ocean safari hawaii

SeeThroughSea

Ocean tours & excursions in kailua kona, hawaii.

• Most Popular

Wildlife Safari

Educational safari-style open ocean tour! Our trips are custom tailored to our guests’ interests.

• Info All ages
• Hour Glass 4 hours

Experience Hawaiian Adventures

At SeeThroughSea, we are an owner-operated custom-tailored wildlife experience in Kona, HI. Specializing in Kona whale watching and Hawaii island and ocean tours. Dedication to education & conservation, we strive to provide value to our guests, our island & the scientific community.

• Hour Glass 3 hours

Kona Whale Watching

December – March : Join us for a private afternoon whale watch. We’ll set out in search of Humpback whales, hoping to see our magnificent wintertime visitors along the Kona Coast. Sightings are not guaranteed, but January through March there’s a great chance of seeing them.

• Hour Glass 1 hour

Mermaid Photoshoot

Calling all Mermaids and Mermen! Mermaid Experience events were designed to make our client’s dreams come true! Our goal is to safely and effectively help our customers create captivating and inspiring underwater imagery.

Afternoon Cruise

Experience a beautiful Hawaiian afternoon on the water! Take a relaxing cruise from Honokohau Harbor, sightseeing around the Kona coast. Keep an eye out for our resident Spinner Dolphins or Humback Whales from December through March. A terrific way to end a perfect day in Hawaii.

• Hour Glass 5 days

Long Range Week

Designed to cater to the advanced enthusiast, this week will be dedicated to going further offshore than normal, targeting the rarest species that we encounter. 5 consecutive days dedicated to scouring Kona’s deep water for anything and everything.

Check the Reviews of SeeThroughSea

Great trip, they really care about the ocean animals. we saw turtles, spinner dolphins , pilot whale and beaked whales. They cater the trip to what the group wants to see and do. Jim and Alex are very knowledgeable. they make the trip fun even with Jim's jokes. Definitely recommend them and definitelyy book with them , it's a trip you won't forget.

This was a fantastic snorkelling opportunity with a smaller scale operation. It was more personal and there is an obvious respect for the ocean with how Jim speaks and presents himself. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the waters and still provided us with an experience that was beyond what we thought was amazing - however Jim did not and offered for us to come back for another free excursion. Please support this company, you will not be disappointed. 🤙🐬🦈

This is one of our favorite excursions we've ever done on vacation! Ali and Jim were the best guides, you can tell how much they truly care about the ocean and wildlife we were seeing. We saw whales, dolphins, manta rays, and a turtle. Thank you for the highlight of our Hawaii trip!

Our trip with Ali and Jim was probably the best part of our honeymoon. They were the kindest people ever and gave us so much information about the wildlife we were seeing. The number of different species we saw was insane. I don't think I'll ever have a day like that again. I will definitely be booking with them again next time we make it to Kona.

I went on a snorkel safari with Alicia and Jim and it was amazing! It was my first time swimming with marine mammals!! We saw so many dolphins swimming around the boat and a cute baby! We swam with the giant and beautiful pilot whales and a manta! It was an incredible experience and i hope to come back again! And the most important, they respect the animals and you will learn about them! Thank you so much again!

Just returned from a trip to the Big Island, and without a doubt, the highlight of the trip was the Wildlife Safari snorkel trip with See Through Sea out of Kona. We swam peacefully by schools of dolphins, sea turtles, and to cap of the day, Jim and Alicia Ward (owners) found a school of pilot whales for us to swim by. I couldn't say enough good things about them and the experience. I can't wait to return and have another go. You never know what beautiful creatures they manage to find for us to observe.

Jim the boat captain was funny, professional & very educational. Saw all kinds of hawaiian sea life above & below the water. I would recommend them to small groups or families looking for a private & safe open sea adventure. Also they are a local Kona company with years of ocean experience.

These two gave us one of the coolest experiences of our lives. Totally chill and easy going people, and it’s like the ocean rewards their good vibes. We saw dolphins, sharks, and a manta ray on our tour, as well as underwater coral arches and caves. Highly recommend getting the photo package as well, we got some amazing shots back from Jim.

Call our local Hawaii specialists for any questions about our island tours and activities

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• Kayaking Tours (6)
• Surfing / SUP Lessons (3)

What to expect

Traveler's photos, activity provider, payment / cancellation policy, kona kayaking & snorkeling sea cave adventure at keauhou bay - ocean safari's.

Riding the waves in ocean kayaks adventure

Kayaking to the dragon's throat, snorkelling and enjoying our lead guides: winfield and olivia, ken & nicole hall, 3.5 hour(s), available daily, pick-up not available, not accessible.

Check-in at Keauhou Bay

Kayak through a sea cave and visit a lava tube as you explore the Big Island's volcanic waterfront in Keauhou Bay! Snorkel with fish and sea turtles and spot spinner dolphins in clear blue waters.

Transportation add-ons

Pick-up/check-in time & location.

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

• Ocean Safari's Kayak Adventure Picnic Bench near the restrooms across from the Boat Ramp

Location, direction and description

• Ocean Safari's Kayak Adventures is located six miles south of Kailua-Kona Town at Keauhou Bay. Off of Ali'i Drive turn on to Kaleiopapa, and turn left towards the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa. You may park in the grass lot in front of the hotel. Walk out to Kaleipapa and walk to the left about 30 yards look to the left and you will see your guides at the boat ramp between the Akule Supply Co and Fairwinds.

Important activity information

Restrictions.

• This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
• Children 5 years old and above can participate in this activity.
• Guests weighing over 250 lbs (113 kg) could be charged an additional fee.

Other requirements

• Participants are required to disclose their medical conditions.
• Participants who are pregnant, have had any major neck, shoulder or back injuries in the past year, have any major medical conditions or any allergies to bites or stings must provide this information upon booking.

Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)

• You can book a maximum of 28.

Required items to bring & attire

Additional notes.

• The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
• This activity may be changed or canceled for your safety, medical issues or comfort.
• Gratuity is not included in the price.
• Complimentary parking available.
• For groups of six (6) or more, a gratuity of $5.00 per person is required and will be collected at the time of check-in.
• Kayaking locations as well as entering the sea caves will be up to the discretion of your guide. Decisions will be made considering current weather and ocean conditions.

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Overall rating

Knowledge guide. Showed us landmark’s and had great snorkeling.

Kayaking to the Dragon's Throat, Snorkelling and Enjoying our Lead Guides: Winfield and Olivia

This is the very first kayaking ocean tour my husband and I have ever been on. It definitely helps if you have experience in rowing a kayak. My husband had plenty experience in rowing a kayak in Canada even if it was o ... nly on rivers and lakes. We totally appreciated the kokua and patience from our lead guides, Winfield & Olivia. We were late joining our kayak tour. We appreciated Winfield's follow up call as we were running late due to tire pressure issues on our car rental and needed to check it out before we got to the keauhou Bay. When we showed up, we were pleasantly greeted right away by Olivia who stayed behind to ensure we had life jackets and that all our valuables were safely locked up in their truck. Olivia led us by kayak to the group and we were able to take a personal guided history and tour of the dragon's throat cave Winfield because the waters were starting to get a bit choppy. We later were anchored to our guides along with other kayakers to enjoy some snorkeling along the reef which was truly amazing. Somehow when our kayaks were anchored, I must've lost my balance getting back into our kayak because shortly after that, our kayak ended up tipping into the ocean along with my phone. Winfield was very kind to fish it out of the ocean and Olivia quickly poured regular bottled water on my my phone but u/f my phone is still dying a slow salt corrosion death. The good news is that we were still able to obtain the data of the beautiful photos and videos of our adventure. We loved learning the history and sharing great camraderie with Winfield and Olivia who are expert kayakers and tour guides. They made us feel very safe and at ease the whole time. Wilfield also helped calm me down after we tipped and made sure I was ok after rescuing my phone. We also enjoyed snacks and drinks and when we got back to shore, Winfield cut us fresh pineapple and we enjoyed eating that. Thank you Winfield and Olivia for a fantastic adventure!

A fantastic experience

What a great experience! Kayaking on the ocean, whale watching, entering a cave and wrapping it up with a bit of snorkeling! Jasmine was a great guide and her confidence on the open waters really enhanced our adventure ... . It’s definitely a morning well spent!

Activity Provider Ocean Safari's Kayak Adventure

• Credit card payment

• Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
• Any changes made after 15:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/ time, package, the number of participants, etc.

Payment Methods

Cancellation Policy

Change policy, how many people are there in a tour group.

There is an average group size of 14 people. If there is an odd number of participants single kayaks as well as double kayaks will be used so that you do not have to kayak with a stranger.

Do I need to be able to swim to participate?

Yes, you are required to have at least basic swimming skills, even though life jackets are provided and staff are all lifeguard certified.

Are you required to wear a life jacket?

Life jackets are available on your kayak and it is highly recommended that they are worn for the duration of this tour as you are snorkeling in open ocean. Children 12 years and under are required by law to wear the life jackets provided.

What if the kayak flips over?

You are not strapped into the kayak and are wearing a life vest. Your guide will happily assist you in getting back into the kayak and ready to go again.

How can I charter this tour?

In order to charter this activity you will need to purchase a minimum of 8 seats.

How many guides will there be?

There will be one guide for every six to eight kayakers.

Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.

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• Hawaiian Islands

Ocean Safaris

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There are many ways to explore the beautiful islands of Hawaii, but Ocean Safaris is one of the best ways to see all the island has to offer. From dolphins and tropical fish to turtles and sea caves, cliff jumping, and snorkeling, you can experience it all with Ocean Safaris. 

In operation since 1994, Ocean Safaris Kayak Adventures in Kona has taken nearly 100,000 visitors on successful, exclusive kayaking adventures and is waiting to introduce thousands more. This family-owned and operated business has introduced countless visitors to the breathtaking beauty of the island while creating a wonderful experience via the fast-growing sport of kayaking. These safari tours are catered toward small groups, which means that a fun and safe experience is the top priority. 

While there are many types of safaris, you can choose from with Ocean Safaris, each and every kayaking experience is unique, even the same exact tour.  For example, you might see a group of dolphins, spot a whale or two, explore a sea cave, try your hand at snorkeling or maybe even work up the nerve for cliff jumping. Each tour will offer its own surprises. Tidal pools could contain all sorts of treasures from colorful tropical fish, to sea turtles and even eels.  

The guided tours are all led by experienced professionals who are all fully insured Hawaii Lifeguard Certified. You can instead choose to go exploring on your own and rent a paddleboard or kayak from Ocean Safaris in the Keahou Bay. Each rental comes with all the safety gear and instruction you need to safely operate your kayak or paddleboard, including paddling techniques and local knowledge of water conditions. 

Ocean Safaris features three main professionally guided kayak tours you can experience while on your Hawaiian vacation. All are applicable for ages five and up. The most popular of the three is the Keauhou Sea Cave Kayak Tour. This 3.25-hour tour features crystal clear waters and unreal sights as you make your way from Keauhou Bay southward to the cliffs of Kuamoo Bay. Don’t be surprised to see turtles, dolphins, and manta rays throughout your journey there. During your coastline travel, you will paddle over coral gardens, under lava tubes, and arrive at the calm cool cave. 

You will be given ample time to snorkel once the tour reaches the predetermined snorkel spot for the day (this will change based on water conditions). After snorkeling, you can even exit the water and climb up to the high vantage point above the cove and enjoy some cold drinks and snacks. This vantage point provides a tempting jump off either a 12 or 25-foot cliff into the deep waters below. If you are game, you can jump or just sit back and watch the others try their luck. Don’t worry, guides will never encourage you to jump off any cliff that isn’t known to be a safe jumping area. 

Another popular tour by Ocean Safaris is the Kayak with Dolphins Big Island Tour, lasting two hours. This tour starts early in the morning and takes advantage of the coolest part of the day with the calmest waters. After an instructional orientation on the beach, you will set out into the water in search of pods of dolphins who frequent Kona’s waters. The third tour option is the Keauhou Bay Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) Tour, which lasts two hours. This gives you the opportunity to explore the warm pristine waters of Kona on a stand-up paddleboard. You will be instructed on how to properly use a paddleboard while enjoying all the amazing sites that Keauhou Bay has to offer. 

The overarching beauty of the Hawaiian Islands cannot be beaten, and there is simply no better way to experience the water, the marine life, or the island views than via kayak or paddleboard. This allows you to actually get out into the ocean and see it all for yourself. Thankfully, with Ocean Safaris, you know your kayak experience will be safely guided by skilled, certified professionals who know these waters like the back of their hands. Guests rave about their experience and identify these tours as being one of the best parts of their entire vacation experience.  

Insider Tip: There is a guest weight limit of 250 pounds for all guests for kayak and paddleboard tours. 

Alii Ocean Tours - Kailua-Kona, HI

Private Charters, Snorkel Tours, Dolphin Tours, Whale Watching

Ali'i Ocean Tours

The premier ocean experience.

Big Island, Hawaii

Picture yourself here....

Ali’i Ocean tours offers the highest level of service aboard our 38 ft cruiser Hoku ‘Elima

While certified to carry 35 passengers we prefer to run our ocean tours with 22 passengers to maximize space and heighten the experience for everyone aboard. We make sure all of our passengers have plenty of room to relax as well as receive service you won’t find on any other Big Island snorkel tour. Whether it’s an unforgettable experience with Kailua Kona’s local Hawaiian spinner dolphins, snorkeling world famous Kealakekua Bay or customizing your own private charter, you’ll forever remember your trip as a highlight of your Hawaiian vacation!

With a range of options, we offer tours customized for even the highest of expectations

Kealakekua Bay Reef Snorkel

Dolphin Encounters

Private charters, whale watching.

Daytime Manta Encounter

Big Five Ocean Safari

Book your tour today.

  Book Online!

808-345-2787

Don’t take our word for it, "we have gone on many snorkel and dive boat trips over the years, and our morning with ali'i ocean tours was far and away our best tour.".

Kim W. - Elk Grove, CA on Yelp

"the best tour we've ever done. hands down", bob & dunneah - houston, tx, "we had a blast and will definitely be booking another trip with them next time we are on the island.", christin a. - spring, tx on tripadvisor, "such a great crew made our time in kona very special and we got to see so much ...thanks for the 5 star adventure", mary d. - mckinleyville, ca on facebook, frequently asked questions, what is provided.

• Snorkel Gear
• Rx Masks Available
• Flotation Devices
• Light Breakfast (AM trips)
• Lunch (AM trips)
• Snacks (afternoon trips)
• A true 5 star experience

What should I bring?

• Camera (waterproof or non)
• Your Sense of Adventure!

What is your cancellation policy?

We offer a full refund on cancellations more than 24 hours prior to departure.

I have specific dietary need. Can you accommodate?

Yes, we can! Just make sure to let us know when you book your tour so we can make arrangements. We can provide Paleo, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Kosher, and Vegan meal options.

Alii Ocean Tours

Welcome Aboard Hoku 'Elima

Our 38 foot Thresher, equipped with state of the art Volvo Penta engines, is the perfect combination of speed and comfort.

Expeditions

Aloha! Thank you so much in your interest to travel with us! Kaimana Expeditions will be run by professional guide & shark expert Kayleigh Grant & professional photographer Cam Grant.

Please fill out our travel request form below to apply & get more information about the trip. These details allow us to determine if you’re a good fit for the expedition

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Ocean Safaris Kayak Tours

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St Benedict Church (The Painted Church)

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• Big Island Vendors »  Ocean Safaris

Ocean Safaris Adventures

Based in Kona on Hawaii's Big Island, Ocean Safaris has taken countless island visitors and kamaaina (local residents) on their kayak tours. Founded in 1994, the company focuses on small group tours, making safety a top priority. With some of the Ocean Safari's kayak adventures, kayakers will have the pleasure of watching a breaching humpback whale, frolicking dolphins, or eels swiftly gliding through the water in a tidal pool. The waters off the Big Island's Kona Coast are crystal clear and home to a variety of tropical fish and green sea turtles. On their Big Island kayak tour, kayakers can explore sea caves and discover Hawaii's natural aquarium while enjoying a refreshing swim in the pristine ocean water. The Ocean Safaris kayak tour is led by experienced guides, sharing historical facts about the Big Island along the way. The guides will instruct kayakers on paddling techniques, water safety and will also help launch the kayaks into Keauhou Bay. Ocean Safari Adventures is a professional and fully-insured Hawaii kayak company that has earned an outstanding reputation. In the past they have been assisting in the water safety program at Kona's annual Ironman Triathlon and with several other watersports events. Check out this Ocean Safaris kayak tour below and enjoy great savings!

Kayak With Dolphins Big Island Tour

Quick details.

• Tags Ages: 5+ y/o
• Hour Glass Duration: 2 Hours
• Tag Availability: Daily
• Users Weight Limit: 250 lbs. per person

5-12 years old

Experience the magic of early morning dolphin kayaking on the big island.

Good Morning Early Birds! Our aquatic friends are early risers so its a good thing that you are too! Our early riser kayak and snorkeling tour begins at 7:00 am and ends at 9:00 am. Join us for a fun and peaceful time on the water as the temperature is much cooler and the water is calmer at this time of day. After a brief orientation at the pier we set off onto our aquatic life adventure! Waters will be provided for this trip but it is recommended that you have a light breakfast before or after our excursion as snacks are not provided.

Related Tours

• Tags 5+ y/o
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Keauhou Bay SUP Tour

On our SUP adventures, you have the opportunity to learn the proper way to paddle board while also taking in all the beauty that Keauhou Bay has to offer.

• Most Popular Tour!
• Hour Glass 3.25 Hours

Keauhou Sea Cave Kayak Tour

We invite you to sample our aloha and explore Kona’s famous warm, clear waters in an up-close and personal way.