USA · SNORKELING IN BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII
Good snorkelling on the big island fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Snorkel with manta rays after sunset off Kona, with gear, snacks, expert crew, and a free return trip if no rays appear.
“It was amazing trip for me, wife and my dad. We love the young group managing the boat and they were explaining very well through out the ride. Especially the uber service from water to boat was amazing at the end”
Watch wild manta rays feed after dark on a small-boat Kona snorkel tour with short boat time, in-water guides, and a ray guarantee.
“What a great way to spend New Year's Eve with my boys. It was a great experience and I would for sure do it again. We saw 3 rays up close. Crew did a great job at making us feel comfortable. You cannot bring anything on the boat, but can bring a towel and small bag to leave at van. Highly recommend.”
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay from Kona on a power catamaran with dolphins, reef fish, lunch, volcanic coast views, and a friendly crew.
“this was a great trip! it was our second time on this trip and it was just as good as the first! Aiden is awesome and the whole team ensured your safety and comfort. highly recommend!!”
Kona’s compact night snorkel puts you near wild manta rays for 25 to 30 minutes, with gear included and a free re-ride if none appear.
“Great crew, beautiful experience. Those prone to motion sickness or cold will appreciate that this is a very very short ride to the viewing area, unlike the ones that leave from father out”
Swim beneath Kona’s lights as wild manta rays feed inches away. This practical review covers timing, safety, gear, value, and what to expect.
“I had manta rays millimeters from me! Totally safe for all ages and does not require much muscle. Guides are very communicative. One of my favorite memories from big island is this manta snorkel trip”
Review of Kona’s small-group Zodiac snorkel tour to Captain Cook Reef, with sea caves, coral, snacks, wildlife tips, and practical advice.
“It was fantastic! Never snorkeling before, so it was an experience that I won’t forget, especially for my honeymoon. Sage and Chip were great tour guides and knowledgeable about the island, and give a lot of fun to the ride. Excellent experience and totally would recommend it!”
Swim beside giant manta rays off Kona, watch the sunset, and enjoy a guided night snorkel with gear, wetsuits, and a sighting guarantee.
“They clearly prioritize volume and profit over the experience. We were packed in like sardines and rushed through everything. Once we got to the water, it felt like pure chaos — basically “get in and figure it out.” The setup didn’t feel professional. The “light rig” was essentially surfboards tied together with what looked like a car battery powering a bright light. You’re expected to hang on and balance with a pool noodle between your legs, but instructions were minimal and unclear. With so many people crammed in close, it felt unsafe and stressful instead of calm and enjoyable. The captain was unprofessional, and the crew showed up late —…”
Manta Magic in Kailua Kona offers a small-group night snorkel with wild manta rays, warm guidance, gear, and a close look at their nightly feeding show.
“30 minutes in the water might not seem like a long time but it’s perfect! Bring a GoPro to attach to your wrist/chest. Manta rays will be CLOSE!! Crew Jason and Ah-Kay (spelled wrong for sure) were really great”
Review of Kona’s 5-hour Fair Wind snorkel cruise to Kealakekua Bay, with meals, slides, marine life, cultural sights, and practical booking tips.
“This was so much fun! We saw spinner dolphins, the crew on the boat did a good job on pointing them out. I can’t remember the crews name but shout out to all of them it was 12/2/2025 at 8:30 am. That crew was super kind and made the experience better!”
Review of Kona Style’s sunset catamaran cruise and night snorkel, with manta rays, practical tips, safety notes, and value advice.
“Great experience. Saw lots of Manta rays. Great crew. Saw the sunset from the water. Not sure what else to type to meet my 100 character minimum for this review.”
Review of Kona’s deluxe catamaran snorkel cruise, with dolphin watching, meals, water slides, practical tips, costs, and honest snorkeling advice.
“My wife got sick before the trip and I canceled ahead of time. They did not offer a refund despite my advanced notice. As a Hawaii resident, I’ll never book with them again.”
Review of Kona’s Manta Ray Night Snorkel, with boat details, timing, costs, safety advice, manta sightings, and practical booking tips.
“Fantastic evening as we were fortunate to have Manta Ray viewing for the entire night snorkeling duration. Must experience this adventure.”
Swim beside manta rays at sunset off Kona on a trimaran tour with gear, drinks, expert instruction, and about 45 minutes in the water.
“The crew was very knowledgeable. We had never snorkeled before but wow so cool. The manta ray came up from the bottom and leveled off about a foot from us. Totally worth the price of admission!!”
Sail from Keauhou Bay to Captain Cook Monument for guided snorkeling, coral, fish, snacks, cultural insights, and Kona coast views.
“The cruise was a lot of fun and supplied all the equipment needed for a great snorkeling adventure. The crew was informative and regarded safety as a high priority for those on board. We had an added bonus to see a pod of dolphins following the boat as we headed back to the harbor. Definitely recommend!”
Sail Kona’s coast to Kealakekua Bay for clear-water snorkeling, Hawaiian history, breakfast, lunch, and attentive crew service.
“My fiancé and I took the morning sail and snorkel. We had an amazing time. The captain and all the crew were so helpful and friendly on shore and on the boat. We were met and checked in by Kamakani (spelling 🤷🏼) and Alex. They were both helpful to get us signed in and ready to walk over to the boat. We had Captain Dan, Bart, Dion and Kamakani as our crew for the ride. It was a spectacular day. They had yogurt, fruit and granola options on our way out. As well as drinks and a (paid) bar. I get a bit seasick and everyone was kind and offered…”
Pick a coast, a canyon or a city.
