Top Big Island of Hawaii Nature and Wildlife Tours

View dolphins in their natural environment with guides who respect these intelligent creatures’ boundaries. After feeding in deeper waters at night, spinner dolphins come close to the Kona shore where they often interact with boats, playing in their wake. The utmost respect and care are given to our aquatic friends to assure that we do not disrupt their rest, nursing and breeding behaviors. Depending on where and when we locate the dolphins there may also be time for a quick snorkel at one of the many beautiful reef areas along the Kona coast line, quite possibly Kealakekua Bay.

Go swimming with dolphins on a tour that ensures the charismatic mammals are treated with the utmost respect. While in harbor, your guides brief your small group on how to interact with the dolphins in their natural habitat before allowing you into the water to meet and play with them. Afterward, snorkel a pristine reef with exotic fish, turtles, and rays. Includes all equipment, as well as snacks, beverages, and photographs.

Embark on an evening adventure and swim near Hawaii’s manta rays. Start the tour with a sunset sail on a comfortable trimaran to ‘Manta Ray Village’. After a safety briefing, put on your snorkel gear and spend an hour in the water using a state-of-the-art, lit up flotation device to stay on the water’s surface and observe the manta rays bellow as they feed on plankton. Finally climb aboard the boat and warm up with hot chocolate and snacks as you return to shore.

Winter is the most exciting time to be out on the water in Hawaii, as it’s the time of year when thousands of migrating humpback whales visit the islands. On this exciting Big Island whale watching tour, experience the thrill of traveling aboard a high-speed raft, and then seeing a whale swimming just in front of the boat. Though the boat will obey the federal laws and not approach within 100 feet (30 meters), it isn’t uncommon for the whale to decide to swim up under the boat!

Get up close with humpback whales near the Big Island of Hawaii on this guided, whale watching excursion. During Hawaii's whale season, the ocean is full of activity from humpback whales migrating from the Pacific Northwest to breed and nurse their young. Hear the whales with a hydrophone and learn about their behavior patterns from the certified naturalist guide. Snacks and light refreshments are provided.

The ultimate adventure craft, built for excitement, performance and versatility. Enjoy a fast-paced coastal cruise on Waikoloa newest powerboat, as you zip to see marine wildlife such as dolphins and turtles year round or whales during whale season, December through April. Sightsee along the stunning Kohala coastline and enjoy a fast and fun powerboat ride.

See, hear and photograph the Humpback Whales from our stable catamaran decks. Early morning ocean conditions are generally the calmest of the day! Includes, soft drinks and crunchy granola bar snacks. Guaranteed – see a Humpback or ride again for free!

Explore three volcanic craters during one great trip on this 11.5-hour excursion on the Big Island. Travel aboard a high-end Mercedes van as you trek to the still-steaming Mauna Ulu, enjoy an amazing hike across Kilauea Iki crater and discover the summit of Kilauea Caldera. All entrance fees, plus a deli-style lunch and and local-style dinner are included.

Hawaii’s Big Island is home to migrating pods of humpback whales, which often breach as they build up energy for their northward migration. This narrated tour brings you to some of the best viewing grounds via 24-person catamaran. You’re able to hear the whales singing through the provided hydrophones. The tour provider guarantees whale sightings or the next trip is free.

Limited to minimum of 6 & maximum of 14 people, this guided snorkeling adventure by speedboat provides a more intimate experience of Hawaii’s marine life and coral reefs than is possible on a larger group tour. The schedule is customizable, but swimming near wild dolphins. All snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks are provided.

Experience the Big Island’s magnificent marine life with this dolphin swimming excursion in Kalaoa. After a quick tutorial on safety and etiquette, go searching for Big Island spinner dolphins—amazing native mammals that can turn seven times in one jump. Enjoy access to clear-bottom rafts for your little ones, as well as scuba gear, flotation devices, Go-Pro cameras (for rent), and other gear.

Enjoy two Hawaiian underwater adventures for the price of one with this 4-hour combination dolphin-swimming encounter and snorkeling trip. Start by exploring the 600+ species of marine life like sea turtles, coral and tropical fish that call the reefs of Kealakekua Bay home. Then meet up with a local pod of wild spinner dolphins for an optional swimming session. A trip choice without the dolphin swimming portion is also available.

Take the ultimate snorkeling and sailing trip along the Kona Coast during this 4-hour luxury yacht trip with a small group. Explore the stunning beaches and bays of the Big Island aboard a high-end boat, stopping at top snorkel sites and spotting marine life like dolphins, turtles, and whales. Unlimited refreshments, plus snorkel gear and a tasty picnic- or bento-style lunch are also included.

We carry a maximum of 6 passengers so we can offer a more intimate dolphin snorkel experience than the larger "cattle boats" in Kona. In addition to delivering a more private experience, our small group size allows for more time in the water. Our passengers are able to quickly enter and exit the water as we explore Kona's amazing coral reefs. If you book all 6 seats on any trip, you will have your own private charter. In addition to being the only party on the boat, you'll be able to work with your captain to customize your trip to your liking. For instance, you'll be able to decide whether to pick up and move to a new location or continue snorkeling in the same place (time and conditions permitting). Don't miss this opportunity to snorkel near wild Hawaiian spinner dolphins, in a private small-group experience that's unmatched in Kona. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!

This whale watch departs directly from Kawaihae Harbor within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Waters so you won’t have to travel far to see the majestic Humpback Whales. Tours include expert interpretation from on board marine naturalists, great photo ops, and an underwater hydrophone to hear the whales as they sing. This trip includes crunchy snacks, tropical juices and soft drinks. The morning light makes for great photos! Guaranteed – see a Humpback or take the trip again for free!

Skip the usual boat tours and embark upon a Hawaiian style kayak adventure in a traditional outrigger canoe. These double-hull canoes are known for providing stability and smooth rides; all the better to experience Kealakekua Bay with minimal exertion. Learn about the history of the bay, one of the most sacred in Hawaii; its mysterious caves, and how people lived there, from guides whose families are connected to the area.

Explore the world’s most active volcano on a private eco tour around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. These 3- and 6-hour, education-based explorations focus on the native flora and fauna, the geology and the amazing Hawaiian culture that still thrives on the volcano today. Experience the highlights of Kilauea’s summit area, including a sunset eruption viewing or hike to both the hidden and highlight areas of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Discover Hawaii’s remarkable wildlife on a full-day, small-group birdwatching tour into the Big Island’s Mauna Kea Forest Reserve. Travel on foot and by four-wheel drive as you explore dry forest and rainforest habitats that shelter the endangered palila honeycreeper, the Hawaii amakihi and the Hawaii ‘elepaio. Listen for the calls of endemic songbirds as you traverse an otherworldly lava trail, then follow a local, bird-loving guide along forest paths into the distinctive, high-elevation mamane-naio ecosystem.

In terms of history, scenery, and marine life, there isn’t anywhere on the Big Island of Hawaii that compares to Kealakekua Bay. This protected cove on the island’s west shore is where Captain Cook met his end, and today a memorial stands at the bay to honor the famous explorer. On this guided Big Island kayaking tour, hear the history of Captain Cook as well as surrounding temples, and, after paddling past rugged sea cliffs and caves, snorkel and swim in the clear waters of this Marine Life Conservation District.

Take a Kealakekua Bay snorkeling cruise, and depart from the waters of Keauhou Bay to scour the Kona coastline for dolphins, turtles or, even, whales in the winter months. Upon arrival in Kealakekua Bay, peer overboard at the crystal clear waters that teem with colorful reef fish. After receiving expert instruction and snorkeling equipment onboard, you'll jump in the water to experience some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island.

At Kaimana Ocean Safari you'll be guided by professionally trained ocean guides, boat captains, and underwater photographers to observe and interact with various wildlife along the Kona coastline. We approach our unique tours “safari” style, meaning we cover vast areas of the coastline in search of marine life aboard our vessel. We believe “the search” is part of the fun and allows nature to deliver the adventure. Together, we can observe and potentially interact with sea turtles, a variety of dolphin species, manta rays, sharks, whales, and locals of Hawaii’s coral reefs. Join us on an incredible journey leaving you with a lifetime of memories! Please visit some of our instagram accounts to view more of what you can possibly see. Please note we do not guarantee any sightings or refund for lack of sightings. Wildlife is unpredictable and we cover as much ground as possible to see as much as we can.

Pack in some of Hawaii’s most mesmerizing sights during this Big Island twilight volcano tour. Sample Kona-grown coffee from a local coffee farm, keep an eye out for sea turtles at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, and taste Hawaiian sweet bread at Punalu’u Bakery. Then, explore Volcanoes National Park before ending your experience by stargazing in a secluded location—perfect for taking in views of the night sky.

Make the most of your time in port on this Kona shore excursion timed to your cruise's arrival and departure. Get picked up from the port and head out on a sailing adventure to the Captain Cook Monument and Kealkeaua Bay where you can snorkel, swim, and explore caves and lava tubes. Expect to see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, colorful fish, and ancient reefs. Lunch, snacks, and use of snorkeling gear are all included.

Step aboard a 54 foot catamaran for a dolphin and turtle cruise from A-Bay that includes snorkeling gear and assistance from on board snorkel guides. Since the catamaran has ample deck space and shaded areas to relax, it’s a comfortable, uncrowded way to cruise the coast, and you’ll have the chance to spot humpback whales during the whale watching months of December through April.