THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the vibrant underwater marine life of Kona with a 2.5-hour snorkeling tour. Perfect for all skill levels, this experience offers stunning coral reefs and the chance to see sea turtles up close. Dive in early morning when the waters are at their clearest and most peaceful!
Discover the vibrant underwater marine life of Kona with a 2.5-hour snorkeling tour. Perfect for all skill levels, this experience offers stunning coral reefs and the chance to see sea turtles up close. Dive in early morning when the waters are at their clearest and most peaceful!
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Snorkel Big Island · Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
easy.
2.5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic swimming ability recommended
No, the tour is suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike, with guides providing instructions.
Bring swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, and a waterproof camera if desired.
Yes, children who are comfortable swimming can join, but age restrictions may apply depending on the provider.
Trips may be canceled or rescheduled in case of poor weather or rough seas for safety reasons.
Yes, life jackets are provided and available for anyone who feels more comfortable wearing one.
Most snorkeling occurs in shallow areas around 4-10 feet deep, ideal for observing marine life comfortably.
Kealakekua Bay is historically significant as the site of Captain Cook's first contact with Hawaii in 1778.
The area emphasizes reef preservation with strict guidelines to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable tourism.
Snorkel Big Island is a Kailua-Kona, Hawaii–based snorkeling operator specializing in manta ray night snorkels and daytime reef trips. The company runs small, personalized groups led by experienced crew and licensed captains, offering safe, guided excursions from Honokohau Harbor and nearby launch points along the Kona Coast. For more than 12 years Snorkel Big Island has operated manta ray snorkel excursions, focusing on attention to detail, safety, and expert guides. Trips include Honokohau Manta Ray Night Snorkel, a dedicated night snorkel to manta aggregation sites; morning and morning 2.5-hour snorkels along the Kona Coast; and 4-hour Kealakekua snorkel trips that may visit the Captain Cook Monument or secluded reefs depending on conditions. All listed tours provide snorkel gear and, on longer trips, snacks as indicated. Safety requirements are clearly communicated: prior swimming and snorkeling experience is required for manta tours, guests must be able to independently climb a side or vertical boat ladder, and some trips are not recommended for pregnant guests or those with recent surgery or mobility restrictions. Check-in times may be up to forty minutes before departure. As a family-run business, Snorkel Big Island emphasizes stewardship of land, ocean, and wildlife, and prides itself on personalized service and expert local knowledge. Guests are encouraged to arrive on time for their scheduled tour to ensure the best possible experience. Licensed captains and dedicated guides select manta sites near the Kona airport or Keauhou based on sightings to maximize chances of close encounters with giant manta rays for visitors.
Book with Snorkel Big Island