Category Wildlife

Big Island · WILDLIFE

The 4 Best Wildlife Tours on the Big Island

4 reviewed

The good wildlife tours fill up fast on the Big Island. Here are the 4 best, with current prices and what sets each one apart, so you can lock in a spot before the calendar closes.

Offshore Wildlife Safari and Reef Snorkel

Offshore Wildlife Safari and Reef Snorkel - Reef snorkeling expectations: required for offshore, optional to stay onboard

1.Offshore Wildlife Safari and Reef Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $190Our pick

Small-group Kona offshore wildlife safari with reef snorkeling, light snacks, and a real shot at manta rays, turtles, dolphins, sharks, and whales.

“This offshore safari was the highlight of our whole trip! We were headed towards a pod of pilot whales when Brandon got word of a whale shark sighting. He got us quickly and safely to the site and after some waiting, the magnificent whale shark resurfaced. All in all, we got to swim / snorkel with the whale shark for almost one hour. We felt completely safe as did our kids (9 & 11). Monet got some incredible videos for us. We even spotted an oceanic white tip shark in the distance. Overall this was an experience of a lifetime. Highly recommend Eco Ocean Tours!! We also did the night…”

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Marine Wildlife Excursion

Marine Wildlife Excursion - Where you meet and check in at Honokohau Marina

2.Marine Wildlife Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $153Best value

Small open-air zodiac boat trip from Honokohau Marina to spot whales, dolphins, and more along Kona’s coast, with snack included.

“Great experience! Whales, turtles, jellyfish, crabs; snorkeling for just a bit near the Cook Memorial; sea caves and a great captain!”

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Kawaihae Luxury Snorkel Cruise & Wildlife Watch with Lunch

Kawaihae Luxury Snorkel Cruise & Wildlife Watch with Lunch - On the Water With the Crew: The Kohola Powerboat Experience

3.Kawaihae Luxury Snorkel Cruise & Wildlife Watch with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · from $205

A small-group, 3-hour Kawaihae powerboat snorkel cruise for dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales, with lunch and in-water crew help.

“Captain Brooke & her team were nice & professional. We got to see whales & dolphins. They were accommodating to our older and younger fam members too. We all swam, snorkeled & felt safe. It was fun. We learned a lot about whales & dolphins & Hawaiian history!”

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Tropical Reef & Wildlife Boat Snorkel Adventure

Tropical Reef & Wildlife Boat Snorkel Adventure - Cruising Hilo Bay’s break wall on a 35-foot small yacht

4.Tropical Reef & Wildlife Boat Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $230

Small-group Hilo Bay snorkel on a 35-foot yacht with reef wildlife and dolphin sightings, plus gear and snacks included.

“The driver Trevor drove way too fast and never asked anyone how their experience was. Isiah was very nice. We have been on many trips in the past for the last four years on the Big Island and this was disappointing. He was crashing into waves and never asked us how we were as we hung on. I wound up going to the hospital with extreme back pain and needed a shot and medication. No one even apologized. It was very disturbing that our safety was not a priority.”

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