Kona Snorkeling: Two Tank Reef Dive with Local Guides

Two dives instead of one: the volcanic reefs Kona is known for, back to back

A five-hour snorkeling and scuba activity in Kona with two dives at the island's best reef sites, led by local guides who point out dolphins, mantas, turtles and endemic species. Certified divers bring their own gear or rent it. Snorkelers explore the same reefs from the surface. Children from age 10 are welcome. Freshly brewed Kona coffee and snacks are included.

The experience

The morning starts with two dives at Kona's top reef sites: volcanic formations filled with lava tubes, caves and deep walls that hold the highest concentration of endemic species in the Hawaiian islands. Certified divers descend to explore the structure. Snorkelers stay at the surface and watch the same reefs from above. Both groups see dolphins, mantas, turtles and the coral and sea life the guides point out as you move through the water. The calm, clear conditions Kona is known for make the visibility work for everyone.

Certified divers need to bring proof of Open Water certification or higher from an accredited agency (PADI, NAUI, SSI). You can bring your own gear or rent it on the day. Snorkelers don't need certification. Just comfort in the water and a moderate level of fitness. The guides are local and speak English, and they're there to show you the best of what the reefs hold, not just move through them.

Freshly brewed local Kona coffee and snacks come with the booking, so you're fed and caffeinated before and between the dives. The whole thing runs five hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Two dives at Kona's top reef sites.
• freshly brewed local Kona coffee and snacks.
• expert local guides who speak English.
• coral and sea life education as you explore the reefs.

Options for this experience

4 options

Certified diver, SCUBA gear not providedGuide in English · 08:00SCUBA gear not provided

SnorkelerGuide in English · 08:00

Ride AlongGuide in English · 08:00Topside only: Stay dry on the boat while joining your friends and family.

Certified diver, SCUBA gear providedGuide in English · 08:00SCUBA rental gear provided

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (10 to 11 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Aquatic Life Divers

Is this one for you?Book the snorkeler option if you want to see the same reefs and wildlife as the divers without needing certification. You'll stay at the surface and watch the volcanic formations and marine life from above. Choose the certified diver option with or without rental gear if you want to descend into the lava tubes and caves the reefs are built from, and see the structure up close.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (10 to 11 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What's the difference between the snorkeler and diver options on this Kona activity?

Snorkelers explore the reefs from the surface without certification or gear. Certified divers descend into the same sites and see the lava tubes and caves up close. Both groups are in the water together and see the same wildlife (dolphins, mantas, turtles) guided by the same local experts.

Do I need to bring my own scuba gear, or can I rent it in Kona?

Certified divers can bring their own gear or rent it through the operator on the day of the activity. Snorkelers don't need to arrange anything. The gear is provided as part of the booking.

What kind of marine life will I see on the two Kona reef dives?

The reefs around Kona are home to dolphins, mantas, sea turtles, and a higher concentration of endemic species than anywhere else in the Hawaiian islands. The guides point out coral and sea life as you move through the water at both dive sites.

How long does the whole five-hour activity take, and what's included?

The activity runs five hours total and covers two dives at Kona's best reef sites, plus freshly brewed local Kona coffee and snacks. Transport to and from the dive sites, guides, and all instruction are included. The only thing to arrange separately is gratuity.