The 14 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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5.Kona Shore Excursion: Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 73 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

Board a 32 or 45 foot Zodiac at Kailua Pier for a three-hour trip to Kealakekua Bay. Captain Cook Monument, sea caves, reef fish, turtles, dolphins, and possible whales fill the route. You get about an hour in the water, snorkel gear, flotation equipment, lunch, snacks, and port pickup.

“This is a smaller group with the boat owner and one helper who took great care to make sure everyone had a good time. The snorkeling was awesome with tons of coral and we stayed in the water for an hour. Saw lots of lava formations and a few dolpins.”

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6.Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 62 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $109

Cruise from Kailua-Kona with a small crew led by captains such as Dennis, Shelley, Raj, or Chad. From December to April, look for humpbacks, spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and coastal caves. The 3.5-hour outing includes check-in, live commentary, and underwater whale songs, but no restroom or snorkeling.

“Awesome whale watching tour. Saw several humpback whales and a sea turtle. Awesome views of the coast and learned some history about the island.”

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7.Dolphin, Sea Cave, Captain Cook, Kealakekua Bay Reef Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Ride a fast Zodiac RIB along Kona’s coast with a small group of up to 18. Snorkel at Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay, visit sea caves and lava tubes, and enjoy pineapple and water. Guides such as Erik, Lacey, and Rory may help with gear and safety.

“The guides were fun, and the navy boat was a fun ride, but the pictures are misleading. We were disappointed that we didn't go into the caves as pictured. We went to Captain Cook as we did the day before and then went near a cave, but never in it. I booked this as a second snorkel tour for that reason.”

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8.4 Hour Big Island Dolphin Watch Boat Tour, Snorkeling & BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $150

Cruise Kona’s coast aboard KIBOU with guides including Trevor, Kama, Mitch, Lena, and Tamar. Watch for spinner dolphins, snorkel at Garden Eel Cove and Manta Heaven, then enjoy a grilled beef hot dog, chips, drinks, shade, a restroom, and a floating mat.

“Trevor and Kama were wonderful! They were helpful with getting us ready to Snorkel. They knew the best place to fine fish, turtles and dolphins! The whole family had a fun day! Best boat trip ever!!”

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9.Kona Tradewind Catamaran Day Sail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Set out from Honokohau Harbor at 2:15 pm aboard Honi Olani, a 53-foot catamaran, for a relaxed 90-minute sail along the Kona coast. Captain Michael, Captain Cindy, and other crew members have been praised for friendly service, while dolphins, flying fish, sunset colors, drinks, and shaded seating add appeal.

“Awesome sail off the Kona coast. The boat felt safe and sturdy. The crew was awesome and really worked hard to make this a great experience. We would definitely do this sail again!”

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10.Kona Luxury Catamaran Yacht Snorkel & Sail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $449

Start at Honokohau Harbor for a four-hour cruise aboard Hawaii Nautical’s luxury catamaran. Snorkel at a condition-dependent site such as Pawai Bay or Makalawena, then enjoy lunch, drinks, shaded seating, and fresh-water showers. Captains and crew such as John, Liz, Brooke, and Sean have earned warm praise for attentive service.

“Amazing day on the NO WIKI! Captain Jon and crew were fantastic finding dolphins, sun and fish all under sail! Boat is in fantastic condition, bar and beverages top notch and the hot chocolate chip cookies were over the top. We will make NO WIKI and Captain Jon a regular part of our annual visit!”

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11.Private Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Spend four hours with Monet and Brenden on a private Kona boat trip to Kealakekua Bay. Snorkel among tropical fish, visit the Captain Cook Monument, watch for dolphins and winter whales, and enjoy snacks, gear, and a flexible plan for your group.

“Outstanding experience. First time snorkeling for my kids 13, 11, and 7. Very accommodating for them and overall loved our time. Would highly recommend!”

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12.2-Hour Dolphin Watching and Double Reef with Snorkel in Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $97

Join Hawaii Marine Life Charters at Honokohau Marina for a fast RHIB ride, dolphin watching, and two reef snorkel stops. Your captain provides gear, Hawaiian juices, ginger ale, water, snacks, shade, and a ladder for easy breaks. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours.

“This was a great experience. Small group, great guide and wonderful snorkeling spots and so many dolphins.”

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13.Kealakekua Bay Snorkel & Dolphin Safari In Kona Big Island (4hrs)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $150

Set out from Kailua-Kona at 9:30 a.m. for four hours at Kealakekua Bay and beyond. Snorkel near Captain Cook Monument, learn about the sacred bay, eat grilled hot dogs or veggie dogs, then search for wild dolphins, rays, seals, and seasonal humpback whales with guides such as Trevor, Maddie, Lena, Mitch, Scott, Diego, and Tamae.

“We had a great time snorkeling with Iruka. Our guides, Trevor and Maddy, found two terrific spots to see a huge variety of fish. It was our first time snorkeling and they gave us great tips. There were just 8 of us so we could easily spread out and not disturb the fish and sea creatures. We were the only boat on our first snorkel of 40 minutes and then had a small scuba boat near on our second snorkel. Very cool experience. I highly recommend Trevor and Maddy and Iruka.”

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14.2 Hour Big Island Dolphin Watching and Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $88

Join Iruka Hawaii Dolphin from Kailua-Kona for a two-hour boat trip focused on wild dolphins and reef snorkeling. Capt Mitch and Tamae may be part of the crew, with snorkeling gear, water, a snack, and helpful in-water guidance included. Bring your own drinks, but save alcohol for after snorkeling.

“Capt Mitch and Tamae were a fabulous crew! They were kind, welcoming, and made my entire family feel comfortable. We had a fantastic time snorkeling and got to see plenty of wildlife! Tamae was in the waters with us and even took amazing underwater footage as we snorkeled!”

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