8 Snorkeling Trips in the USA Worth Boarding

1.Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,362 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $57Our pick

Cruise from Panama City Beach to Shell Island aboard Island Time’s roomy catamaran. Watch for wild dolphins, snorkel in St. Andrews Bay, paddle board, use the waterslide, or walk the beach. A captain and crew, including names such as Emma, Sarah, Heath, and Clay, keep the three-hour trip moving.

“Great trip! Loved every minute! The crew was awesome, the dolphins fun, and the beach relaxing. Recommended for everyone.”

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2.Kauai’s Ultimate South Island Zodiac Boat Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 394 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $161

Join a small group of up to 13 for a three-hour Zodiac cruise from Poipu. You’ll pass Spouting Horn, hear island history, and snorkel two calm-water sites with guides such as Drew, Anna, Ona, or Brett. Gear, snacks, drinks, and safety support are included.

“Dave, our snorkeling guide was great! He and the captain made sure we were able to see turtles, dolphins and ALL kinds of fish. The captain took time to show us the sights of the coast and give history of the area. The office staff was very helpful. DON’T MISS THIS EXPERIENCE!!!!”

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3.Big Island Snorkel Cruise from Waikoloa

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 63 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $185

Board Ocean Sports’ catamaran from Waikoloa for a three-hour Kohala Coast outing. The crew provides gear, a safety lesson, reef guidance, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. You may spot turtles, dolphins, or winter humpback whales, with sailing on select Seasmoke departures.

“The day my boyfriend and I went was so clear and beautiful it made for an awesome day on the water. We even got to see some baby dolphins on the ride back and one of the guys on the boat found an octopus and let us touch it! Definitely wish we could’ve spent more time in the water but understand the trip out and trip back to the area to snorkel takes time as well. The snacks provided for the ride back were also helpful after! The only negative experience we had was with one of the girls at the check in area. Please remember to have coral reef…”

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4.Big Island: Morning Snorkel Sail to Captain Cook’s Monument

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 49 reviews · 4h 30m · from $178

Join Sea Paradise aboard the Hoku Nui at 8:30 am for a breakfast sail to Kealakekua Bay, guided snorkeling near Captain Cook Monument, lunch, and a second site near Red Hill. Crew members provide gear, safety help, local history, and reef tips.

“The excursion was awesome. The only thing, I didn’t realize that the alcoholic drinks were not included in the cost. But overall it was lovely and the snorkeling was top notch.”

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5.4 Hour Big Island Dolphin Watch Boat Tour, Snorkeling & BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $150

Set out from Kailua-Kona at 9:30 a.m. aboard KIBOU for a roughly three-hour coastal trip with dolphin watching, two snorkel areas, and a grilled 100% beef hot dog lunch. Guides such as Trevor, Tamae, Mitch, and Lena help beginners in the water. Gear, drinks, shade, and a restroom are included.

“Was a great experience but waters were rough. Didn’t see as many fish as I thought but did see dolphins.”

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6.Waikoloa Catamaran Snorkel & Sail Adventure with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 39 reviews · 3 hours · from $189

Sail from Anaeho‘omalu Bay aboard the Spirit of Aloha for a relaxed three-hour snorkeling trip along the Kohala Coast. You’ll get gear, safety help, reef time, a sandwich lunch, tropical drinks, shaded seating, and views of Mauna Kea and Hualalai.

“Honestly that was 100% worth it, and totally awesome. The whole crew aboard the Spirit of Aloha made the experience extremely special for my girlfriend and I (neither of us had been snorkeling and didn’t know what to expect). Everything was straightforward, easy, and the crew was accommodating every step of the way (drinks, snacks, food, help with the gear). I highly recommend taking this trip with Hawaii Nautical — we will definitely be back the next time we come here!”

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7.Big Island: Kona Half-Day Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · 4h 30m · from $163

Spend 4.5 hours aboard a rigid hull inflatable boat from Keauhou Bay, stopping at Honaunau Bay and Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling. Captain Mike, Chloe, or another English-speaking guide points out sea caves, lava tubes, marine life, and Kona Coast history. Lunch, snacks, drinks, gear, and flotation aids are included.

“Excellent. Our guide was very informative and went out of his way to give us a good experience.”

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8.Big Island: Manta Ray Snorkel Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 12 reviews · 2 hours · from $137

Join Snorkel Big Island for a two-hour manta ray snorkel from Honokohau Harbor. Ride 15 to 25 minutes by boat, then spend at least 35 minutes in the water with local guides, shorty wetsuits, quality gear, and CPR-certified lifeguards.

“El número de personas por barco/speedboat era bajo, cosa que se agradece, porque las masas a la hora de ver mantas estropean el momento ya que me parece agobiante. El capitán muy majo con buenas explicaciones y buenas vibes. El material del snorkel bueno. Lo recomiendo sin duda !”

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