Snorkel cruises on the Big Island of Hawaii offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Pacific. With crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and stunning coastal scenery, these cruises combine adventure, relaxation, and education. From encountering playful dolphins to swimming alongside majestic manta rays, snorkel cruises provide unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. This comprehensive guide covers the best options, top snorkeling spots, and essential information for planning your perfect Big Island snorkel cruise adventure.
What Are the Best Snorkel Cruise Options on Big Island, Hawaii?
Ocean Sports Snorkel Adventure Cruise
Ocean Sports offers a variety of snorkel cruises departing from different locations on the Big Island:
- Departure Points:
- Anaeho’omalu Bay (most Mondays and Wednesdays)
- Kawaihae Harbor (most Fridays and Saturdays)
- Seasonal Changes: During Whale Watch Season (December 15 – March 31), departures shift to:
- Anaeho’omalu Bay (most Sundays and Fridays)
- Kawaihae Harbor (most Wednesdays)
- Cost:
- Summer Snorkel Adventure: $180
- Snorkel Whale Watch Adventure: $185
- Inclusions:
- Marine life briefing
- Snorkel gear and instruction
- Guided snorkel tours
- Picnic lunch
- Beverages (soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails)
- Real near coastal sailing or deluxe power catamaran ride
- Highlights: Green sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, unique Hawaiian coral, and glass bottom boat option
Body Glove Cruises – Big Island Snorkeling Tour & Dolphin Watch
Body Glove Cruises offers an exciting snorkeling and dolphin watching experience:
- Departure: Kona Coast
- Cost:
- Adults: $169
- Children (6-17): $99
- Infants (5 & under): Free
- Inclusions:
- Continental breakfast
- BBQ burger lunch
- Snorkel gear and instruction
- Flotation toys
- Full service premium bar
- Shade and fresh water showers
- Restrooms
- 20-foot water slide
- 15-foot high jump platform
- Highlights: Snorkeling in the Red Hill area, dolphin and marine mammal sightings
Sea Paradise Snorkeling Tours
Sea Paradise offers a range of snorkeling tours at various times:
- Departure: Various times from Kona (morning, afternoon, and night tours)
- Inclusions:
- Sailing on a 50 ft. catamaran
- Snorkeling in historic Kealakekua Bay
- Swimming with manta rays (night tour)
- Watching spinner dolphins near Keauhou Bay
- Highlights: Manta ray night snorkel, exploring Kealakekua Bay, sailing along the Kona Coastline
Fair Wind Cruises
Fair Wind Cruises provides a variety of snorkeling experiences:
- Departure: Keauhou Bay
- Tour Options and Costs:
- Morning Kealakekua Snorkel Tour: From $159
- Kona Coast Snorkel Tour: From $115
- Afternoon Kealakekua Snorkeling Tour: From $129
- Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour: From $1200
- Private Morning Snorkel Charter: Starting at $1200
- Inclusions:
- Snorkel gear and instruction
- Flotation devices
- High jump and water slides
- Fresh island-style breakfast and lunch
- Guidance from experienced captains and snorkel guides
- Highlights: Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay, exploring remote south Kona locations, night snorkeling with manta rays
Where Are the Top-Rated Snorkeling Spots in Big Island, Hawaii?
Kealakekua Bay
- Access: Boat tours from Keauhou Bay
- Facilities: Snorkel gear, instruction, flotation devices provided by tour operators
- Amenities: Fresh meals, premium bar services on some tours
- Highlights: Rich tropical reefs, diverse marine life, Captain Cook Monument
- Note: Protected marine sanctuary with strict guidelines
Red Hill Area
- Access: Boat tours from Kona Coast
- Facilities: Snorkel gear, instruction, flotation toys, onboard amenities
- Highlights: Dolphin and marine mammal sightings, water activities
Keauhou Bay
- Access: Boat tours departing from the bay
- Facilities: Snorkel gear and instruction provided
- Highlights: Spinner dolphins, scenic Kona Coastline views
Manta Ray Night Snorkel Location (Keauhou Bay)
- Access: Night boat tours from Keauhou Bay
- Facilities: Specialized gear for night snorkeling
- Highlights: Unique experience of swimming with feeding manta rays
What Do Customers Say About Big Island Snorkel Cruises?
Customer feedback for Big Island snorkel cruises is overwhelmingly positive:
- Praise for experienced and friendly crew members
- High-quality snorkel gear and comprehensive marine life briefings
- Excitement over diverse marine life encounters
- Appreciation for the variety of activities offered
Specific comments include:
\”We have enjoyed the morning snorkeling cruise several times over the years with family, our kids, and grandkids, which has always been a highlight.\”
\”Excellent chance of dolphin and other marine mammal sightings while cruising to our snorkel site.\”
While specific numerical ratings aren’t provided, tours are frequently described as \”award-winning\” and \”top-rated,\” indicating high customer satisfaction.
What Are the Logistical Aspects of Big Island Snorkel Cruises?
Transportation and Parking
- Departures from various locations including Anaeho’omalu Bay, Kawaihae Harbor, and Keauhou Bay
- Transportation to departure points typically not included in tour packages
- Parking facilities generally available near departure points (specifics vary by location)
Tour Specifications
- Duration: Typically 3.5 to 4.5 hours
- Additional activities: Water slides, high jump platforms (on some tours)
Rules and Requirements
- Participants should wear swimsuits, bring towels and sunscreen
- Adherence to marine sanctuary guidelines required
- Age restrictions may apply; children often required to be accompanied by adults
How Can I Choose the Best Snorkel Cruise for My Big Island Hawaii Trip?
When selecting a snorkel cruise on the Big Island of Hawaii, consider the following factors:
- Location: Choose a departure point convenient to your accommodation.
- Duration: Select a tour length that fits your schedule and stamina.
- Inclusions: Compare what’s included (meals, gear, additional activities) to find the best value.
- Specific Interests: If you’re keen on seeing particular marine life (e.g., manta rays), choose a tour that specializes in those encounters.
- Time of Day: Consider whether you prefer a morning, afternoon, or night snorkel experience.
- Group Size: Some tours offer more intimate experiences with smaller groups.
- Physical Requirements: Ensure the tour’s activity level matches your abilities.
- Reviews: Read recent customer feedback to gauge the quality of the experience.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select a snorkel cruise that best aligns with your preferences and expectations, ensuring an unforgettable Big Island Hawaii adventure.
