Big Island: 3 Hour Waikoloa Snorkeling & Sailing Adventure

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and want to combine sailing with some of the best snorkeling the Big Island has to offer, this tour could be a solid choice. It’s run by Hawaii Nautical and gets a pretty good rating overall — 4.6 out of 5 from 36 reviews — which suggests most travelers come away happy. But as with any tour, it’s worth understanding what you’re in for before you book.

What I really like about this experience is how it offers a relaxing way to see Hawaii’s coast and marine life simultaneously — no rushing, just taking in the views and floating over colorful fish and turtles. Plus, the Spirit of Aloha catamaran looks comfortable and well-equipped, making the trip enjoyable even if you’re not a seasoned snorkeler.

One thing to consider is that snorkel gear isn’t included, which might seem like a minor detail, but it adds a small extra step—either bringing your own or purchasing sanitized gear locally. Also, the tour’s three-hour window is fairly short, but enough time to get a taste of Hawaii’s underwater world without feeling rushed. This tour is well-suited for those wanting a laid-back, scenic, and marine-focused outing — perfect for first-timers or anyone looking for a gentle adventure.

Key Points

• Comfortable Catamaran: The Spirit of Aloha offers a smooth, stable ride with plenty of shade and amenities.
• Marine Life: Likely to see dolphins, sea turtles, and seasonal whales, making it a dynamic snorkeling experience.
• Flexible Options: Available in morning, afternoon, or sunset, catering to different schedules.
• Active yet Relaxed: Snorkeling and sailing combined, with helpful guides in the water.
• No Snorkel Gear Included: Bring your own or buy sanitized sets; a small extra cost.
• Good Value: At $169 per person, it offers a decent balance of comfort, scenery, and marine encounters.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What to Expect from this Waikoloa Snorkel & Sail

This tour takes you out on the Spirit of Aloha, a 54-foot sailing catamaran known for its comfort and style. From the moment you step onboard, you can expect a relaxing, well-equipped vessel with plenty of shaded seating, a sound system, a bar, and restrooms. It’s built for comfort, so even if you’re prone to seasickness or just prefer a smooth ride, you’ll appreciate the design.

The departure point is Anaehoomalu Bay, which involves a beach-loading process with a tender boat transfer. This means you’ll walk barefoot into the seawater from the beach—so don’t wear your nicest shoes or clothes. It’s a casual, beachy start, and the crew helps ensure everyone is comfortable with the process.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Snorkeling at Offshore Reefs: The main highlight is snorkeling in the reefs just off the coast. We loved the way reviews mention how friendly and attentive the crew is — Allison from the US mentioned how helpful and safety-conscious they are, pointing out sea turtles, eels, octopus, and tropical fish. You’re in good hands with lifeguard-certified guides who assist both beginners and experienced snorkelers.

Sailing Along the Coast: After snorkeling, you’ll enjoy sailing along the coast, taking in the views of the Waikoloa and Kohala-Kona coastline. The sunset-orange and maile lei sail is visually stunning and provides a great contrast to the blue waters, perfect for photography or just soaking in the scenery.

Snacks and Beverages: During the trip, snacks and drinks are served, including unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. You get two bar drink tickets per adult—which can be used for a $1 beer or $2 wine—adding a nice touch of relaxation. Be aware that tips aren’t included, and snorkeling gear is an extra you’ll need to bring or buy.

Marine Encounters and Reviews

The reviews are pretty consistent here: most guests rave about the crew’s friendliness and the chance to see marine animals. Barb from the US calls it “one of the best snorkel tours,” emphasizing the small group size and the laid-back, welcoming vibe. Scott appreciated the “beautiful ocean sail” and felt very safe and taken care of, though he (like others) noted that no sea turtles were spotted during his trip.

One reviewer, traveling with a 9-year-old, shared how a crew member helped her daughter get motivated to snorkel by showing her a live conch—highlighting the personalized, caring service. Another reviewer from Germany mentioned the ride was good, and the snorkeling was at a nice spot, which indicates that even on days with less visibility or fewer animals, the experience can still be enjoyable.

Price and Value

At $169 per person, this tour sits in a reasonable price range for Hawaii, especially considering the amenities onboard and the chance to see marine life in a relaxed setting. Keep in mind that snorkeling gear isn’t included, so if you don’t have your own, consider the small extra cost of buying or renting sanitized sets.

Compared to other options, this trip is less about high-adrenaline adventure and more about enjoying a scenic sail with some quality snorkeling thrown in. It’s a good value if you appreciate comfort and a small-group experience—many reviews highlight the crew’s attentiveness and the overall smooth ride.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour appeals most to those looking for a laid-back, scenic, and marine-rich experience. It’s well-suited for first-timers or travelers who want a gentle introduction to Hawaii’s underwater world without a strenuous itinerary. Families with children who are comfortable in water might find it enjoyable too, especially given the helpful guides and calm waters.

It’s also a nice option if you want to combine sailing and snorkeling without committing to a full-day outing. The availability of morning and afternoon options makes fitting this into your schedule fairly straightforward.

If you’re seeking a high-energy adventure or want to see dolphins or whales (the latter seasonally from December to April), this might not be the tour for you. But for those who love a relaxing cruise with chances to see turtles and colorful fish, this could be a highlight of your trip.

Final Thoughts

In all, this Waikoloa snorkeling and sailing tour offers a comfortable, scenic way to enjoy Hawaii’s marine environment. The crew’s friendly attitude and the vessel’s amenities make it a relaxing outing, while the chance to see sea turtles, dolphins, and seasonal whales adds a special touch. It’s not the cheapest tour around, but the quality of the experience and the beautiful views justify the price.

If you’re after a casual, enjoyable way to spend a few hours on the water, and you’re okay with bringing your own snorkeling gear or paying a small extra fee, this tour could be a great pick. For those seeking a peaceful, scenic adventure with friendly guides, it’s definitely worth considering.

Is snorkeling gear included in the tour?
No, snorkeling gear is not included. You can bring your own or purchase sanitized sets locally before or during the trip.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours, usually offered in the morning, with options for afternoon or sunset cruises.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, snorkeling gear, and any outerwear you might want during the sail. Since boarding involves barefoot entry from the beach, wear something easy to rinse off.

Are beverages and snacks provided?
Yes, snacks and drinks are served onboard, including unlimited non-alcoholic beverages and two bar drink tickets per adult for beer or wine.

Can children participate?
While the reviews mention families and children, the tour is generally suitable for anyone comfortable in water. Always check your child’s swimming ability first.

Is there a chance to see marine life?
Most trips have good chances of seeing dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine creatures. During whale season (December–April), humpbacks are also likely to be spotted.

What’s the boarding process like?
Boarding involves a beach-loading process with a tender boat transfer to the vessel, and it takes a few steps into the seawater, so plan accordingly.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours can be canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions are too strong, as noted in reviews where trips were canceled due to wind.

How many people are on each trip?
While the exact size isn’t specified, the small-group vibe is emphasized, so expect a cozy experience with attentive guides.

Is tipping included?
No, tips are not included, so consider thanking your crew if you enjoyed the trip.

This outing offers a blend of comfort, scenic sailing, and marine encounters suitable for a laid-back day on the water. Whether you’re traveling solo, a couple, or with family, it’s a straightforward way to enjoy Hawaii’s coast and underwater beauty without fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here: