Top Big Island of Hawaii On the Water

Have a unique Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays on this tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll take a short cruise out to the manta site, where you’ll watch the beautiful Hawaiian sunset before dipping into the water to watch the manta rays up close. All necessary equipment will be provided for your excursion, as well as light refreshments and snacks to enjoy on board. Your tour will conclude at its original departure point. If you don't see manta rays on this excursion, book again for another night--no charge.

Summon your courage and plunge into the waters off Kailua-Kona to swim with manta rays. During this 2-hour tour during sunset or after dark, slip on the provided wet suit and snorkel gear and follow your expert instructor into the water. Watch as the enormous vegetarian animals, some with wingspans of 20 feet (6 meters), swim in graceful loops around you, taking in clouds of plankton for their evening meal. All gear and light snacks and refreshments are provided. Choose between sunset and evening snorkel tours; manta ray sightings are guaranteed or you can do a second outing for free.

There are few places in all of Hawaii more historic than Kealakekua Bay, as it's the spot where Captain Cook was killed in a skirmish with native Hawaiians, and the Hawaiian monarch, King Kamehameha III was born just a few miles away. The history aside, it's also one of the best places to snorkel on the Big Island of Hawaii, and you'll have the chance to experience the beauty on this snorkeling tour from Kona. Search for dolphins on the way to the bay while admiring the volcanic coast, and after scouring the red for coral and fish, climb aboard for a lunch that's served by the friendly crew.

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.

Casually cruise the Kona coastline and snorkel with tropical marine life, as you splash in the waters of Kealakekua Bay on this deluxe Kona snorkeling cruise. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, and professional instruction makes this Big Island snorkeling cruise a fun-filled family adventure. On the cruise between shore and the snorkeling site, keep your eyes peeled for spinner dolphins, turtles or even manta rays, and enjoy views of volcanic formations along the Kona coast.

Enjoy two Hawaiian underwater adventures for the price of one with this 4-hour combination dolphin-swimming encounter and snorkeling trip. Start by exploring the 600+ species of marine life like sea turtles, coral and tropical fish that call the reefs of Kealakekua Bay home. Then meet up with a local pod of wild spinner dolphins for an optional swimming session. A trip choice without the dolphin swimming portion is also available.

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.

Get up close with Hawaii’s graceful manta rays during this nighttime snorkel experience along the Kona coast with a small group. Watch these gentle giants as they swoop and dive for plankton just below the surface during their evening feeding. An on-board manta ray specialist, along with a certified swim guide, ensure an informative and safe experience.

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. Also, enjoy dolphin watching and a Hawaiian-style barbecue 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.

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.

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.

Enjoy an aquatic adventure on the Big Island during this 4-hour small-group excursion combining sea kayaking, snorkeling, and more. Paddle along a section of the island known for its abundant marine life as you scout for local Hawaiian Spinner dolphins. You’ll also have time for snorkeling, allow you to view more than 50 species of fish and join in for adventurous activities like cliff jumping.

Kona and surfing go hand in hand, and with this semi-private lesson, you can learn the tricks to riding the waves from a professional instructor at the most beginner-friendly surf spot on the Big Island. Dive in safely at any age with first-aid-certified, lifeguard instructors; lessons are ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends. Use of a surfboard, reef shoes, and an SPF rashguard is included for extra safety.

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.

Located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, Eka Canoe Adventures specializes in manta ray snorkeling experiences with a cultural touch. One of a few historically accurate Hawaiian double-hulled canoes, Wa'a Kini Kini is your unique gateway to the waters of the Kona coastline. Regarded by the Travel Channel as one of the most thrilling experiences on earth, join us as we watch magnificent manta rays glide through the ocean in search of dinner! They can weigh more than 1,000 lbs and span more than 15 feet! Don't worry, manta rays only filter feed on plankton. Our manta ray night snorkel experience is an activity that can only be had in a few locations on earth; one of them is here on the Big Island of Hawaii. You're unlikely to find another activity that provides an incredible adrenaline rush while being very safe and low-risk! Manta ray snorkeling will give you an unforgettable sensation. It is both humbling and awe-inspiring.

After dark is an excellent time to see manta rays in the waters around the Island of Hawaii. Make the most of your opportunity by joining this small-group boat tour. Enjoy watching the manta rays feeding at night and snorkeling close to them.

Combine two must-do experiences to enhance your vacation in Hawaii. First, board a spacious catamaran for a sunset cruise along the Kona coast. Then slip into the ocean for a snorkel adventure with manta rays. Guides provide instruction and ensure your comfort with included snorkel gear, swim noodle, and a wetsuit. Afterward, enjoy juice, soft drinks, or hot cocoa with cookies; beer, wine, and cocktails are available to purchase.

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.

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.

View dolphins in their natural environment with guides who respect these intelligent creatures’ boundaries. After feeding in deeper waters at night, spinner dolphins come close to the Kona shore where they often interact with boats, playing in their wake. The utmost respect and care are given to our aquatic friends to assure that we do not disrupt their rest, nursing and breeding behaviors. Depending on where and when we locate the dolphins there may also be time for a quick snorkel at one of the many beautiful reef areas along the Kona coast line, quite possibly Kealakekua Bay.

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.

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.

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.

Winter is the most exciting time to be out on the water in Hawaii, as it’s the time of year when thousands of migrating humpback whales visit the islands. On this exciting Big Island whale watching tour, experience the thrill of traveling aboard a high-speed raft, and then seeing a whale swimming just in front of the boat. Though the boat will obey the federal laws and not approach within 100 feet (30 meters), it isn’t uncommon for the whale to decide to swim up under the boat!