If you’d like to explore all the ocean wonders around the Big Island, book your spot with Hawaii Oceanic. On their small group snorkeling tours, you’ll get to search out humpback whales, manta rays, and many other wonderful creatures. All along the way, your explorations will treat you to the finest ocean views while allowing you to create lasting memories. Want to choose your own adventure? Their private tours are the way to go, for sure.
To get a chance to hop on board for oceanside adventures galore, you just have to sign up on their website. You’ll need to select between their many excellent tour options – or let them know that you’d like to curate your own adventures on their private tours. After that, simply get geared up for all the fun ahead. You will need to put on your swimwear of choice and wear light layers over that. Put on SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen, and then reapply it every two hours. Don’t forget sunglasses, a sun hat, and a light jacket as well.
Be sure to leave your hotel early enough to arrive at the Keauhou Bay Harbor 15 to 30 minutes prior to your departure time. You’ll get checked in at the van first, and then meet with the captain and crew to learn about what to expect and hear the safety rules. After that, everyone will board their 27-foot Force Marine powerboat. Only built to accommodate 12 passengers, this boat smoothly cuts through the ocean waves to provide a thrilling yet comfortable ride. Once you’re on the boat, you can kick back and relax to enjoy the beautiful views in every direction.
The crew will point out any amazing sights while piloting the vessel to your destination. So, keep an ear out for announcements about marine life in your midst, facts about the island, and so much more. Upon arriving at your destination, the crew members will continue to serve as a source of support, ensuring you have an amazing time out on the water. They’ll help you get ready to snorkel, enter the water, and locate all the best sights. In the end, you’ll receive assistance getting back on the boat for the return trip.
Their tours include:
Kealakekua Bay
On the Kealakekua Bay tour, you’ll get to snorkel along the waters near the coveted Captain Cook Monument. Throughout the three-hour trip, you’ll explore colorful coral reefs absolutely teeming with marine life, including tropical fish, eels, and sea anemones. You might even get to watch sea turtles swim through the water nearby.
Manta Magic
Want to see majestic manta rays somersaulting through the water as you snorkel the evening away? If so, the Manta Magic snorkeling tour is definitely calling your name. You’ll get to spend over an hour watching in awe as these 1,000-pound creatures gracefully move through the water while filter-feeding on tiny plankton.
Whale Watching
The Whale Watching tour starts up in earnest in December and then shuts down again in April. So, if you’re on the island around that time, take the opportunity to go see the migrating whales up close. You’ll spend three hours listening to their songs, watching them move through the water, and even seeing them breach the surface.
To go on a Kona Coast tour of your own making, sign up for the Private Boat Charter. You’ll get to plan every last aspect of the trip, like selecting between the snorkeling sights and the timing of your adventures. You can go on an evening swim with the manta rays, swim with the dolphins, or whatever else you dream up.
Insider Tips:
-You must be able to easily swim 25 yards in the ocean without assistance to go snorkeling. Non-swimmers can still buy a ticket to ride along in the boat, but they cannot enter the water at any time.
-Provide at least 48 hours’ notice for all cancellations. Otherwise, you won’t get a full refund.
-Complimentary snacks and beverages are provided on each trip, so you do not have to provide your own.