The 4 Best Dolphin Snorkeling Tours in Big Island to Book

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

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

Review of Kona’s luxury catamaran snorkel cruise, with dolphin watching, meals, water toys, practical tips, costs, and honest drawbacks.

“This was one of the highlights of our family trip! With a total of 17 people and kids ranging from 8 months to 20 years there was something for everyone! From the slide, jumping off the boat, paddle boards, noodles, and a mat to just float! The staff was absolutely amazing, the Captain was very informative and stopped every time she saw something in the water that was worth a pic or two! Shout out to Taylor, my boys enjoyed your stories of adventure and overall your kind nature and down to earth personality! We had so much fun, so thank you to all of your staff who were hands…”

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3.Dolphin, Sea Cave & Captain Cook Snorkel Combo in Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 220 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $83

Review of the small-boat Kealakekua Bay snorkel tour, with Captain Cook Monument, sea caves, dolphins, whales, price, tips, and who should book.

“Be ready for a small boat with big speed. The captain was great at navigating the waters, telling us about the history of the area and the wildlife. We saw a humpback whale up close and dolphins!”

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4.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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