Where to Go: the 13 Best Big Island Dolphin Watching Tours

1.Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,411 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $71Our pick

Join Kona Snorkel Tours for a 2-hour-45-minute Zodiac ride from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay. You’ll snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument, visit sea caves and lava tubes, and hear island history from guides such as David, Chip, Sage, and Danielle. Masks, snorkels, water, and pineapple are included.

“We are so glad we picked the first trip of the day! Thanks Captain Shaka and Erica for a great morning.”

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2.Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183Top rated

Sail from Kailua Pier aboard Body Glove’s spacious catamaran for a breakfast, dolphin watch, and about two hours at the Red Hill snorkel area. You get sanitized gear, reef-safe sunscreen, lunch, water toys, a 20-foot slide, and a 15-foot jump platform. Captain Erica and crew members such as Adam, Brianna, and Taylor are known for attentive service.

“What a great crew. Snorkeling was good. Lots of of amenities. Saw a pod of dolphins that was amazing and they were all around the boat. Overall, great trip.”

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3.Big Island: Pelagic Whale Watch Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 557 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $129

From Honokohau Harbor, Hawaiian Adventures searches Kona’s near-shore and pelagic waters for humpbacks, pilot whales, dolphins, sharks, and more. Naturalists such as Andrew, Olivia, and Dennis explain animal behavior and the Kona coast. Expect a 3 to 4 hour catamaran ride, open viewing areas, drinks, and wild sightings that can never be promised.

“Our guides were very knowledgeable of both marine life and area history. Constantly providing commentary throughout the exploration. We saw pilot whales and a whale shark (very rare during)! Highly recommend.”

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4.Dolphin, Sea Cave & Captain Cook Snorkel Combo in Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 220 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $83

This small-group Zodiac tour takes you from Kailua-Kona or Keauhou to Kealakekua Bay, where you snorkel at Captain Cook Monument, explore sea caves when conditions allow, and look for dolphins and whales. Expect a fast, bumpy ride, a maximum of about 14 guests, local history, gear, water, and pineapple.

“Awesome trip!! Captain Rory and First Mate Chip were alot of fun and great guides. Will do this again!”

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5.Kona Shore Excursion: Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 73 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

Leave Kailua-Kona Pier aboard a 32 or 45-foot Zodiac with a local captain and crew. Cruise south past lava formations and sea caves, watch for whales and spinner dolphins, then snorkel about an hour in Kealakekua Bay near the Captain Cook Monument. Lunch, snacks, drinks, gear, and port pickup are included.

“So much fun, we did many snorkels along our cruise. This one is much better than all the others. Also saw dolphins and whales along the way to the snorkel spot.”

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6.Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 62 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $109

Cruise Kona’s coast on a rigid inflatable boat with up to 20 passengers. Look for spinner and bottlenose dolphins year-round, plus humpback whales from December through April. Captains such as Dennis, Shelley, Raj, and Chad share whale facts, Hawaiian history, and coastline stories. The boat is fast and bumpy, with no restroom onboard.

“Oh my goodness was this amazing. We had whales breeching all around us. It was incredible. Dennis and Bryce were awesome. Very knowledgeable with awesome whale facts. I truly cannot believe how many whales we saw.”

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7.Dolphin, Sea Cave, Captain Cook, Kealakekua Bay Reef Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Ride a small Navy SEAL-style Zodiac along Kona’s coast with guides such as Erik, Lacey, and Rory. Snorkel Kealakekua Bay near the Captain Cook Monument, look for dolphins and whales, and explore lava tubes and sea caves from the water. Gear, pineapple, and bottled water are included.

“Very fun trip. Enjoyed the ride, music and the small group. Enjoyed Lacy , Although we did not see dolphins, we saw a lot of different species of fish .”

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8.4 Hour Big Island Dolphin Watch Boat Tour, Snorkeling & BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $150

Set out from Kailua-Kona at 9:30 a.m. aboard KIBOU for a fast-paced coastal cruise, wild dolphin watch, and snorkeling at two boat-only locations. Guides such as Trevor, Tamae, Mitch, Lena, and Tamar help with the water time, while lunch, drinks, shade, a restroom, and a floating mat make the outing comfortable.

“Trevor and Kama were wonderful! They were helpful with getting us ready to Snorkel. They knew the best place to fine fish, turtles and dolphins! The whole family had a fun day! Best boat trip ever!!”

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9.Private Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Set out from Kailua-Kona with guides Monet and Brenden for a private four-hour cruise to Kealakekua Bay. Snorkel among tropical fish, visit the Captain Cook Monument, and search for dolphins or winter whales. The crew provides gear, snacks, and a flexible plan for your family or group.

“As pessoas eram super simpáticas, no passeio de barco até ao sitio de snorkelling vimos golfinhos e baleias. Quando vimos as baleias parámos e eles meteram um microfone debaixo de água para podermos ouvir as baleias a cantar. Depois fomos para dentro de água, foi muito giro, vimos muitas espécies de peixes diferentes. A senhora que mergulhou conosco tinha uma câmara profissional e tirou fotografias aos peixes que vimos e a nós!”

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10.2-Hour Dolphin Watching and Double Reef with Snorkel in Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $97

Meet Hawaii Marine Life Charters at Honokohau Marina for a 2.5-hour dolphin watch and double-reef snorkel. You will ride a speedy RHIB boat, visit two snorkeling spots, and spend about 45 to 60 minutes at each reef. Equipment, water, snacks, Hawaiian juice, and ginger ale are included.

“This was a great experience. Small group, great guide and wonderful snorkeling spots and so many dolphins.”

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11.Dolphin Watch Snorkel and BBQ in Kona, Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 21 reviews · 3 hours · from $150

From Honokohau Marina, Iruka Hawaii Dolphin takes you along the Kona Coast for dolphin watching and snorkeling at two boat-only sites. Expect sea turtles, reef fish, possible manta rays, and humpback whales from November to March. The three-hour trip includes gear, drinks, a floating mat, and a hot dog lunch led by an English-speaking crew.

“A great experience! We saw a lot of dolphins, are good hot dogs on boat and had an amazing snorkeling time!”

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12.Kealakekua Bay Snorkel & Dolphin Safari In Kona Big Island (4hrs)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $150

Meet Iruka Hawai‘i at 9:30 a.m. for a four-hour boat trip to Kealakekua Bay. You’ll snorkel near Captain Cook Monument, enjoy grilled hot dogs or veggie dogs with pineapple and chips, then search deeper water for wild dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, rays, and seals. Crew members may include Trevor, Maddy, Lena, Mitch, Scott, Diego, or Tamae.

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13.2 Hour Big Island Dolphin Watching and Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $88

Set out from Kailua-Kona with Capt Mitch and Tamae for a two-hour search for wild dolphins and a sea turtle snorkel. Snorkeling gear, water, a small snack, and a professional guide are included. The tour welcomes up to 30 people, allows BYOB after snorkeling, and returns to the starting point.

“Capt Mitch and Tamae were a fabulous crew! They were kind, welcoming, and made my entire family feel comfortable. We had a fantastic time snorkeling and got to see plenty of wildlife! Tamae was in the waters with us and even took amazing underwater footage as we snorkeled!”

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