Top Big Island of Hawaii Water Sports

Have a unique Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays on this 2.5-hour tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll take a short cruise out to the manta site, where you’ll watch the beautiful Hawaiian sunset before dipping into the water to watch the manta rays up close. All necessary equipment will be provided for your excursion, as well as light refreshments and snacks to enjoy on board. Your tour will conclude at its original departure point.

There are few places in all of Hawaii more historic than Kealakekua Bay, as it's the spot where Captain Cook was killed in a skirmish with native Hawaiians, and the Hawaiian monarch, King Kamehameha III was born just a few miles away. The history aside, it's also one of the best places to snorkel on the Big Island of Hawaii, and you'll have the chance to experience the beauty on this snorkeling tour from Kona. Search for dolphins on the way to bay while admiring the volcanic coast, and after scouring the red for coral and fish, climb aboard for a lunch that's served by the friendly crew.

Swim with giant manta rays in their nighttime habitat during this 2.5-hour activity in Kona. Travel out into the seas offshore to watch the colorful Kona sunset, then jump in to swim with the docile rays as they feed on microscopic plankton. Follow your guides around the manta habitat and watch as the animals are attracted to the bright lights, creating a "manta rave" of lights, bubbles and mantas. All snorkel equipment, including flotation devices and wet suits, is included. Manta sightings are guaranteed, or you will be given a voucher for another tour.

In terms of history, scenery, and marine life, there isn’t anywhere on the Big Island of Hawaii that compares to Kealakekua Bay. This protected cove on the island’s west shore is where Captain Cook met his end, and today a memorial stands at the bay to honor the famous explorer. On this guided Big Island kayaking tour, hear the history of Captain Cook as well as surrounding temples, and, after paddling past rugged sea cliffs and caves, you'll snorkel and swim in the clear waters of this Marine Life Conservation District.

Casually cruise the Kona coastline and snorkel with tropical marine life, as you splash in the waters of Kealakekua Bay on this deluxe Kona snorkeling cruise. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, and professional instruction makes this Big Island snorkeling cruise a fun-filled family adventure. On the cruise between shore and the snorkeling site, keep your eyes peeled for spinner dolphins, turtles or even manta rays, and enjoy views of volcanic formations along the Kona coast.

Get a bird’s-eye view of the Big Island on a 1-hour parasailing experience. This family-friendly adventure can accommodate one, two or three people on each flight. Gaze out at the beautiful Kona Coast as you soar 800 feet (243 meters) or 1,200 feet (365 meters) into the air. Then land smoothly and safely back on the boat before returning to shore.

Enjoy two Hawaiian underwater adventures for the price of one with this 4-hour combination dolphin-swimming encounter and snorkeling trip. Start by exploring the 600+ species of marine life like sea turtles, coral and tropical fish that call the reefs of Kealakekua Bay home. Then meet up with a local pod of wild spinner dolphins for an optional swimming session. A trip choice without the dolphin swimming portion is also available.

Make the most of your time in port on this Kona shore excursion timed to your cruise's arrival and departure. Get picked up from the port and head out on a sailing adventure to the Captain Cook Monument and Kealkeaua Bay where you can snorkel, swim, and explore caves and lava tubes. Expect to see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, colorful fish, and ancient reefs. Lunch, snacks, and use of snorkeling gear are all included.

On this 3.5-hour Big Island snorkeling cruise, experience the beauty of the Kohala coast from its colorful reefs to its beaches, as you scan the horizon for splashing dolphins or, in winter, humpback whales. In addition to colorful reef fish, there’s always the chance you could find Hawaiian green sea turtles while snorkeling the pristine coves. Enjoy the attentive, personalized service from your professional captain and crew, who also help serve you breakfast and lunch, and run the boat’s open bar.

Get up close with Hawaii’s graceful manta rays during this 4-hour nighttime snorkel experience along the Kona coast with a small group. Watch these gentle giants as they swoop and dive for plankton just below the surface during their evening feeding. An on-board manta naturalist from the University of Hawaii, along with a Red Cross-certified lifeguard, ensure an informative and safe experience.

On this Kealakekua Bay snorkeling adventure, experience the thrill of swimming with dolphins in the crystal-clear waters off Kona. You’ll head to one of Hawaii’s best snorkeling spots to swim with tropical fish above colorful corals in a protected turquoise cove. Later as you cruise along the volcanic shoreline, look for lava tubes and sea caves, turtles. Throughout the 5-hour excursion, expect to see wildlife splashing in the water — in the winter months, you could even spot breaching Humpback whales. Groups are limited to 14 people, ensuring a personalized experience. 

From the moment you see their silvery backs appear in the cobalt waters, to the moment you're swimming right alongside and hearing their high pitched clicks, there's an enchanting rush of tropical adrenaline that accompanies swimming with dolphins. Here off the Kona coast of the Big Island, Hawaiian Spinner dolphins are year round residents that ply the volcanic shore, and this tour offers local, professional captains who know where to look to find them. In addition to watching and swimming with dolphins, you'll also snorkel with tropical fish in some of Hawaii's clearest water, before returning back to shore in Kona with an experience you'll never forget.

Beat the Heat! with a relaxed afternoon of snorkeling at Cook's Monument / Kealakekua BayView sea caves and lava tubes while exploring the scenic Kona coast enroute to Kealakekua Bay enjoy up to 2 hours of in the water snorkeling time! Watch for dolphins and whales along the way!

Limited to a maximum of six people, this guided snorkeling adventure by catamaran provides a more intimate experience of Hawaii’s marine life and coral reefs than is possible on a larger group tour. The schedule is customizable, but swimming near wild dolphins, coral reefs, lava tubes, and sea caves and trenches are typically on the itinerary. All snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks are provided.

Take a Kealakekua Bay snorkeling cruise, and depart from the waters of Keauhou Bay to scour the Kona coastline for dolphins, turtles or, even, whales in the winter months. Upon arrival in Kealakekua Bay, peer overboard at the crystal clear waters that teem with colorful reef fish. After receiving expert instruction and snorkeling equipment onboard, you'll jump in the water to experience some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island.

Enjoy an aquatic adventure on the Big Island during this 4-hour small-group excursion combining sea kayaking, snorkeling, and more. Paddle along a section of the island known for its abundant marine life as you scout for local Hawaiian Spinner dolphins. You’ll also have time for snorkeling, allow you to view more than 50 species of fish and join in for adventurous activities like cliff jumping.

Summon your courage and plunge into the waters off Kailua-Kona to swim with manta rays. During this 2-hour tour during sunset or after dark, slip on the provided wet suit and snorkel gear and follow your expert instructor into the water. Watch as the enormous vegetarian animals, some with wingspans of 20 feet (6 meters), swim in graceful loops around you, taking in clouds of plankton for their evening meal. All gear and light snacks and refreshments are provided. Choose between sunset and evening snorkel tours; manta ray sightings are guaranteed or you can do a second outing for free.

Embark on an unforgettable Adventure with us and explore the protected marine wildlife such as Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, green sea turtles, exotic tropical reef fish and delicate corals along the beautiful Kona Coast.   As we journey through the clear sapphire waters of the Pacific, we watch for the many pods of spinner dolphins that rest and play in areas such as Keahole Bay, Makalawena, Ho'ona Bay and Kiholo Bay. Dolphin behavior is very predictable in these areas, and our friendly and professional snorkel guides provide you with the best information and education as to how to protect and interact with these marine mammals.  Imagine being in the water surrounded by as many as 300 wild and free dolphins while they mingle with the marine life and coral reef that surrounds them.

Swim with manta rays at night during this 2-hour outrigger canoe excursion from Keauhou. A small group of 15 or fewer fellow adventurers means a safe, intimate experience with personalized attention from your guides. Hot chocolate and cookies included after your swim.

Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay and visit the sea caves during a 3.5-hour aqua adventure from Kailua-Kona. Board a boat in Honokohau Harbor to meet your local captain and crew. With a group of 18 people or fewer, travel to a marine life conservation area in Kealakekua Bay, stopping at a few local landmarks and listening to interesting commentary from your captain on the way. If conditions allow, enter the sea caves, unusual rock formations only accessible by water. Dive in wearing the provided snorkel equipment and look for pods of friendly spinner dolphins, sea turtles and native tropical fish. Lunch, refreshments and use of all snorkeling equipment are included.

Take the ultimate snorkeling and sailing trip along the Kona Coast during this 4-hour luxury yacht trip with a small group. Explore the stunning beaches and bays of the Big Island aboard a high-end boat, stopping at top snorkel sites and spotting marine life like dolphins, turtles, and whales. Unlimited refreshments, plus snorkel gear and a tasty picnic- or bento-style lunch are also included.

Go swimming with dolphins on a tour that ensures the charismatic mammals are treated with the utmost respect. While in harbor, your guides brief your small group on how to interact with the dolphins in their natural habitat before allowing you into the water to meet and play with them. Afterward, snorkel a pristine reef with exotic fish, turtles, and rays. Includes all equipment, as well as snacks, beverages, and photographs.

Make your scuba diving experience off Hilo easy with this 2-tank dive that includes round-trip transportation from your hotel and all the necessary equipment. Participants must be certified divers to book this tour.

Splash into the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay on this Big Island snorkeling adventure! Dart in and out of sea caves and explore the gorgeous Kona coastline in an agile Zodiac raft. Snorkel among colorful tropical fish, and keep an eye out for other marine life like whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Along the way, learn about the island’s geologic history and local legends from your expert guide, and see the spot where Captain Cook first landed in Hawaii.