Ultimate Kona Ocean Snorkel Encounter – Smaller Group Boat

The Kona Coast is renowned for its diverse marine life, including Hawaiian spinner dolphins, spotted dolphins, Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), tropical reef fish in dazzling variety, moray eels, octopuses, colorful coral formations, and — seasonally from December through April — humpback whales.

The Kona Coast offers excellent snorkeling year-round, thanks to consistently calm, protected waters. Mornings tend to offer the clearest visibility before afternoon trade winds pick up. For dolphin sightings, spinner dolphins are most active in the mornings. Humpback whales are present December through early April.

No strenuous swimming is required. Fins make it easy to glide through the water with minimal effort, and flotation noodles and devices are always available. Ride-along tickets are also available for those who prefer to stay on the boat and enjoy the scenery without getting in the water.

In the rare event that no manta rays are seen on the Manta Ray Night Snorkel, or no dolphins are spotted on the Morning Reef Snorkel, you are welcome to join another trip at no charge during the same vacation period. This guarantee is based on availability, so it is recommended to book early in your trip for maximum flexibility. Note: this guarantee applies to direct bookings only.

Kona is located on the leeward side of the Big Island. The large volcanic mountains — Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai — block the trade winds that blow from east to west, making the waters off the Kona coast calm and beautiful year-round. Even on windier days up north by Waikoloa, conditions are typically very calm in Kona.

Absolutely! Your guides specialize in first-time snorkelers. Before entering the water, you'll receive a 10-minute gear orientation covering mask fit, breathing through the snorkel, and fin technique. First mates will snorkel alongside you until you feel confident on your own. Flotation devices and noodles are always available.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own mask and snorkel. All necessary equipment is already included in the tour — but if you have a preferred prescription mask or personal gear, feel free to bring it.

Yes! A waterproof camera is strongly encouraged — the crew is not responsible for any damaged or lost items. For the manta ray night snorkel, cameras must be in fully waterproof housing and kept close to your body. Selfie sticks and long poles are not permitted as they can be hazardous to the manta rays.

The OE1 vessel is a 46 ft Delta boat — big, roomy, and dry. It features restrooms, plenty of shaded areas, an inside cabin, upper deck seating for elevated views, a wide swim step, and an extra-sturdy ladder for easy water entry and exit. The Delta design is known for being stable, strong, and seaworthy. The OE2 is a smaller vessel suited to more intimate groups, also equipped with a restroom, shaded area, bow railing, and swim step/ladder.

You can snorkel with a beard or mustache, but facial hair can prevent a tight seal between the mask and your face, which may allow water to leak in. It is often recommended to shave at least your mustache before the tour. If you prefer not to shave, bringing petroleum jelly or chapstick to coat your mustache may help create a better seal.

You cannot wear glasses with a snorkel mask, but contacts are totally fine and often the best option for seeing clearly underwater. If you have a prescription mask, feel free to bring it — rental shops typically do not carry them. Everything appears about 25% larger and closer underwater, which helps visibility, but for the sharpest view, contacts or a custom mask is recommended.

Reef-safe sunscreen is required by Hawaii State Law. Common sunscreens contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens — chemicals that can harm coral reefs. Reef-SAFE sunscreens use non-nano particles too large for corals to absorb. Look for mineral-based formulas labeled "non-nano." Wearing a long-sleeve rash guard is also a great alternative to minimize sunscreen use in the water.

Tours generally run rain or shine, as the Kona Coast is one of the calmest in Hawaii. However, tour locations may change based on sea conditions to ensure guest safety — your guides will always take you to the best conditions available on the day. Tours may be cancelled in the case of severe weather events.