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Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour
Recommended by 90% of travelersBadge of ExcellenceBig Island of Hawaii, USA
- 50 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience the rainbow-colored fish and bright corals beneath the waves without ever getting wet during this glass-bottom boat trip from Kona. Climb aboard your 36-foot (10-meter) vessel (specially designed for floating above reefs) with an expert naturalist as you explore the incredible marine landscape of Hawaii. As you cruise, observe Hawaii’s underwater coastline and admire fascinating creatures like dolphins, turtles and maybe even a seasonal whale or two.
- Tour the coral reefs just off the Big Island aboard a glass-bottom boat
- Experience the magical underwater world of Hawaii without ever getting wet
- Travel aboard a custom-built boat designed to glide over shallow reefs
- Admire rainbow-colored tropical fish, beautiful coral, dolphins, and humpback whales
- Learn about the geology and ecology of Hawaii
- Perfect trip for families and children
- Great way to experience Hawaii's marine life
What's Included
- Live commentary on board
- Local guide
- Soda/PopWater and Ginger ale
- Food and drinks, but cold water is available
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 6598 Kaahumanu Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Meet the boat midway down the Kailua-Kona pier on Hawaii Island (The Big Island) 15 minutes prior to departure. It is located near the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Hotel (75-5660 Palani Rd 96740) a good place to park! Budget 10 min to park and walk to the boat. Look for blue & yellow flags.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Dive into the magical underwater world of Hawaii without ever leaving the boat during this ride aboard a glass-bottomed vessel. This special ship offers a unique window into the wondrous mysteries and fascinating creatures that inhabit the Big Island’s shores and reefs.
Check in for your morning boat ride at Kailua Pier, climbing down into the viewing area of your totally custom-built 36-foot (10-meter) boat. Grab a seat on a cushioned couch alongside one of the boat’s four viewing windows and receive an introduction and overview of your trip from your on-board naturalist.
Cruise out into the mellow waters just off the Big Island as you admire some of this amazing coastline’s unique coral reefs. Your unique shallow-bottom boat can get right up to the edge of these amazing underwater wildlife areas, offering you the perfect view. As you gaze in amazement at the colorful fish and corals below, listen as your naturalist narrator shares a few insights into reefs and the ecological forces that shape them. Learn where some of Hawaii’s beautiful white sand comes from and get a peek “behind the curtain” of fish mating rituals.
Continue your ride by proceeding into deeper waters, allowing you views of an amazing underwater pinnacle and a chance to watch as the bottom quickly drops off into the deep ocean. As you ride, you might even have the chance to spot spinner dolphins and (depending on the season) humpback whales. And if you get tired for some reason of the views from below, turn your gaze toward the horizon, where you’ll be able to spot historic shoreline sights like Hulihee Palace, Mokuaikaua Church and Kamakahonu (where King Kamehameha I made his home in his final years), plus much more.
Finish your magical experience along Hawaii’s beautiful coast by traveling back to Kailua Pier.
Check in for your morning boat ride at Kailua Pier, climbing down into the viewing area of your totally custom-built 36-foot (10-meter) boat. Grab a seat on a cushioned couch alongside one of the boat’s four viewing windows and receive an introduction and overview of your trip from your on-board naturalist.
Cruise out into the mellow waters just off the Big Island as you admire some of this amazing coastline’s unique coral reefs. Your unique shallow-bottom boat can get right up to the edge of these amazing underwater wildlife areas, offering you the perfect view. As you gaze in amazement at the colorful fish and corals below, listen as your naturalist narrator shares a few insights into reefs and the ecological forces that shape them. Learn where some of Hawaii’s beautiful white sand comes from and get a peek “behind the curtain” of fish mating rituals.
Continue your ride by proceeding into deeper waters, allowing you views of an amazing underwater pinnacle and a chance to watch as the bottom quickly drops off into the deep ocean. As you ride, you might even have the chance to spot spinner dolphins and (depending on the season) humpback whales. And if you get tired for some reason of the views from below, turn your gaze toward the horizon, where you’ll be able to spot historic shoreline sights like Hulihee Palace, Mokuaikaua Church and Kamakahonu (where King Kamehameha I made his home in his final years), plus much more.
Finish your magical experience along Hawaii’s beautiful coast by traveling back to Kailua Pier.
Kona Glassbottom Boat - Kailua Bay Charter Co.
50 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Departs from Kailua Pier, on the Big Island of Hawaii. The pier is adjacent to the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona, HI. You may park in this lot.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- This tour requires reconfirmation with the local supplier
- Children must be accompanied by an adult (Two children/infants max per one adult)
- Infants must sit on laps
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
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Featured review
Jane_H
Brittany was a great guide, making sure we saw as many sea creatures as possible. It was a beautiful clear day with fantastic visibility.
Reviews
4.6
428 reviews
Alayna_C, Jan 2025
Perfect for all ages! We enjoyed the commentary, views, and all around family activity! Would definitely do again.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Aloha! We’re glad you found the tour to be a fun and memorable family outing. Thanks for joining us out on the water!
Tonya_C, Jan 2025
We had the absolute best time. The staff was so knowledgeable about the different fish and they were very engaging! How close the boat was able to get to the reefs was truly amazing!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Aloha, Tonya! 🌞 We're so glad to hear you had such a memorable experience aboard! Mahalo for joining us, and thank you for your review!
KennethL_A, Dec 2024
The boat tour can cause motion sickness. Do not worry! Staff provided some passengers Ginger Ale and Water. Able to see many fish and other marine life. The Captain, Sarah & Amy were terrific educators on sea life. Great fun!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Mahalo for your kind words! We’re happy to hear you had a comfortable and enjoyable time aboard. Your feedback means a lot to us! 🌊
Gail_L, Dec 2024
Eden’s commentary made the whole experience quite memorable. We are still quoting her in our travel group. Going to find a sandy beach today somehow seems different now that we know what those sand particles really are, thanks to her.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Mahalo for the wonderful review, Gail! 🌺 We’re thrilled Eden’s commentary made the experience so memorable. Wishing you amazing beach adventures ahead!
Robert_M, Dec 2024
Very nice experience. Staff was great; upbeat and very knowledgeable. Short, but rewarding. You could see well through the glass.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
We really appreciate the glowing review, Robert! Glad you enjoyed the crew and what the excursion had to offer.
Julie_S, Dec 2024
We all got sick when we booked it we thought the hole bottom of the boat was glass not having to lean over to see it. Not something we would recommend.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Aloha Julie, we're truly sorry to hear the tour didn't meet your expectations. Our design is intended to offer a unique viewing experience, but we understand it may not have aligned with what you had in mind. We’re also sorry to hear your group felt unwell during the trip and truly appreciate your feedback as we work to improve. 🌺
Jon_Z, Nov 2024
Nice weather & gentle waters - disappointing fish sightings - good narration but not worth the price
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Aloha Jon, thanks for your feedback! 🌞 We’re happy you enjoyed the narration and time on the water, though we’re sorry the fish sightings didn’t meet expectations. We’re always striving to make every trip memorable!
Stephen_S, Oct 2024
Informative tour with lots of fish to look at. Crew were friendly and welcoming. Easy access to boat .
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Mahalo for your review! We're grateful you joined us and enjoyed the tour. Hope to see you on the water again someday!
Sumanth_G, Oct 2024
It was a great experience to see the Coral Reefs . The tour guide gave us a good walkthrough of the Coral reef ecosystem
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Aloha! Glad you enjoyed seeing the coral reefs 🌊. Mahalo for joining us on the tour and for your review!
Amanda_P, Oct 2024
This boat trip is amazing and the guide was amazing and she told us a lot of history and a lot about the fish in the area. This trip is a must!!! Thank you so much.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Aloha! 🌞 We're glad you liked the trip and enjoyed learning about the fish and history. Mahalo for joining us!
...
Likely to Sell Out
From $71.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour
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50 minutes
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