The 5 Big Island Boat Tours That Earn Their Price

1.Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,232 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85Our pick

Cruise from Kona to historic Kealakekua Bay aboard a power catamaran with Captains Aiden or Bryce and a friendly crew. Snorkel among coral, fish, turtles, and possible dolphins, then enjoy sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and drinks before the coastal ride home. Gear and flotation devices are supplied.

“Captain Bryce, Jordan and Kiwami were entertaining, informative and chill. Fantastic experience! The music was a highlight I didn’t know I needed and from snorkel, to lunch, to seeing whales and spinner dolphins, the day was one of the best days of the vacation!”

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2.Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,279 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Board a catamaran near Kailua Pier for a three-hour cruise along Kona’s Gold Coast. A local historian explains coastal landmarks, stories, and Hawaiian culture as you travel to Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay. Dinner, live Hawaiian-style music, sunset views, and one complimentary cocktail are included. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals require 48 hours’ notice.

“The staff is great The boat is great The scenery s great The food is fantastic This was our second dinner cruise! One birthday and one anniversary, Next time we aren't going to need a reason Oh the sunset was GREAT!”

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

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

From Kailua Pier, Body Glove’s 4.5-hour catamaran cruise pairs dolphin watching with snorkeling at Red Hill. You get breakfast, barbecue lunch, gear, reef-safe sunscreen, a 20-foot slide, a 15-foot jump platform, showers, shade, and attentive water safety staff. Bring a towel. Alcohol costs extra.

“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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4.Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 722 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $136

You’ll leave Keauhou Bay at 1:45 pm for a three-hour sail along Kona’s lava coast, then snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument in protected Kealakekua Bay. Sea Paradise supplies masks, fins, flotation noodles, reef-safe sunscreen, snacks, and drinks. Guides such as Captain Eddie and Shannon’s crew add safety tips, local stories, and cultural context.

“Supercalifragilistic! The best crew to make every person confident and comfortable. Small group of 12 with plenty of personal attention. Good for everyone even non swimmers and all ages.”

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5.Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise on the Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 273 reviews · 2h 30m · from $115

Join Hang Loose Boat Tours for a 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise from Honokohau Harbor. You may see humpbacks, calves, dolphins, rays, or sharks, while the crew explains whale behavior and plays underwater songs through a hydrophone. Captains including Bryce, Aidan, Jacob, and Simon have been praised for patient searching and lively commentary.

“Seeing all the whales, shark& dolphins. Aidan was a cool captein”

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