Boat tours vary by time of day, length of tour, meal service, type of vessel and cost. Cruises may depart Kailua Pier in Kailua-Kona, Honokohau Harbor, or Keauhou Bay. The tour may offer sightseeing, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, dolphin or whale watching.
Visitors may cruise the coast in a 23-24-foot motorized, inflatable, rubber raft. These boats have a fiberglass bottom and are designed to maneuver close to dolphins and other sea creatures. You can cruise and snorkel off of 36-foot, 60-foot catamarans or a 51-foot trimaran. There are several companies featuring yacht tours. One company runs SWATH (small waterplane area twin hull) cruises. SWATHs promote a seasick-free ride. There are tours with glass bottom boats so guests can explore the ocean without getting wet.
Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii's waters during December through March. Select a tour offering whale watching if you desire a close encounter.
