Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Blog

Kona Private Boat Charters: Your Ticket to Ocean Freedom

a person standing next to a body of water

Kona private boat charters offer a whole other level of the peace, adventure, and freedom you’ll feel visiting Hawaii. Let’s set the scene. You’re in Kona. The coffee’s strong, the sun is out, and the ocean? It’s so blue it doesn’t even seem real. You could lounge at the beach with everyone else, sure—but what if you had the whole ocean to yourself? No crowds. No schedule. Just you, your people, and a boat. That’s the beauty of Kona private boat charters. Choosing a ride like this is not just a tour—it’s an invitation to make the Pacific your personal playground.

Whether you’re into snorkeling, dolphin spotting, sunset cocktails, or just pretending you’re a billionaire with a boat for the day (no judgment), Kona’s got a private boat experience with your name on it.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan the ocean day of your dreams.

 

Why Book Kona Private Boat Charters?

Looking for a short answer? Freedom.

Okay with a longer answer? You call the shots. On Kona private boat charters, you’re not elbowing your way to the edge of the boat with 30 strangers trying to get the same photo. You’re not on a tight schedule. And you’re definitely not dealing with that one guy on group tours who never stops talking about his drone footage.

Instead, you’re:

  • Setting your own pace
  • Choosing your destination
  • Getting personalized service
  • Bringing the friends/family you actually like

And, let’s be real, there’s just something cool about having a boat to yourself. Even if it’s just for a few hours.

What Kind of Private Boat Charters Are Available in Kona?

Kona has a little bit of everything. The west side of the Big Island is known for calm waters, epic snorkeling, marine life, and unreal sunsets. So naturally, the private boat options are dialed in.

Here’s what you can do:

  1. Snorkel Tours to Kealakekua Bay

This bay is home to the Captain Cook Monument and some of the best snorkeling in all of Hawaii. Most group tours come here—but a private boat gets you there early or late, when it’s quieter and the water’s like glass.

Expect:

  • Coral gardens
  • Sea turtles
  • Schools of tropical fish
  • Maybe even dolphins on the ride over

  1. Wild Dolphin Watching (and Maybe Swimming)

Spinner dolphins love the Kona coast. With a private charter, you can quietly follow pods as they swim, play, and occasionally leap into the air like Olympic gymnasts. 

  1. Whale Watching (Seasonal: Dec–Apr)

If you’re visiting during winter, drop everything. Humpback whales migrate through Hawaiian waters, and Kona is a front-row seat. A private charter lets you linger longer when a pod appears, without a guide hurrying you along.

  1. Manta Ray Night Tours

Consistently named one of the best travel activities in the world, you can’t miss out on this kind of experience. See (and join) the magnificent manta rays off the Kona coast as they come perform (seemingly just for you). Hop in the water for a close-up view or stay on the boat if that’s more of your thing. Either way you’re sure to have a memorable time.

  1. Sunset Cruises

Ah yes, the romantic, golden hour float. The kind where you’re sipping champagne, watching the sun melt into the Pacific, and wondering why you don’t live here full time. Great for couples, small families, or anyone looking for that “main character in a rom-com” energy.

What’s Included on the Private Boat Charters with Sea Quest

This depends on the charter company, but most include:

  • Licensed captain and crew
  • Snorkel gear
  • Flotation devices
  • Water and light snacks (some offer full meals or BYOB)
  • Coolers (some stocked, some bring-your-own)
  • Dry storage for your stuff
  • Knowledgeable guides who can geek out about fish, lava tubes, history—you name it

a person sitting on a boat in the water

What to Bring (Besides Your Chillest Attitude)

  • Reef-safe sunscreen (leave the reef-killing stuff at home)
  • Towel and dry clothes
  • Waterproof phone case or GoPro
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Dramamine if you’re motion-sensitive
  • Your sense of adventure

Pro tip: wear a rash guard or long-sleeve swim shirt. The Hawaiian sun is not here to mess around.

 

Explore Kona the Way YOU Want

The Big Island has plenty to offer on land—black sand beaches, volcanoes, shave ice the size of your head—but once you get out on the water, something changes. It’s quieter. Calmer. More magical.

And doing it all from the deck of your own private boat? That’s the kind of experience you’ll talk about for years.

Whether you’re chasing dolphins, snorkeling remote coves, or toasting the sunset, Kona private boat charters let you ditch the script and write your own Hawaiian story—one salty breeze at a time.

Book your private charter today.

Next Post