Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water that combines wildlife spotting, vibrant coral reefs, and a touch of luxury, this tour might just be your perfect island escape. We haven’t been on this exact cruise ourselves, but after digging into the details and reviews, it sounds like a well-rounded experience that offers much more than just snorkeling.

What really shines about this trip? First, the chance to see dolphins and possibly other marine mammals in their natural habitat. Second, the combination of a scenic boat ride with quality food and plenty of fun amenities onboard makes it a standout.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that ocean conditions can vary. Several reviews mention rough seas causing seasickness, so if you’re prone or worried about motion sickness, prepare accordingly.

This experience suits travelers who want a balanced mix of wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and a touch of comfort — perfect for families, couples, or groups looking for a hassle-free day in paradise.

Key Points

• This tour includes dolphin sightings, adding a wildlife thrill to the water experience.
• Snorkeling takes place in protected waters, with all gear provided.
• Meals are included — a hearty breakfast and BBQ lunch — along with non-alcoholic drinks.
• The boat is equipped with water slides, a high jump platform, and many amenities.
• It’s fully wheelchair accessible and has plenty of shaded areas.
• The tour lasts roughly 4 hours and 30 minutes, with about 2 hours of snorkeling.

An Overview of the Experience

This cruise, run by Body Glove Cruises, is designed to deliver a relaxed, enjoyable day on the Big Island’s waters. For $189.19 per person, you get a lot—snorkeling, wildlife sightings, tasty food, and a comfortable, modern vessel. It’s about making the most of your half-day with a mix of adventure, scenery, and good eats.

The tour departs from Kailua Pier, a convenient location with free parking nearby. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, giving you time to settle in and get ready for your island adventure. The boat itself is described as large, clean, and well-equipped, with shaded areas and modern facilities like fresh-water showers and restrooms.

Itinerary Breakdown

Kailua Pier:
Your day begins here, with a quick check-in and safety briefing. This part is straightforward, and the location is accessible and easy to find.

Cruise Along Kona’s Gold Coast:
Once aboard, you’ll sail along the scenic coast, enjoying views of Kona’s famous shoreline. The waters here are protected marine sanctuaries, which means abundant sea life and vibrant coral. As the boat cruises, there’s a high chance of dolphin sightings, thanks to the healthy marine environment. Several reviews mention dolphins swimming nearby, making this a memorable wildlife encounter.

Snorkeling at Red Hill:
Your water adventure lasts roughly two hours. All gear—masks, fins, snorkels, reef-safe sunscreen—is provided, so you can focus on enjoying the underwater spectacle. While the snorkel site isn’t Kealakekua Bay, many travelers find the waters lively and full of fish and coral. Some reviews highlight how friendly and patient the crew is with those new to snorkeling, making it approachable for beginners.

Lunch and Leisure:
After your swim, you’ll enjoy a hearty BBQ lunch—tasty burgers and island-style breakfast, with fresh ingredients—served on deck for maximum enjoyment. Many guests mention how substantial and delicious the meals are, providing energy after your water time. While alcohol isn’t included, there’s a premium cash bar if you want to toast your experience with a cocktail.

Return Trip with Views & Relaxation:
On the way back to Kailua-Kona, you can kick back with a drink from the bar, take in the coastline views, and enjoy the ocean breeze. The boat features water activities like a 20-foot waterslide and a 15-foot high jump platform, adding fun for those who want a splash of adrenaline.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Wildlife and Scenic Beauty

The promise of dolphin sightings is a major draw—many reviews echo this, describing encounters with playful dolphins swimming alongside the boat or nearby during the cruise. The protected sanctuaries and rich marine environment increase your chances of seeing other creatures like whales (season permitting).

Comfortable and Fun-Filled Boat

This isn’t a cramped vessel. The boat is described as large and clean, with amenities such as plenty of shaded space, restrooms, and showers. The addition of water slides and high jumps makes it more than just a boat ride—it’s a floating playground.

Quality Food & Drinks

A common highlight is the included meals. The breakfast is continental, with tasty muffins, and the BBQ lunch is hearty and flavorful. Guests often comment on how much they appreciated the quality and quantity of the food, especially after snorkeling. The availability of non-alcoholic drinks and a premium cash bar means you can relax and toast to a great day.

Accessibility & Convenience

All snorkeling gear is sanitized and provided, and the boat is fully wheelchair accessible. Free parking nearby adds to the convenience, especially for travelers without hotel transport.

The Realities to Consider

While many visitors have glowing reviews, some mention that ocean conditions can be rough, leading to seasickness. If you’re sensitive, it’s worth bringing seasickness remedies or considering the timing of your trip (avoiding stormy weather). Another point is that the tour doesn’t go to Kealakekua Bay, so if that reef is your priority, you might want to look into other options, like their dinner cruise.

The tour is about 4.5 hours, which is a good length for most travelers—long enough to feel like a full experience but not so long that it becomes tiring. It’s also booked, on average, 44 days in advance, indicating good demand; planning ahead ensures you don’t miss out.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for those who want a family-friendly adventure with plenty of wildlife and water fun. It’s perfect if you enjoy snorkeling but don’t want to fuss over gear or logistics. Food lovers will appreciate the included meals, and those seeking a scenic boat ride with the possibility of dolphin sightings will find it satisfying.

However, if seasickness has been an issue in past trips, or if your priority is visiting Kealakekua Bay, you might need to consider other options. It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate comfort and amenities—this isn’t a rustic, rough-and-tumble trip but a more relaxed, luxury experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  Yes, children 18 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is generally family-friendly and includes activities like water slides and snorkeling.

• What should I bring?
  Bring your own towel, as it’s not provided. Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred), swimwear, and a hat are recommended. Snorkeling gear is included, so no need to bring your own unless you prefer.

• Can I buy alcohol onboard?
  Alcoholic beverages are not included but are available for purchase at the cash bar.

• Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
  Yes, the boat is fully wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for guests with mobility needs.

• What if the weather is bad?
  The tour is subject to favorable weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

• How long is the snorkeling time?
  You can expect about two hours of snorkeling, plenty of time to see colorful fish and coral.

• Where does the tour depart from?
  From Kailua Pier at 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua Kona. Free parking is nearby.

• Is there a minimum number of travelers?
  Yes, the tour is limited to 85 guests, which helps keep it intimate and manageable.

• Can vegetarians or special diets be accommodated?
  Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available with 48 hours’ notice.

• What’s the best way to ensure I get a spot?
  Because bookings are often made 44 days in advance, it’s wise to reserve early, especially during peak seasons.

Final Thoughts

The Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch on a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona offers a solid combo of wildlife encounters, water fun, and good food in a relaxed setting. It’s especially appealing if you value comfort, scenic beauty, and a chance to see dolphins in the wild. The inclusion of amenities like slides, high jumps, and shaded areas makes it more than just a standard boat tour, turning it into a memorable half-day adventure.

While ocean roughness can be a concern for some, the overall experience delivers a great balance of adventure and comfort for most guests. If you’re seeking a family-friendly, scenic, and wildlife-rich cruise with nice amenities and decent price point, this tour deserves a spot on your Big Island itinerary.

In the end, it’s a versatile outing that combines the natural beauty of Kona’s waters with the comfort of a modern vessel, making it a real value for your Hawaiian adventure.