Water Sports in Big Island of Hawaii

Skip the usual boat tours and embark upon a Hawaiian style kayak adventure in a traditional outrigger canoe. These double-hull canoes are known for providing stability and smooth rides; all the better to experience Kealakekua Bay with minimal exertion. Learn about the history of the bay, one of the most sacred in Hawaii; its mysterious caves, and how people lived there, from guides whose families are connected to the area.

Swim with giant manta rays in their nighttime habitat during this 2.5-hour activity in Kona. Travel out into the seas offshore to watch the colorful Kona sunset, then jump in to swim with the docile rays as they feed on microscopic plankton. Follow your guides around the manta habitat and watch as the animals are attracted to the bright lights, creating a "manta rave" of lights, bubbles and mantas. All snorkel equipment, including flotation devices and wet suits, is included. Manta sightings are guaranteed, or you will be given a voucher for another tour.

Spend a magical morning snorkeling and swimming near wild dolphins during this exceptional 4-hour Hawaiian wildlife experience aboard a private charter boat. See spinner dolphins in their natural environment before proceeding along the Kona Coast to Kealakekua Bay, one of the best snorkel spots in all of Hawaii. Swim among the area's colorful reefs, tropical fish, and depending on the season, whales and turtles. A guide, snorkel gear, private boat, snacks, and light refreshments are included.

On this 3.5-hour Big Island snorkeling cruise, experience the beauty of the Kohala coast from its colorful reefs to its beaches, as you scan the horizon for splashing dolphins or, in winter, humpback whales. In addition to colorful reef fish, there's always the chance you could find Hawaiian green sea turtles while snorkeling the pristine coves. Enjoy the attentive, personalized service from your professional captain and crew, who also help serve you breakfast and lunch, and run the boat's open bar.

Discover Kona's underwater paradise on this 4.5-hour snorkeling cruise and dolphin watch. Cruise through the protected marine sanctuaries of Red Hill, home to more than 600 species of enchanting ocean wildlife. After a safety briefing and some basic instruction from the lifeguard-trained crew, jump in the water for a snorkel. Also, enjoy dolphin watching and a Hawaiian-style barbecue lunch. Then relax with a cocktail from the premium cash bar and enjoy the timeless beauty of the Kona coastline on the return trip. Bring a towel. Everything else is included.

From the moment you see their silvery backs appear in the cobalt waters, to the moment you're swimming right alongside and hearing their high pitched clicks, there's an enchanting rush of tropical adrenaline that accompanies swimming with dolphins. Here off the Kona coast of the Big Island, Hawaiian Spinner dolphins are year round residents that ply the volcanic shore, and this tour offers local, professional captains who know where to look to find them. In addition to watching and swimming with dolphins, you'll also snorkel with tropical fish in some of Hawaii's clearest water, before returning back to shore in Kona with an experience you'll never forget.

Have a unique Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays on this 2.5-hour tour. Led by a local guide, you'll take a short cruise out to the manta site, where you'll watch the beautiful Hawaiian sunset before dipping into the water to watch the manta rays up close. All necessary equipment will be provided for your excursion, as well as light refreshments and snacks to enjoy on board. Your tour will conclude at its original departure point.

Enjoy two Hawaiian underwater adventures for the price of one with this 4-hour combination dolphin-swimming encounter and snorkeling trip. Start by exploring the 600+ species of marine life like sea turtles, coral and tropical fish that call the reefs of Kealakekua Bay home. Then meet up with a local pod of wild spinner dolphins for an optional swimming session. A trip choice without the dolphin swimming portion is also available.

Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay and visit the sea caves during a 3.5-hour aqua adventure from Kailua-Kona. Board a boat in Honokohau Harbor to meet your local captain and crew. With a group of 18 people or fewer, travel to a marine life conservation area in Kealakekua Bay, stopping at a few local landmarks and listening to interesting commentary from your captain on the way. If conditions allow, enter the sea caves, unusual rock formations only accessible by water. Dive in wearing the provided snorkel equipment and look for pods of friendly spinner dolphins, sea turtles and native tropical fish. Lunch, refreshments and use of all snorkeling equipment are included.

Enjoy a morning on the water on this small boat cruise as we cruise south down the Kona Coast to the pristine Kealakekua Ba keeping our eyes open for large pelagic animals. Enjoy snorkeling in this bay which is often a resting place for the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins and home to many of Hawaii's endemic fish. We will explore the sea caves and lava tubs from old lava flows on the way home.

Summon your courage and plunge into the waters off Kailua-Kona to swim with manta rays. During this 2-hour tour during sunset or after dark, slip on the provided wet suit and snorkel gear and follow your expert instructor into the water. Watch as the enormous vegetarian animals, some with wingspans of 20 feet (6 meters), swim in graceful loops around you, taking in clouds of plankton for their evening meal. All gear and light snacks and refreshments are provided. Choose between sunset and evening snorkel tours; manta ray sightings are guaranteed or you can do a second outing for free.

Swim in the area known for dolphins in the wild and snorkel Kealakekua Bay Reserve with a half-day experience on the Kona Coast. Search for spinner dolphins in Keauhou Bay, and slip into the water to see them in their natural environment. Explore the sea caves along the Kona Coast then experience one of Hawaii's best snorkeling spots; float above brilliant reefs that shelter a thriving population of fish, turtles and rays. Enjoy the personal experience of a small-group tour with an environmental focus so you (and the dolphins) can spend the day hassle-free.

There are few places in all of Hawaii more historic than Kealakekua Bay, as it's the spot where Captain Cook was killed in a skirmish with native Hawaiians, and the Hawaiian monarch, King Kamehameha III was born just a few miles away. The history aside, it's also one of the best places to snorkel on the Big Island of Hawaii, and you'll have the chance to experience the beauty on this snorkeling tour from Kona. Search for dolphins on the way to bay while admiring the volcanic coast, and after scouring the red for coral and fish, climb aboard for a lunch that's served by the friendly crew.

Get a bird's-eye view of the Big Island on a 1-hour parasailing experience. This family-friendly adventure can accommodate one, two or three people on each flight. Gaze out at the beautiful Kona Coast as you soar 800 feet (243 meters) or 1,200 feet (365 meters) into the air. Then land smoothly and safely back on the boat before returning to shore.

On this Kealakekua Bay snorkeling adventure, experience the thrill of swimming with dolphins in the crystal-clear waters off Kona. You'll head to one of Hawaii's best snorkeling spots to swim with tropical fish above colorful corals in a protected turquoise cove. Later as you cruise along the volcanic shoreline, look for lava tubes and sea caves, turtles. Throughout the 5-hour excursion, expect to see wildlife splashing in the water "” in the winter months, you could even spot breaching Humpback whales. Groups are limited to 14 people, ensuring a personalized experience. 

Limited to a maximum of six people, this guided snorkeling adventure by catamaran provides a more intimate experience of Hawaii's marine life and coral reefs than is possible on a larger group tour. The schedule is customizable, but swimming near wild dolphins, coral reefs, lava tubes, and sea caves and trenches are typically on the itinerary. All snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks are provided.