Kailua-Kona serves as the launching point for Hawaii’s finest dolphin encounters on the Big Island. I love the Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch, a practical 2-hour excursion that consistently delivers with its 95% recommendation rate. You’ll get clean facilities, shade coverage, and dependable dolphin sightings. The Dolphin Watch & Snorkel at Captain Cook Monument is my personal favorite – their naturalist guides know exactly where to find dolphins in their natural habitat. For the adventurous spirit, try the Kayak Snorkel combo at Kealakekua Bay, which offers an intimate wildlife experience while paddling through crystal-clear waters. Let’s explore my top picks for Big Island dolphin tours.
Key Points
- The Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch tour offers a highly-rated 2-hour snorkeling experience with dolphin spotting opportunities, departing from Kailua-Kona.
- The Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Captain Cook Monument tour focuses on observing dolphins in their natural habitats, led by naturalist guides, with a maximum of 28 travelers.
- The Kayak Snorkel Capt. Cook Monument tour provides a personalized 5-hour kayaking and snorkeling experience at Kealakekua Bay, suitable for moderate physical abilities.
- The Guaranteed Dolphin and Whale Watch Tour offers a 3-4 hour excursion with a focus on diverse marine wildlife, departing from a south-central marina.
- The Luxury Hawaiian Sea Turtle, Dolphin Sail and Kona Snorkel tour features a 4-hour trip from Honokohau Small Boat Harbor on a luxury vessel with amenities and wildlife viewing.
Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran From Kailua-Kona
The Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch aboard a luxury catamaran from Kailua-Kona provides an unforgettable experience for visitors to the Big Island of Hawaii.
With a 4.8-star rating from 755 reviews and a 95% recommendation rate, this tour is highly acclaimed. Guests can expect approximately 2 hours of snorkeling time, as well as the chance to spot dolphins.
The tour departs from 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, and guests must arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
The tour includes all taxes, fees, beverages, breakfast, lunch, reef-safe sunscreen, and use of snorkeling equipment and water play areas, such as a 20-foot waterslide and 15-foot high jump platform.
The catamaran is 100% wheelchair accessible and offers fresh water showers, three restrooms, and shaded areas. Guests can purchase alcoholic beverages, rent wetsuits, and request vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals with 48-hour notice.
Transportation to the pier isn’t provided, and a liability waiver is required for participation.
Read our full review: Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran From Kailua-Kona Review
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Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Captain Cook Monument Big Island Kailua-Kona Hawaii
Early in the morning, visitors embark on the Dolphin Watch & Snorkel tour at the Captain Cook Monument in Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii.
Boasting 327 reviews with a 95% recommendation rate, this tour combines dolphin watching and snorkeling in natural environments. Naturalist guides lead the way, ensuring minimal disruption to the dolphins during their rest, nursing, and breeding.
The tour includes snacks, beverages, and snorkeling gear, with a maximum of 28 travelers. Meeting at the Keauhou Shopping Center, the tour starts at 7:00 am and returns to the same location.
Participants must be comfortable swimming unassisted and able to climb a metal ladder, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
While dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed, travelers praise the knowledgeable and entertaining crew, as well as the beautiful snorkeling spots.
The tour respects the dolphins’ behaviors and provides a memorable experience for visitors to the Big Island.
Read our full review: Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Captain Cook Monument Big Island Kailua-Kona Hawaii Review
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Kayak Snorkel Capt. Cook Monu. See Dolphins in Kealakekua Bay, Big Island (5 Hr)
Frequently, travelers venture to the picturesque Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island to embark on the captivating Kayak Snorkel Capt. Cook Monu. tour. This 5-hour excursion, operated by the reputable Aloha Kayak Co., offers a unique opportunity to explore the bay’s stunning marine life.
With a maximum of 12 participants, the tour provides a personalized experience led by certified lifeguard guides. The tour includes kayaking and snorkeling equipment, a tasty lunch, and private transportation. Participants can choose from ham, turkey, or vegetarian sandwich options.
Plus, bottled water, towels, and shoes are provided, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free adventure. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for those with moderate physical abilities. Infants can accompany participants as long as they sit on laps.
With an overall 4.0 rating on Viator and Tripadvisor, the tour has received positive feedback for its knowledgeable guides, beautiful marine life, and memorable experiences.
Read our full review: Kayak Snorkel Capt. Cook Monu. See Dolphins in Kealakekua Bay, Big Island (5 Hr) Review
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Guaranteed Dolphin and Whale Watch Tour in Kona
For the alluring Guaranteed Dolphin and Whale Watch Tour in Kona, travelers can expect a thrilling 3-4 hour excursion to spot an array of marine wildlife.
With a maximum capacity of 46 travelers, the tour boasts a 95% recommendation rate from 242 reviews. Aboard a comfortable boat, guests can enjoy cold drinks while naturalist guides help identify pilot whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and even sharks.
The tour departs from the south-central side of the marina, and travelers are advised to arrive 30 minutes early. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.
Guests have praised the knowledgeable crew and memorable wildlife encounters, though some noted the need for improved communication from the guides.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour offers a flexible and captivating way to explore the rich marine life of the Big Island of Hawaii.
Read our full review: Guaranteed Dolphin and Whale Watch Tour in Kona Review
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Luxury Hawaiian Sea Turtle, Dolphin Sail and Kona Snorkel
The Luxury Hawaiian Sea Turtle, Dolphin Sail and Kona Snorkel tour offers travelers a captivating opportunity to explore the Big Island’s renowned marine life.
This four-hour excursion, which departs from Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, boasts a 94% recommendation rate from previous guests and a 4.7/5 rating on review platforms.
For $506.94 per person, guests can expect a luxurious vessel with private changing areas, fresh-water showers, and in-cabin restrooms.
The tour includes unlimited refreshments, snorkel equipment, and a picnic or Bento-style lunch.
Snorkeling locations are selected based on conditions, with the chance to spot dolphins, turtles, and even whales.
The tour adheres to the Dolphin SMART program, prioritizing responsible wildlife viewing.
While some guests have reported minor disappointments with snorkeling spots and lunch quality, the majority praise the tour’s friendly crew, excellent service, and memorable moments.
For those seeking a high-end exploration of Hawaii’s marine wonders, the Luxury Hawaiian Sea Turtle, Dolphin Sail and Kona Snorkel tour is a prime choice.
Read our full review: Luxury Hawaiian Sea Turtle, Dolphin Sail and Kona Snorkel Review
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The Sum Up
The Big Island of Hawaii offers several top-notch dolphin watching tours. Whether you prefer a luxury catamaran, a kayak, or a guaranteed sighting, there’s an option that’ll let you spot these magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat. With knowledgeable guides and the chance to see turtles and whales too, these tours provide an unforgettable experience on the island’s beautiful waters.