Snorkeling Big Island: Dolphins, Two Reefs & Lunch from Honokohau

Two snorkel spots most visitors never reach, plus dolphins and a hot meal on deck

A 3-hour snorkeling activity departing from Honokohau Harbor on Big Island's Kona Coast, where you swim two secluded reefs reachable only by boat, watch for Hawaiian spinner dolphins and seasonal whales, and eat grilled lunch aboard. All snorkel gear and drinks are included. The boat carries a guide, shade, and an onboard restroom. Wild animal sightings are natural and not guaranteed.

The experience

Check in 30 minutes before departure at Honokohau Harbor, Slip A17. The crew fits you with snorkel gear and covers safety before the boat leaves. You'll cruise the Kona Coastline with a local guide who watches for spinner dolphins year-round and humpback whales from mid-December through March. The boat is built for comfort: it has shade, an onboard restroom, and a spacious floating mat to relax on between swims.

You'll snorkel two spots: Garden Eel Cove and Pawai Bay are the main ones, though the guide may choose from Makalawena, Kaloko fish ponds, or Keahou depending on conditions. These reefs sit far enough offshore that they stay quieter than the busy bays closer to shore. Sea turtles, reef fish, and the occasional manta ray show up. Nothing is promised, but the guide knows where to look. All snorkel equipment is on the boat, and drinks are included throughout the day.

After the second snorkel, the crew grills lunch on board: a 100% beef hot dog, chips, and fresh pineapple. You can bring alcohol, but glass bottles aren't allowed. The boat returns to Honokohau Harbor to finish the morning or early afternoon, depending on your departure time.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment for both reefs.
• grilled lunch on the boat with chips and pineapple.
• soft drinks throughout the day.
• a local guide in English.
• shade and an onboard restroom.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday, Saturday and SundayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 69 years) · Senior (70 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 30

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

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Iruka Hawaii Dolphin

Is this one for you?The boat leaves from Honokohau Harbor, so you'll need a car or taxi to reach the slip, but that also means you skip the crowded tour-bus beaches and head straight to reefs most day-trippers never find. Families with infants can bring them along. They sit on an adult's lap during the cruise.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 kind of sea life will I see while snorkeling on Big Island?

Sea turtles and vibrant reef fish are common at both Garden Eel Cove and Pawai Bay. Spinner dolphins appear year-round along the Kona Coastline, and humpback whales pass through from mid-December to March. Manta rays occasionally show up. The guide will position the boat where sightings are most likely, though wild animals cannot be guaranteed.

Is the 3-hour snorkeling trip enough time to swim two different reefs?

Yes. The 3-hour duration includes the boat ride to both snorkel spots, time in the water at each location, and the grilled lunch on deck. The guide manages the schedule so you spend meaningful time at both Garden Eel Cove and Pawai Bay without rushing.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

Snorkel gear, lunch, and drinks are included. Wetsuits are available to rent for $10 per adult or $5 per child if you want extra warmth in the water.

Do I need to know how to snorkel, or is this for beginners too?

The activity suits all physical fitness levels. The guide covers safety before departure and will be on the boat with you. If you've never snorkeled, the crew can help you get comfortable with the gear in the water.

Where do I meet the boat, and how do I get to Honokohau Harbor?

You check in at Honokohau Harbor, Slip A17, 30 minutes before departure. The harbor is on the Kona Coast. If you're staying in Kona town or nearby resorts, you'll need your own transport or a taxi to reach the slip. The operator does not provide hotel pickup.