Customizable Private Boat Charters in Kona

Book Your Customizable Private Boat Charter in Kona

Planning a trip to Kona, Hawaii and want full control over your time on the water? A private Kona boat charter with Sea Quest Hawaii offers exactly that! 

If you’re looking for private Kona boat charters because you want something more personal than a standard group tour, you’re in the right place. You choose the pace, the focus, and the experience. Our captain and crew handle the logistics, while you enjoy the Kona Coast on your terms.

At Sea Quest Hawaii, we built our reputation on small-group ocean adventures. A private charter extends that philosophy by reserving the entire vessel for you and your small group. You won’t need to share space, time, or decisions with other guests. We’ll offer an entire experience revolving around your priorities.

Kona Private Boat Charters. Your Charter. Your Way.

Booking a private charter means the boat belongs to your group for the entire duration of the tour. You can even select one of our existing tours, and turn it into a private experience. From there, the captain works with you to adjust the plan based on ocean conditions, time of year, and, ultimately, what you want to see!

Our approach aims to keep the experience flexible, while remaining grounded in proven routes and safe operating practices. You’ll benefit from the structure of an established tour, and the freedom of a private itinerary.

Our private Kona boat charters are a great fit for families, groups of friends, milestone celebrations, and travelers who simply value space and attention.

Available Private Charter Options

Our private charters can be based on our core tour options. Each adventure offers a different focus and duration. When you reserve your private charter, it’ll become exclusive to your group. Choose between:

• Captain Cook Exploration Tour
• Deluxe Morning Snorkeling Adventure
• Premium Morning Snorkel
• Expedition South Kona
• Night Manta Snorkel Experience, for up to 18 guests or up to 27 guests

Each option here follows the same foundation as the public version, with the added benefit of total privacy and customization.

And if you need help selecting the right option for you, our team can guide you based on your group size, interests, and travel dates.

Where Can You Go on a Private Kona Boat Charter?

The Kona Coast is awesome, because it offers a wide range of environments within a relatively short distance. And a private charter allows your captain to focus on the areas that matter most to you.

Some groups prioritize snorkeling and want to visit multiple reef locations. Others prefer coastal exploration, sea caves, and lava tubes. Also, many of our guests do want a balance of time in the water, and time cruising along the shoreline.

Without a fixed group itinerary, the day unfolds around your preferences rather than a preset schedule:

• Do you want to spend more time in the water and less time traveling between stops?
• Do you want to explore rugged coastline features that larger boats cannot access?
• Do you want to adjust the plan based on conditions as the day develops?

A private charter allows you to be in charge of these decisions.

Customization Without Complexity

Customizing your private boat charter doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Our private boat charters are based on the tours we offer on our website. You do a buyout of the boat for the particular tour that looks the most appealing to you to make it a private charter. 

Our charter rates have a 15% discount built into the pricing as a thank you for buying out the boat. 

Please keep in mind that when you book a private charter we do not have to stick to the itinerary that we would for a public tour. We are happy to customize the experience to your group’s needs! 


If you want to get a quote on what your ideal private boat charter of Kona would cost, reach out to us at (808) 329-7238 so that our reservations team may assist or book online.

What Is Included on a Private Kona Boat Charter

A private boat charter includes: the vessel, the captain, the crew, and the equipment associated with the selected tour. You’ll receive the same professional guidance and gear provided on public tours, with the added benefit of total privacy!

Because you’re not following a rigid group schedule, you can maximize your time based on your priorities. That may mean fewer stops with longer durations, or more frequent stops with shorter intervals. Whatever floats your boat, as they say! 

The experience feels personal because it is.

What You May See on Your Private Charter

What you may see during your private Kona boat charter depends on many factors, such as location, season, and of course,ocean conditions. But this variability is part of what makes each charter unique.

During winter months, humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters. So guests who charter during this period may see whales breaching or traveling along the Kona coast.

During warmer months, snorkeling conditions often favor reef exploration. This means that clear waters and calm seas support longer snorkel sessions, and more time observing coral and reef fish.

Dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life appear throughout the year. But sightings vary by day, and cannot actually be predicted. However, sightings are pretty common! The Kona Coast is known for supporting diverse ocean life.

At any rate, your captain helps align any expectations with conditions before and during the tour.

Timing Matters When Planning a Private Charter in Kona

When you book a private Kona boat charter, timing plays quite a big role in shaping the experience.

Morning departures may often provide calmer seas and clearer snorkeling conditions. Afternoon and evening options may prioritize different activities, depending on the selected tour.

Night Manta charters, for instance, follow a specific structure designed for manta ray viewing and we do operate within some established time frames.

That in mind, if a specific goal matters to you – such as snorkeling, wildlife viewing, or coastal exploration – the reservations team can help you select a time that supports that very goal.

How Much Does a Kona Private Boat Charter Cost? 

Private charters operate as a full buyout of an existing tour. This means that the listed charter rates already reflect a built-in discount for reserving the entire boat.

However, when you book a private charter with us, the itinerary doesn’t need to follow the public tour exactly. Your captain will most definitely adjust the experience to suit your group.

For questions about availability or to confirm which option best fits your needs, reach out to us or call (808) 329-7238 so that our reservations team may assist or book online.

Why Travelers Choose Private Kona Boat Charters

Travelers choose private Kona boat charters because they want control, space, and flexibility. They value time over volume and prefer experiences that adjust to them, rather than the other way around.

A private charter removes the uncertainty of group dynamics. It creates room for conversation, questions, and quiet moments on the water. It also allows families and groups to experience the Kona Coast together without compromise.

Planning Your Private Charter with Sea Quest Hawaii

Planning a private charter doesn’t require any guesswork. You can call Sea Quest Hawaii directly or book online. The reservations team will help you choose a base tour and answer any questions you may have about timing, group size, and customization.

The Kona Coast offers many ways to explore. And private charter allows you to choose exactly how you experience it.

Private Kona Boat Charter FAQs

What is a private boat charter with Sea Quest Hawaii?

A private charter means you reserve the entire boat exclusively for your group. Instead of joining a public tour, the experience centers on your preferences, pace, and priorities while still operating within the framework of Sea Quest Hawaii’s established tours.

How is a private charter different from a regular tour?

On a regular tour, the itinerary follows a set plan and includes other guests. On a private charter, your group has the boat to yourselves. The captain can adjust timing, focus, and stops based on your interests and ocean conditions, creating a more personal experience.

How many people can join a private Kona boat charter?

Capacity depends on the tour you choose as your base charter. Some options accommodate smaller groups, while others, such as the Night Manta Experience, can host larger parties. The reservations team can help confirm the best option for your group size.

Can we customize what we do during the charter?

Yes. Customization is one of the main reasons guests book private charters. While the experience starts with an established tour, your captain can adjust how long you spend snorkeling, exploring the coastline, or cruising, depending on conditions and your group’s interests.

Where do private charters go along the Kona Coast?

Destinations depend on the selected tour, ocean conditions, and your priorities. Options may include snorkeling locations, coastal exploration, sea caves, lava tubes, and areas known for marine life activity.

Is a private charter good for families or mixed-age groups?

Private charters work well for families and mixed-age groups because the pace can be adjusted. You are not tied to the needs or expectations of other guests, which allows for a more comfortable and flexible experience.

Are private charters suitable for non-swimmers?

Many private charters can work for non-swimmers, especially if the group prefers sightseeing and coastal exploration. If snorkeling is a priority, flotation devices and crew support are available. The Night Manta Experience requires strong swimming ability.

What is included with a private charter?

A private charter includes the boat, captain, crew, and the equipment associated with the selected tour. You receive the same professional guidance and gear provided on public tours, with the added benefit of privacy.

Do private charters follow a strict schedule?

Private charters allow more flexibility than public tours, but they still operate within a defined time window. Your captain helps balance your preferences with safe and responsible operation.

When is the best time of year to book a private charter in Kona?

The best time depends on what you want to experience. Winter months may offer opportunities to see humpback whales along the coast. Other seasons often favor snorkeling and calmer water conditions. The reservations team can help you plan based on your goals.

How does pricing work for private Kona boat charters?

Private charters are booked as a full buyout of one of Sea Quest Hawaii’s existing tours. The listed charter rates already reflect a discount for reserving the entire boat. Specific pricing depends on the tour you select.

Can we book a private Night Manta Ray charter?

Yes. Sea Quest Hawaii offers private Night Manta Experiences for different group sizes. These charters follow the established manta viewing format while giving your group exclusive use of the boat.

How far in advance should we book a private charter?

Private charters are limited by boat availability. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy travel seasons or if your group has specific dates in mind.

How do I book a private Kona boat charter?

You can book online or contact us directly. Speaking with the reservations team can help ensure you choose the tour and timing that best match your plans.