On the Water
5 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 97% of travelers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$129
$104
per adult
Dolphin Discoveries
Dolphin Discoveries
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursDolphin & Whale Watching
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
We are a boutique snorkeling company that specializes in ocean education and Hawaiian history. We offer a variety of snorkeling and wild life viewing tours in Kona. The ocean is our life and our home. Let us share it with you and your family! Slip beneath the waves to see underwater beauty and marine life at some of Kona, Hawaii’s best snorkel spots!
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Dolphin Discoveries
On the Water
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 92% of travelers
92% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$79
per adult
On the Water
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travelers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$84
per adult
On the Water
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travelers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$151
per adult
Private and Luxury
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$114
per adult
Travelers talk about
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
3,256 reviews
Excellent
2,980
Very good
166
Average
47
Poor
31
Terrible
32
ADevaraj
Richland, WA31 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
We went on the dolphin discovery tour with Kona Captain (Keith) of Dolphin Discovery company yesterday Dec 18th 2020. The boat was a retured navy seals u boat with 3 couples and captian. We zoomed off to locate a pod of dolphins and our captian spotted them really quickly and dropped us off in the best spot. The pod had some 50+ dolphins swimming together and they were swimming very very close to us! We got more than an hour of swimming time with that dolphin pod. Then the captial drove us to the bay besides captial cook monument and on the way stopped by the red rock cove, parrot cove and one otger really cool sea arch on the way. At kaelakekua bay also we got to snorkel probably for another hour seeing the beautiful reefs and fishes there. Captian keith also shared a lot of history about hawaii culture and geology. This was hands down one of the most enjoyable snorkeling and swim with dolphins trip we have ever been to. Highly recommended.
Written December 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We really appreciate your 5 star review @ADevaraj! When we are able to find dolphins right away, it is such a treat to be able to take our guests to Kealakekua Bay. Mahalo for sharing your experience while out on our swim with dolphins adventure :)
Written December 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dagmargabler
Berlin, Germany1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Couples
Back in Germany and more than a week after the Dolphin Discovery tour my husband and I are still inspired by the adventure that our captains Erica and Liz and about 3 dozens of dolphins that we snorkeled with, provided.
It was a pretty early trip to the bay, but the dolphins appeared again and again, accompanied us, and really seemed to like hanging around us and seems to amuse themselves with and about us and also came really close. I could hear their "singing and quacking" under water and had plenty of opportunity to play and "dance" around with them. Not only a fun encounter, but a simply awesome experience.
It was a pretty early trip to the bay, but the dolphins appeared again and again, accompanied us, and really seemed to like hanging around us and seems to amuse themselves with and about us and also came really close. I could hear their "singing and quacking" under water and had plenty of opportunity to play and "dance" around with them. Not only a fun encounter, but a simply awesome experience.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha Dagmargabler!
We always say that we'll help create memories to last a lifetime, and I'm glad to hear that, thus far, it's holding true! It sounds like yours and your husband's experience on our Dolphin Discovery Adventure was a fun-filled day with playful spinner dolphins! Mahalo for sharing your experience with us, we are so happy to hear that it was an unforgettable experience! Be sure to check out our Facebook page and give us a "like" so that you can continue to live in that vacation state of mind! You can find us at @DolphinDiscoveriesHI! Come back and see us again!
Mahalo nui loa for choosing Dolphin Discoveries!
Written January 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patricia M
madrid35 contributions
Feb 2020
I had already swam with the dolphins in other countries, and swam with other marine animals in Hawaii, and one of my initial concerns was that the tour was too oriented to beginner snorkelers and could be too introductory for me. However, and although the trip was perfect for first time snorkelers too (we had a few in our boat) it was the best dolphin interaction I have ever had! While other companies just make you float as a group on top for the dolphins for a few seconds, we could freely swim with the dolphins 4 times and had plently of opportunities to see them very close. The crew positioned the boat in the perfect place to have the dolphins passing by every time. The crew takes very seriously dolphin encounter etiquette to respect the dolphins and their space and I also loved that. They were very friendly and informative too. Then we had time for a snorkel in captain cook area, which also was very beautiful. Amazing experience and 100% recommended!
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha Patricia!
Mahalo nui loa for such an in-depth review of our Dolphin Discovery Adventure! We love that you are able to compare our trip with others across the world, and it is so humbling to read that we took the cake! We love what we do, and we love the ocean with all its inhabitants! It's always our hope and goal to spread that love to our guests, so we appreciate you letting us know how we are doing!
Mahalo nui loa for recommending Dolphin Discoveries!
A hui hou! See you soon!
Written February 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kannan
3 contributions
Jun 2021
We were on a boat with Zack and Captain Raj. It was a beautiful morning and our guides took us around for while until they found a large pod of dolphins near the Four Seasons (about 1+ hr away by boat. Along they way they paused and explained various sites. We understand that you cannot summon wild animals at will and they were good at moderating our expectations as we searched for dolphins.
When we finally found the pod, we had an AMAZING time. They asked each of us to take a pool noodle so they could keep track of their charges in the water. We were told to respect the dolphins and not swim towards them to avoid spooking them. Our 9 year old kept forgetting that in his excitement and would swim after them. They did not seem spooked and kept circling back. Raj and Zack were extremely helpful with issues that cropped up - I had trouble getting water out of my snorkel,.. our 13 year old needed help getting his fins off before getting back on, older relatives who did not get into the water
Over all, we stayed in the water in two nearby locations and had dolphins within a ft or two below and around us for almost the entire time.
When we finally found the pod, we had an AMAZING time. They asked each of us to take a pool noodle so they could keep track of their charges in the water. We were told to respect the dolphins and not swim towards them to avoid spooking them. Our 9 year old kept forgetting that in his excitement and would swim after them. They did not seem spooked and kept circling back. Raj and Zack were extremely helpful with issues that cropped up - I had trouble getting water out of my snorkel,.. our 13 year old needed help getting his fins off before getting back on, older relatives who did not get into the water
Over all, we stayed in the water in two nearby locations and had dolphins within a ft or two below and around us for almost the entire time.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
First...Mahalo for hanging in there for the boat ride. We do know that it is a long one when we have to cruise that far north. Second....Big Mahaloz for the 5 star recommendation and shout out to your crew! They do really work hard. We are so happy to hear that you had a great experience with the dolphin on your day out! We do hope that we can see you again next time!
Written June 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
david f
Calgary, Canada180 contributions
Jan 2020
Dolphin Discoveries is a bit of budget outfit...check in on a public picnic table, some of the equipment while functional is a bit worn but Sydney, our captain was knowledgeable and helpful and we really like the fact there was only 6 of us on the boat , the fact we got down to Kealakakua before the big crowds came, visiting the lava formations along the coast and the fact there were 2 .snorkelling dives --the other being Place of Refuge which was also astounding and somewhat less of a frenzy by late morning than Kealakakua. Boat is ridgid zodiac design so a bit bumpy but we (both in our 60s) found the boat ride there and back a lot of fun. If morning is cloudy or cool bring a layer or two to keep you from getting chilled. In summary, absolutely recommend.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha David!
Mahalo for sharing your thoughts and experience on our Kona Snorkel Adventure! We're so glad to hear that you had a great time out on the boat and in the water with us! Please come out and join us again, or try another one of our many adventures! We offer returning guests discounts, so be sure to check your email!
Mahalo nui loa for recommending Dolphin Discoveries!
Written January 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
chet765
Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
These young ladies went the extra mile - literally, to make sure we saw whales after our snorkeling. Their staff was warm and friendly and knowledgeable. Snorkeling was great and discovering new places was an added surprise. The pineapple pieces for a snack was a great way to end our trip.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha Chet!
Discovery is what we are all about! So happy to hear about your added surprises and extra miles to see new places and the majestic whales! If you haven’t snorkeled with the manta rays yet, there’s another adventure waiting for you! Come hang out with us one night on our Manta Snorkel Adventure, and be sure to use your discount code that you can find in your email! Mahalo for the review! See you soon!
A hui hou and mahalo for choosing Dolphin Discoveries to be a part of your Hawaiian adventures!
Written January 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dhanashree Pisal
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • Friends
We did the Manta Ray discovery with Jess and Captain Alan. We had booked for 6:30 pm. It was dark but well lit so it was not scary at all. We had amazing fun with Jess and Alan being super friendly. Being a novice swimmer, they made me feel pretty confident and less intimidating. Highly highly recommend it if you are visiting the Big Island with family or friends.
Written December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad to hear that our captain and crew helped you feel safe and secure so that you could enjoy your experience with the manta rays!!! Mahalo for giving them a shout out and thank you for joining us! We really appreciate it and hope to see you again on your next visit!
Written December 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathryn T
5 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We had an excellent trip! Captain Erica and crew mate Liz were informative about the dolphins, whales and coral reefs. We were lucky that we immediately saw spinner dolphins AND spotted dolphins 10mins into our trip! We swam with over 60 dolphins for about 30mins before they swam off. We saw calves nursing, juveniles blow a bubble ring, and adults peacefully swimming. We had extra time that allowed us to visit Captain Cooks reef, which was the BEST snorkeling I have ever experienced. We even saw 5 humpback whales while traveling to the different snorkeling sites. I highly recommend booking with Dolphin Discoveries!
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha DvmYager!
Fingers crossed you snagged some photos of this awesome trip! Oh my gosh it sounds so amazing! Mahalo for sharing your experience with us on the Dolphin Discovery Adventure! The water has been sounding ridiculously magical lately, and your words confirmed it! We are grateful for your recommendation and hope to see you again!
Mahalo for choosing Dolphin Discoveries!
Written January 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dalia S
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Family
We all had an excellent experience spotting the dolphins and swimming with them.
The 2 coaches did a great job at driving the boat, pointing out local attractions and of course finding the Dolphins. I took my 3 teens and we had an amazing experience.
Pricey but well worth it.
The 2 coaches did a great job at driving the boat, pointing out local attractions and of course finding the Dolphins. I took my 3 teens and we had an amazing experience.
Pricey but well worth it.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha Dalia!
Mahalo for joining us on our Dolphin Discovery Adventure! It’s always a success when the teens say they had an amazing time! Excellence is what we strive for, and by the looks of your review, we achieved it! Mahalo for taking the time to send us a review! We hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation! Please come and see us again soon!
Aloha and a hui hou!
Written January 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eric L
1 contribution
Feb 2023
My partner and I had a blast! Safe, fun, really personal tour. Captain Shelly took time for us to see whales and then out us in the most amazing spot for snorkeling, you will really get your money’s worth. I wish we would have used him for manta ray your as well because other companies lack what Dolphin discovery gives! 5 star and a must see.
Written February 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hiral s
Maui, Hawaii
We are a family of 4 and only my daughter knows swimming. We as parents can go to the beach and do kayaking but snorkeling is a different experience.
My question is snorkeling commended for the nonswimmers or newbies?
Written December 26, 2022
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.
Written December 27, 2022
We are cruising on the NCL Pride of America in November. We are wondering if we will be able to make it to this tour in time after we tender the same morning. Does anybody have experience successfully doing that, and how risky is it to? Thanks!
Written September 25, 2018
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.
Written September 25, 2018
PRI002
San Jose, California
Hi, Except for my daughter the rest of us a poor swimmers/non swimmer. Is this Dolphin Tour a good choice for us?
Thanks for your advice!
Written March 26, 2018
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.
Written July 9, 2018
スイムガイドがいないとありますが、こちらのツアーは海に入るタイミングなどを指示してくれるがいどはいないのでしょうか？
I'm thinking join this tour but is there no guide who is telling us the point and timing junp into the sea.
Do they have LIFE JACKET provided ?
It is just freee
Written August 21, 2017
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。
Written August 21, 2017
Hi! Is this Dolphin Tour a good choice? There are others that are twice as expensive that say they provide more personalized service and many more views of Dolphins. I'd love to do this with an ethical fun company and not break the bank :-). Thanks for your advice!
Written July 27, 2017
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!
Written July 28, 2017
Does this company treat dolphins ethically? We have heard that many of these companies on the Big Island are disrupting the natural behavior of the dolphins. While my kids would love this, i do want to teach them to respect wildlife and admire it in a way that does not harm them. Thanks!
Written July 15, 2017
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...
Written July 17, 2017
Hi. We are cruising to Hawaii and stop at Kona September 15 on Celebrity's Solstice. Do you meet the cruise ship?
Written September 1, 2016
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.
Written September 2, 2016
My second question on here so I am grateful for any answers.
I'm looking at doing the Ali'i Tour to get both the dolphin swim and the Captain Cook snorkeling. I wondered - can you see any manta rays while snorkeling in these places? My son loves them, but I really want to swim with the dolphins so I'd love to think he might see one...don't think he could do the night swim with the mantas b/c he's not that strong a swimmer and honestly can't afford to do both.
Thanks!!
Written March 27, 2016
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.
Written March 1, 2017
Hi Everyone, I am mostly interested in an up close and informative swim with dolphins in Kona during April8-11.
let me know the tours and kamaina specials
I am in Maui and coming to look at UH Hilo ( student) for next fall
Mahalo
ronda, please
Written March 26, 2016
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.
Written March 27, 2016
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