Sea Quest Hawaii

Our small-group snorkeling tours take you deep into South Kona’s most breathtaking marine environments: from hidden sea caves and lava tubes to vibrant coral reefs alive with tropical fish, spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and whales. Led by US Coast Guard-licensed captains and expert local guides, every tour blends hands-on adventure with cultural storytelling and insider knowledge.

We provide a memorable experience during your time with us – both aboard the boat and in the water. The journey to our snorkel destinations is just as exciting as the time spent in the ocean itself. Along the way, our knowledgeable captain and crew share insider knowledge about the Big Island of Hawaii, local culture, and the marine life that thrives along its reefs.

Our daytime snorkel tours bring you up close and personal with the marine life of the Kona Coast in Hawaii’s warm tropical waters. Encounters may include vibrant schools of reef fish, Hawaiian sea turtles, and if conditions allow, sightings of spinner dolphins or seasonal whales in their natural habitat.

With so much to explore, it’s hard to believe how much can be experienced in just a few hours. Our skilled ohana aboard the Sea Quest Hawaii vessel make the most of every moment on the water, guiding an active, small-group adventure shaped by the ocean and the remarkable marine life of Hawaii.

Snorkel With Manta Rays on Our Night Snorkel Tour

Our most popular tour is by far our Manta Ray Night Snorkel. Contrary to popular belief, this experience allows you to relax comfortably in a safe environment at the surface of the ocean while majestic manta rays perform graceful barrel rolls beneath you.

You’ll enter the water alongside one of our experienced local guides and hold onto a premium, illuminated flotation device designed to attract phytoplankton to the surface, naturally drawing in the large, prehistoric-looking manta rays for an unforgettable up-close encounter exclusive to Kona.

If you’re looking to experience one of the most iconic ocean adventures in the world, this night-time manta ray snorkel is a must-do and a highlight of any Kona trip.

Private & Intimate Kona Snorkel Adventures, Customized For You

One of the best features of our Kona snorkel tours is that they are either completely private or extremely intimate, allowing for a truly small-group, personal experience. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with our captain and crew, talk about the history and culture of the Big Island and the Pacific Ocean that surrounds Hawaiʻi, and maximize your time in the water with a personal touch.

In addition our affordable private tours allow you to escape the crowds both on the boat and in the water that many Hawaii snorkel tours are subject to, booking a private tour with Sea Quest Hawaii means our captain can tailor the experience to your adventure goals. Whether that includes searching for marine life, visiting the most popular snorkel spots on the Kona Coast like Kealakekua Bay or Honaunau, known as Two Step, or exploring hidden lava tubes, sea caves, and reefs, this is the kind of flexibility and access that only a smaller boat and can provide.