Kailua-Kona: Luxury Catamaran Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Tour

Summary

Snorkeling Red Hill dolphins Kona catamaran breakfast BBQ lunch

You’ll board a luxury catamaran in Kailua-Kona for a day trip packed with dolphin watching, snorkeling at Red Hill’s marine sanctuary, and laughter on the 20-foot waterslide. With breakfast, BBQ lunch, all snorkel gear and reef-safe sunscreen included (plus showers!), you’ll spend two hours in warm water before relaxing back on deck—ocean breeze in your hair.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous about jumping off a boat, but there I was—bare feet on the deck of this double-decker catamaran in Kailua-Kona, clutching my mask like it was a lucky charm. The crew laughed with me, not at me (I think), and one of them—Keoni—showed me how to fit the snorkel without fogging it up. The air smelled faintly of sunscreen and grilled pineapple from breakfast. You could already see spinner dolphins flipping in the distance as we left Kailua Pier behind.

The ride along the Gold Coast was all wind in my hair and salt spray on my skin. It’s about 10 miles to Red Hill, but time sort of disappears when you’re watching for dolphins (they really do come close sometimes). I tried to spot every color fish under the sun once we anchored—someone next to me swore they saw an eel but I just got distracted by how blue everything was. There’s a 20-foot waterslide off the side, which looked way scarier than it actually is. My friend dared me to try it and honestly, I screamed all the way down. Lunch was already sizzling on the grill when we climbed back up—BBQ chicken and veggie burgers if you want them.

I liked that everything was included—gear, reef-safe sunscreen (smelled kind of herbal), even showers so you don’t have to stay salty all day. The crew made sure everyone felt comfortable, even folks with wheelchairs or little kids wobbling around in floaties. After two hours swimming around Red Hill, I just lay back on the shaded deck with a cold drink from the bar, watching clouds drift over Mauna Loa. Still think about that feeling sometimes—the quiet after all that color and noise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxury catamaran snorkel and dolphin watch

• Board cruise 30 minutes early
• Cruise along Kona's Gold Coast
• Watch for dolphins and marine mammals
• Snorkel for about two hours
• Enjoy BBQ lunch onboard

Top questions

Where does the snorkel tour depart from?

The tour departs from Kailua Pier in Kailua-Kona.

Is snorkeling gear provided on this catamaran tour?

Yes, sanitized masks, snorkels and fins are included for all guests.

How long is the boat ride to the snorkel site?

The cruise covers about 10 miles along Kona’s Gold Coast before arriving at Red Hill.

Are meals included during this day trip?

Yes, island-style breakfast and BBQ lunch are both included onboard.

Is this dolphin watch & snorkel tour wheelchair accessible?

The lower deck is 100% wheelchair accessible; please advise at booking for priority boarding.

How much time do we get for snorkeling?

You’ll have about two hours of water time at Red Hill.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult if under 18.

Are showers available after snorkeling?

Freshwater showers are available onboard for rinsing off after your swim.

Is hotel pickup offered for this Kona catamaran tour?

No hotel pickup is available; check-in is at 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy., about a block from Kailua Pier.

What’s included

Your day includes check-in near Kailua Pier with free parking nearby, island-style breakfast as you set out along Kona’s coast, use of sanitized snorkel gear and reef-safe sunscreen, about two hours snorkeling at Red Hill marine sanctuary with chances to see dolphins or other marine life, access to a 20-foot waterslide and high jump platform plus showers and restrooms onboard—and a fresh BBQ lunch served up before heading back ashore.