SNORKELING · THE USA

Where to Snorkel in the USA: the 15 Best Trips

156 trips  ·  from $25 a head

Hawaii for turtles and mantas, the Florida Keys for the only living barrier reef in the continental states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands for warm easy water. These 15 are priced, timed and clear about which need an early boat.

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel - The sunset cruise from Kona
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Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

1.Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,656 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84Our pick

Meet Hang Loose Boat Tours at Keauhou Bay for a sunset boat ride and nighttime manta ray snorkel. Bryce, Noah, Vince, Jordan, and other crew members may guide your group, with wetsuit tops, flotation gear, snacks, and a free return trip if no mantas appear.

“Our traveling family group of 11 adults and children had a great time up close with the Manta Rays. Good information from the tour guide and their helpers. Good supervision and safety oversight. This experience left a wonderful, long lasting memory with all of us, particularly the young ones, age 9, 13, and 14.”

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Oahu's Ultimate Tour: Dole, Turtle Snorkel, Pali Lookout & More - Nuʻuanu Pali and the windward coast
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Oahu’s Ultimate Tour: Dole, Turtle Snorkel, Pali Lookout & More

2.Oahu’s Ultimate Tour: Dole, Turtle Snorkel, Pali Lookout & More

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,461 reviews · 10 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $108

Spend a full day circling Oahu by air-conditioned bus, with Waikiki pickup, scenic lookouts, North Shore beaches, macadamia nuts, local fruit, Haleiwa lunch, turtle snorkeling, and Dole Plantation. Guides such as Kap, Dirk, and Rob lead the route, though stops and vehicle quality can vary.

“We were able to see a little bit of everything and enjoyed our tour guide, but unfortunately had a terrible experience snorkeling. The beach that was selected was incredibly rocky and littered with urchins that made it incredibly difficult to access the snorkeling point. The water was murky and difficult to see through, so we were not able to see much sea life and we left the experience cut up/ bleeding from the rocks, frustrated and disappointed. None of this was the fault of our guide, but if you are selecting this tour with the hope that the snorkeling will be the highlight of the trip, you may be best…”

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Oahu Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling— Small-Groups - Diamond Head and Halona Blowhole: a quick start by the sea
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Oahu Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling— Small-Groups

3.Oahu Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling— Small-Groups

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,214 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $149

Spend a full day circling Oahu by air-conditioned minibus, with stops at Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, Kualoa Point, North Shore beaches, a macadamia farm, and Dole Plantation. Snorkeling gear, Waikiki pickup, and a guide such as Nevin, Raul, or Justin are included.

“So fun we did a whole tour around oahu and learned a lot about the island ! A full days worth of fun!!”

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Waikiki, Hawaii: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Excursion - What the two-hour schedule feels like
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Waikiki, Hawaii: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Excursion

4.Waikiki, Hawaii: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,656 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79

Leave from Living Ocean Tours near Ala Moana and ride to Waikiki’s Turtle Canyon for a guided snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles and reef fish. Guides such as Chance and Aaron are known for patient instruction, while dolphins, flying fish, and winter whales may appear from the boat.

“Amazing experience, knowledgable staff, cool boat, loads of turtles, dolphins, colourful fish and a whale!”

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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Shell Island gives the trip its sense of place
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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

5.Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,362 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $57

Spend about three hours aboard Island Time Sailing’s roomy catamaran, watching for wild dolphins, snorkeling in St. Andrews Bay, and playing at Shell Island. Captain Clay, Heath, Keith, Sarah, Emma, and other crew members have helped make the trip lively and easygoing, with drinks, music, paddleboards, and a waterslide onboard.

“Great boat, very comfortable, easy to see marine life. Great crew, very attentive, lots of really good information. Perfect spot for exploring Shell Island and alittle snorkeling. Drinks were amazing. Whole afternoon was relaxed and great fun. Book Island Time for sure!”

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Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure in Waikiki, Oahu - What the Two-Hour Trip Feels Like
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Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure in Waikiki, Oahu

6.Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure in Waikiki, Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,197 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $85

Board Charter Oahu at Ala Moana Harbor for a two-hour Turtle Canyon trip with certified staff, premium snorkel gear, flotation aids, snacks, and juice. Look for green sea turtles, angelfish, and reef fish, then relax on floating platforms. Captain Chris and crew members such as Lily and Sophia have earned warm praise for safety and care.

“Great experience. Saw many turtles and on our way to turtle cove we saw a whale and dolphins. Staff were great”

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The 'OG' Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer - The boat ride through Kings Bay
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The ‘OG’ Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer

7.The ‘OG’ Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,539 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $76

Join River Ventures in Crystal River for a three-hour manatee swim with an in-water guide and photographer. You will cruise Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs, learn encounter rules, wear provided gear, and return with optional photos. Groups are limited to 10 people.

“AMAZING!! Eddie and JJ were our guides and did a fantastic job. Within minutes, with the help of JJ’s drone, they found 2 manatees and we jumped in the water. Eddie was super helpful navigating everyone to see the manatees. There ended up being 3 manatees- a mom, calf and young male all in the same area. This was truly an unforgettable experience and can’t wait to do it again! Highly recommend!”

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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor - The three-minute ride to the manta site
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Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

8.Big Island: Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Keauhou Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,465 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $25Best value

Meet at Keauhou Harbor, collect your mask and snorkel, then take a three-minute boat ride to a manta feeding site. Guides such as Greg, Eric, Mahina, and Ash provide safety help while you float beside rays attracted by a 150,000-lumen light board. Wetsuits cost $10 extra.

“I had a great experience from start to finish. They guide you step by step and give very clear instructions. We did the 6:20 and saw many Manta-rays. I was a bit anxious but we were in the best hands and the captain and two guide members were incredible. Im so glad I did it!”

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Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch - Riding south along the Kona Coast
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Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

9.Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,232 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85

Ride Hang Loose’s power catamaran from Kona to Kealakekua Bay, where you can snorkel among coral, fish, and sea turtles. The crew, including captains Aiden and Bryce when scheduled, provides gear, lunch, local history, and a scenic Kona Coast cruise.

“We traveled about 14 miles south via catamaran and snorkeled while surrounded by beauty. Huge shout out to the captain, the jokes had my husband and I laughing the whole time!”

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Maui Snorkeling Adventure to Molokini and Turtle Town - Molokini Crater and Its Clear Water
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Maui Snorkeling Adventure to Molokini and Turtle Town

10.Maui Snorkeling Adventure to Molokini and Turtle Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,221 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $159

Join Malolo Charters for a 5.5-hour morning catamaran trip from Maalaea Harbor to Molokini Crater and a second stop at Turtle Town or Coral Gardens. You get gear, flotation aids, breakfast, lunch, two restrooms, and crew guidance, with whale sightings possible in season.

“Its super amazing staff, safety by life guard, food, beautiful aquatic life and an amazing experience”

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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings - The short RHIB ride to the viewing site
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KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

11.KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel – FREE re-ride if no Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,212 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $49

Join My Kona Adventures at Kailua-Kona’s small dock for a short RHIB boat ride to a manta viewing site. Guides such as Taco, Peyton, and Mike explain manta behavior before you spend about 25 to 30 minutes in the water. The group holds up to 11 people, and wetsuits are optional.

“Fun and well organized experience. Crew was great and very knowledgeable. They found 3 manata rays right away which lead to a very memorable experience for us.”

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Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed - Waikiki and Diamond Head From the Water
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Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed

12.Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,109 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $134

Sail from Kewalo Basin aboard the 40-passenger Honu Lani to Turtle Canyon, where a guide helps you snorkel beside green sea turtles. The midday trip includes a deli lunch, local drinks, and views of Diamond Head. Crews may include Chris, Natalie, Greta, Joey, or Whitney.

“This was an absolutely wonderful experience. The size of the catamaran was great so you don’t feel crowded, plus they limit the amount of people snorkeling so you get personal attention I would highly recommend this trip and this company.”

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Maui Snorkeling Adventure From Ma'alaea Harbor to Molokini - A well-designed boat for a big morning outing
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Maui Snorkeling Adventure From Ma’alaea Harbor to Molokini

13.Maui Snorkeling Adventure From Ma’alaea Harbor to Molokini

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,997 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $185

Sail from Maalaea Harbor aboard Calypso, Maui’s triple-decker catamaran, for about 5.5 hours of snorkeling at Molokini and Turtle Town. Your crew provides gear, meals, lifeguards, slides, glass-bottom viewing, and island commentary. Stop order depends on sea conditions, and whales may appear in winter.

“This is a fabulous and fun excursion! Calypso and their crew were very attentive and so helpful. The photographer ensured that each passenger was included in action shots. Thank you!! The captain and first mate are outstanding and the crew provided informative historical background about the islands, the marine life and culture. An unexpected monk seal swam into the snorkelers and I got to see him and his whiskers in front of me.”

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Maui: Turtle Town Snorkel with Photo and Video - From beach entry to the turtle area
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Maui: Turtle Town Snorkel with Photo and Video

14.Maui: Turtle Town Snorkel with Photo and Video

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,916 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $129

Swim from Makena Landing to Maui’s Turtle Town with guides such as Joe, Robbie, or Alex. You’ll receive gear, instruction, a life jacket, guided snorkeling, photos, and raw video clips. The group is limited to 10, but reaching the turtles can mean a longer swim than some first-time snorkelers expect.

“The Trutle Poiny snorkeling experience was great for my kids. They were a bit disappointed for not spotting any turtle but entertained by their guide, Robbie, with other sea creatures.”

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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island - What happens from check-in to Keauhou Bay
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Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

15.Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,758 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $44

From Keauhou Bay, Dolphin Discoveries takes you by boat to a lit viewing float where manta rays feed after dark. You receive a mask, snorkel, and short-sleeve wetsuit top, then hold the float while guides help you watch the rays up close. Swimming skills and comfort in dark, open water are required.

“It’s an amazing experience…once in a lifetime experience…our guide Brianna was wonderful and friendly…I took a video from the start before I jumped off the boat till almost the end and my vid was only 16 mins ☹️ I thought we will be in the water for 30 mins as indicated … the check in staff at the store was friendly and pleasant as well. Overall, it’s a nice experience and recommends it to everyone.”

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New in the USA Snorkeling Tours

★ 5.0Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale WatchingFrom $119196 reviews
★ 5.0Clear Kayak Tour with Pontoons and Optional Snorkeling-UnlimitedFrom $134224 reviews
★ 3.5Full-Day Key West Tour and Coral Reef Snorkeling with Open BarFrom $99216 reviews
★ 4.5Beginner Friendly Island SnorkelingFrom $99129 reviews
★ 3.5Key West Sail and Snorkel with Hotel Transportation from MiamiFrom $11994 reviews
★ 4.8From Keauhou Bay: Snorkel Cruise to Captain Cook’s MonumentFrom $135242 reviews
★ 5.0Snorkel Tour – Visit 2 Shallow Reefs John Pennekamp State ParkFrom $78246 reviews
★ 4.5Oahu: All Day Circle Island Tour with SnorkelingFrom $72245 reviews
★ 5.0Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook MonumentFrom $136246 reviews
★ 5.0Sea Scooter Snorkeling Tour with GoPro – Wailea BeachFrom $149251 reviews
★ 4.5Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour from KonaFrom $160250 reviews
★ 4.6Oahu: Waikiki Turtle Snorkeling Adventure CruiseFrom $67248 reviews
★ 5.0Eco-Raft Tour: Maui-Lanai Snorkel / Dolphin Watch (Semi-Private)From $96259 reviews
★ 5.0Manatee Snorkel Tour from American Pro Diving CenterFrom $65265 reviews
★ 5.09am Turtle Canyon Snorkel AdventureFrom $84274 reviews

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