay for a roughly two-and-a-half-hour manta ray outing. You’ll cruise along the Kona coast, watch the sunset, then use provided snorkel gear, a wetsuit top, and flotation support while mantas circle beneath lighted viewing boards. Guides including Bryce, Jordan, Aden, and Vince have been praised for calm, careful help in the water.

“Fabulous! The crew was amazing and seeing the mantas was incredible! Highly recommend and would definitely do tour again!”

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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor - The Keauhou manta site and the light board
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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

2.Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,465 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $25Best value

Meet at Keauhou Harbor, collect your mask and snorkel, then take a three-minute boat ride to a manta feeding site. You will float for up to 30 minutes beside an illuminated board that draws plankton and manta rays. Guides such as Greg, Eric, and Mahina may assist in the water. Wetsuits cost $10 extra.

“Had a wonderful time seeing the manta rays dance in the waters on this excursion. Crew was great and knowledgeable. Believe the names were mahina, Greg, and ash? (the captain). Loved it and would 100% recommended.”

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Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch - Leaving Honokohau Marina for the Kona coast
Big Island Tours, Catamaran Cruises in Big Island, Cruises & Boat Tours, Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tours, Lunch Experiences, Sailing, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

3.Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

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

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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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings - What happens once you enter the water
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

4.KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,212 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $49

Meet near the Outrigger Resort in Kona for a short RHIB boat ride to a manta viewing site. Guides such as Taco, Peyton, and Mike explain manta behavior before you spend 25 to 30 minutes in the water. You get snorkel gear, optional wetsuits, surface lighting, and an 11-person boat. Strong swimming skills are required.

“Fun and well organized experience. Crew was great and very knowledgeable. They found 3 manata rays right away which lead to a very memorable experience for us.”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island - Equipment, clothing, and the short boat ride
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

5.Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,758 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $44

Meet Dolphin Discoveries in Kailua-Kona, collect your mask, snorkel, and short-sleeve wetsuit top, then travel to Keauhou Bay for about 30 minutes beside manta rays feeding under the lights. You must swim, tread water, and climb a metal ladder. Ride-along tickets are available for non-swimmers.

“Team was on time and the guides in the water were very helpful and provided reassurance and support the entire time you were in the water. Awesome crew on deck as well. Great experience. Definitely recommend!”

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Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves - The speedy ride to Kealakekua Bay
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Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

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

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

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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Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays - The 45-minute light-board viewing session
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Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

7.Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,254 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $80

From Honokohau Harbor, you ride offshore for a Kona sunset and about 45 minutes beside giant manta rays feeding under bright lights. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, flotation, snacks, and water are included. You must know how to swim, but a ride-along option lets non-swimmers stay aboard.

“This is a must do activity! When I say life changing it’s almost not enough! The captain counted 14 different manta rays. They performed as if on cue! A ballet is a. Good term!”

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Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona - Getting ready with the small-group crew
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Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona

8.Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,141 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $145

From Keauhou Harbor, you’ll make a short boat ride to a nighttime manta site, then hold a glowing light board as manta rays gather for plankton. Hawaii Oceanic keeps groups to about 11 people, supplies snorkel gear, drinks, and wetsuit tops, and places a certified swim guide in the water. Snorkeling is optional.

“Hawaii Oceanic was one of four eco friendly tours and recommended night snorkel tour operators. We had an amazing small group experience with operators that know and care about the manta rays.”

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Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay - Starting at Keauhou Bay at 8:30 a.m.
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Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay

9.Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 957 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $193

Cruise from Keauhou Bay to Kealakekua Bay aboard Fair Wind II, with plant-based breakfast and lunch, reef gear, flotation toys, slides, and a high dive. You get about two hours in the water near the Captain Cook Monument, with crew support, coastal history, and possible dolphin, turtle, or whale sightings.

“This is a perfect activity to enjoy with the family! They offered something for all ages! My kids age from 4-18 yrs old they loved it! Staff was awesome water was amazing! Thank you for this amazing experience!”

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Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure - The sunset sail along the Kona coast
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure

10.Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 843 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $154

Sail the Kona coast aboard a 50-foot catamaran, watch the sun set, then hold onto a light board while manta rays feed below. Kona Style provides gear, instruction, drinks, hot cocoa, and an attentive crew led by Captain Dan on some departures. You must be a strong swimmer to enter the water.

“Captain Dan and his crew were wonderful! Really appreciated all the information before and even during the snorkel. They really put my mind at ease, as I was nervous about snorkeling at night. If I can do this, anyone can! We saw many mantas right away, which was so exhilarating yet peaceful. Easy entry off and back on the boat with a staircase from the boat. This is a very well run boat! I cannot recommend them enough!”

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Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona - Boarding at Kailua Pier and breakfast on the way out
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Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

11.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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Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona - Getting into the water at Garden Eel Cove
Big Island Tours, Evening Experiences, Manta Ray Night Snorkels, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

12.Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 777 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Cruise Kona’s coast aboard Manta Adventures’ Maheli-Heli, then watch manta rays feed beneath bright floating lights at Garden Eel Cove. You can snorkel with supplied gear, wetsuit, and flotation aid, or stay aboard. Captain Bill, Captain Dan, and crew members such as Drew and Sam have been praised for careful instruction, warm rinses, snacks, and close attention to safety.

“Captain and crew were so complete at instructions and were firm but still calm. Very nice crew! Very nice boat! And successful immediately on seeing manta rays 😎”

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Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed - From Keauhou Bay to the Hokulani
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Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed

13.Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 738 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $141

From Keauhou Bay, Sea Paradise takes you by trimaran to Manta Ray Village for a sunset cruise and night snorkel. You will hold a lit flotation raft while manta rays feed below, often passing within inches. Wetsuits, masks, snorkels, drinks, and in-water support are included. The tour lasts about 90 minutes.

“The crew was very knowledgeable. We had never snorkeled before but wow so cool. The manta ray came up from the bottom and leveled off about a foot from us. Totally worth the price of admission!”

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Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument - Entering the sacred waters of Kealakekua Bay
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Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

14.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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Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) Snorkel and Sail Adventure - Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument
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Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) Snorkel and Sail Adventure

15.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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New in Snorkeling Tours in Big Island

★ 4.6Kailua-Kona: Night Manta Snorkel or DiveFrom $1297 reviews
★ 5.0Kona Half-Day Boat Tour with Snorkeling & LunchFrom $16334 reviews
★ 4.5Kailua Kona: Dolphin, Sea Cave and Captain Cook Snorkel TourFrom $11514 reviews
★ 5.0Pu’uhonua O Honaunau & Kealakekua Bay Snorkel TourFrom $1427 reviews
★ 4.3Dolphin Watch Snorkel and BBQ in Kona, Big IslandFrom $15021 reviews
★ 4.8Eco-Friendly Snorkeling Experience with BBQFrom $194151 reviews
★ 4.9Morning Snorkel Sail to Captain Cook’s MonumentFrom $17849 reviews
★ 5.0South Kona Snorkeling and Coastline ExplorationFrom $20094 reviews
★ 4.9Snorkel with Manta Rays – Manta GuaranteeFrom $141114 reviews
★ 4.4Manta Ray Snorkel Boat TourFrom $13712 reviews
★ 4.9Kailua-Kona: Big Island Morning Snorkeling Tour with LunchFrom $1407 reviews
★ 4.9Captain Cook Sightseeing & Snorkel ExpeditionFrom $124105 reviews
★ 4.8Waikoloa Catamaran Snorkel & Sail Adventure with LunchFrom $18939 reviews
★ 5.0Two Tank Morning Reef Dive and SnorkelFrom $19554 reviews
★ 4.5Beach Snorkel – Sea Turtle and Black Sand LagoonFrom $15362 reviews

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