Turtles & You
Turtles & You
Cruise out from Kawaihae Harbor to a hand-picked snorkel site along the calm Kohala Coast. Swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles and bright reef fish, then watch for spinner dolphins and, in winter, humpback whales. Gear, snacks, and cold drinks are all included on this easygoing 2 hour tour.
Adults $129.95 · Kids 4 to 12 $99.95
Check Availability →The Kohala Coast, on the sunny northwest side of the Big Island, is one of the calmest and clearest stretches of water in all of Hawaii, which makes it a perfect place to meet the island's sea life up close. On this 2 hour sealife snorkel you cruise out from Kawaihae Harbor to a snorkel site the crew hand picks that very morning, choosing the spot with the best visibility, the calmest water, and the most active reef for the day.
Once you slip into the water, a whole world opens up below you. Vibrant coral gardens spread across the sea floor, schools of bright tropical fish drift past, and graceful Hawaiian green sea turtles, known as honu, glide through the shallows as they feed and rest. The gentle conditions make this a wonderful first snorkel for families and beginners, while the healthy reef keeps experienced snorkelers happy too.
The magic is not limited to what is under the surface. On the cruise you may spot playful spinner dolphins racing alongside the boat, and from roughly December through April there is a real chance of seeing humpback whales that travel to Hawaii each winter. Between snorkel time and wildlife watching, every trip along this coast feels a little different.
Get to know the honu you may swim with along the Kohala Coast before you head out on the water.
A typical trip runs about 2 hours. Exact timing shifts with ocean and weather conditions.
This tour departs from Kawaihae Harbor in Waimea, HI 96743, on the Big Island's sunny Kohala Coast. Please arrive about 20 minutes before your departure time to allow for check-in and boarding.
If your tour is cancelled at the captain's discretion or because of weather, you will receive a full refund or the option to re-book on another available date. Guests who cancel 48 hours or more before departure are also eligible for a full refund, or they can choose to re-book on another available date.
Green sea turtles are seen on most trips along the Kohala Coast, where the honu feed and rest over the reef. They are wild animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed, but they are a common sight in these calm, clear waters.
Yes. Snorkel gear and flotation vests are provided, and the crew gives in-water instruction and help for first timers. You should be comfortable getting into the ocean, but you do not need to be an experienced swimmer.
All snorkel gear and flotation vests, in-water instruction, light snacks, chilled soft drinks, juice, and water, shaded seating, and an onboard restroom are all included.
The tour departs from Kawaihae Harbor in Waimea, HI 96743, on the Kohala Coast. Please arrive about 20 minutes before your departure time to allow for check-in and boarding.
The tour lasts about 2 hours, including the cruise and snorkel time at a hand-picked site along the Kohala Coast.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own traditional mask and snorkel. For safety reasons, full-face snorkel masks are not permitted on this tour.
Spinner dolphins are often spotted on the cruise, and humpback whales visit Hawaii roughly from December through April. Both are wild animals, so sightings vary from day to day.
If your tour is cancelled at the captain's discretion or because of weather, you receive a full refund or the option to re-book on another available date. Guests who cancel 48 hours or more before departure are also eligible for a full refund or can choose to re-book on another available date.
Kohala Coast Sealife Snorkel
🔒 Full refund with 48+ hours notice, or free re-book