Join the Ultimate Ocean Encounter in Kailua-Kona for a 3-hour snorkeling adventure with spinner dolphins and tropical fish. Perfect for all experience levels, this private trip showcases Kona's vibrant marine life and stunning coast.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for participants in average physical shape; light swimming and snorkeling skills helpful but not required.
Wildlife
History
Kailua-Kona has been a historic fishing and trading hub, with rich Hawaiian cultural ties to the ocean and marine life.
Conservation
Ocean Encounters promotes eco-friendly practices to protect reefs and marine wildlife, including using reef-safe products and minimizing vessel impact.
Ocean Encounters
Join the Ultimate Ocean Encounter in Kailua-Kona for a 3-hour snorkeling adventure with spinner dolphins and tropical fish. Perfect for all experience levels, this private trip showcases Kona's vibrant marine life and stunning coast.
Ocean Encounters is a Kailua-Kona, Hawaii boat operator offering a range of snorkeling, manta ray night snorkel, whale watch, and private charter experiences. Operating from Honokohau Harbor and Kona waters, the company runs boats sized and equipped for comfort, stability, and guest safety. Trips include Private Charter OE1 and OE2 on spacious vessels, Morning Reef Snorkel to Makalawena Bay, multiple Manta Ray Night Snorkel departures with a guaranteed-sighting offer on select trips, Whale Watch excursions timed with humpback migration, and guided Ultimate Ocean Encounter snorkeling along the Kona Coast.
Most excursions include snorkeling gear, refreshments or light snacks, and knowledgeable captains and crew who provide guidance, historical context, and safety instruction. Specific trip durations vary: Morning Reef Snorkel runs approximately four hours, Ultimate Ocean Encounter is a three-hour snorkeling adventure, and several whale watch and manta night snorkel departures are approximately two and a half hours. Private charters offer customizable snorkeling and fishing options on comfortable vessels with modern gear.
Ocean Encounters serves families, first-time snorkelers, and experienced ocean-goers. The company emphasizes guest experience through stable boats, included equipment, and opportunities to see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, colorful reef fish, manta rays, and migrating humpback whales. The manta ray night snorkel includes a guarantee of sightings on some departures or a free return. With local knowledge of Kona waters and curated itineraries, Ocean Encounters delivers reliable, memorable marine adventures in Hawaii. Booking options and schedules are listed on The Adventure Collective and the operator's reservation listings for Kona departures regularly.
Departure
Kailua-Kona
Departs from Kailua-Kona, Honokohau Harbor
Vessels
46 ft 'Ocean Encounter'
Upper deck and stable platform for viewing
Tours Offered
10 tours
Snorkel, manta night, whale watch, private charters
Trip Lengths
2.5–4 hrs
2.5 to 4 hour tour durations
Check available departures on The Adventure Collective and secure gear-included, crew-guided tours from Kailua-Kona today.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen
Protect the ocean ecosystem by choosing sunscreen that doesn't harm coral reefs.
Stay hydrated before and after
Bring water to stay hydrated, especially under the tropical sun during your adventure.
Listen to your guides
Follow safety instructions and local guidelines from the expert crew to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Use proper snorkeling technique
Practice breathing through your snorkel before entering the water to stay comfortable and relaxed.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin while preserving the delicate marine environment.
summer
Snorkel mask and fins
Essential for clear vision and efficient swimming during the snorkeling adventure.
Light rash guard
Provides sun protection and added comfort in slightly cooler waters.
spring
Waterproof camera
Capture vibrant underwater moments and dolphin encounters to cherish forever.