Spectacular Big Island Swim With Dolphins Tours
Big Island is known to have great weather year-round, which means you can spot playful dolphins almost anytime if you’re lucky. It would be cool to swim with dolphins in the Pacific on your Big Island tour.
To make your Hawaiian vacation even more memorable, we have just the right tours for you. If you love the underwater world and would love to have fun with dolphins and swim along with them, these Big Island swim with dolphins tour will definitely add to your Hawaiian experience.
Best 3 Dolphin Tours
The Big Island of Hawaii offers an incredible experience for those looking to swim with dolphins. One of the most popular spots is Kealakekua Bay, where you can encounter wild spinner dolphins in their natural habitat.
These agile and playful creatures often approach swimmers, providing a magical experience as you observe them up close. The bay’s crystal-clear waters make it a perfect spot for snorkeling, allowing you to witness the vibrant marine life and stunning underwater scenery.
Another excellent location is the Kona Coast, where guided tours often include opportunities to swim with dolphins. These tours are designed to ensure the dolphins’ safety and the participants’ unforgettable experience. You can also visit Honaunau Bay to encounter more dolphins on the island.
When you see these creatures, respectful interaction is key. These are wild animals, and preserving their natural behavior is a priority. So, whichever tours you’re booking, make sure you don’t come as a threat to the beautiful creatures to have amazing experiences on your vacation.
Afternoon Super-Raft Snorkel
- Entry Using: Printed or Mobile Voucher
- Duration: 2.5 Hours
- Free Cancellation – 72 Hrs Notice
Deluxe Kona Snorkel Trips & Dolphin Watch
- Entry Using: Printed or Mobile Voucher
- Duration: 4.5 Hours
- Free Cancellation – 72 Hrs Notice
Big Island Morning Reef Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter
- Entry Using: Printed or Mobile Voucher
- Duration: 4 Hours (check-in time 8 AM)
- Free Cancellation – 72 Hrs Notice
#1. Afternoon Super-Raft Snorkel (Starting at $110)
Tour Schedule
Entry: Printed or Mobile Voucher
Tour Duration: 2.5 Hours
Free Cancellation: 72 Hours Notice
If you’re on a dolphin quest Hawaii, join us for a short and sweet snorkeling trip in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on our awesome 41ft Super-Raft! You’ll have a blast cruising around with all the perks—personal storage, comfy seating, plenty of shade, and a bathroom!
We’ll take you away to a secret snorkeling spot south of Kona. With top-notch gear and expert guidance, where you’ll dive into a vibrant underwater world full of marine life. Enjoy tasty snacks, stay refreshed with drinks, and make some unforgettable memories on this cozy, luxurious adventure.
As you board the cruise, you’ll get snorkel gear, sunscreen, water, snacks, and soft drinks, along with a beautiful view of the ocean.
*Note: This tour is all about fun and excitement, so we can’t have kids under 5, pregnant women, or anyone with serious neck or back issues on board.
#2. Deluxe Kona Snorkel Trips & Dolphin Watch (Starting at $169)
Tour Schedule
Entry: Printed or Mobile Voucher
Tour Duration: 4.5 Hours
Free Cancellation: 72 Hours Notice
Looking for a fun and thrilling way to explore the Big Island’s gorgeous waters? Check out our Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch tour!
As you hop aboard the Kanoa II, a 65-foot luxury catamaran, you’ll be treated with all the comforts you need. This will include cushioned seating, restrooms, changing rooms, showers, a premium bar, and a 20-foot water slide.
We’ll cruise along the Kona Coast and look out for playful pods of wild dolphins, particularly spinner dolphins. Our friendly crew and the guide on board will share cool facts about the area’s history and Hawaiian culture.
For two hours, the cruise will anchor near Red Hill for snorkeling. You’ll get top-quality gear, reef-safe sunscreen, flotation devices, and snorkel instructions to dive into the vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish and enjoy a dolphin swim.
Don’t worry about food and drinks—you’ll be getting plenty of them on board. You can enjoy a tasty continental breakfast and BBQ lunch, individually boxed for your convenience. Drinks are available for purchase from the cash bar, featuring local spirits, craft beers, and blended cocktails.
There are many ocean activities you can enjoy for a more fun experience. Enjoy onboard water toys like paddleboards, inner tubes, sea-view boards, water slides, and noodles. Slide or dive into the water from the catamaran’s platform.
#3. Big Island Morning Reef Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter (Starting at $145.41)
Tour Schedule
Entry: Printed or Mobile Voucher
Tour Duration: 4 Hours (check-in time 8 AM)
Free Cancellation: 72 Hours Notice
If you are visiting Hawaii, don’t miss out on encountering the magnificent creatures. Get ready for an epic snorkeling adventure on the Kona Coast!
On this 4-hour Ocean Encounters trip, we’ll cruise down the stunning coastline to Pu’u Ali’i Bay, home to the gorgeous Makalawena, one of the most breathtaking spots on the Big Island.
As we sail across the Pacific, we’ll be on a dolphin encounters quest, searching for playful Hawaiian spinner and spotted dolphins as we head south to Kealakekua Bay.
Want to experience the underwater life and the dolphins up and close? Our snorkeling adventure kicks off in the crystal-clear waters and vibrant reefs of Kealakekua Bay, near the Captain Cook monument. It’s one of the top snorkeling spots in Hawaii.
Are you new to snorkeling? No worries! We’re pros at helping first-timers get comfortable. Our team will be right there with you and provide a quick lesson on how to use the gear.
Just remember to get your cameras to pap some of the amazing water beings in deeper waters, from colorful fish to beautiful reefs, and maybe even more dolphin sightings with your underwater camera.
Once you’re done snorkeling with the high-quality snorkel gear we provide, chill out with some light snacks and take in the amazing views of the bay.
This tour will allow you to enjoy underwater world as well as the amazing above-water views. Just make sure you get a jacket or a sweatshirt, a towel, and an extra pair of clothes because it can get quite cold when you’re wet.
Let's Talk Cost
Each tour listed here has something different to offer its guests, and therefore, the price for each tour varies. The cost and duration of the tours also vary, which directly affects the price you’ll be paying to enjoy them.
Although the Afternoon Super-Raft Snorkel may be the cheapest among the three tours mentioned here, it is also short and does not give much underwater experience to its guests.
If you want the full package deal and an all-immersive ocean experience, we suggest you take either of the two Deluxe Kona Snorkel Trips & Dolphin Watch or Big Island Morning Reef Snorkel and Dolphin Encounters tours.
There is a slight difference in the price of the two tours, but each has always something extra to offer you. Apart from the best views of the aquatic world, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting the best service onboard. From delicious food to fun activities to the best quality snorkeling needs, these two tours are worth your every penny!
Cancellation Policy
If you want to cancel your tour for any reason, you can be happy knowing that we offer free cancellation and a total refund. Guests are also entitled to a full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unexpected reasons.
However, there are times when you won’t get a full refund. This is when there are late cancellations and no-shows. In this case, you will be charged the total amount. Also, same-day reservations are final and cannot be canceled or refunded.
For medical reasons, a doctor’s note must be canceled within the allowed period. The note applies only to the individual named on it. If the person is a minor, one accompanying adult or guardian may also receive a full refund. The doctor’s note must be dated within 48 hours of the scheduled activity.
Conclusion
Swimming with dolphins on the Big Island offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for ocean lovers. Whether you’re seeking a short, thrilling adventure on the Super-Raft or a more luxurious journey on the Deluxe Kona Snorkel or Big Island Morning Reef Snorkel, each tour provides unique encounters with these magnificent creatures. With options for every budget and thrill level, these tours promise unforgettable memories of Hawaii’s vibrant marine life.
FAQs
When preparing for your Big Island swim with dolphins tour, it is highly recommended to bring swim attire, a towel, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Don’t forget sunglasses and a hat for added sun protection. A long-sleeve jacket or sweatshirt is advisable as it can get chilly when you’re wet. Additionally, bring a waterproof camera to capture those incredible moments, and if you’re prone to seasickness, taking motion sickness medicine just before leaving your hotel will ensure a more comfortable experience.
Free parking is available at our office at Illima Court Shopping Center, just one block from Kailua Pier. Hotel King Kamehameha offers closer parking for a fee. Handicapped parking is available at the pier, but it is limited, so arrive early. Reserved pier parking is also available with a handicapped placard—ask our team when booking for details. Alternatively, you can park at the Hotel King Kamehameha, which is closer but charges by the hour.
If you have special dietary needs, we can accommodate gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian requests at no extra charge with 48 hours notice. Please note that scheduled times and menu items may change based on season and availability.
Yes, our tours are designed with safety as the top priority. We ensure that our guests interact with dolphins respectfully and safely. Our experienced guides are certified and trained to ensure your safety while swimming in the ocean.
Dolphins are present year-round off the Big Island’s coast, but the best months to spot them are generally from April to October when the ocean conditions are calm and visibility is clear.