Snorkeling Big Island: Kohala Coast Reef & Sea Turtles

A 41-foot powerboat gets you to the reef faster, leaving more time in the water.

Snorkel the Kohala Coast reefs from Kawaihae Harbor on a 41-foot powerboat with a live guide, snorkel gear and instruction included. The boat departs from the harbor and cruises to a vibrant reef where you'll encounter tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles, with the crew ready to assist both first-time and experienced snorkelers. Dolphins and whales appear in season.

The experience

The boat Olohana leaves Kawaihae Harbor and heads straight for the Kohala Coast reefs: a route built around speed so you spend your time in the water, not traveling. Snorkel gear and flotation equipment come with you, along with instruction and in-water assistance if you're new to snorkeling. The crew stays close by, and the boat carries restrooms and a supply of chilled soft drinks, juice, water and light island-inspired snacks.

Once you're in the water, the reef is alive with tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles. The Kohala Coast is also a seasonal route for dolphins and whales, so keep watch on the surface and below. The 41-foot hull is built for both comfort and speed: fast enough to reach the best sites without a long crossing, stable enough that even first-time ocean-goers settle in quickly.

What’s included

• Sanitized snorkel gear and flotation equipment.
• chilled soft drinks, juice and water.
• light island-inspired snacks.
• on-board restrooms.
• instruction and in-water assistance for beginner snorkelers.
• live guide in English.

Options for this experience

2 options

Mauna Kea 2-hour snorkel with 1 stopGuide in English · 12:00Duration: 2 hours: Plunge into clear waters at a carefully selected spot along the Kohala Coast.

Mauna Kea 3-hour snorkel with 2 stopsGuide in English · 08:00Duration: 3 hours: Two Premier Snorkel Spots: Plunge into clear waters at two carefully selected spots along the Kohala Coast.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 12:00Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 28

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 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Hawaii Nautical

Is this one for you?Pick the two-hour one-stop if you want to maximize time in the water at a single reef. Choose two stops if you'd rather see contrasting sites and split your water time between them.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): 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 snorkel gear do I get, and do I need experience?

Sanitized snorkel gear and flotation equipment are provided. The crew gives instruction and stays in the water with you if you're a beginner, so prior experience is not required.

Will I see sea turtles and dolphins on this snorkel?

Hawaiian green sea turtles are a regular sight at the Kohala Coast reef. Dolphins and whales appear seasonally, so sightings depend on the time of year you go.

How long is the boat ride from Kawaihae Harbor to the snorkel site?

The Olohana is built for speed, so the crossing to the Kohala Coast reef is quick, leaving most of your two hours in the water rather than on the boat.

What's included to eat and drink?

Chilled soft drinks, juice, water and light island-inspired snacks are on board throughout the trip.

Can I choose between a one-stop or two-stop snorkel?

You can book either a two-hour one-stop snorkel or a three-hour two-stop snorkel at checkout, depending on how much time you want in the water.