Big Island Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour & Dolphins

Fifty minutes hovering inches above Kona's coral reef on a custom glass-bottom boat

You board a custom glass-bottom boat at Kailua Pier and spend 50 minutes drifting over the coral reef with a marine naturalist explaining what you're seeing below. The tour includes water and ginger ale, works for all ages including infants, and gives you a chance at spotting dolphins or seasonal whales. Arrive ten minutes early at the pier, park at the adjacent Marriott lot, and look for the blue and yellow flags on the boat's mast.

Step-by-step itinerary

Glass-bottom boat reef tour

• Depart from Kailua-Kona pier
• Board the glass-bottom boat Marian
• Cruise along Kona coastline
• View coral reef underwater
• Listen to marine naturalist narration
• Spot dolphins or seasonal whales
• Return to pier after 50 minutes

The experience

You board Marian at Kailua Pier, a 36-foot glass-bottom boat built specifically for this. The boat leaves right on time, so you're standing on the pier ten minutes early, looking for the blue and yellow flags on the mast. Once aboard, the engine starts and you're moving out into Kailua Bay, the water clear enough that you can already see shapes moving below before the glass panels even come into focus.

The glass-bottom boat tour on the Big Island puts you within inches of the reef without getting wet. Your marine naturalist guide talks through what you're seeing: the corals, the schools of tropical fish moving in and out of the rocks, the way the light hits the sand below. Fifty minutes sounds short until you're actually watching it, and then it's the right length. You get the coastline and the mountains behind it, and if the season is right, there's a chance of spotting dolphins or whales, though the guide won't promise it. The boat stays shallow enough that everything below feels close and real, not distant or filtered.

Water and ginger ale are on board, which matters if you're prone to motion. The ginger helps, and you're not stuck without a drink for an hour. Families bring kids of all ages. Infants sit on a parent's lap, and there's a restroom if you need it. The whole thing is low-key enough that you're not fighting a crowd or a strict schedule once you're out there. Wear comfortable shoes because you're walking the pier, and bring a camera if you want stills of what's below, though the glass does reflect if the sun hits it wrong.

Check in at the boat itself, not at a separate desk: walk midway down the pier on the left side and look for those flags. Parking is at the Courtyard Marriott lot next to the pier, and you'll want to budget ten minutes for that walk. The boat will leave at the scheduled time, so arriving early is the only way to avoid missing it. If you're on a different island by mistake, the operator won't refund the booking, so confirm you're on the Big Island before you book.

What’s included

Your tour includes a marine naturalist guide providing live commentary throughout the 50-minute journey, water and ginger ale on board, and restroom access. The boat departs from Kailua Pier on the Big Island, and parking is available at the adjacent Courtyard Marriott lot.

Information

Lasts 50m, runs every day except Friday and Saturday, 5 start times, from US$ 72 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday: 10:00, 11:00, 12:15, 13:15 and 14:15Tuesday: 10:00, 11:00 and 12:15Wednesday: 11:00 and 14:15Thursday: 13:15Sunday: 10:00, 11:00, 12:15 and 13:15Another day? ›

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kona Glassbottom Boat

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Kona's coral reef and tropical fish without snorkeling or diving. The glass-bottom boat gets you close to the underwater world while you stay dry and comfortable, and the naturalist guide explains what you're seeing so you understand what matters about it.

Traveler reviews

4.62★★★★★★★★★★

534 verified traveler reviews

5 ★407

4 ★77

3 ★33

2 ★8

1 ★9

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

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.

How long is the glass-bottom boat tour?

The tour is 50 minutes, departing from Kailua Pier on the Big Island.

What's included in the tour?

Marine naturalist guide, live commentary, water, ginger ale, and restroom access on board.

Where do I park and how do I find the boat?

Park at the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha lot (75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona). Walk to the pier and look for the blue and yellow flags on the boat's mast midway down the left side.

What time should I arrive?

Check in 10 minutes before departure. Budget an additional 10 minutes for parking and walking to the pier.

Is there a chance to see dolphins or whales?

Yes, depending on the season. Dolphins and seasonal whales are sometimes spotted, though not guaranteed.

What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes, a camera, and sunscreen. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for being on the water.

Is this tour suitable if I get seasick?

The tour is not recommended for those extremely prone to seasickness. Ginger ale is provided on board, which can help.

Can service animals come on the tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.

Do I need to reconfirm my booking?

Yes, the tour requires reconfirmation with the local supplier after booking.