Experience the underwater marine life on a snorkeling adventure in Kailua-Kona. This Hawaiian island is home to a variety of marine sites that will take your breath away.

Witness majestic manta rays on this Big Island snorkeling tour. Unlike stingrays, these sea creatures are gentle and do not harm other marine life or humans.

Manta Rays

Manta rays are a truly magical marine species, and there is no better place to see them than in the warm waters of Kona. These giant fish are related to sharks and sting rays, but they have no stingers and are completely harmless. During a manta ray night snorkel, you can see these gentle giants gracefully gliding through the water in search of plankton for dinner.

Kona is home to some of the best spots in the world for manta ray night snorkeling, and one of our favorite places to do it is at Manta Village in front of the Sheraton Resort in Keauhou Bay. Here you can visit a 700-square foot learning center where you can see photographs of beautiful manta rays as well as learn about their anatomy, feeding habits, and reproductive and behavioral patterns.

Whether you choose to take a sunset or nighttime tour, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is guaranteed to be a highlight of your trip to The Big Island of Hawaii. You will be mesmerized by these magnificent creatures as they swim through the water at night, and it is a memory you will treasure long after your return home.

There are many different companies that offer manta ray night snorkels, but it is important to choose a company that has high standards and follows them closely. For an unforgettable snorkeling experience in Hawaii, check out KonaSnorkeling.Tours, where expert guides will take you to the best underwater spots. These companies have strict requirements for their guides to follow, and they will cover all of the rules with you before you jump in the water. The main rule is to observe the manta rays from a distance and not touch them. They are very used to humans, and they may rub up against you or even put their heads down to feed, but do not touch them deliberately.

Taking a nighttime tour is also a great way to see a variety of other marine life, such as dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish. You can also explore pristine reefs, lava tubes, and carved out sea caves on these trips.

Spinner Dolphins

A dolphin encounter is a highlight of any trip to Hawaii. However, due to recent laws enacted to protect the native spinner dolphins in Hawaii, traditional swim-with-dolphin tours are no longer available. However, it is still possible to view these beautiful creatures from the safety of a tour boat!

During a dolphin snorkeling adventure, you will cruise along the scenic coastline of Kona, looking for dance-like spinner dolphins and seasonal humpback whales. You will also get to snorkel around pristine reefs teaming with tropical endemic fish!

Eventually, you will arrive at the Red Hill marine sanctuary. From here you will see vibrant coral reefs, schools of exotic fish, and if you are lucky, some of the native spinner dolphins that call Hawaii home!

While seeing dolphins is a must, it is important to understand that swimming with them can disrupt their natural behaviors and interrupt their vital resting periods. That is why it is important to book a tour with a company that respects the dolphins and their habitats. A great choice for a dolphin snorkeling adventure in Kona is Kealakekua Bay, near the Captain Cook monument. This bay offers pristine waters, stunning coral reefs, and a wide array of marine life, including sea turtles, eels, and schooling fish!

In addition, the waters of Kona are generally much calmer than other Hawaiian Islands. This makes it easier to enjoy your underwater experience and stay out for longer!

Taking the plunge to see Manta Rays in their natural habitat is an amazing experience that will leave you with a feeling that is difficult to describe. Whether you choose to swim with them at sunset or at night, the surreal experience will remain with you long after your trip to Kona has ended! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you do not want to miss out on!

Unique Snorkeling Locations

Snorkeling is one of those activities that people plan their vacations around, and there are some pretty spectacular locations around the world to explore. However, some of the most intriguing snorkeling destinations come right out of left field.

For example, Hawaii is a tropical paradise with cerulean waters and thriving marine life, but there are also some unique spots that make the Hawaiian islands a must-visit. Specifically, the Big Island’s western lava-rock shoreline provides a number of sheltered bays that protect the coral reef and other sealife from powerful ocean currents.

This makes it easier for novice and experienced snorkelers to enjoy the underwater beauty of the island. For instance, Kahalu’u Beach Park offers calm conditions and eye-catching marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral formations. It also features ReefTeachers who can provide cultural information about the bay and explain the importance of marine conservation to visitors.

Another of the best snorkeling places on the Big Island is Kealakekua Bay, which serves up technicolor reefs and fish along with a dose of history. The area is home to the Captain Cook Monument and is a wahi pana, or sacred place. Snorkelers can also visit Two Step, a natural rock formation that creates a staircase into the water where you can see an abundance of marine life and sometimes Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins.

Interestingly enough, the Big Island is also the only island in the world where you can swim with the endangered Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, or honu. You can spot them at Tunnels Beach and on the North Shore. However, it’s important to note that the honu are protected by the Endangered Species Act and shouldn’t be touched or handled in any way.

In addition to the incredible marine life on the Big Island, you can also experience otherworldly natural wonders when you snorkel with manta rays at sunset or nightfall. It’s an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after your trip is over. It’s an activity that will make your next vacation to the Big Island even more special and memorable!

Safety

The ocean is an amazing place that can be intimidating for many people. While snorkeling is a safe activity, it is important to know your limits and be aware of marine life’s habits in order to avoid putting yourself or others in danger. Some of the best ways to ensure your safety on a Kailua-Kona snorkeling tour is by participating with an accredited snorkeling company that offers streamlined booking and availability through their websites or partnering sites such as TripAdvisor and Viator. This will help ensure your tour experience is well within your comfort level, and it also ensures that you are on a reputable snorkeling boat.

The Big Island is known for its thriving reefs and diverse underwater world, so it’s no wonder that it has some of the most popular snorkeling spots globally. Located just a stone’s throw from Kailua-Kona, Ali’i Cove and Kahalu’u Beach Park are highly-popular destinations for snorkelers. Kahalu’u Beach Park is particularly ideal for beginner snorkelers as it provides a shallow area shielded by a seawall for calm conditions. It’s also the closest snorkel spot to Kailua-Kona condo rentals, making it easy for guests to access.

When visiting this tropical paradise, be sure to wear a waterproof sunscreen that is formulated for the Hawaiian Islands. Additionally, it’s important to bring a towel and a zip lock bag for valuable items (phone, wallet, etc.). Lastly, it’s important to stay hydrated while on the water as it can be very tiring, especially for first-time snorkelers.

To learn more about the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii, be sure to download our free Vacation Guide! Our guide is packed full of expert tips, recommendations on local events, top restaurants, and more! Get yours today, and start planning an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation.