Top Big Island of Hawaii Float Trips

You don't have to go scuba diving or snorkeling to see Hawaii's underwater world from Waikoloa. This glass-bottom boat ride lets you spot tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral while staying dry aboard a 26-foot (7.9-meter) boat. Expert guides join you on board to discuss the reefs of Anaeho'omalu Bay and answer any questions.

Experience the rainbow-colored fish and bright coral beneath the waves without ever getting wet during this glass-bottom boat trip from Kona. Climb aboard a specially designed 36-foot (10-meter) vessel with an expert naturalist and explore the incredible marine landscape of Hawaii. As you cruise, observe Hawaii’s underwater coastline and aquatic life, including colorful fish and—if you’re lucky—turtles or dolphins.

Explore the waters off the coast of Hawaii during this private snorkeling excursion from Kailua-Kona. Board an inflatable boat and enjoy easy transportation to Captain Cook's Monument at Kealakekua Bay for around 30 minutes of snorkeling time. View sea caves and lava tubes along the scenic Kona coast and catch sight of dolphins and humpback whales, depending on the season.

Swim with giant manta rays in their nighttime habitat on this boat tour from Kona. Travel offshore to watch the colorful Kona sunset, then jump in to swim with the docile rays as they feed on microscopic plankton. Follow your guides around the manta habitat and watch as the animals are attracted to the bright lights. All snorkel equipment, including flotation devices and wet suits, is included.

Splash into the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay on this Big Island snorkeling adventure! Dart in and out of sea caves and explore the gorgeous Kona coastline in an agile Zodiac raft. Snorkel among colorful tropical fish, and keep an eye out for other marine life like whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Along the way, learn about the island’s geologic history and local legends from your expert guide, and see the spot where Captain Cook first landed in Hawaii.

After dark is an excellent time to see manta rays in the waters around the Island of Hawaii. This tour is designed for snorkelers; Ride Alongs stay on the boat and may or may not see manta rays. Enjoy watching the manta rays feeding at night and snorkeling close to them during this approximately 1.5-hour experience.

Combine two must-do experiences to enhance your vacation in Hawaii. First, board a spacious catamaran for a sunset cruise along the Kona coast. Then slip into the ocean for a snorkel adventure with manta rays. Guides provide instruction and ensure your comfort—you're also guaranteed a manta ray sighting, or your next booking is free.

Cruise the Big Island coastline aboard a fast Zodiac RIB boat on this adventure that takes you to hidden sea caves, lava tubes, and scenic spots that you wouldn't be able to access on your own. Snorkel pristine coral reefs at Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine sanctuary and site of the historic Captain Cook Monument, and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and other marine life.

Experience big skies and incredible nighttime views on this Mauna Kea stargazing trip with a small group. Enjoy a pre-trip picnic, then embark on a ride in a 4x4 luxury van to the summit of the Big Island's tallest peak. After admiring a sunset view, continue down to 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) for a stargazing session, complete with a telescope, hot chocolate, and dessert.

Plunge into the waters off Kailua-Kona to swim with manta rays. During this sunset to moonlight tour, slip on the provided wetsuit and snorkel gear and follow your expert instructor into the water. Watch as the enormous vegetarian animals, some with wingspans of 20 feet (6 meters), swim in loops around you, taking in clouds of plankton for their evening meal. All gear and light snacks and refreshments are provided.

Head out to Kealakekua Bay for a snorkeling and cruising adventure from Kona, ideal for travelers who want to get up close to some of the Big Island’s most interesting marine species. Keep an eye out for dolphins as you head along the coast to the bay, then hop into the waters to swim and snorkel among coral and fish before climbing back on board for an included lunch.

Sail along the Kona coast aboard a spacious catamaran during this half-day tour to Kealakekua Bay and take advantage of multiple amenities like the shaded cabin and sunny splash nets. Start with a continental breakfast, then build your own sandwich after a snorkeling session (equipment and instruction included).

Enjoy superior snorkeling on an afternoon cruise to the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay. Cruise along the Kona coastline in search of dolphins, sea turtles, and—during winter months—whales, before receiving expert instruction and gear onboard. Then dive in to experience some of the Big Island’s best snorkeling, far beyond what’s accessible from shore.

Sample a cross-section of outdoor sights on the Big Island during this shore excursion exploring Volcanoes National Park, Black Sand Beach and more. Visiting the amazing volcanic steam vents and unique geology around Kilauea Volcano. Before your day is done, check out a local macadamia nut farm and visit a gorgeous black sand beach. A guide, park entrance fees, and round-trip port transport are included.

On the Kona Coast and in Kealakekua Bay, the wildlife-watching isn’t seasonal—whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, birds, and more call this tropical paradise home year-round. On this tour, hop on a small, open-air zodiac, hear stories of old Hawaii, and zoom along the rugged coast spotting creatures big and small, wild and wonderful, going for a true ocean safari.