Dolphin Watching

BIG ISLAND

Best Dolphin Watching On The Big Island

Ranked by traveller popularity

The 10 most popular dolphin watching on the Big Island. What they actually deliver, who runs them, and what they cost.

10 Best Dolphin Watching On The Big Island

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

Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves - Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument Area

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

Most Popular★ 4.5

Speedy small-group Zodiac snorkel to Kealakekua Bay for coral, sea caves, and Captain Cook sights, with included pineapple and water.

“David and Chip were the perfect guides. They shared local knowledge, island history, and answered all of our questions. We even had a bonus whale sighting. The only confusing thing was where to meet for the tour. We ended up in the correct area but there wasn’t a sign or anything on the boat assuring…”

1,411 reviews2 hours 45 minutes (approx.)From $71.10by Kona Snorkel Tours

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

Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona - Timing and Where You’ll Be Waiting (The Pier Part You Can Control)

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

Dolphin, Sea Cave & Captain Cook Snorkel Combo in Kealakekua Bay - Stop 1 near Kona: Captain Cook Monument + sea cave country

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

★ 4.5

Small-boat dolphin and sea cave snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay near Captain Cook Monument, with fast zodiac rides, snacks, and whale/dolphin chances.

“Amazing ride to a beautiful snorkeling area! The guides were super friendly and knowledgeable! We were able to see multiple whales! 10/10 recommend!”

220 reviews2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)From $83.95by Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tours

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Kona Shore Excursion: Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves

Kona Shore Excursion: Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves - Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Hour: What You’ll Do in the Water

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

★ 4.5

Kona zodiac snorkel in Kealakekua Bay for Captain Cook views, turtles and dolphins, plus sea-cave lookouts, lunch, and port pickup.

“Cruise dock pickup. Big safe comfortable boat. Great knowledgeable captain, Chris and “commodore” Mare. Good snorkeling with lots of fish, clear water and healthy reef at the Cook Memorial. Saw a humpback whale and calf on the way there. Checked out the sea caves and the “face of Pele” on the way back. Good lunch,…”

73 reviews3 hours (approx.)From $149.00by C Big Island Tours

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Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona

Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona - The onboard naturalist and hydrophone moment

5.Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona

★ 4.5

Kona’s winter whale watch with onboard naturalists, dolphins year-round, and humpbacks Dec–Apr, plus hydrophone whale-song listening.

“We saw a lot of dolphins, but unfortunately did not see whales, even though Captain Rob did try hard to find them. We saw some spectacular sites along the Kona coast that we would not be able to see if we were on land. The ride was smooth and enjoyable and there complementary drinks.”

62 reviews3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)From $109.00by Dolphin Discoveries

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

Dolphin, Sea Cave, Captain Cook, Kealakekua Bay Reef Snorkeling - Snorkeling Rhythm: when you’re in the water, when you’re on the ride

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

★ 4.5

A fast Zodiac snorkel outing from Captain Cook to Kealakekua Bay—gear, snacks, sea caves, and possible dolphins, in a small group.

“This was a great experience. Fun trip. Great scenic stops. Dolphins were adorable. Rory was helpful in finding a mask that fir my husband's bridge and was patient with me a who had not snorkeled in 30 years. So much fun.”

47 reviews2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)From $89.00by Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tours

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

4 Hour Big Island Dolphin Watch Boat Tour, Snorkeling & BBQ Lunch - Wildlife Watching From the Pacific: Dolphins, Manta Rays, and Seasonal Humpbacks

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

★ 5.0

Speedboat dolphin watch and 2 snorkeling stops off Kona, plus BBQ lunch and included gear on Iruka Hawaii’s small-group tour.

“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!!”

44 reviews3 hours (approx.)From $150.00by Iruka Hawaii Dolphin

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Private Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Dolphin Watch

Private Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Dolphin Watch - Dolphins and whales: what you can realistically hope to see

8.Private Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Dolphin Watch

★ 5.0

Private Kealakekua Bay snorkeling and dolphin watch on the Kona Coast with Captain Cook sights, family-friendly guides, and winter whales.

“Our snorkeling trip was everything we hoped for and more. Monet and Brenden were absolutely amazing- welcoming, kind, and passionate about what they do. They went out of their way to make sure our three generation family felt comfortable and had a great time. The snorkeling was stunning and Monet’s underwater videos and photos were…”

23 reviews4 hours (approx.)From $1,500.00by Ocean Eco Tours

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

2-Hour Dolphin Watching and Double Reef with Snorkel in Hawaii - Snorkel Gear, Snacks, and Drinks That Make It Feel Effortless

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

★ 5.0

Snorkel two reefs and watch for dolphins on a small RHIB from Honokohau Marina. Gear, snacks, drinks included in 2.5 hours.

“Great experience with knowledgeable and compassionate guides. Very helpful for beginners and the small group made us available for plenty of personal attention.”

23 reviews2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)From $97.94by Hawaii Marine Life Charters

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Dolphin Watch Snorkel and BBQ in Kona, Big Island

Dolphin Watch Snorkel and BBQ in Kona, Big Island - The 3-hour flow: dolphins, snorkel spots, then lunch onboard

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

★ 4.4

Kona speedboat dolphin watch and snorkeling with sea turtles, plus onboard BBQ hot dogs. Gear, drinks, and a floating mat included.

“Unfortunately this was of my least favorite excursions. The ad says BBQ. We each were limited to ONE hotdog. Chips and a can of soda. That's the BBQ??? The speedboat ride was looong. The trip to and from snorkel spot felt like forever. During the trip, crew stuck together like they were cool kids in…”

20 reviewsFrom $150by Iruka Hawaii Dolphin

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