Top Big Island of Hawaii Wildlife Watching

Have a unique Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays on this tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll take a short cruise out to the manta site, where you’ll watch the beautiful Hawaiian before dipping into the water to watch the manta rays up close. All necessary equipment will be provided for your excursion, as well as light refreshments and snacks to enjoy on board. Your tour will conclude at its original departure point. If you don't see manta rays on this excursion, book again for another night--no charge.

Swim with giant manta rays in their nighttime habitat during this 2.5-hour activity in Kona. Travel out into the seas offshore to watch the colorful Kona sunset, then jump in to swim with the docile rays as they feed on microscopic plankton. Follow your guides around the manta habitat and watch as the animals are attracted to the bright lights, creating a "manta rave" of lights, bubbles and mantas. All snorkel equipment, including flotation devices and wet suits, is included. Manta sightings are guaranteed, or you will be given a voucher for another tour.

Night snorkeling with manta rays is one of the Big Island’s most popular experiences, and it’s even better with this ultra-small-group tour. Limited to just 6 snorkelers, you’ll set out from Honokohau Harbor heading for “Manta Heaven.” The boat’s light board attracts the gentle creatures (via lighting up plankton) and makes the water glow, guaranteeing you an unforgettable underwater experience.

The Big Island of Hawaii has a diverse ecosystem unlike anywhere else on the planet, and on this day-long nature tour, experience the beauty of its black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you’re lucky, find Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the coast. Since the tour only requires a moderate amount of walking, it's an educational adventure for travelers of all ages, with snacks and refreshments included.

Combine two must-do experiences to enhance your vacation in Hawaii. First, board a spacious catamaran for a sunset cruise along the Kona coast. Then slip into the ocean for a snorkel adventure with manta rays. Guides provide instruction and ensure your comfort with included snorkel gear, swim noodle, and a wetsuit. Afterward, enjoy juice, soft drinks, or hot cocoa with cookies; beer, wine, and cocktails are available to purchase.

Increase your chances of spotting the Kona coast’s most spectacular marine wildlife with this dolphin- and whale-watching excursion led by Big Island experts. Set off with a skipper and naturalist guides who know exactly where the best observation areas are. Marvel at more than a dozen species of whales and dolphins all year round. Take in views of the coastline and snap photos while you learn about the Kona ecosystem.

Get up close with humpback whales near the Big Island of Hawaii on this guided, whale watching excursion. During Hawaii's whale season, the ocean is full of activity from humpback whales migrating from the Pacific Northwest to breed and nurse their young. Hear the whales with a hydrophone and learn about their behavior patterns from the certified naturalist guide. Snacks and light refreshments are provided.

Discover the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with a private certified guide. Meet your guide at the park and set out on a thrilling tour of the park's lava flows, viewpoints, and eruption sites. Travel in the comfort of a luxury Mercedes van and enjoy an itinerary customized for your group, whether you want to hike through lava fields or just soak up the scenery.

View dolphins in their natural environment with guides who respect these intelligent creatures’ boundaries during this cruise. The utmost respect and care are given to the dolphins to assure that this tour doesn’t disrupt their rest, nursing, and breeding behaviors. Depending on where the dolphins are seen, there may also be time for a quick snorkel at one of the many beautiful reef areas along the Kona coastline.

Birdwatching and native plant-finding on a private Hawaiian nature preserve? Talk about once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Picked up by your naturalist guide, you’ll hit the backroads of the Hakalau National Forest Reserve, where you’ll spend the whole day sighting Akepa, Apapane, Omao, happy-faced spiders, carnivorous caterpillars, and dozens more endemic species. Break for lunch between scouting adventures, and return to civilization with a handful of lifers under your belt!

The Hawaiian night sky is a grab bag of UFO activity, if you know how to spot it. On this tour, you’ll be set up with military-grade night-vision goggles to watch the skies, guided by pro UFO-spotters. Opt for the Expanded Spiritual UFO Tour, and you’ll learn how to raise your body’s vibrations to contact spacecraft—safe to say, you will not forget this experience.

This tide pool is my secret. It's off the beaten path. A miracle of nature. It's located in Pahoa (30 min. south of Hilo). We'll use a jungle & lava rock coastal trail. Each way takes 20-30 min. and is half a mile. You control how long we stay at the pool (typically 1 - 1.5 hours). - There's elevation gain on the hike, offering amazing views of the coast. - The pool is like an infinity pool overlooking the cliffs. You'll feel close to the wild ocean while being protected. - The conditions are unusually calm. There's a deep (4-7 ft.) & shallow (1-4 ft.) area. - The pool fills when waves hit the cliffs, sending water into the air like a blowhole upwards of 50 ft. - You can explore the exotic ecosystem, e.g., crabs, fish, shells, rocks, other creatures. The views from the lava rock border are chef's kiss. - The crystal clear water is mineralized by the lava rock. - You'll be alone at the pool because it's unknown. - Your experience will be customized. Only your group will participate.

Take an afternoon sail with us to search for the magnificent kohola (whales).  Every year these giants of the ocean travel over 3000 miles to warm Hawaiian waters where they breed, give birth and nurse their calves. Our tours include complimentary snacks, all non-alcoholic beverages and happy hour pricing on all beer, wine and spirits (age 21 and over).    Great views, beautiful marine life and the nicest sailing catamaran on the Kona coast – a great way to spend an afternoon!

14 guest Max on a Zodiac Navy SEAL speed boat! Snorkel in Sea Caves along the kona coastline! Explore Sea Caves, Lava Tubes, Coves & other coastline topography! We might Encounter Dolphins & Whales. *Wildlife NOT guaranteed Snacks & water included. Snorkel gear & floatation devices included.

Snorkeling in Hawaii is reliably fantastic; snorkeling with Hawaii’s manta rays is reliably next-level. With this tour, you’ll take a short boat ride out to one of the island’s hottest manta-ray hangouts, where you’ll get in the water and watch their majestic movements in their natural habitat. Underwater dive lights make the moment extra magical—and extra photographable.

Night snorkeling with manta rays is the Big Island’s most popular experience, and you won’t miss out with this easy tour. Departing from Kona, you’ll follow your captain to one of two manta-ray hotspots, where you’ll don your wetsuit tops and snorkel gear to hit the waters. The boat’s LED light boards illuminate the plankton, drawing the rays to you—a guaranteed wildlife adventure.

For one of the best sunset views on the Big Island, head out on the water with this super raft tour. Make your way to Kailua-Kona Pier to board the boat, then soak up the scenery as you cruise out along the coast. Enjoy the provided dinner and listen to informative narration as you watch a beautiful sunset over the Big Island.

See and listen to the Humpback Whales from aboard our stable and spacious catamaran. Our trained naturalist will help you understand the whales' behaviors and answer your Humpback questions. Weather permiting, we'll deploy our underwater hydrophone so you can eavesdrop on the haunting songs of the Humpbacks. This trip is guaranteed with the best guarantee on the island. If we don't see Humpbacks during your cruise, you can come back again until you do (no limits on return trips).

Offering private tours that are completely customized to you with your interests in mind. On Captain Chad's Charters we experience daily encounters with spinner dolphins, manta rays, turtles, whale sharks, as well as seasonal humpback whale sightings where we are able to encounter, watch, and listen to the humpback whales!