Hang Loose Snorkel, Wetsuit Top
A two and a half hour night manta ray snorkel from Hang Loose Boat Tours, from $94.
Check availability
Big Island Snorkeling Tours: Manta Nights, Captain Cook And Real Prices
Every Big Island snorkel trip in one list, sorted into clear groups.
- $69lowest per-person from-price across these tours
Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel
from $94 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site.
- Duration
- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Run by
- Hang Loose Boat Tours
Big Island Snorkeling Tours: Numbers To Know
50 yards
Spinner Dolphins · federal minimum distance, swimming included (50 CFR 216.20)
100 yards
Humpback Whales · minimum approach distance in the water
10 feet
Sea Turtles · recommended viewing distance, land and water
50 feet
Monk Seals · recommended; 150 feet for a mother and pup
75.7 to 81.8 F
Sea Temperature · range of monthly means across the Hilo and Kawaihae stations
Jan 1, 2021
Sunscreen Law · Hawaii bars selling sunscreen with oxybenzone or octinoxate without a prescription (Act 104)
$12 for 4 hours
Kahalu'u Parking · nonresident fee; Hawaii residents with ID park free
Nov to Apr
Humpback Season · peak January through March
Big Island Snorkeling Tours By Trip Type
Manta night snorkel
Free Re-Ride, 1 Hour 20 Minutes
My Kona Adventures runs this compact night snorkel, 1 hour 20 minutes on the water, with a free re-ride if no mantas appear. Snorkeling from $95.
Check availability
Hang Loose Night Manta, 2.5 Hours
Hang Loose Boat Tours runs this 2.5 hour night manta ray trip out of Kailua Kona, from $122 per person.
Check availabilityCaptain Cook snorkel
Power Catamaran, Lunch Included
A four hour power catamaran snorkel at Captain Cook with lunch included, run by Hang Loose Boat Tours.
Check availability
Fair Wind Morning Snorkel, Lunch
Fair Wind Cruises runs this 4.5 hour morning snorkel to Captain Cook Monument and Kealakekua Bay.
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Afternoon Snorkel, 3 Hours
Sea Paradise runs this three hour afternoon snorkel to Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay, from $136.
Check availabilityBoat, raft and sail snorkels
Dolphin Encounters, Budget Fare
Three hours from Kona: Captain Cook reef snorkel, dolphins and sea caves.
Check availability
Dolphin, Sea Cave Combo, 3 Hours
This three hour trip from Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tours combines several Kona coast highlights in one run: dolphins, sea caves, and a snorkel session at Kealakekua Bay near the Captain Cook site.
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Kaimana Ocean Safari, 4 Hours
Kaimana Ocean Safari runs this four hour ocean safari trip, the priciest outing on the list at $255.
Check availabilityDolphin and whale cruises
Luxury Catamaran, Lunch Included
Body Glove Cruises runs this 4.5 hour luxury catamaran trip mixing snorkeling with dolphin watching.
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Hang Loose Whale Watch
Hang Loose Boat Tours runs this 2.5 hour whale watching trip off the Big Island, from $109 per person.
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Whale Watching, 2 Hours
Iruka Hawaii Dolphin runs this two hour Big Island whale watching trip, rated 4.9 by past guests.
Check availabilityNarrow The Big Island Snorkeling Tours List To Your Day
This is a starting shortlist of three top picks, not the full list. Tap an answer below to rebuild it around you.
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Budget Fare Snorkel, Honokohau Departure
2 hours 30 minutes · Free cancellation
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Compare All Big Island Snorkeling Tours In One Table
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Meal
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All 31 tours, most reviewed first. Tap a sort chip twice to flip the order.
| Tour | Kind | Meal | Length | Meets | From | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hang Loose Snorkel, Wetsuit TopHang Loose Boat Tours | Manta night snorkel | Meal not stated | 2 hours 30 minutes | Honokohau Harbor | $94 | ★ 4.86,316 reviews | Check availability |
| Free Re-Ride, 1 Hour 20 MinutesMy Kona Adventures | Manta night snorkel | Meal not stated | 1 hour 20 minutes | Keauhou Bay | $95 | ★ 4.92,702 reviews | Check availability |
| Power Catamaran, Lunch IncludedHang Loose Boat Tours | Captain Cook snorkel | Meal included in the fare | 4 hours | Honokohau Harbor | $85 | ★ 4.92,506 reviews | Check availability |
| Dolphin Encounters, Budget FareKona Snorkel Tours | Boat, raft and sail snorkels | Meal not stated | 3 hours | Keauhou Bay | $69 | ★ 4.61,627 reviews | Check availability |
| Hang Loose Night Manta, 2.5 HoursHang Loose Boat Tours | Manta night snorkel | Meal not stated | 2.5 hours | Emailed after booking | $122 | ★ 4.81,618 reviews | Check availability |
| Glow of the Deep Night SnorkelBite Me Sportfishing | Manta night snorkel | Meal not stated | 2 hours 30 minutes | Honokohau Harbor | $80 | ★ 4.61,316 reviews | Check availability |
| Fair Wind Morning Snorkel, LunchFair Wind Cruises | Captain Cook snorkel | Meal included in the fare | 4 hours 30 minutes | Keauhou Bay | $194 | ★ 4.91,041 reviews | Check availability |
| Budget Fare Snorkel, Honokohau DepartureKona Coast Boat Tours | Manta night snorkel | Meal not stated | 2 hours 30 minutes | Honokohau Harbor | $75 | ★ 4.9858 reviews | Check availability |
| Luxury Catamaran, Lunch IncludedBody Glove Cruises | Dolphin and whale cruises | Meal included in the fare | 4 hours 30 minutes | Kailua Pier | $184 | ★ 4.8836 reviews | Check availability |
| Sea Paradise Manta Snorkel, Crew GuideSea Paradise | Manta night snorkel | Meal not stated | 1 hour 30 minutes | Keauhou Bay | $141 | ★ 4.8761 reviews | Check availability |
| No tours match those filters. Clear the price or duration filter and the full list of 31 tours returns. | |||||||
Best Month For Big Island Snorkeling Tours
Kawaihae Sea Temperature (F)
Hilo Sea Temperature (F)
Kawaihae Sea Temperature77.977.677.878.479.580.681.381.681.881.580.678.2
- Under 77 F
- 77 to 79 F
- 79 to 81 F
- Over 81 F
- Not named
- This month
January
Hilo Sea Temperature (F): 76.4 Humpback Whales: Peak season
Kawaihae Sea Temperature (F): 77.9
February
Hilo Sea Temperature (F): 75.8 Humpback Whales: Peak season
Kawaihae Sea Temperature (F): 77.6
March
Hilo Sea Temperature (F): 75.7 Humpback Whales: Peak season
Kawaihae Sea Temperature (F): 77.8
April
Hilo Sea Temperature (F): 76.1 Humpback Whales: In season
Kawaihae Sea Temperature (F): 78.4
May
Hilo Sea Temperature (F): 77.2 Humpback Whales: Tail of season Closures: Kahalu'u Beach Park closes about 10 days for coral spawning (dates set each year)
Kawaihae Sea Temperature (F): 79.5
June
Hilo Sea Temperature (F): 78.3 Humpback Whales: Outside season
Kawaihae Sea Temperature (F): 80.6
July
Hilo Sea Temperature (F): 78.8 Humpback Whales: Outside season
Kawaihae Sea Temperature (F): 81.3
August
Hilo Sea Temperature (F): 79.4 Humpback Whales: Outside season
Kawaihae Sea Temperature (F): 81.6
September
Hilo Sea Temperature (F): 79.7 Humpback Whales: Outside season
Kawaihae Sea Temperature (F): 81.8
October
Hilo Sea Temperature (F): 79.3 Humpback Whales: Outside season
Kawaihae Sea Temperature (F): 81.5
November
Hilo Sea Temperature (F): 78.1 Humpback Whales: In season
Kawaihae Sea Temperature (F): 80.6
December
Hilo Sea Temperature (F): 76.9 Humpback Whales: In season
Kawaihae Sea Temperature (F): 78.2
Open the full table
| Month | Kawaihae Sea Temperature (F) | Hilo Sea Temperature (F) | Humpback Whales | Closures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 77.9 | 76.4 | Peak season | |
| February | 77.6 | 75.8 | Peak season | |
| March | 77.8 | 75.7 | Peak season | |
| April | 78.4 | 76.1 | In season | |
| May | 79.5 | 77.2 | Tail of season | Kahalu'u Beach Park closes about 10 days for coral spawning (dates set each year) |
| June | 80.6 | 78.3 | Outside season | |
| July | 81.3 | 78.8 | Outside season | |
| August | 81.6 | 79.4 | Outside season | |
| September | 81.8 | 79.7 | Outside season | |
| October | 81.5 | 79.3 | Outside season | |
| November | 80.6 | 78.1 | In season | |
| December | 78.2 | 76.9 | In season |
Kealakekua Bay, Keauhou, Two Step And Kahalu'u Compared
| Kealakekua Bay | Keauhou Manta Site | Honaunau (Two Step) | Kahalu'u Bay | Kohala Coast | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boat or shore | Boat or guided kayak; hike-in via Ka'awaloa Trail | Boat, at night | Shore | Shore | Shore beaches; boats leave Kawaihae Harbor |
| Access rule | Vessels need a State Parks permit to transit; permitted vessels may not land at Ka'awaloa flat or launch from Napo'opo'o wharf | No adopted manta viewing rule found; DLNR rules (13-230, 13-256) are in draft: 24 permits per zone proposed, 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. viewing hours | Entry at Honaunau Bay Boat Ramp, county managed; entering the water at Keone'ele Cove inside the national park is not allowed | County beach park, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; lifeguards 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Hapuna Beach: state park, $5 per nonresident adult and $10 per vehicle |
| Fee | No park entrance fee | null | Set by the county; park gate fees apply only to the national park | $12 for 4 hours nonresident parking | Hapuna fees above |
| Rule to know | Park hours 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Departure from Keauhou Boat Harbor (12 moorings); Garden Eel Cove is the second DLNR manta zone, at Makako Bay | Do not use the national park restrooms to change or rinse | Mineral sunscreen only is advised; closed about 10 days in May for coral spawning | Kawaihae Harbor north basin has 11 moorings and a boat ramp |
Where Big Island Snorkeling Tours Depart
Loading the map. Every place is also listed below.
Map tiles and place names: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Departure Points
- Hang Loose Snorkel, Wetsuit Topfrom $94
- Free Re-Ride, 1 Hour 20 Minutesfrom $95
Boat Snorkel
- Power Catamaran, Lunch Includedfrom $85
- Fair Wind Morning Snorkel, Lunchfrom $194
Manta
- Hang Loose Night Manta, 2.5 Hoursfrom $122
- Glow of the Deep Night Snorkelfrom $80
- Honokohau HarborDeparture Points
- Keauhou BayDeparture Points · 14 km from Honokohau Harbor in a straight line
- Kailua PierDeparture Points · 4.4 km from Honokohau Harbor in a straight line
- Kawaihae HarborDeparture Points · 46 km from Honokohau Harbor in a straight line
- Keauhou Shopping CenterDeparture Points · 13 km from Honokohau Harbor in a straight line
- Kealakekua Bay / Captain Cook MonumentBoat Snorkel · 24 km from Honokohau Harbor in a straight line
- Keauhou Manta Site (Kaukalaelae Point)Manta · 14 km from Honokohau Harbor in a straight line
- Garden Eel Cove (Makako Bay)Manta · 10 km from Honokohau Harbor in a straight line
- Honaunau Bay (Two Step)Shore Snorkel · 30 km from Honokohau Harbor in a straight line
- Kahalu'u Beach ParkShore Snorkel · 12 km from Honokohau Harbor in a straight line
- PuakoShore Snorkel · 39 km from Honokohau Harbor in a straight line
- Anaeho'omalu BayShore Snorkel · 31 km from Honokohau Harbor in a straight line
- Hapuna Beach State Recreation AreaShore Snorkel · 42 km from Honokohau Harbor in a straight line
- Richardson Ocean Park (Hilo)Shore Snorkel · 106 km from Honokohau Harbor in a straight line
What Guests Say After Big Island Snorkeling Tours
These guest quotes are copied verbatim from each tour's own booking listing; this site does not collect or edit them, only chooses which to show.
“Incredible experience from start to finish. The staff were phenomenal and were so helpful. Would do this again in a heartbeat.”
“This was the most INSANE and BREATHTAKING thing I’ve done! 1000/10 recommend. Came to celebrate a birthday.”
“Incredible enjoyment from the very start. Aidan was fantastic in commentary, information, piloting the catamaran. Cayden was an entertaining diver. And Kiwama was a generous hostess.”
“It was the most amazing part of our trip. So much fun so informative. The crew was amazing.”
Where To Stay Near The Kona Snorkel Boats
Kona Seaside Hotel
75-5646 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Check ratesCourtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, HI
Check ratesSheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay
Keauhou Bay, Kailua-Kona, HI
Check ratesBig Island Snorkeling Tours: Common Questions
What happens on a manta night snorkel?
You board in the late afternoon or evening, ride out to a manta viewing site off the Kona coast, and float at the surface holding a board while underwater lights draw plankton up and the mantas feed below. Ten tours in this comparison offer that experience.
Which month should you snorkel the Big Island?
Every tour on this page runs year round. Manta sightings happen in all months, Kealakekua Bay is a steady destination, and winter adds whale watching trips from $99.
Do you need to be a strong swimmer?
Many first-time snorkelers join these tours, and several catamaran and raft operators run family-friendly departures. Operators supply masks, fins and flotation, and brief everyone before entering the water.
Why do boats go to Kealakekua Bay?
The bay holds some of the clearest water and healthiest coral on the Kona coast, and the Captain Cook Monument at Ka'awaloa is reached by boat or a long hike, which is why so many tours anchor there. Eleven trips in this comparison include it, from $80 per person, lasting three to four and a half hours.
Is snorkel equipment provided?
Yes on almost every trip. Masks, fins and snorkels are standard inclusions on these tours, and one small-group manta outing lists a wetsuit right in its title.
Do the tours offer free cancellation?
All 31 tours compared here come with free cancellation. Each operator sets its own cutoff, and the exact window is shown on the live booking page when you reserve.