Hawaii · SNORKELING IN THE BIG ISLAND

The 15 Best Snorkeling in the Big Island

43 tours  ·  from $25 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 snorkeling in the Big Island worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel - Getting into the water after dark
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

1.Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

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

Meet Hang Loose Boat Tours at Keauhou Bay for a short sunset cruise, then enter the water with a guide, flotation gear, and a wetsuit top. You hold a lighted viewing board while manta rays glide below and sometimes pass within inches. Crews may include Bryce, Noah, Vince, Aden, Jordan, or Bruno. Non-swimmers can ask about the ride-along option.

“The best! Crew was incredible, made it fun, but safe, lots of options for all abilities- far exceeded our expectations! If you do a Manta tour - you need to go with this company hands down! Big boat, snacks, attentive crew, and all around nice guys :)”

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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor - The light board brings the rays close
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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

2.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 mask and snorkel, then take a three-minute night boat ride to a manta feeding site. An in-water guide such as Greg, Mahina, or Eric helps you float safely beside the rays for up to 30 minutes. Groups can reach 17 people, wetsuits cost $10, and the tour returns to the same harbor.

“What a great way to spend New Year's Eve with my boys. It was a great experience and I would for sure do it again. We saw 3 rays up close. Crew did a great job at making us feel comfortable. You cannot bring anything on the boat, but can bring a towel and small bag to leave at van. Highly recommend.”

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Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch - What the power catamaran adds
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Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

3.Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,232 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85

Join Hang Loose Boat Tours for a four-hour catamaran trip from Kona to historic Kealakekua Bay. Captain Aiden, Captain Bryce, Jordan, and the crew guide you to clear water filled with reef fish and coral, with dolphins or winter humpback whales possible along the way. Gear, lunch, drinks, and a boat slide are included.

“Jordan went far beyond in helping my wife and I He is the best Perk and Judy would say he is the best back hand you have”

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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings - Why Kona’s night manta encounter is so special
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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

4.KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,212 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $49

From a small 23-foot RHIB near the Outrigger Resort, you’ll cruise a few minutes to Kona’s manta viewing area, then spend about 25 to 30 minutes in the water. Guides such as Taco, Peyton, and Mike explain manta behavior while you float above these gentle giants. Strong swimming and basic snorkel skills are required.

“Wonderful adventure! Capt Mike did great job and Taco told us all about the mantas. He was great and very informative. Keiki helped with everything else. Water was not too cold, boat ride short and amazing time in the water. Such beautiful majestic creatures.”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island - The short boat ride to Keauhou Bay
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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

5.Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,758 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $44

Meet Dolphin Discoveries in Kailua-Kona, check in, collect your mask, snorkel, and short-sleeve wetsuit top, then head to Keauhou Bay by boat. You will hold a lighted float while manta rays feed below and may pass within inches. Guides such as Bryce, Vinny, and Brianna have helped first-timers feel at ease, but you must swim confidently in dark, open water.

“I had manta rays millimeters from me! Totally safe for all ages and does not require much muscle. Guides are very communicative. One of my favorite memories from big island is this manta snorkel trip”

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Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves - Sea caves, lava tubes, and the slower ride home
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Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

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

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

You’ll ride a fast Navy-style Zodiac from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay, stopping at sea caves and lava tubes before snorkeling near Captain Cook Monument. Crews led by guides such as David, Chip, Sage, and Danielle share island history, provide gear, water, and pineapple, and keep the group to no more than 18 people.

“David and Chip were the perfect guides. They shared local knowledge, island history, and answered all of our questions. We even had a bonus whale sighting. The only confusing thing was where to meet for the tour. We ended up in the correct area but there wasn’t a sign or anything on the boat assuring that we were in the right spot. Once the deckhand came over to the group and did the check in everything was smooth sailing and amazing.”

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Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays - Pick the departure that fits your evening
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Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

7.Glow of the Deep: Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,254 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $80

From Honokohau Harbor, you’ll cruise offshore at sunset, suit up, and spend about 45 minutes floating above giant manta rays in 30 to 35 feet of water. Guides provide wetsuits, snorkel gear, flotation, lights, snacks, and safety support. You may also ride along without entering the water.

“It’s awesome , we had an all girl team and they were great, they were very helpful , well experienced”

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Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona - Holding the Board Above the Mantas
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Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona

8.Manta Magic: Small-Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,141 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $145

From Keauhou Harbor, you’ll make a short boat ride to Kona’s manta site, where a small group holds onto a glowing light board as manta rays gather below. Hawaii Oceanic provides snorkel gear, drinks, and optional wetsuit tops. Guides such as Sara, Molly, Jason, and Lexi help with safety and manta facts.

“Exceeded expectations! Staff were helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Made the whole experience amazing”

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Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay - Breakfast with Kona’s coastline outside the window
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Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay

9.Kona’s Best Morning Snorkel: Captain Cook & Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 957 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $193

Cruise from Keauhou Bay to Kealakekua Bay aboard Fair Wind II, with breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear, flotation toys, slides, and about two hours in the water. Along the coast, your crew may point out dolphins, turtles, whales, lava formations, and cultural sites. Captains and crew provide safety help and Hawaiian history in English.

“Very well organized trip - I would definitely recommend this to everyone! We saw spinner dolphins and a baby humpback whale on the way out to the snorkeling site. The captain gave some history about the Captain Cook monument and other Hawaiian cultural sites as we passed them along the coast. Snorkeling was lovely and, for those who were less enthusiastic about the fish, the water slides and high dive platform were lots of fun! I'd recommend arriving early as the parking lot fills up fast.”

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Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure - Why the 50-foot catamaran matters
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Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure

10.Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 843 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $154

Sail the Kona coast aboard a 50-foot catamaran as the sun sets, then hold onto a lighted board while manta rays feed below you. Kona Style supplies snorkel gear, a wetsuit top, drinks, and hot cocoa afterward. Captain Dan and the crew focus on safety, clear instruction, and keeping nervous swimmers comfortable. The boat carries up to 36 people.

“The staff were very friendly and informative . A thorough explanation of what to expect was given by staff . Experience of getting in the water with the manta rays was amazing! The crew was fun and great at what they do! Would recommend choosing Kona Style for your manta ray snorkel experience !”

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Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona - Red Hill snorkeling: know what you are booking
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Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

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

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

Board Body Glove’s large catamaran from Kailua-Kona for a 4.5-hour outing along the Gold Coast. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen, about two hours in the water, and a good chance to spot dolphins or seasonal whales. Captain Erica, Adam, Brianna, and Taylor have all been praised for attentive service, though the Red Hill snorkel site is not Kealakekua Bay.

“There were many snorkeling companies, but I never regret choosing this.The staff were super kind and the breakfast and lunch they provided were so delicious with fresh ingredients. On the way to the snorkeling spot, we could see a group of dolphins. Besides snorkeling, they provided various swimming equipment for children to enjoy. It was a very satisfying experience and I want to do it again!!”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona - The 4:00 pm departure from Kailua-Kona
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Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

12.Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 777 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Join Manta Adventures for a sunset cruise from Kailua-Kona to Garden Eel Cove, then watch manta rays feed beneath bright underwater lights. The Maheli-Heli carries up to 24 people and provides masks, fins, wetsuits, flotation gear, snacks, water, a bathroom, and a warm rinse. Captain Bill, Captain Dan, Drew, Sam, Cal, Melissa, and Karen are among the crew members associated with this trip.

“It was amazing! It's good to know the habits and more about the manta rays. The personal was really friendly!”

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Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed - From Keauhou Bay to the Hokulani
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Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed

13.Snorkel with Manta Rays Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 738 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $141

From Keauhou Bay, cruise aboard the trimaran Hokulani to Manta Ray Village. After a safety briefing, you’ll use a lit flotation device to watch manta rays feed below for about 45 minutes. Wetsuits, masks, snorkels, drinks, and in-water support are included. The boat returns to Keauhou Bay after roughly 90 minutes.

“a very incredible night, saw 6 manta rays. staff were fun and friendly and very helpful. It was so majestic seeing the Manta rays swimming and passing by.”

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Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument - The Captain Cook Monument from the water
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Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

14.Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 722 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $136

Join Sea Paradise at 1:45 pm for a three-hour afternoon sail from Keauhou Bay to Kealakekua Bay. You will receive snorkel gear, flotation aids, reef-safe sunscreen, snacks, and drinks. A crew-led snorkel outing, cultural stories, and possible dolphin sightings round out the trip. Alcohol is available to buy afterward.

“Great snorkel and sail experience! Such a blast and all of the crew was great! I highly recommend this tour.”

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Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) Snorkel and Sail Adventure - Sailing south along the Kona coast
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Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) Snorkel and Sail Adventure

15.Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) Snorkel and Sail Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 695 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $189

Sail Kona’s coast on Kona Style’s 50-foot catamaran to Kealakekua Bay, where you’ll receive snorkel gear, safety instruction, and about an hour in the marine sanctuary near the Captain Cook Monument. Breakfast, Kona coffee, lunch, drinks, flotation noodles, and Hawaiian history are included. The morning starts at 8:30 a.m. in Kailua-Kona.

“About an hour along the coast to the snorkel site, about an hour snorkeling, and then back (with a few stops along the way). Knowledgable and friendly crew. Stunningly clear and beautiful water. Colorful array of fish and sea life…. Great excursion!”

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New in Snorkeling in the Big Island

★ 4.9Kona: Big Island Morning Snorkeling Tour with LunchFrom $1407 reviews
★ 4.8Waikoloa Catamaran Snorkel & Sail Adventure with LunchFrom $18939 reviews
★ 4.9Captain Cook Sightseeing & Snorkel ExpeditionFrom $124105 reviews
★ 5.0Small Group Snorkeling Expedition South KonaFrom $200218 reviews
★ 4.5Dolphin, Sea Cave & Captain Cook Snorkel Combo in Kealakekua BayFrom $83220 reviews
★ 4.5Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour from KonaFrom $160250 reviews
★ 5.0Kona Snorkeling: Beat the Crowd to Kealakekua BayFrom $167230 reviews
★ 5.0Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook MonumentFrom $136246 reviews
★ 4.8From Keauhou Bay: Snorkel Cruise to Captain Cook’s MonumentFrom $135242 reviews
★ 4.5Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour with GuideFrom $137283 reviews
★ 5.0Luxury Kona Coast Snorkel Tour Including LunchFrom $204309 reviews
★ 5.0Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Adventure! Small GroupFrom $83364 reviews
★ 5.0Deluxe Morning Snorkeling AdventureFrom $143325 reviews
★ 5.0Two Reef Snorkel Trip-See Captain Cook Monument & Sea CavesFrom $119347 reviews
★ 5.0Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour in Kailua-Kona, Big IslandFrom $125382 reviews

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