Adventure Collective
Marine Wildlife & Snorkeling with Kona BIG 5 Ocean Safari - Kailua-Kona

Marine Wildlife & Snorkeling with Kona BIG 5 Ocean Safari

Kailua-Konaeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

5 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels, with easy swimming involved

Overview

Join Ali'i Ocean Tours for a 5-hour marine adventure along Kona’s coast, spotting sharks, manta rays, whales, and more. Dive into vibrant reefs and enjoy a scenic ocean cruise that’s perfect for all ages.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Kona BIG 5 Ocean Safari

Adult $205, Child $151 | 5hr Experience | 8:00am* - 1pm

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Adventure Photos

Kona BIG 5 Ocean Safari photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a thrilling 5-hour adventure along Kona's stunning coastline, where you'll search for the "Kona Big 5" marine wonders, including sharks and manta rays. Enjoy snorkeling at vibrant reefs, savor a delicious lunch, and take in breathtaking lava rock scenery, all while ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience.

Tour Description:

Kona is renowned for the crystal clear waters and diverse wild life. We are fortunate to be located, quite literally, next door to Mauna Loa, the “largest mountain” in the world and this creates the Kona coast pelagic zone which is populated with amazing coastal and large oceanic wildlife within miles of our coastline. All this is due to, Mauna Loa’s gradual slope to the sea floor.

Our experienced Captain and Crew are ready to take you from Honokohau Harbor along our coastline to look for our “Kona Big 5”: Marine mammals, Sharks, Manta or Eagle rays, Turtles, and tropical reef fish.

This 5-hour adventure will take you out into the “blue” to look for: pelagic mammals, sharks, and fish species. After our pelagic encounters, we then head back nearer the coastline to snorkel Manta Ray cleaning stations, where reef turtles often frequent, and then to a “century reef” with over 100 different species of fish. Lunch will be served while we are snorkeling on the reef for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Enjoy a coastline tour on the way back to the marina with our beautiful and impressive lava rock shoreline.

  • This charter limits the number of passengers to ensure the comfort of wildlife and safety of our guests.
  • We strongly recommend prior snorkeling experience.
  • In water experiences on this charter may not be suitable for all children, we may make recommendations for inexperienced snorkelers and young children to remain on the boat in certain ocean situations.
  • A swim-shirt of some kind is recommended for sun protection as well as small cnidaria sometimes found in open ocean

*Please note, check in is at 7:30am, departure is at 8:00am.


Rates:

  • Adults - $205
  • Children (5yr-12yr) - $151 (under 4yr Free)
  • Ride Alongs (non swimmers) - $103
  • 5 hour experience!

What is Provided:

  • Sunscreen
  • Towels
  • Beverages
  • Snorkel Gear
  • Rx Masks Available
  • Flotation Devices
  • Light Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • A true 5 star experience

What Should You Bring:

  • Camera (waterproof or non)
  • Light cover-up is recommended May - Sept, sweatshirt or jacket is recommended for trips Oct - April
  • if you have your own snorkel gear, we encourage you to bring it.
  • Your Sense of Adventure!

Adventure Tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen

Protect yourself and the marine environment while enjoying the water.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the tour to prevent dehydration.

Wear a hat and sunglasses

Protect your eyes and face from the sun during boat transit and snorkeling.

Listen to safety instructions

Pay close attention to the crew’s guidance for a safe experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Spinner dolphins
  • Humpback whales

History

This area was formed by volcanic activity over 200,000 years ago, shaping the dynamic marine environment you see today.

Conservation

Ali'i Ocean Tours commits to marine conservation and follows strict guidelines to protect Hawaii’s fragile reef systems.

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Adventure Hotspots in Kailua-Kona

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Snorkel gear

Essential

Provided by the tour, including mask, snorkel, and fins, for underwater viewing.

summer specific

Sunscreen

Essential

A reef-safe sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays without harming marine life.

summer specific

Hat and sunglasses

Extra sun protection while on deck or during breaks.

summer specific

Waterproof camera

Capture underwater moments and scenic ocean vistas.