10 Reef Snorkeling Days in Big Island Worth Booking

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

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

Ride a small Zodiac to Captain Cook Reef, explore sea caves, and snorkel clear Kealakekua Bay waters on this lively Kona tour.

“David and Danielle were awesome guides. Lots of nice “color commentary” on way back especially with some cool stops to see lava tubes, etc. Wear sun screen and if you have any motion sickness issues take your medicine prior. The boat ride to the bay is really fast and fun (a bit like a baby roller coaster). If you have flippers you might want to bring them for the snorkeling. Not needed but enhances getting around. We didn’t see any dolphins but you can’t schedule Mother Nature. All in all definitely worth it.”

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2.Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona – Coral Reef Snorkel Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 376 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125Top rated

Swim beneath Kona’s manta rays on a small night snorkel, with expert guides, gear, snacks, and a strong chance of close encounters.

“The best trip we have taken EVER! (And to provide some context were currently travelling the world so have done a fair amount). Staff were so friendly and knowledgeable, the group was nice and small which made for a extra special experience, we saw 11 beautiful manta rays and it was so magical, boat trip to and from the location was really fun and as a added bonus there was snacks for after! Thank you so much!”

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3.Two Reef Snorkel Trip-See Captain Cook Monument & Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 347 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $119

Review of Kona’s two reef snorkel trip to Captain Cook and Honaunau Bay, with sea caves, dolphins, whales, gear, food, and practical tips.

“It was a great time all around! Our captain was very knowledgeable about Hawaiian history, landmarks, and local accomdoations. The snorkeling was beautiful!”

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4.Captain Cook Reef Snorkeling of Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 133 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $80

Review of a four-hour Captain Cook snorkeling tour at Kealakekua Bay, with gear, lunch, wildlife, history, and practical booking advice.

“Tour guides were awesome, snorkeling was great, but of history about the islands (very cool) and spinner dolphins!”

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5.Best Coral Reef Snorkel Tour in Kona – Protected Marine Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 118 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $125

Explore Kealakekua Bay on a small-group Kona snorkel tour with clear water, coral reef, Captain Cook history, and up to an hour to swim.

“The snorkeling was amazing! Hundreds of colorful fish, easy to see in crystal clear waters. I was expecting more information from the crew. The tour description says “ Along the way, your Captain will call out historical sites and discuss the fascinating history of the Kona coast. ” We got none of that from Captain Sean even right at the Cook monument. Even so, the snorkeling made the trip worth it.”

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6.Kona Shore Excursion: Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 73 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

Review of Kona’s 3-hour dolphin and reef snorkel shore excursion, with Captain Cook, sea caves, lunch, boat logistics, and honest advice.

“Too many people on boat. Limit to 15. Get the captain a mic and wi-fi it to the boat speakers. Lot of interesting stuff from the reaction and I could not hear. Reef was great. Better than Maui crater.”

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7.Two Tank Morning Reef Dive and Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $195

Review of Kona’s two-tank morning reef trip, with snorkeling, local coffee, small groups, costs, logistics, and booking advice.

“Excellent service. Calypso is the best dive master. The picturesque waters of Kailua-Kona are teeming with vibrant marine life, making it an ideal destination for diving enthusiasts.”

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8.Dolphin, Sea Cave, Captain Cook, Kealakekua Bay Reef Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Review of Big Island’s small-group Captain Cook snorkel tour, with a fast Zodiac boat, reef time, sea caves, snacks, and practical tips.

“Do you have a need for speed? If you don’t want a boring ass boat ride with 50 other people who will, on your own overwhelm and crowd the Cook monument area, this is the tour for you. The navy seal raft you just sit in the edge and it goes FAST so you have to hold on. The driver Erik is truly a master at his craft. We saw dolphins and made an effort to engage with them. You get close to the sea caves at the end on a wild ride. Loud music of varied genres was great. This is listed for people with snorkeling experience. They just…”

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9.2-Hour Dolphin Watching and Double Reef with Snorkel in Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $97

Review the Big Island’s two-hour dolphin and double-reef snorkel tour, with a fast RHIB boat, small groups, gear, snacks, and practical tips.

“This was a great experience. Small group, great guide and wonderful snorkeling spots and so many dolphins.”

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10.Tropical Reef & Wildlife Boat Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $230

Review of Hilo’s Tropical Reef and Wildlife Boat Snorkel Adventure, with small-group details, price, itinerary, safety notes, and booking advice.

“The driver Trevor drove way too fast and never asked anyone how their experience was. Isiah was very nice. We have been on many trips in the past for the last four years on the Big Island and this was disappointing. He was crashing into waves and never asked us how we were as we hung on. I wound up going to the hospital with extreme back pain and needed a shot and medication. No one even apologized. It was very disturbing that our safety was not a priority.”

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