USA · SNORKELING

The 15 Best Snorkeling Trips in the USA

94 tours  ·  from $25

Hawaii has the turtles, the Keys have the only living coral barrier reef in the country and Florida’s springs are clear year round. These 15 are priced by half or full day, with a note on gear, boat size and which ones suit beginners.

Oahu: Grand Tour Around Island 16 Locations plus Snorkeling - Waimanalo and Chinaman’s Hat
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Oahu: Grand Tour Around Island 16 Locations plus Snorkeling

1.Grand Tour Around Island 16 Locations plus Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8,669 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $109Our pick

Start around 7 a.m. for a full loop of Oahu with stops at Diamond Head, Makapuʻu, Chinaman’s Hat, Waimea Bay, Haleʻiwa, Dole Plantation, and more. You’ll get snorkeling gear, snacks, hotel-area pickup, and a guide such as Aka, Dylan, Kat, or Jay. Expect a large group, lots of driving, and a route that may change.

“This is a long, informative, entertaining tour. Kat is full of info and Victor was very kind, helping with my walker.”

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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel - From Keauhou Bay to the sunset ride
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

2.Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

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

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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Oahu's Ultimate Tour: Dole, Turtle Snorkel, Pali Lookout & More - Diamond Head, Kahala, and the southeastern coast
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Oahu’s Ultimate Tour: Dole, Turtle Snorkel, Pali Lookout & More

3.Oahu’s Ultimate Tour: Dole, Turtle Snorkel, Pali Lookout & More

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,461 reviews · 10 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $108

This 10 to 12-hour Oahu circle-island tour links Diamond Head Lookout, Halona Blowhole, Nuʻuanu Pali, North Shore beaches, turtle snorkeling, Dole Plantation, and local food stops. Guides such as Kap, Dirk, and Rob lead the day in English. Pickup, snorkel gear, drinks, snacks, and Pali fees are included, but weather and traffic can change the plan.

“Fun trip with a fun tour guide, Kap?, and group. Saw many places and many beaches. I wouldn’t waste my time on the Dole Train next time. Saw many plants, but too long with the return trip useless. We had to hurry to the train, and then buy Dole Whip. No time to look in shop or around grounds. Our snorkeling beach was too rocky to really enjoy the beach.”

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Oahu Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling— Small-Groups - Diamond Head and Halona Blowhole before the crowds
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Oahu Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling— Small-Groups

4.Oahu Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling— Small-Groups

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,214 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $149

Spend about eight hours seeing Oahu by air-conditioned minibus, with a group of 28 or fewer and a local guide such as Nevin, Raul, Justin, or Mike. You’ll visit Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, Kualoa Point, the North Shore, and Dole Plantation, with snorkeling gear provided for a chance to see green sea turtles.

“Great trip with excellent info provided. Thank you Nevin, Stone, and Mole. And the shrimp lunch was excellent. I really liked all the Hawaiian history provided. Seeing turtles was great too!”

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Waikiki, Hawaii: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Excursion - Reaching Turtle Canyon, Waikiki’s turtle site
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Waikiki, Hawaii: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Excursion

5.Waikiki, Hawaii: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,656 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79

From Living Ocean Tours, you’ll take a two-hour boat trip to Waikiki’s Turtle Canyon for guided snorkeling with Hawaiian green sea turtles and reef fish. Gear, instruction, snacks, and drinks are included. Guides such as Chance and Aaron have been praised for making first-time snorkelers feel safe and helping families spot sea life.

“Lots of folks snorkeling in the same area. Still plenty of great views of fish and, if lucky, turtles.”

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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - The catamaran ride across Gulf waters
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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

6.Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,362 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $57

Sail from Panama City Beach to Shell Island aboard Island Time’s roomy catamaran. Look for wild dolphins, snorkel in St. Andrews Bay, collect shells, paddleboard, or use the waterslide. The crew provides gear and life jackets, with drinks available to buy. Allow about three hours and check in 30 minutes early.

“shell Island was beautiful seeing dolphins on the way was fun. We also snorkeled and collected shells.”

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Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure in Waikiki, Oahu - A Good Setup for First-Time Snorkelers
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Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure in Waikiki, Oahu

7.Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure in Waikiki, Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,197 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $85

From Charter Oahu’s marina, you’ll cruise toward Turtle Canyon with certified water guides and a small group of up to 20. Snorkel among green sea turtles and reef fish, then relax on floating platforms with juice and snacks. A swim step and flotation gear help first-timers and non-swimmers enjoy the outing.

“Excellent experience. I saw some turtles at beginning and one in the middle. People is very friendly.”

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The 'OG' Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer - The briefing matters more than it may seem
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The ‘OG’ Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer

8.The ‘OG’ Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,539 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $76

River Ventures takes you through Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge to search for wild manatees near Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs. You receive a wetsuit, snorkel gear, safety instruction, and an in-water guide who helps you float calmly near the animals. Guides such as Piper, Natalie, Maleah, and JJ have earned strong praise for clear instructions and warm, capable care.

“It was an amazing experience swimming with the manatees in their natural habitat. We saw lots of manatee, big and small and were able to get very close to them. Our guide and Captain, Piper and Tanner, knew the best places to take the crew for manatee viewing. Highly recommend!”

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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

9.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

10.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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Maui Snorkeling Adventure to Molokini and Turtle Town - The ride to Molokini Crater
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Maui Snorkeling Adventure to Molokini and Turtle Town

11.Maui Snorkeling Adventure to Molokini and Turtle Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,221 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $159

Meet at Maalaea Harbor before sunrise for a five-and-a-half-hour catamaran trip to Molokini Crater and a second stop at Turtle Town or Coral Gardens. Malolo Charters provides gear, flotation aids, breakfast, lunch, narration, restrooms, and crew support. Sea turtles and whales are possible, but never guaranteed.

“We all had an amazing time. Saw multiple kinds of fish, sea turtles and even some whales while traveling to the sites. Pictures were great. The staff were very kind, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.”

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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

12.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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Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed - Waikiki and Diamond Head from the water
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Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed

13.Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,109 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $134

From Kewalo Basin, you cruise past Waikiki and Diamond Head to Turtle Canyon for guided snorkeling with green sea turtles. The midday trip includes lunch, beer, wine, and cocktails, while the morning sailing offers soft drinks. The crew, including guides such as Chris, Natalie, Greta, and Joey, provides gear and water safety help.

“Bathroom before departing is far from the slip. Better to park near restrooms under the tree if you’re driving. Parking was cheap and easy. The trip was awesome. Captain and crew were so friendly answered all of our questions and saw 6 or 7 turtles.”

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Maui Snorkeling Adventure From Ma'alaea Harbor to Molokini - Ma’alaea Harbor check-in at 6:45 a.m.
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Maui Snorkeling Adventure From Ma’alaea Harbor to Molokini

14.Maui Snorkeling Adventure From Ma’alaea Harbor to Molokini

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,997 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $185

Meet the Calypso crew at Ma’alaea Harbor for a 5.5-hour catamaran cruise to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. You’ll receive snorkel gear, flotation aids, breakfast, lunch, island narration, and lifeguard support. A glass-bottom room, two slides, freshwater showers, and whale sightings in season add plenty to the time between swims.

“We had a spectacular time on our snorkeling adventure from Ma'alaea Harbor to Molokini! The crew was professional, informative, and incredibly attentive to our needs. The boat was clean and well-maintained, and we felt safe throughout the trip. The true highlight was getting to see whales up close—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While the water was a bit choppy near Turtle Island and Molokini, it didn't take away from a fantastic day on the water. Highly recommended!”

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Maui: Turtle Town Snorkel with Photo and Video - Swimming out to Turtle Town
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Maui: Turtle Town Snorkel with Photo and Video

15.Turtle Town Snorkel with Photo and Video

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,916 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $129

Swim from Makena Landing into Maui’s Turtle Town with a group of no more than 10. Guides such as Joe and Robbie provide gear, instruction, life jackets, photos, and raw video clips. Expect about one hour in the water, plenty of swimming, and a good chance to see turtles, fish, urchins, octopus, and other sea life.

“We had a great time seeing turtles and we also got to hold a sea urchin and starfish. Robbie was a great guide! We definitely recommend this experience.”

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