Top Big Island of Hawaii Nature and Wildlife

Limited to minimum of 6 & maximum of 14 people, this guided snorkeling adventure by speedboat provides a more intimate experience of Hawaii’s marine life and coral reefs than is possible on a larger group tour. The schedule is customizable, but swimming near wild dolphins. All snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks are provided.

Go swimming with dolphins on a tour that ensures the charismatic mammals are treated with the utmost respect. While in harbor, your guides brief your small group on how to interact with the dolphins in their natural habitat before allowing you into the water to meet and play with them. Afterward, snorkel a pristine reef with exotic fish, turtles, and rays. Includes all equipment, as well as snacks, beverages, and photographs.

Get up, close, and personal with some of the most impressive creatures on earth during this Hawaiian whale-watching tour. Enjoy the serene journey along the Kohala Coast—looking out for lava walls and sandy stretches of beach—before reaching a spot infrequently visited by other boats for a near-exclusive and unspoiled whale-spotting experience. Learn about the whales along the way, as you sip on complimentary soft drinks.

Embark on an evening adventure and swim near Hawaii’s manta rays. Start the tour with a sunset sail on a comfortable trimaran to ‘Manta Ray Village’. After a safety briefing, put on your snorkel gear and spend an hour in the water using a state-of-the-art, lit up flotation device to stay on the water’s surface and observe the manta rays bellow as they feed on plankton. Finally climb aboard the boat and warm up with hot chocolate and snacks as you return to shore.

Make the most of your time in port on this Kona shore excursion timed to your cruise's arrival and departure. Get picked up from the port and head out on a sailing adventure to the Captain Cook Monument and Kealkeaua Bay where you can snorkel, swim, and explore caves and lava tubes. Expect to see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, colorful fish, and ancient reefs. Lunch, snacks, and use of snorkeling gear are all included.

Take the ultimate snorkeling and sailing trip along the Kona Coast during this 4-hour luxury yacht trip with a small group. Explore the stunning beaches and bays of the Big Island aboard a high-end boat, stopping at top snorkel sites and spotting marine life like dolphins, turtles, and whales. Unlimited refreshments, plus snorkel gear and a tasty picnic- or bento-style lunch are also included.

In terms of history, scenery, and marine life, there isn’t anywhere on the Big Island of Hawaii that compares to Kealakekua Bay. This protected cove on the island’s west shore is where Captain Cook met his end, and today a memorial stands at the bay to honor the famous explorer. On this guided Big Island kayaking tour, hear the history of Captain Cook as well as surrounding temples, and, after paddling past rugged sea cliffs and caves, snorkel and swim in the clear waters of this Marine Life Conservation District.

Set sail down the Kona coastline aboard a trimaran, arriving in the Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve for an afternoon of snorkeling. Splash into the turquoise waters near the Captain Cook Monument, and search for pods of spinner dolphins that frequent the bay. All equipment is provided along with light snacks and reef-safe sunscreen to make the trip convenient.

Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay and visit the sea caves during an aqua adventure from Kailua-Kona. Board a boat in Honokohau Harbor to meet your local captain and crew. With a group of 16 people or fewer, travel to a marine life conservation area in Kealakekua Bay, stopping at local landmarks and listening to interesting commentary from your captain on the way. If conditions allow, enter the sea caves, unusual rock formations only accessible by water. Dive in wearing the provided snorkel equipment and look for pods of friendly spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and native tropical fish. Lunch, refreshments, and use of all snorkeling equipment are included.

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.

Step aboard a 54 foot catamaran for a dolphin and turtle cruise from A-Bay that includes snorkeling gear and assistance from on board snorkel guides. Since the catamaran has ample deck space and shaded areas to relax, it’s a comfortable, uncrowded way to cruise the coast, and you’ll have the chance to spot humpback whales during the whale watching months of December through April.

Pack in some of Hawaii’s most mesmerizing sights during this Big Island twilight volcano tour. Sample Kona-grown coffee from a local coffee farm, keep an eye out for sea turtles at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, and taste Hawaiian sweet bread at Punalu’u Bakery. Then, explore Volcanoes National Park before ending your experience by stargazing in a secluded location—perfect for taking in views of the night sky.

Experience big skies and incredible nighttime views on this Mauna Kea stargazing trip with a small group. Join no more than 28 guests for a pre-trip picnic at a historic Hawaiian ranch, proceeded by a ride in a 4x4 luxury van to the summit of the Big Island's tallest peak. After admiring a sunset view, continue down to 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) for a stargazing session, complete with a telescope, hot chocolate, and dessert. The trip also includes a guide and a hooded parka to keep you warm.

It’s common to spot green sea turtles and spinner dolphins while snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. This snorkel tour departs Keauhou Bay in the morning to avoid the crowds. Explore the coral gardens with a guide who points out the Captain Cook Monument and Place of Refuge. A tropical lunch, snacks, and beverages are served.

Explore the waters off the coast of Hawaii during a small-group snorkeling excursion from Kailua-Kona. Board an inflatable boat and enjoy easy transportation to Captain Cook's Monument at Kealakekua Bay for a couple hours of snorkeling time. Plus, view the sea caves and lava tubes along the scenic Kona coast and catch sight of dolphins and humpback whales, depending on the season.