Page 11) Things to Do in Big Island in 2026 – Tours & Activities | HawaiiActivities.com

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Big Island

All Reviews for Snorkeling Cruises & Tours

Overall rating

4.60

2023 Reviews
Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona
Not great!
Activity Date: 2022/09/15 | Posted on: 2022/10/11

It was OK. Nothing was explained well. Water was cold and did not expect to be hanging by the side of board for half hour to watch them coming at you! Very inconvenient, cold and ill-explained activity. Although staff was helpful. Wished they listened to the individual difficulties to understand. Could have enjoyed better with help.

Packages: Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as: Solo Travelers
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Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona
Manta Ray Snorkel!
Activity Date: 2022/10/05 | Posted on: 2022/10/09
Rob

The crew was fun, safe and respectful as well as extremely fun! We saw a minimum of 3 and a max of well… it was 7 or 8 at once. We were all so pleased with this even and I highly recommend going at sunset.
The rays were magnificent and gentle for such large creatures. They truly are a sight to see.
Will do this again on our next visit.

Packages: Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as: Couples
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe
Such a cool experience!
Activity Date: 2022/10/05 | Posted on: 2022/10/07

The canoe was a very cool option and keeps the number of people in the group low. The boat sailed a very short distance to the manta viewing area- great for me as I tend to get motion sick. The water was warmer than I thought- again great for me bc I think I’m allergic to cold water. I wore my own wetsuit but they provided everyone with a proper wetsuit top. I wore both and was fine. Our 12yo said he was cold but didn’t complain.
We were all provided snorkels and masks. We all got into the water and held onto a floating device equipped with an underwater light. There we’re several mantas in the area and a few of them swam within inches of us! One touched my arm with its belly. We were in the water about 30 minutes at best guess which was plenty of time in my opinion. I specifically booked a shorter tour for fear of getting sick or freezing but none occurred.
Overall it was a very cool experience and our guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful! Definitely recommend this adventure!

Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
Magic night
Activity Date: 2022/10/05 | Posted on: 2022/10/07

The journey was well organised and on time. The team was really cheerful and fun.
We could see Manta Rays swimming below us all along our time in the water. I liked to learn about Manta Rays while seeing them. It was one of the best moment on the island, Magic!

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Reply from activity provider

Aloha Marie D,

Mahalo for sharing your experience with us, repeating customers receive a 20% discount on all future bookings!

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii

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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe
Best excursion ever!
Activity Date: 2022/09/19 | Posted on: 2022/09/30

We had a great time. The Manta Rays gave us a great show! I was a little worried about getting in and out of the water but that was no problem with a little help from our guide. I highly recommend this tour.

Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
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Hilo Black Sand Beach Guided Snorkel Tour at Sea Turtle Lagoon
Fun time snorkeling, but we miss the boat.
Activity Date: 2022/09/22 | Posted on: 2022/09/24

We signed up for a snorkeling trip online. Mind you, we’ve done these trips before where they take us out on a catamaran and find some secluded bay where we can go and check out the tropical fish and coral reef and maybe a chance at a sea turtle.

Well, this trip was not quite the same. We did find a secluded bay that had a nice cool reef and tropical fish but we got there by use of a Ford expedition (which had no AC by the way). We then traveled to a second spot by car, where we did get a chance to see a sea turtle, but not much else.

Our snorkel guide was very kind and considerate and made sure that everybody in our small group of four was safe. But it seemed like he was working with one arm tied behind his back, because he had to hunt out the two places for us to dive.

Packages: Hilo Beach Snorkel – Sea Turtle Lagoon and Black Sand Beach
Attended as: Couples
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe
Great experience!!
Activity Date: 2022/08/26 | Posted on: 2022/09/17
Nin

Amazing experience for the four of us (mum, dad & two teenage boys!). The crew has the right balance of humour, sensitivity & business like manner! The snorkelling experience was just phenomenal, one of the best experiences of our lives! Captured on go-pro, so a memory we can re-live time & time again!

Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
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Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona
Awesome
Activity Date: 2022/09/03 | Posted on: 2022/09/13

This was an amazing once in a lifetime experience. Highly recommend going on this tour. The moonlight tour would be my recommendation because there are less boats in the cove. The crew on this trip were great and very helpful the entire trip. They had drinks and snacks available when on the boat. The mantas were constant the entire time we were in the water and I was able to get great footage on my GoPro!

Packages: Standard Package: Moonlight Manta Snorkel (Seasonal)
Attended as: Families
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4.5-Hour Sea Paradise Premium Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour with Breakfast & Lunch
Really great trip
Activity Date: 2022/09/11 | Posted on: 2022/09/13

Everything is as promised. Great and professional crew. Catamaran was very clean and safe. Beverages always available at no additional cost (except alcoholic). Good continental breakfast and lunch with extra snacks available. We always felt safe and secure both onboard and while snorkeling. Crew added historical info throughout the trip. I highly recommend this trip.

Packages: Deluxe Morning Snorkel Cruise with 2 Snorkel Stops, Breakfast & Lunch [4.5 hrs]
Attended as: Couples
Reply from activity provider

Aloha Andy,

Mahalo for choosing Sea Paradise for your snorkeling adventures! We are happy to hear of your feedback and recommendation. We hope to have the pleasure of you joining us in the near future!

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Aloha Kona Tours Private Boat Charter - Kealakekua Bay Snorkel & Dolphin Watch
Two fantastic private cruises! Thank you Aloha Kona Tours!
Activity Date: 2022/09/09 | Posted on: 2022/09/12

We prefer private charters and snorkeling trips and Aloha Kona Tours did not disappoint. We had such a good time on our Sept 9th cruise we booked a night time Manta Ray cruise the very next day!

On our first cruise we got to see turtles and dolphins and actually got to snorkel with a 25 foot whale shark. It was outstanding! The Captain is excellent and the Crew is very friendly and knowledgeable! The Captain was accommodating to our request for our outing to make the trip very personalized.

On our second night Manta Ray cruise we enjoyed a stunning sunset cruise and tour of the city from the water. Then we snorkeled with the Manta Rays for about 30 minutes. They have all the gear and the Crew was so accommodating. Three of us got in the water and swam with the Rays and our fourth person was a little shy but the Crew made sure she got to see the Rays up close without leaving the boat.

Both trips were truly unforgettable and amazing! The boat is beautiful and comfortable.

Thanks Aloha Kona Tours,

Jim, Jodi, Debye and Larry

Packages: 4-Hour Private Morning Snorkel Charter (up to 6 passengers)
Attended as: Friends
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
Amazing experience for young and old
Activity Date: 2022/09/06 | Posted on: 2022/09/12

We had an amazing time on this tour, the guides were knowledgeable, funny and accommodating. My 3 year old got to ride on the party pit and loved seeing the mantas up close. Really appreciated all the extra care the staff took to make sure everyone was supported and felt comfortable. We saw at least half a dozen different rays and our biggest challenge was not touching them when they swam right up to us! Can not recommend this tour enough

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Reply from activity provider

Aloha!

Thank you for the positive comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! We do offer a repeater discount of 20% off, so please keep us in mind for future travel plans.

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii

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Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona
One of the Best Experiences on Big Island
Activity Date: 2022/08/31 | Posted on: 2022/09/05

These ginaromous creaters are as sweet as puppies! So fun

Packages: Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as: Couples
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マンタ大学夜学部 野生のマンタ&ナイトシュノーケリングツアー <送迎可/日本語スタッフ乗船日あり>
Manta Night Snorkeling
マンタナイトシュノーケリング
Activity Date: 2022/08/07 | Posted on: 2022/09/01

There were probably over 30 people participating on the same boat, but it was far too small to accommodate that many... We were packed in so tightly that there was hardly any space between the seats, and I was quite close to the person next to me.

同じ船で参加した方々が恐らく30人を超えていたのですが、30人乗るにはとても小さすぎる船でした…
いすの隙間がなくなるほど、ギチギチに座り、隣の方とかなり密着してました。

Packages: 送迎付きプラン
Attended as: Families
Reply from activity provider

Aloha,
We usually operate at about 80% capacity, but it seems that on the day of your visit, there was a mix-up with the date, and some customers joined us, causing congestion.
We apologize for not being able to provide you with a comfortable experience.

Aloha
通常は定員の80%ほどで行うのですが、当日は日にち間違えでいらしたお客様の合流があり混雑してしまったようです。
快適にお過ごしいただくことができず申し訳ございませんでした。

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4.5-Hour Sea Paradise Premium Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour with Breakfast & Lunch
Great trip!
Activity Date: 2022/08/02 | Posted on: 2022/08/28
TRK

A smooth sail and comfortable ride. The crew was very professional and knowledgeable. I didn't think I'd want a pool noodle...but get the pool noodle. It helps alot unless you plan to free dive. The food and drinks were good and sandwiches are fine for a boat trip. Don't expect fine dining. Plenty of room on board, even if you feel it might fill up with guests. The crew was there to keep the boat clean as well. I'd recommend getting there early for parking, as there's only street parking and you might have to walk to get to the launch. Beautiful boat. Enjoyed the trip! Thanks!

Packages: Deluxe Morning Snorkel Cruise with 2 Snorkel Stops, Breakfast & Lunch [4.5 hrs]
Attended as: Couples
Reply from activity provider

Aloha,

Mahalo Nui Loa for sharing your experience with us! We do also agree with taking as many pool noodles as you would like. It's called a "vacation" for a reason. We hope to see you on your next visit to the Big Island! Until then, A Hui Hou and safe travels!

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プライベートチャーター ケアラケクア湾シュノーケリング+イルカウォッチングツアー!GoProレンタルあり<午前/日本語ガイド>
Excellent! I will be in your care again.
最高!またお世話になります。
Activity Date: 2022/08/07 | Posted on: 2022/08/27

It was amazing!
The service was excellent.
Their experience and knowledge were abundant, and I learned a lot.
I will definitely rely on them again next time.

最高でした!
サービス内容が素晴らしいです。
ご経験、知識も豊富で勉強にもなりました。
次もまたお世話になります。

Packages: 4時間
Attended as: Families with Young Children
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
10/10 Amazing Experience
Activity Date: 2022/08/25 | Posted on: 2022/08/27

The crew was awesome! They made sure everyone was safe and made accommodations for those that needed it. I hope those that needed a little extra help also appreciate them because they did an amazing job! We saw at least 7 mantas that night. It’s one thing seeing them at the zoo and another snorkeling with them. Towards the last 10 minutes of the session, we had 4 mantas doing flips under our floating matt. It was so mesmerizing! Such beautiful creatures! Would definitely do it again in the future! 10/10

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Reply from activity provider

Aloha!

We love to hear all the positive feedback about our Manta Ray Experience! Mahalo for joining us and we hope to see you again soon, we offer a 20% discount for repeating customers.

Best,
Team Iruka Hawaii

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マンタ大学夜学部 野生のマンタ&ナイトシュノーケリングツアー <送迎可/日本語スタッフ乗船日あり>
I was able to meet a manta ray.
マンタに会うことができました。
Activity Date: 2022/08/17 | Posted on: 2022/08/19

A few years ago, we entered the water slightly earlier (just before the sunset was complete) and got out before it was completely dark. Still, we were lucky enough to have manta rays come close, which was exciting. This time, there were only about two, rather than many.

There was a sense that the four guides, including the captain, were enjoying themselves, which made it a fun experience. Actually, while I was looking underwater, they were doing their best to explain things above the float, but I had my ears in the water and missed most of it. I thought it would be good to master the technique of having my face in the water while keeping my ears out of it...

数年前のツアーと比べて若干早め(ちょうど夕日が沈み切る直前)から水に入り、完全に暗くなる前位に水から上がりました。それでも、幸運にもマンタが近づいてきてくれて興奮でした。今回は多数というよりは2匹?位ではありましたが。
何となく船長を含め4名のガイド自らが楽しんでいる感があって楽しい気分になることができました、、、実は水中を見ているとき、フロートの上で一生懸命説明をしてくれていたのですが、水中に耳をつけてしまっていてほとんど聞きそびれてしまいました。顔は水の中、耳は水の外、、って技を身につけておくといいと思いました。。。

Packages: 送迎なしプラン
Attended as: Families
Reply from activity provider

Thank you for participating!
Your face is in the water, and your ears are in the water, I see.
The manta ray photos turned out really well.
Wild creatures show different expressions every day, so please come and visit us again!

Aloha!
ご参加ありがとうございました。
顔は水の中、耳は水の中なるほどです。
マンタの写真とてもよく撮れていますね。
野生の生き物たちは毎日違う表情を見せてくれます、またぜひ遊びに来てくださいね!

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Sea Quest Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour & Rafting Sea Cave Expedition
Perfect ocean day!
Activity Date: 2022/08/17 | Posted on: 2022/08/19

Our guides were wonderful! They were knowledgeable and very friendly which made our experience that much better. The snorkeling spots were on point, and they give clear and concise directions on how to proceed at each location. Our group was small and intimate which I found ideal.

Packages: 4-hour Deluxe Morning Adventure (2 Snorkel Stops)
Attended as: Families with Young Children
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe
Excellent
Activity Date: 2022/08/16 | Posted on: 2022/08/18

This is an intimate and friendly canoe trip. I enjoyed it with my three kids and the crew was helpful and patient with my littlest one who had never snorkeled. We got an incredible education about the Mantra Rays and saw them within inches of us. I can’t recommitting enough. I really liked having a smaller group and special type of boat.

Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families with Young Children
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
Awesome experience, must do.
Activity Date: 2021/10/15 | Posted on: 2022/08/15

Overall i would say it's a must-do on the big island.
The crew was fun and helpful.
That particular night was somewhat cold and light on mantas but you get what you get. Crew doesn't control the animals.

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families
Reply from activity provider

Aloha! Thank you for joining our manta ray snorkel and for leaving such a positive review. We hope to welcome you back onboard in the future! Mahalo

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Sea Quest Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour & Rafting Sea Cave Expedition
Amazing experience
Activity Date: 2022/08/13 | Posted on: 2022/08/15

I went on the deluxe snorkeling trip with my husband and five of my young adult children. We all loved it! Captain Steve did a fantastic job showing us sea caves and other interesting sites. We ended up in the midst of a pod of dolphins and saw some pilot whales. For all of us it was our first time snorkeling and Captain Steve and his crew made our first experience incredible. They even helped my son who can’t swim get comfortable with snorkeling using a life vest and noodle so by the second snorkeling stop he was a pro. We saw so many fish, eels, and a few sea turtles. I truly can’t say enough good things about the crew and the whole experience. One of the best of my life! I will definitely return!

Packages: 4-hour Deluxe Morning Adventure (2 Snorkel Stops)
Attended as: Families
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe
Manta Ray Trip
Activity Date: 2022/08/07 | Posted on: 2022/08/11

Our canoe boat trip was great. We loved the smaller boat experience - only about 12 of us - vs. the big catamarans. The captain and crew of two were friendly and fun. In the water we saw lots of Manta Rays. Our young lady crew member filled us in on lots of info about manta rays while in the water. My son took lots of GoPro videos and images. One hour was just right, since the trip out to the viewing spot only took a few minutes.

Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families with Young Children
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Hilo Black Sand Beach Guided Snorkel Tour at Sea Turtle Lagoon
Great snorkel and guide.
Activity Date: 2022/08/08 | Posted on: 2022/08/10

It was a rainy warm trip but had a lot of fun. Devon was a great guide and although we did not see any turtles we saw plenty of fish and coral. Also learned a lot about the local area and history. Very helpful for getting our son, who is not a strong swimmer and new to snorkeling, into the water. Our guide explained everything very well and emphasized safety and respect for the land, sea and marine life.

Packages: Hilo Beach Snorkel – Sea Turtle Lagoon and Black Sand Beach
Attended as: Families
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Keauhou Bay Manta Ray Night Dive Tour & Snorkel Adventure from Kona - Sea Quest
Outstanding experience
Activity Date: 2022/07/30 | Posted on: 2022/08/10

A fantastic experience - would do it again in a heartbeat!

Packages: Swim with Mantas
Attended as: Solo Travelers
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Adventure on a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe
Manta ray with EkA Canoe
Activity Date: 2022/08/03 | Posted on: 2022/08/05

Can’t recommend highly enough!! So much fun, the equipment, boat, and crew are great.

Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
Excellent experience!!! Once in a lifetime
Activity Date: 2022/07/31 | Posted on: 2022/08/03
Joe

Wonderful experience. It is family friendly. Very entertaining

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families
Reply from activity provider

Aloha Joe,

We're so glad to hear all the positive things you had to say about your trip with us, all returning customer's receive a 20% repeater discount if you folks plan on returning!

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii 'Ohana

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Keauhou Bay Manta Ray Night Dive Tour & Snorkel Adventure from Kona - Sea Quest
Fun Manta Ray Tour
Activity Date: 2022/07/07 | Posted on: 2022/08/02

The guides and the captain were all very friendly, knowledgeable, approachable, and helpful, which made the tour extra enjoyable and fun! We saw schools of little fish and minnows right in front of our eyes (they also occasionally ran into our hands and faces) and definitely saw a couple huge manta rays! Overall a fun tour.
Quick tip: wearing the wetsuit helped a lot, as the water got really cold when it got dark, and longer you stay in the water, the colder it gets. Also, would not recommend going the day you get off the plane, as my boyfriend and I got extremely seasick towards the end of the manta ray viewing. However, our guides and the captain gave us many tips on how to feel better and fed us with snacks and drinks.

Packages: Swim with Mantas
Attended as: Couples
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野生のイルカウォッチング&シュノーケリングツアー <朝食・昼食付き>
First time on the Big Island
初めてのビッグアイランド
Activity Date: 2022/07/09 | Posted on: 2022/07/31

I couldn't see any fish while snorkeling. When I experienced it on Oahu before, I was able to see a lot.

シュノーケリングで魚等が見ることができなかった。以前オアフ島で体験した時は沢山見ることが出来ました。

Attended as: Couples
Reply from activity provider

ご参加いただきありがとうございます!
私たちは、脆弱なサンゴ礁を保護するために、約25〜30フィートの水深で停泊します。ゲストがボートの近くにいると、残念ながらオープンウォーターでは魚が少なくなります。
安全ブリーフィング中に、クルーはゲストに対して、サンゴや魚が豊富な約10〜15フィートの水深で岸に近づいて泳ぐように指示します。

Thank you for joining us!
We moor in about 25-30 feet of water in order to protect the fragile coral reef. When guests stay near the boat unfortunately the fish are less plentiful in the open water.
During our safety briefing our crew instructs guests to swim closer to shore in about 10-15 feet of water where the coral and fish are plentiful.

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Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka
Amaze balls
Activity Date: 2022/07/07 | Posted on: 2022/07/30

Excellent crew and amazing experience swimming with the fishes. Highly recommended.

Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families
Reply from activity provider

Aloha!

We love to hear all the positive feedback about our Manta Ray Experience! Mahalo for joining us and we hope to see you again soon, we offer a 20% discount for repeating customers.

Best,
Team Iruka Hawaii

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Dolphin Quest Hawaii - Dolphin Swim & Encounter at Hilton Waikoloa Village
Most Fun in Hawaii
Activity Date: 2022/07/08 | Posted on: 2022/07/30

We spent 8 days on the big island and participated in a number of guided activities (submarine, luau, snorkling, parasail, zip lines) This was by far the most enjoyable. The staff was excellent. There was a great deal of interaction with the dolphins. (We weren't just watching the staff have them perform behaviors) It was educational. It was amazing. It was fun.

Packages: 30-min Encounter Deluxe (Ages 5+)
Attended as: Couples
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Things to Do in Big Island in 2026 – Tours & Activities | HawaiiActivities.com
Discover the best snorkeling cruises and tours in Hawaii, from Molokini Crater and Turtle Town on Maui to Hanauma Bay on Oahu, Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island, and Napali Coast on Kauai. Swim with tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs in crystal-clear waters. Choose from catamaran cruises, zodiac adventures, and guided snorkel trips for all experience levels. Find top-rated tours and tips for unforgettable ocean experiences.