USA · SNORKELING TRIPS IN BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII

Best Snorkeling Trips in Big Island of Hawaii: 15 Worth Booking

31 tours  ·  from $25

The 15 snorkeling trips in Big Island of Hawaii below are the ones worth your free day, each with its price, its running time and the detail that decides it. The top entry is top for a reason.

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel - From Keauhou Bay to the sunset ride
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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 2.5-hour night cruise to Kona’s manta-ray site. Guides such as Bryce, Noah, Vince, Aden, Jordan, and Bruno may lead the trip. You’ll receive snorkel gear, a wetsuit top, flotation aid, snacks, and water, but you must already swim and snorkel comfortably.

“The captain, Bryce, and his crew, Bruno and Vince were entertaining, educational and engaging! We had an amazing time. We highly recommend this tour!!”

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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor - The three-minute boat ride to Keauhou’s manta area
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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 gear, and take a three-minute boat ride to a manta feeding site. You will float for up to 30 minutes beside an illuminated board as guides such as Greg, Jake, Sean, Mahina, and Eric help you watch the rays safely. Wetsuits cost $10 extra.

“The crew was rude and impatient . Will not go with them again . They were shouting at everyone and made the whole experience unpleasant”

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Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch - Leaving Honokohau Marina on the power catamaran
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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

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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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings - What the 25 to 30 minutes in the water feels like
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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 My Kona Adventures near the Outrigger Resort in Kailua-Kona for a short RHIB boat ride to a manta ray viewing site. With guides such as Peyton, Taco, Mike, and Rocky, you will learn how to watch these gentle animals without touching them. The 11-person boat keeps the outing personal, though you need basic snorkel skills and confidence in open water.

“Wonderful and knowledgeable staff, a MUST-DO experience on Big Island. Highlight of the trip by far :)”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island - What happens at Dolphin Discoveries
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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, then travel to Keauhou Bay for a night snorkel beside wild manta rays. You will wear a short-sleeve wetsuit top and hold a lighted float while guides such as Vinny, Brianna, or Bryce help you stay safe. The boat ride is short, but swimming skills and comfort in dark open water are required.

“It’s an amazing experience…once in a lifetime experience…our guide Brianna was wonderful and friendly…I took a video from the start before I jumped off the boat till almost the end and my vid was only 16 mins ☹️ I thought we will be in the water for 30 mins as indicated … the check in staff at the store was friendly and pleasant as well. Overall, it’s a nice experience and recommends it to everyone.”

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Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves - Sea caves, lava tubes, and the ride back
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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

Ride a fast Zodiac RIB from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay, stopping at sea caves, lava tubes, and the Captain Cook Monument. Guides such as David, Chip, Sage, and Danielle share island stories while you snorkel with provided gear, water, and pineapple. Groups can reach 18 people, though some departures are much smaller.

“Be aware that if you are going on this trip to see and possibly swim with dolphins you won’t be swimming with them and you probably won’t see any. It is not legal to swim with dolphins. . This was not made clear to us until we were coming back to the dock. It is a long boat ride for snorkeling. There are lots of off the beach places to snorkel. Not worth it. Needs better more clear marketing.”

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Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays - Sunset from the upper deck
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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

Leave Honokohau Harbor for a sunset boat ride and a 45-minute manta encounter in 30 to 35 feet of water. Your crew provides wetsuits, snorkel gear, flotation, snacks, and water. Hold onto a bright light board as giant rays sweep close by. Strong swimmers can enter the water, while ride-along passengers can stay aboard.

“We had a great time with our Captain, Lena, and Deck Hand, Mattie, who were knowledgeable, entertaining, and energetic making this excursion one to remember. We saw fish and had a close encounter with a manta ray that couldn’t stop showing off.”

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Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona - What happens in the water
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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 reach Kona’s manta site in about five minutes, watch the sunset, then hold a glowing light board as manta rays feed below. Hawaii Oceanic runs groups of up to 11, with snorkel gear, drinks, and optional wetsuit tops included. Snorkeling is optional, but you must be able to swim unaided.

“The small group was great. Personal service from meeting with Christine to Justin and Shane on the boat to Sara guiding us to the Mantas and telling us about them! Very short time from meeting to seeing the rays VERY up close!”

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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

Set out from Keauhou Bay at 8:30 a.m. aboard Fair Wind II for about 2.5 hours of snorkeling near the Captain Cook Monument. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, gear, reef-safe sunscreen, float toys, slides, and a jumping platform, with crew members such as Captains Joey, Jon, and Chris guiding the trip.

“They supply all you need. Also, you get a delicious vegan breakfast and lunch. Plenty time to snorquel and play in the water.”

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Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure - Why the crew makes a difference
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Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure

10.Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure

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

Board a 50-foot catamaran near the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Beach Kona Hotel, watch the sun set over the Kona coast, then hold a light board while manta rays feed below. Captain Dan and the crew provide gear, safety instruction, drinks, and hot cocoa. The tour lasts about 2 hours 15 minutes and carries no more than 36 people.

“This was one of the coolest experiences of my life. It is truly unbelievable seeing the Manta Rays. Kona Style was also a great company to go with and everyone was super friendly, attentive, and kind.”

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Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona - Breakfast with the Kona coast sliding past
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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

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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Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona - The manta ray encounter after dark
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Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

12.Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

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

Join Manta Adventures for a sunset cruise from Kailua-Kona to Garden Eel Cove, where you can snorkel above manta rays under bright viewing lights. Captain Bill or Captain Dan and crew provide gear, wetsuits, floatation aids, snacks, cookies, water, and a warm rinse. You may also stay aboard and watch from the boat.

“If you can float on your belly (and everyone floats in the ocean), this is a must for you... Captain Bill and Crew (Drew and Sam) were all great. We saw 4-5 Mantas for over 30 minutes right in our faces. There were baby tuna and needlefish as well. Thank you for the warm water rinse when we got back onto the boat. An Amazing trip for sure...”

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Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed - Leaving Keauhou Bay on 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, you’ll ride the trimaran Hokulani to Manta Ray Village for a sunset cruise and night snorkel. Hold onto a lit flotation device while manta rays feed below. Wetsuits, masks, snorkels, drinks, snacks, and safety support are included. The boat ride is short, making this a good choice if you get seasick.

“This was an amazing experience. The crew made us feel safe and supported. I didn’t know what to expect, but the manta rays were inches from my face when in the water. It was amazing! They are beautiful creatures. This is a must of you visit the big island!”

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Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument - Entering Kealakekua Bay with respect
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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

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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Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) Snorkel and Sail Adventure - Sailing south on a 50-foot catamaran
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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

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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New in Snorkeling Trips in Big Island of Hawaii

★ 5.0Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour – 4 hour Kona Zodiac AdventureFrom $130508 reviews
★ 5.0Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour in Kailua-Kona, Big IslandFrom $125382 reviews
★ 5.0Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona – Coral Reef Snorkel AdventuresFrom $125376 reviews
★ 5.0Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure! Small GroupFrom $83364 reviews
★ 5.0Small-Group Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook, Big IslandFrom $109396 reviews
★ 4.5Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience of a LifetimeFrom $79505 reviews
★ 5.0Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook MonumentFrom $179472 reviews
★ 5.0Two Reef Snorkel Trip-See Captain Cook Monument & Sea CavesFrom $119347 reviews
★ 5.0Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel ExclusiveFrom $124380 reviews
★ 5.03.5 Hour Kailua-Kona Ocean Kayak and Snorkel TourFrom $99384 reviews

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