Your time is precious so why waste it going to an inferior snorkel spot with a sketchy snorkel tour company? Here we offer only the best Big Island snorkeling tours available.
Big Island Snorkel Tours Ranked
- Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel
- Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour
- Pawai Bay Snorkeling Tour
- Snorkel & Sail
- Offshore blue Water Adventure
Top 5 Snorkeling Tours on The Big Island
The Big island has 2 sides. The western side has warm calm clear waters, while the eastern side has cooler, darker waters. This means if you want to experience the best snorkeling on the Big Island you’re going to want to travel to the Kona side of the island. All of these Big Island snorkeling tours depart from the Kona area.
1. Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Easily one of the top snorkeling experiences in the world, the Kona manta ray night snorkel is one of the few must-do activities on the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s popularity give it the top spot among Big Island Snorkeling Tours.
Snorkelers lay on the surface of the sea while these gentle giants perform acrobatics in a quest to scoop up as much zooplankton as possible. Kona’s manta rays can weight up to as much as 1200 lbs with wingspans of up to 12 feet. Unlike other rays their lack of teeth and stingers make for a safe yet mind-blowing encounter. This activity is suitable for ages 5 & up.
2. Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour
Easily one of the most scenic snorkeling spots on the Big Island of Hawaii the Captain Cook snorkeling tour offers a boat ride with marine life encounters, history, dramatic sea cliffs, and fantastic underwater marine life. The combination of all of these elements makes for one of the best Big Island snorkeling tours and one of the best tours in Hawaii period.
3. Pawai Bay Snorkeling Tour
If you’re really into snorkeling and you want as much time in the water as possible this is the best snorkeling trip for you. Departing from Kona’s Honokohau marina you’ll be taken to one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. While you’ll have less time cruising you will have double the time in the water versus the Captain Cook snorkeling tour. Pawai bay is home to beautiful coral and unique lava features including arches and swim-throughs.
4. Snorkel & Sail
One of the most relaxing and pampered snorkel tours is the Kealakekua Bay snorkel & sail. Lounge on the bow of a spacious sailing catamaran in the kona breeze enjoying a tropical beverage and food service. Visit the Captain Cook Monument in gorgeous Kealakekua bay.
5. Offshore Blue Water Adventure
One of the most unique snorkel tours available in Hawaii this trip takes you off the coast to the deep bleu waters off the Big Island. 3 miles offshore brings you into water over 3000 feet deep. This means lot’s of pelagic sea life not normally seen near shore can be spotted.
The boat is incredibly quick bringing you over large distances in search of unique critters. The Big Island is home to 13 species of whales and 4 species of dolphin. See sharks, mantas, sperm whales, and much much more! While not every trip is a success the boat ride will be sure to make a lasting memory. Think roller coaster thrills on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most adventurous snorkeling tour on Big Island?
Easily one of the most epic and unique experiences is the Offshore Blue Water Adventure. This 4 hour wild ride is like being on board a massive rollercoaster/jet ski that will take you quickly around the Kona area in search of some of the largest and most unique marine life in Hawaii.
What is the most relaxed snorkeling tour on Big Island?
The Captain Cook Snorkel & Sail is easily one of the most relaxed snorkeling tours available. From start to finish prepare to lounge in the sun and be pampered on this laid back sailing catamaran. Drinks and lunch will be provided. Snorkeling in Kealakekua bay is easy and gorgeous.
Alternatively if you’re looking for something a bit more chillaxe without the snorkeling check out the Captain Cook Sunset Dinner Cruise which offers live music dinner, drinks, and dancing should you get up the energy to do so.
Does the Big Island have good snorkeling?
Some os the best snorkeling in Hawaii is on the Big Island’s Kona side. Two of the most popular snorkeling tours are the manta ray night snorkel and the Captain cook snorkeling tour.
Is the snorkeling better on Kauai or Big Island
Kauai has great hiking but the Big Island has both great hiking and snorkeling. The warm, calm, clear waters make the Big Island’s snorkeling far superior to Kauai’s. Though you may see a lot of turtles on Kauai something that you may still see on big island just not as often in the water. But the big island’s lava structure, reefs, wildlife and ocean conditions make it far superior to Kauai’s offerings.
Is there snorkeling in Kona vs Hilo
Yes. Both have snorkeling. Hilo’s water is colder, rougher, and has lower visibility. There are also fewer access points in Hilo. Kona has some of the best snorkeling in the State of Hawaii with warm, calm, & clear waters as well as the Captain Cook snorkeling tour and the manta ray night snorkeling tour. Two of the most popular Big Island snorkeling tours.
If you are in Hilo and want to go snorkeling check out this article on Hilo snorkeling & diving.
Where can I snorkel with manta rays on Big Island Hawaii?
The best place to see the mantas is from Honokohau boat harbor. This departure point is best because it allows boats to travel either north or south to one of the two manta viewing spots. This means that the operation has more freedom to go to the best spot that night based on sightings. This will increase your likelihood of getting a good show.
If you want to go from Honokohau Harbor with the highest rated snorkel company on the Big Island check out Kona Snorkel Trips.
Where is the clearest water on Big Island?
Kona has the clearest water because of the steep dropoff from shore there’s very little sand. Typically waves will kick up the sand which lowers the visibility and makes for a less than ideal snorkeling experience in Hawaii but this is not a problem in Kona. Typical visibility in Kona is 30-80 feet or greater depending on location and conditions.
Where is the clearest water to snorkel in Hawaii?
The Big Island’s Kona side has some of the clearest water in Hawaii due to the lack of sand. It’s a newer active volcano so sand hasn’t had a chance to build up yet like on the other older Hawaiian Islands.
Which Hawaiian Island has the best snorkeling?
The Big Island’s Kona side has calmer, clearer, and warmer waters compared to the other Hawaiian islands the snorkeling is better. The combination of large animals, colorful reef, abundance of fish, and unique lava reef structure make the Big Island’s Kona (western) side easily the best in Hawaii State.
What months are best for snorkeling in Hawaii?
If you have ultimate freedom the best time to get in the water in Hawaii is July – September when the water is both warm and calm. It’s also typically cleared due to the fact that there is less surf. If you’re looking for good water conditions as well as less tourists September is the best month to go on a Big Island snorkeling tour.
Do you need a wetsuit to snorkel in Hawaii?
No. But without one you can get cold as the water can reach the mid 70’s (25 C). If it’s daytime you can also get sunburned on your backside. You’ll also have less floatation so depending on your body’s natural buoyancy you may have dificulty staying afloat without using effort.
Is it safe to snorkel with Manta Rays?
If you choose a reputable operation you’ll be provided with a lifeguard certified guide, floatation, and a proper briefing. All of the operators listed here meet those requirements.
