The 4 Big Island Dolphin Tours People Actually 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 Navy-style Zodiac from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay with guides such as David, Chip, Sage, or Danielle. You will snorkel near Captain Cook Monument, visit sea caves and lava tubes, and enjoy pineapple and water. Expect a fast, bumpy boat ride and a group of up to 18.

“False advertising. We signed up for a wild dolphin swim. There was no opportunity to get in the water besides snorkeling. When we asked about swimming with dolphins we were told it’s not allowed, even though we signed up for an activity advertised as swimming with dolphins.”

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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

Set out from Kailua Pier on Body Glove’s large, accessible catamaran for a 4.5-hour Kona coast cruise. You’ll get breakfast, BBQ lunch, gear, reef-safe sunscreen, about two hours in the Red Hill area, plus dolphins, a waterslide, high-jump platform, and paddle toys when conditions cooperate.

“It was exactly what I expected. The crew were knowledgeable and organized. The snorkeling was fun, with plenty of time to go out several times. The food was good.”

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3.Small-Group Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook, Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 396 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $109

Join Hawaii Oceanic for a roughly three-hour boat trip from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay. With a small group of up to 11 or 12 people, guides such as Justin, Erika, Alexis, or Carmelle lead you to coral reefs, fish, and possible dolphin, whale, or manta ray sightings.

“Captain Alan and Erika were great! This experience was one of a kind and very fun. We had multiple opportunities to snorkel with the manta rays not just snorkel in the bay. This team made sure we had a personal, not crowded tour and shared many fun facts about the island on the way to and from the bay. Highly recommend this small group tour!!”

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

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

You’ll ride a Zodiac RIB from Kailua-Kona or Keauhou to Kealakekua Bay, with a small crew and no more than about 14 people listed for the boat. Snorkel at Captain Cook Monument, explore sea caves when conditions allow, and hear local history from guides such as Danielle, Chip, Dave, and Patty.

“We did not see any dolphins and the snorkeling was just okay at best. We took uber to get there early morning and one of the hosts was rude to us for no reason at all. Not so great customer experience overall. They talked about some history which was good.”

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