EXPLORE HAWAII'S MARINE LIFE OFF THE KONA COAST
Go on an unparalleled ocean adventure along the Kona Coast on an offshore safari– perfect for those who want up close and personal interactions with the some of Hawaii's most awe-inspiring wildlife. This tour brings you to Kona's vibrant shallow reefs, and into the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
This exhilarating 4 hour excursion is designed specifically for confident swimmers and extreme marine adventure seekers. Go deep into pelagic waters for unforgettable wildlife encounters with our experienced Captain and marine naturalist.
This tour provides a unique chance to observe and interact with vibrant reef species as well as larger pelagic animals in their natural habitat. Every adventure is different, with the potential to encounter manta rays, tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, and whales. While snorkeling experience is required for those who want to get in the deep water, guests are also welcome to stay onboard and watch the action from the boat.
Professional underwater photography is available during your tour. The package is $200 per group and includes approximately 20–30 professionally edited photos.
Please note: we cannot guarantee specific sightings, as they are wild animals. Using local expertise and years of experience exploring the pacific waters, Captain Brenden and Monet will ensure you have an unforgettable experience and see as much wildlife as possible.
DEPARTURE LOGISTICS & TRAVEL TIMES
The tour departs out of Honokohau Harbor, located about 10 minutes North of downtown Kailua-Kona. Parking at the harbor is free. With a small group and a flexible itinerary, we tailor each day to the ocean conditions and wildlife activity. Explore offshore waters and secluded reefs as we search for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and other marine life. No two days are the same—nature sets the pace.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, and fins. If you have your own mask, snorkel, and fins, you are welcome to use if preferred.
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Light snacks will be provided. You're also welcome to bring your own food and drinks on board.
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Wetsuit tops are available to rent at checkout.
WHAT WE SUGGEST YOUR BRING
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A reusable water bottle. Help us cut down on single-use plastic that pollutes our ocean by bringing your own water bottle to stay hydrated.
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Reef safe sunscreen: protect your skin and our reef!
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Hat / sunglasses. Our boat has shade, but extra sun protection in the strong Hawaiian sun is always encouraged.
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Swimwear: please arrive in something suitable for swimming.
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Prescription snorkel mask if needed. We do not provide prescription masks. If you need one, you must bring your own or rent one in advance.
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A towel for after your swim. Custom towel ponchos are also available for purchase at checkout.
Important Participation Requirements
All are welcome to join the tour and enjoy wildlife viewing from the boat. To snorkel in the open ocean, participants must:
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Be a proficient swimmer
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Be comfortable in open ocean conditions
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Be comfortable using a mask, snorkel, and fins
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Be able to climb a boat ladder independently to exit the water
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Be able to follow crew instructions
Snorkeling is not suitable for non-swimmers, guests with limited mobility, or guests with heart, back, or other medical conditions that may affect their ability to safely participate in an ocean activity. If you are unsure whether this experience is right for you, please contact us before booking. We are happy to help determine if the Offshore Ocean Safari is a good fit.
Duration: 4 hours
Ages: 3+
Departure Location: Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in Kona, Hawaii
Participation Requirements:
All skill levels are welcome to join this tour and participate in the reef snorkeling portion or observe wildlife from the boat. To participate in the offshore snorkeling you must be a confident swimmer.
What do others think of Ocean Eco Tours?
TIPS FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCE
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Book a tour early in your trip: Booking early in your stay will ensure you have a "rain day" buffer of dates. If conditions force a cancellation, we will reschedule the tour within the following days.
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Keep an open mind: Every safari is different, and wildlife encounters are never guaranteed. We’ll explore both reef and offshore waters in search of wildlife, but nature sets the schedule. Come ready to explore, as you never know what we might discover.
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Snorkel responsibility: These are wild animals living in their natural environment. The best encounters happen when we give them space and allow them to approach naturally.
WHAT MARINE LIFE CAN YOUR SEE OFF THE COAST OF THE BIG ISLAND?
The unparalleled geological position in an area of up-welling ocean currents between lava-flows and two of the deepest ocean trenches on Earth make the Kona coast a biological hotspot. There is a wide range of both residential and migratory animals to see. Some of the animal we most commonly encounter include:
Playful Marine Mammals: Energetic pods of Hawaiian spinner dolphins and Pacific bottlenose dolphins frequently ride our boat's bow wake. During winter months, majestic humpback whales migrate thousands of miles to calve and play in our warm tropical waters.
Gentle Giants & Reptiles: Swim in the vicinity of graceful reef manta rays, elusive spotted eagle rays, and the beloved Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu) lazily grazing on rock-boring urchin-lined shallows. On rare occasions, lucky guests might even spot a critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
Colorful Reef Fish: The shallow coral heads burst with color from Hawaii’s official state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (reef triggerfish), brilliant yellow tangs, moorish idols, trumpetfish, longnose butterflyfish, and schools of convict tangs.
Intriguing Invertebrates: See cunning day octopuses (he'e) that are masters of camouflage on the reef.
WHY CHOOSE OUR OFFSHORE SAFARI?
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Unmatched Expertise: Our crew provides deep educational insights into every species encountered, ensuring a safe, respectful, and highly engaging wildlife viewing experience.
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Small Group: We keep our groups limited to just 6 guests maximum. This means the entire boat is exclusively yours to view the wildlife, completely free from the crowded feel of typical commercial tours.
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Top-Tier Equipment: We supply premium masks, snorkels, and fins.
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Strict Conservation Standards: We practice strict eco-friendly protocols, utilizing reef-safe sunscreens and maintaining respectful distances from all protected marine animals.