Top Big Island of Hawaii Water Tours

Experience the rainbow-colored fish and bright corals beneath the waves without ever getting wet during this glass-bottom boat trip from Kona. Climb aboard your 36-foot (10-meter) vessel (specially designed for floating above reefs) with an expert naturalist as you explore the incredible marine landscape of Hawaii. As you cruise, observe Hawaii’s underwater coastline and admire fascinating creatures like dolphins, turtles and maybe even a seasonal whale or two.

Journey back in time — when ancient, powerful Kings ruled the rugged, fertile land of the Hawaiian Islands — on this 3-hour dinner cruise to Kealakekua Bay. Travel 12 miles down the Kona Coast to the Captain Cook monument. Learn the many secrets of the Big Island as a local historian points out more than 50 points of interest along the way.

On this exciting Kona submarine tour, dive deep below the cobalt waters just off the Kona coast, where an entire world of fish and marine creatures is waiting just below the surface. As the submarine descends towards the colorful reef, peer through the portholes at fish that swim to within inches of the submarine windows, and experience the sense of peace and calm in this world beneath the waves. This is a great way to explore underwater without even getting your hair wet, and, if you’re very lucky, there’s even the chance you could see a passing shark.

Sail up the scenic Kona coastline, getting views of ancient lava flows and verdant cliffs, and stopping at the Captain Cook Monument, on this afternoon sail in Kealakekua Bay. Slip into the water using the provided snorkeling gear to see vibrant schools of fish, living coral, and even pods of spinner dolphins. Learn about the area's underwater flora, fauna, and ecosystem through guided commentary.

Discover Kona’s underwater paradise on this snorkeling cruise and dolphin watch. Cruise through the protected marine sanctuaries of Red Hill, home to more than 600 species of enchanting ocean wildlife. After a safety briefing and some basic instruction from the lifeguard-trained crew, jump in the water for a snorkel. While you're enjoying the crystal clear snorkeling the crew will be grilling a delicious BBQ burger lunch. Then relax with a cocktail from the premium cash bar and enjoy the timeless beauty of the Kona coastline on the return trip. Bring a towel. Everything else is included.

Take a Kealakekua Bay snorkeling cruise, and depart from the waters of Keauhou Bay to scour the Kona coastline for dolphins, turtles or, even, whales in the winter months. Upon arrival in Kealakekua Bay, peer overboard at the crystal clear waters that teem with colorful reef fish. After receiving expert instruction and snorkeling equipment onboard, you'll jump in the water to experience some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island.

Ensure you find some of the best snorkeling sites in Hawaii on this sail and snorkel adventure leaving from Keauhou Bay Pier. Set sail along the Kona coastline toward the Captain Cook Monument, where your adventure begins. Jump into the clear water to explore the vibrant reef of the marine sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay, which is home to schools of colorful fish and pods of spinner dolphins. Your tour includes breakfast, lunch, and equipment such as snorkeling gear and boogie boards.

See the tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral of Anaeho’omalu Bay on a glass-bottom boat ride. Enjoy shaded seating and beautiful ocean panoramas aboard a 26-foot (7.9-meter) boat, departing from Waikoloa, close to Kona. Expert guides join you on board to discuss Hawaiian marine life and answer any questions as you examine the underwater world through the glass. This scenic cruise is engaging for travelers of all ages, and returns to your original departure point.

This half-day boat cruise takes you to the two best snorkeling sites in Kealakekua Bay: The reef beneath Captain Cook's monument and the underwater lava formations of Red Hill. In addition to breakfast and lunch, your guides provide all necessary equipment, basic snorkeling tips, and identification charts to help you spot fish and dolphins in their natural habitat. Don’t forget your camera—the route showcases sweeping views of the Kona coastline.

Experience the magical Hawaiian sunset from the water on this evening catamaran cruise from Anaehoomalu Bay. Set sail along the scenic Waikoloa and Kohala-Kona coastline, sip a glass of wine as you gaze out across the Pacific, then relax on deck as you watch the sunset over the Big Island.

Hawaii’s Big Island is home to migrating pods of humpback whales, which often breach as they build up energy for their northward migration. This narrated tour brings you to some of the best viewing grounds via 24-person catamaran. You’re able to hear the whales singing through the provided hydrophones. The tour provider guarantees whale sightings or the next trip is free.

Splash into the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay on this Big Island snorkeling adventure! Dart in and out of sea caves and explore the gorgeous Kona coastline in an agile Zodiac raft. Snorkel among colorful tropical fish, and keep an eye out for other marine life like whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Along the way, learn about the island’s geologic history and local legends from your expert guide, and see the spot where Captain Cook first landed in Hawaii.

The Kona Coast on the Big Island has some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. On this small-boat cruise, explore the sea caves and lava tubes along the South Kona coast, enjoy swimming and snorkeling at Honaunau Bay and Kealakekua Bay, and look out for bottlenose dolphins, green sea turtles, and pilot whales.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Kona and round-out your day on the Big Island of Hawaii in style with a relaxing sunset cruise. Aboard a comfortable and spacious catamaran, take in the views as you sail along the Kona coastline and toast the sunset with an included beverage or two.

Escape the crowds and embark on a nighttime snorkeling excursion in search of manta rays. Cruise out on a fast Navy Seal Zodiac speedboat with just you and a small group. Sail along the Kona Coast and then dive in for a snorkeling adventure in search of the majestic creatures.

The South Kona Coast is dotted with sandy beaches, lava-formed sea caves, and colorful fishing villages. On this tour, set sail on a morning cruise around Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay, and admire the scenic coastline from the water. Along the way, spot landmarks such as the Captain Cook Monument, relax onboard the shaded deck, and dive in to swim and snorkel in the Pacific.

Kealakekua Bay was famously the spot where Captain James Cook was killed and lies along Hawaii’s scenic Kona Coast. On this afternoon tour, discover the bay’s historic sites and natural wonders on a thrilling boat cruise. See the Captain Cook Monument, explore the sea caves and lava tubes around the bay, and dive in to swim and snorkel amid colorful marine life.

Sail along the rugged Kona coast and enjoy a dip in the refreshing waters during this morning cruise. Board your vessel and take in the beautiful coastal scenery as you venture out to the reef system. Then, don your snorkel gear and explore under the sea in search of colorful coral reefs and tropical fish.

The Kona Coast is one of the most popular destinations for snorkellers in Hawaii, known for its vibrant coral reefs and abundance of marine life. With this tour, set sail for a 3-hour excursion, and enjoy two stops to swim and snorkel. Snorkeling gear and instruction are provided, and your guide will point out the best spots, so you can maximize your chance of spotting spinner dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish.

Swim near a manta ray natural habitat on this 1.5-hour night snorkeling tour from Kona. Led by an expert guide, journey five minutes off the Big Island’s west coast where the mantas come to feast on plankton. Dive in the water, and swim in an area known for manta ray sightings. The area is lit by your vessels diving lights, so you can get a clear view even in dark waters. Afterward, dry off, and enjoy warm soup, bread rolls, and hot drinks as you recount your underwater adventures.

The white-sand beaches and volcanic landscapes of the Kohala Coast are even more atmospheric at sunset. With this tour, set sail at dusk and admire the views onboard a comfortable catamaran. As you cruise along the coast, sip a selection of wines, beers, and soft drinks, and tuck into a variety of tasty snacks.

This action-packed day trip takes you to three snorkeling spots around South Kona, one of which is a remote location many locals don’t even know about. Explore sea caves, lava tubes, and reef systems, and keep your eyes peeled for pilot whales and spinner dolphins who play in the boat’s wake. Lunch and snacks are included.

The rocky coves, vibrant coral reefs, and glittering waters of Kealakekua Bay are among Hawaii's most visited destinations. With this tour, admire the views from the water as you paddle around the bay by kayak. See the Captain Cook Monument, look out for Hawaiian spinner dolphins, and stop to swim and snorkel along the corals.

Sport fishing fanatics and those who want to learn won't want to miss this four-hour, family-friendly fishing boat excursion off the coast of Kona. You'll not only get a chance to learn fishing techniques and try your hand at catching local fish, but you'll also learn about local history and culture.