10 Boat Tours in Big Island of Hawaii That Repay the Ticket

1.Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

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

Cruise Kona’s volcanic coast to historic Kealakekua Bay with Hang Loose Boat Tours. Captains Aiden or Bryce and the crew provide snorkel gear, flotation devices, lunch, history, and plenty of time in the water. Expect coral, reef fish, possible dolphins and winter humpback whales, plus a boat slide and rinse-off shower.

“A great morning trip to a perfect snorkeling experience on the big island of Hawaii. The bay next to the captain Cook Memorial is about a 40 minute boat ride from the harbor. We spent two hours snorkeling playing on the boat slides and jumping off the boat and enjoying lunch. there was good equipment for everybody and the boat was comfortable.”

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2.Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,279 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Sail 12 miles down Kona’s coast to Captain Cook Monument while a local historian shares Hawaiian stories and landmarks. You’ll enjoy pupus, one complimentary cocktail, a catered dinner, live Hawaiian music, and sunset views. The 3-hour cruise leaves Kailua Pier at 4 p.m. and returns there after an evening on the water.

“The cruise was very informative about the islands history and culture. The crew was entertaining and joyful. Great music and drinks. Great atmosphere for a birthday.”

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

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

Set out from Kailua Pier aboard Body Glove’s spacious catamaran for a four-and-a-half-hour Kona coast cruise. Look for dolphins and seasonal whales, snorkel at Red Hill for about two hours, then enjoy breakfast, a barbecue lunch, paddleboards, a slide, and a high-jump platform. Captain Erica and crew members such as Adam, Brianna, and Taylor have been singled out for attentive service.

“My family and I had the best time on the Body Glove Catamaran! The crew and Captain were professional, personable, and always watching for the safety of the guests. There’s something for entire on this boat. Everyone enjoyed snorkeling while my husband, teen daughter, and I enjoyed the slide, high jump, and paddle boarding. My parents enjoyed the beautiful scenery and beverages handcrafted by our gorgeous bartender. This boat has everything!!”

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4.Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

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

Join Sea Paradise at 1:45 pm for a three-hour afternoon sail from Keauhou Bay to Kealakekua Bay. You’ll snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument with provided gear, flotation noodles, and reef-safe sunscreen, while the crew shares local history and marine-life notes. Expect covered seating, snacks, drinks, and a maximum of 44 people.

“Lovely small sailboat - you are under power the entire way, but still a nice experience. On the trip, we saw whales, snorkeled by Captain Cook Monument, and on the way back, saw Pele “laying” Oceanside. Crew was very knowledgable and shared a lot of interesting information along the way. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks were included and after snorkeling, alcohol was available for purchase.”

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

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

Start near the Courtyard Marriott in Kailua-Kona, then sail south on a 50-foot catamaran to Kealakekua Bay. Enjoy Kona coffee and pastries, snorkel for about an hour near the Captain Cook Monument, and return with lunch, coastal views, and stories about Hawaiian culture. Crew names and vessel staff may vary.

“Great crew — very helpful. Very informative - provided history of area and Hawaii. Snorkeling was very good. Did was tasty and plentiful.”

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6.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 sail along Kona’s lava coast. Snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument and Red Hill, with crew support, fish charts, breakfast, lunch, snacks, gear, and flotation noodles included. Captain T-Roy and crew members such as Fernando may add local stories along the way.

“This is an amazing experience!! Such a wonderful crew and sailing vessel! I’ve been on quite a few of these excursions and I have to say that this was by far the best! Food was fun and plentiful (which is quite a plus) - and locations for snorkeling perfect! LOTS of marine life. Occupancy on board is also nice …. Not too many people which makes movement around the vessel easy. If you have the inkling to do a snorkel tour while in Kona I highly recommend Sea Paradise!”

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7.Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 506 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $72Best value

From Kailua Pier, you’ll spend about 50 minutes aboard a custom-built 36-foot glass-bottom boat. Guides Amy and Sean explain reef life, Hawaiian history, fish behavior, and the changing sea floor. Four viewing windows, cushioned seats, free water, ginger ale, and an onboard restroom make this a simple choice for families and anyone who prefers to stay dry.

“Very fun, felt safe, we were happy with our experience. Our 10 year old grandson enjoyed the adventure. We appreciated the family business and that the tour guide’s father was the boat builder.”

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8.Kailua-Kona: Manta Ray Watching Nighttime Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 488 reviews · 2 hours · from $75

Set out from Honokohau Harbor with Kona Coast Boat Tours for a two-hour night trip to Kona’s manta-ray viewing area. You can stay aboard or wear a wetsuit top and snorkel above the rays as guides such as Kelly, Bryce, Koa, and Elayo help you feel secure. Bring warm clothes for the ride home.

“If you are hesitating whether or not to do it : JUST DO IT !!! It’s one of the best experiences we’ve done so far. The guides (captain and crew) arrive at 9.30pm so don’t be afraid if you don’t see anyone prior to this time. The boat ride is really short and quite smooth. We took some sea sickness motion pills just in case but it was quite alright and we don’t think it’s mandatory. The guides and captain were fun and kind. Thanks to the late / last time slot, we weren’t many people on board (12 people) and the other companies had already left the water when…”

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9.Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

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

Set out from Keauhou Bay at 8:15 a.m. aboard Sea Paradise’s catamaran for a 4.5-hour sail and snorkel trip. You’ll visit Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument, with a possible second snorkel at Red Hill. Breakfast, lunch, gear, flotation noodles, snacks, drinks, and reef-safe sunscreen are included.

“What a great day! The crew was amazing and the boat ride was so much fun. Then the snorkeling! We saw so many beautiful fish. Highly recommend!”

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10.Waikoloa Signature Catamaran Sunset Sail

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

Sail from Anaeho'omalu Bay on a 53-foot catamaran with up to 49 people. You will go barefoot, ride a tender to the boat, watch the Kohala-Kona coast turn gold, and enjoy premium drinks, snacks, commentary, and a chance at the green flash.

“Highlight of our vacation. Beautiful scenery. Helpful, friendly staff. Not a bad seat on the boat. Great for a group.”

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