Big Island snorkeling is about as good as snorkeling gets, and few Big Island visitors miss out on it as a result. An abundance of fascinating marine animals make their home off the Kohala and Kona coasts on the island's west side, and there are a number of tour companies here that can take you to some of the top spots. You don't have to book a special tour to enjoy snorkeling on the Big Island, however, as some of the beaches here are ideal locations for anybody to snorkel. Staying at a beachfront resort is a good idea if you are planning on doing a lot of Big Island snorkeling, as you'll always be close to the water.

The Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, which is ideally situated on beautiful Hapuna Beach, is just one of the beachfront resorts where you might consider staying when snorkeling on the Big Island is high on your list of things to do. The small cove here boasts tropical fish and green sea turtles, both of which you are bound to see on your underwater expeditions. Anyone who is new to snorkeling will enjoy this cove, as well as Kahaluu Beach Park, which is also a candidate for top places to snorkel on the Big Island. Found on the Kona Coast, Kahaluu Beach Park has tide pools that are full of fish, and access to these pools could hardly be any easier. If you don't already have an idyllic beach with calm water conditions fronting your hotel, other destinations that are ideal for Big Island snorkeling include Spencer Beach Park, Kekaha Kai State Park, and Honaunau Beach Park, among others. In other words, finding great places to go snorkeling on the Big Island won't be an issue.

In addition to wading into the water on a beach, those who are looking to snorkel on the Big Island can also head out to sea in a boat. More often than not, the Big Island snorkeling tours that take you out to sea also involve swimming with dolphins, which is a treat in and of itself. Whether you are staying at a beachfront resort or booking a special snorkeling tour, your equipment will typically be provided. A mask, a snorkel, and some fins are all that you need to go snorkeling on the Big Island, and it's a good idea to bring your own mask and snorkel with you on the plane or cruise ship if you are concerned about hygiene or simply want to spend a lot of time in the water. One of the top places that the Big Island snorkeling tours like to visit is Kealakekua Bay, which is arguably the island's best overall snorkeling site. In addition to scores of tropical fish, those who snorkel or scuba dive in Kealakekua Bay are also likely to see moray eels, dolphins, octopuses, and other marine creatures. Seeing some interesting sea creatures is basically guaranteed when you snorkel on the Big Island.

Big Island Map

The Big Island snorkeling tours come in all shapes and sizes, so finding the right one for your group is a breeze. Perhaps you'll be up for a snorkeling and rafting excursion, where exploring sea caves is part of the plan. The Big Island caves are fascinating, and snorkeling in them is an experience you won't soon forget. Kids and adults alike can enjoy Big Island snorkeling, and since it's one of the more affordable island activities, it should fit well into the budget for any Big Island vacation.