We would call ourselves newbies and found snorkeling very easy. The snorkeling locations tend to have calm waters. The pool noodle provided by Dolphin Discoveries definitely helps make snorkeling extremely easy. maybe rent snorkeling gear (there are several available all over Hawaii) and try it out in one of the local beaches before going on the snorkeling tour.

Firstly, the Dolphin Discoveries people are extremely helpful. It is possible they would drop you back at the launch before the snorkeling part of the excursion. Ask them. Otherwise, I don't know what time you have to be back at your cruise ship, but the launch site is about a fifteen min drive from downtown Kona.

We had a different experience from the 2 answers that suggested you swim quickly to keep up with the dolphins. We were taught by our crew to simply float, and the dolphins will casually swim near you. If you chase them, they will flee. We found that to be incredibly true. As soon as the more aggressive tour boats arrived with their aggressive divers, the dolphins seemed to vanish. You just need to be able to float, face down, and use a face mask & snorkel.

船長とガイドはいますが、彼らは海に入りません。でも、イルカがいるところへ連れて行ってくれて、どちらに向かうべきかは教えてくれます。３隻の船を出して、別方向に出かけ連絡を取り合うので、イルカに遭遇する確率はほかのツアーより高いです。

definitely! there were a few other companies on the water at the same time as us as we were in the water with the dolphins just as often if not more! not sure how they guarantee a more personalised service with wild animals! and there was only 6 of us on the boat so again with our skipper it was perfect best thing we did all trip!

We were very conscious of that and we found that their treatment was outstanding. First off the dolphins are born there...the staff is great and very caring. If the dolphins don't feel like participating they aren't forced too. They are happy...well adjusted and we can honestly say they are in great hands. We even met a baby who buzzed us unexpectedly! Incredible...

We don't think they meet cruise ships. If you can plan ahead, make a reservation. But, they depart at a harbor located 20 min. below Kona Kailua. They depart about 8:30 am. But, please check with company.

Their phone number is website dolphin discoveries

You can do dolphin discoveries (highly recommend Capt Erika and Kriss) and go for dinner at Mantas on the bay at the Sheraton and you can see Mantas feeding on plankton while you eat. The lights at the hotel attract plankton and the Mantas always follow. I was just there tonight and watched 3 large Mantas right there at the restaurant (overlooking the water). Fabulous. They were like 6 to 8 foot Mantas and you could see them very well. The burgers are some of the best in the world too.

We have been very impressed that the Dolphin Discovery adapt to changes in conditions to make the tour fun & educational. The boats all keep track of where dolphins have been sighted to give you the best chance. If you want a guarantee, though, go to the Waikoloa hotel with tame Dolphins.