Big Island boat charter: Swim with dolphins, Kealakekua Bay

Your own boat, your own itinerary on the water

A private boat charter on Big Island for up to six guests with a captain and snorkel guide, where you choose the stops: swim with wild dolphins, explore Kealakekua Bay, visit private beaches or remote reefs. All snorkel gear, wetsuits, lunch and water are included. No diving or snorkeling experience is required, though certified divers can do a discovery dive program.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private custom Kona ocean adventure

• Create your own private adventure
• Swim with wild dolphins
• Visit private beaches by boat
• Discover Kealakekua Bay or reefs
• Try discovery dive program
• Enjoy provided lunch

The experience

Kona Ocean Adventures runs private charters where the boat and crew are yours alone for the morning or afternoon. You pick what the day looks like: Kealakekua Bay, remote reefs, private beaches only reachable by water, or dolphin encounters. The operator adjusts the route, departure time and length of trip to fit your group. A captain and snorkel guide are on board. If anyone in your party holds a dive certification, a discovery dive program is available for divers as young as ten.

Snorkel gear, wetsuits and all equipment come with the charter. Lunch is prepared fresh and can be vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or Kosher. The operator asks about dietary needs at booking. Bottled water, local beer on request, fresh fruit and juices round out the day. Nobody needs prior experience. The guide handles instruction in the water.

The boat departs from the Kona pier. The operator does not provide hotel pickup, so you'll arrange your own way to the dock. Departures run four hours. Larger groups beyond six can be accommodated with a phone call to the operator to discuss options.

What’s included

• A captain and snorkel guide.
• all snorkel gear and wetsuits.
• lunch prepared to your dietary needs.
• fresh local fruits, juices and bottled water.
• local beer on request.
• snacks.
• discovery dive program for certified divers (minimum age ten).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 19:30

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kona Ocean Adventures

Is this one for you?The boat leaves from Kona pier, so you'll need your own way to the dock, but once you're aboard, the itinerary is entirely yours. Pick this charter if you want to choose the stops and timing without the structure of a set route, and if your group wants the boat and crew to itself.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I do a certified dive on this charter if I have my card?

Yes, divers with current certification can participate in a discovery dive program. Divers must be at least ten years old. If you don't have certification, the snorkel guide can teach you in the water.

What is Kealakekua Bay and why do people visit it?

Kealakekua Bay is a remote reef area on Big Island known for clear water and marine life. It's one of the stops you can choose for the day, though the operator can also route the charter to other reefs or private beaches depending on conditions and your group's interests.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No. All snorkel gear, wetsuits and dive equipment (if applicable) are provided with the charter. The guide will fit you properly before you enter the water.

How do I get to the boat if I don't have a rental car?

The charter departs from the Kona pier. You'll need to arrange your own transportation to the dock. The operator does not include hotel pickup. Public transportation options are available nearby.

Can the operator accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes. Lunch can be prepared vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or Kosher. Let the operator know your needs when you book.

What if my group is larger than six people?

The standard charter holds up to six guests. For larger groups, call the operator directly to discuss options and availability.