Best Ocean Tours on the Big Island of Hawaii

Thinking about Hawaii conjures up images of pristine beaches and crystal clear blue water. Well the Big Island is said to rival all other islands by having access to the most perfect waters. Off of the shores of Kona lie the calmest, clearest waters that fish just seem to love. There are numerous boats that offer ocean tours; the following is a list of the best ocean tours on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Fair Wind Ocean Guides, out of Kealakekua Bay, has been offering ocean tours to Big Island visitors for close to forty years. On their catamaran, Fair Wind II, they take guests seven and a half miles north and drop anchor for snorkeling and swimming. The catamaran features a slide, a diving board and a cash bar, which is why this is one of the best ocean tours on the Big Island of Hawaii. They also barbecue up burgers. They offer two tours, a four and a half hour morning tour and a 3 and a half hour afternoon tour. The morning tour serves a continental breakfast and snacks during the afternoon tour. Prices are $89 and $59 respectively. This is a great tour for the seafaring novice.

Sea Quest offers a more intimate voyage, which is why it is also one of the best ocean tours on the Big Island of Hawaii. Their 22-foot six passenger rigid-hull inflatable takes guests to the Captain Cook Monument and Honaunau. This ride is a little bumpy, so make sure you take your motion sickness medicine. The Sea Quest hugs the coast as the tour guides narrate the adventure. They take you to two snorkeling spots and ferry you in and out of a few sea caves. The trip costs about $80 for the four hour morning tour and $60 for the three hour afternoon tour. Snacks are provided.

If you are a fan of the show, The Bachelorette, then you are already familiar with Captain Zodiac which was featured in the hit reality show. Captain Zodiac launches from Honokohau Harbor and travels south to Kealakekua Bay. The captains entertain their guests with Hawaiian history and folklore as they make the trip south, visiting sea caves along the way. Captain Zodiac charges about $80 per person and provides snacks. The tour is about four hours.

Ocean tours offer a safe way of enjoying the splendor of the sea. The Big Island of Hawaii offers fantastic ocean adventures that include exotic fish, spinning dolphins and whales. The ocean tours mentioned in this article are the best on the Big Island.