10 Boat Tours in the Big Island to Build a Day Around

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 snorkeling gear, flotation aids, lunch, and a crew led by captains such as Aiden or Bryce. Expect clear water, reef fish, possible dolphins and winter whales, plus a slide and rinse shower on the boat.

“We had a great time, everything ran very smooth. Guides are funny and knowledgeable about the island. Saw dolphins, humpbacks and plenty of different reef fish and coral. Boat is very comfortable and lunch was delicious. Highly recommend doing this experience. Friendly for all ages.”

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2.Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

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

Sail 12 miles down Kona’s coast to Kealakekua Bay on a catamaran with a local historian, live Hawaiian music, dinner, and sunset views. You’ll hear stories about landmarks hidden from land, enjoy one complimentary cocktail, and return to Kailua Pier after about three hours.

“The historical dinner cruise was a wonderful excursion. The captain was upbeat and fun, the crew were very attentive and great at what they do, the historical narrator was so interesting and the musician was very entertaining. The dinner it”

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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

Spend 4.5 hours aboard Body Glove’s spacious catamaran from Kailua-Kona. Expect a coastal cruise, dolphin and seasonal whale sightings, about two hours in the Red Hill snorkeling area, breakfast, barbecue lunch, slides, paddleboards, and attentive water safety staff.

“There were many snorkeling companies, but I never regret choosing this.The staff were super kind and the breakfast and lunch they provided were so delicious with fresh ingredients. On the way to the snorkeling spot, we could see a group of dolphins. Besides snorkeling, they provided various swimming equipment for children to enjoy. It was a very satisfying experience and I want to do it again!!”

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4.Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

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

Sail from Keauhou Bay to Kealakekua Bay with Sea Paradise, then snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument in a protected marine preserve. Expect a guided water tour, clean gear, flotation aids, fruit and drinks, reef-safe sunscreen, and stories about the bay, Pele, and local culture. Crew members have included Shannon, Captain Eddie, Patty, Matt, Charlotte, Ashton, Denaley, and Beau.

“Excellent experience- well-organized, great and knowledgeable guides, very clean, nice snacks, lovely boat ride and snorkel”

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5.Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) Snorkel and Sail Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 695 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $189

Sail Kona’s coast aboard a 50-foot catamaran with Kona coffee, pastries, wildlife spotting, and a deli lunch. At Kealakekua Bay, crew such as Captain Dan, Jacques, or Nick provide safety guidance, gear, and access to about an hour of snorkeling near the Captain Cook Monument.

“We had a wonderful time sailing and snorkeling on this trip.the captain and crew were very personable and attentive. Loved the historical information the captain gave us. I also thought our catamaran seemed a much better vessel than the others moored at Captain Cook bay. I would highly recommend this particular trip!”

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6.Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 535 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $177

From Keauhou Bay, you’ll sail aboard Sea Paradise’s catamaran to Kealakekua Bay and Red Hill. The crew provides gear, flotation noodles, reef-safe sunscreen, meals, fish charts, and safety support. Look for colorful fish, spinner dolphins, and seasonal whales during this 4.5-hour morning outing.

“Fantastic cruise with a great crew, fun, knowledgeable and very professional. Thank you guys for this wonderful time!”

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7.Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 506 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $72Best value

From Kailua Pier, Kona Glassbottom Boat takes you across Kailua Bay for about 50 minutes. Sit beside one of four viewing windows as guides such as Amy and Sean point out coral, fish, Hawaiian history, and possible dolphins. The small 36-foot boat has cushioned seats, water, ginger ale, and a restroom.

“The boat doesn’t have to go very far which is how they can do a tour in 50 minutes. You get a good view of a lot of smaller fish in the corals. Just wished we could have seen some bigger sea life.”

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8.Kailua-Kona: Manta Ray Watching Nighttime Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 488 reviews · 2 hours · from $75

From Honokohau Harbor, you’ll ride a catamaran into Kona’s dark waters, learn about manta rays from guides such as Kelly, Bryce, and Koa, then choose to watch from the boat or snorkel above the rays. Bring warm clothes for the ride home.

“This was the highlight of our 2 week vacation. I have 4 kids ages 9 to 16 and they all loved it.”

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9.Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 472 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $179

Set out from Keauhou Bay on Sea Paradise’s catamaran for a 4.5-hour morning along Kona’s coast. You’ll snorkel in Kealakekua Bay near the Captain Cook Monument, visit a second site near Red Hill if weather allows, and enjoy breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, gear, and safety support onboard.

“Make sure to take dramamine before sailing. During our return ocean was rough causing some to get sick.”

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10.Waikoloa Signature Catamaran Sunset Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 396 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $159

Board barefoot from Anaehoomalu Bay and cruise the Kohala-Kona coast aboard a 53-foot catamaran for about 90 minutes. Expect live commentary, shaded seating, restrooms, island snacks, and a full bar with cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Some sailings feature Captain Rob and crew.

“It wasn't a full sunset (not anyone's fault it just didn't work out that way) but it was a fun experience and we got some cool pictures”

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