Snorkeling in Kailua-Kona: 41ft Super-Raft, two sites

Reach farther reefs in a raft built for comfort, not just speed

A 4-hour snorkeling activity in Kailua-Kona aboard Body Glove Cruises' 41-foot Super-Raft, visiting at least two snorkeling sites along the Kona Coast with a live English-speaking guide. The raft's speed and agility reach destinations other operators cannot. The vessel carries cushioned seating, shade, storage and an onboard restroom. Light breakfast, picnic lunch, all snorkeling gear and reef-safe sunscreen are included. Guests provide their own transportation to Kailua Kona Pier and bring a towel.

The experience

What makes this raft different is speed: traveling at over 30 mph, it reaches snorkeling sites farther down the Kona Coast than traditional tour boats can access. You board at Kailua Kona Pier and spend the morning moving between at least two reefs, with time to explore each one. The captain checks water conditions before departure to confirm it's safe for the day's snorkeling.

The vessel itself is built around comfort rather than cramping. The 41-foot raft has cushioned seating throughout, shade structures to keep you out of direct sun between snorkeling intervals, storage bins for your belongings, and a functioning bathroom onboard: details that matter on a four-hour water day. You'll wear a mask and fins provided by the operator, and the sunscreen they supply is reef-safe, formulated not to leach into the coral. Light breakfast and a picnic lunch come with the booking, along with water and soft drinks throughout the morning.

Marine mammals (dolphins, whales and other species) move through these waters, and the guide will point them out when they appear, though sightings are not guaranteed. Bring your own towel and arrive at the pier with your own transportation. Public transit options are available nearby if you're staying in town without a rental.

What’s included

• All snorkeling equipment and reef-safe sunscreen.
• light breakfast and picnic lunch.
• water and soft drinks throughout the morning.
• use of the raft's shade and onboard restroom.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday and SaturdayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 24

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

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

Operated by Body Glove Cruises

Is this one for you?The raft's speed and motion make it a high-energy morning on the water, so it suits snorkelers who are comfortable with a faster pace and can handle the physical demands of a moving vessel. If you have back or neck problems, or prefer a slower, more stable boat, a traditional snorkeling tour would be a better fit.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

85 verified traveler reviews

5 ★82

4 ★2

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 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.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. All snorkeling gear is provided, and the guide will orient you to the equipment and the sites. The activity suits anyone with moderate fitness who is comfortable in the water. The raft's speed and motion do require good spinal health and cardiovascular fitness.

What's the difference between this raft and a regular snorkeling boat?

The Super-Raft travels at over 30 mph, which lets it reach snorkeling sites farther along the coast than slower tour boats can reach in the same time. The trade-off is the motion of the raft itself, which is why the operator does not recommend it for travelers with back or neck problems.

Is there shade on the boat?

Yes. The 41-foot raft has plenty of shade structures, so you can rest between snorkeling intervals without sitting in full sun. Bring reef-safe sunscreen anyway, since you'll be exposed while in the water and on deck.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and a swimsuit. Everything else (snorkeling gear, sunscreen, breakfast, lunch and drinks) is included. You'll need to arrange your own transportation to Kailua Kona Pier, where the boat departs.