Kona Turtle or Dolphin Snorkeling by Sailing Catamaran

Sail the Kona Coast on a 4-hour snorkel cruise with guided in-water time at turtle or dolphin sites plus lunch on board.

Getting started

Check in 20 minutes before departure at the designated slip in Honokōhau Harbor, where free parking is available. After the crew confirms your booking, you board the sailing vessel and stow any small personal items. Once everyone is on deck, the captain gives a brief safety and snorkeling overview before you head out along the Kona Coast.

What to expect

Kona Coast snorkel sail

You spend about 4 hours along the Kona Coast, combining relaxed sailing with a guided snorkel stop at the site that matches your chosen option. The captain selects specific turtle-focused reef sites or dolphin-focused ocean sites based on conditions so you can enter the water in a safe and comfortable spot.

Features

• Time on the water is structured as a 4-hour sailing and snorkel cruise along the Kona Coast, with the boat under way, a stop for snorkeling, and return to Honokōhau Harbor. The coastline setting gives you open-ocean conditions, so taking motion sickness precautions in advance is recommended if you are prone.

• Your option choice shapes the experience: turtle snorkeling cruise guests are taken to turtle-focused reef sites, while the luxury dolphin snorkeling cruise focuses on dolphin-focused ocean sites. Spinner dolphins are commonly seen on the dolphin option, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.

• All snorkel gear is provided for you, including a sanitized reusable mask, snorkel, fins, and a snorkel vest, so you do not need prior snorkeling experience or your own equipment. Life jackets are also available, keeping the cruise family-friendly and accessible for all ages.

• In the water, a friendly, knowledgeable captain and crew offer guidance and in-water assistance, helping new snorkelers with fit, technique, and comfort while you explore the reef or open-ocean area around the boat.

• During the cruise, you have access to comfortable shaded seating, open decks, and restrooms on board, which gives you options to sit out of the sun or move around the vessel between snorkeling and meal times.

• A sandwich-style lunch and light snacks are served on board after you have had time in the water, so you can refuel without cutting your time at the snorkel site short. Non-alcoholic beverages, including soda, juice, and water, are available throughout the cruise, and you are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle.

• Personal items such as swimsuits, towels, reef-safe sunscreen (no sprays), sunglasses, and an optional waterproof camera or phone case help you make the most of the day, while restrictions on large bags and outside food or beverages keep deck space clear and organized.