7 Cave Snorkeling and Swimming in the USA Worth the Descent

1.Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,411 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $71Our pick

Ride a fast Navy-style Zodiac from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay, where you snorkel Captain Cook Reef and visit sea caves and lava tubes. Guides such as David, Chip, Sage, and Danielle share local history along the coast. The tour lasts about 2 hours 45 minutes, includes gear, water, and pineapple, and may spot dolphins or whales.

“This was so much fun! We saw whales, a huge pod of dolphins and tons beautiful fish. Rory and his wife were so kind, fun and very passionate!”

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2.Dolphin, Sea Cave & Captain Cook Snorkel Combo in Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 220 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $83

You’ll ride a small Zodiac RIB from the Kona area to Kealakekua Bay, where you snorkel among coral and fish near Captain Cook Monument. Guides such as Danielle, Chip, Dave, Patty, and Rory share local history and safety tips. The return includes sea caves and lava tubes when conditions allow, plus pineapple and water.

“Super laid back. Great boat ride on a zodiac. Better than a big boat with lots of people. Gave a nice little bit of the local history.”

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3.Kauai: Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves + Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 166 reviews · 4 hours · from $237Top rated

Join Na Pali Riders on a 30-foot Zodiac raft from Waimea for a fast, rough-water ride along Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast. Captain Brandon, Cassie, Mak, and other trained crew members guide you past cliffs, waterfalls, sea caves, dolphins, and seasonal whales, with snorkeling and cave entry dependent on weather.

“Unforgettable experience! This zodiac raft adventure was absolutely breathtaking. Dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and sea caves. Our crew was knowledgeable, fun, and made the ride both thrilling and safe. We spotted dolphins along the way and had a fun open water swim. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty. A must-do when visiting Kauai!”

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4.Ultimate Na Pali Coast Zodiac Boat Snorkeling and Sea Cave Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 101 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $257

Set out from Kīkīaola Harbor with a crew such as Justin, Ona, CJ, or Shane for a five-hour Zodiac trip along Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast. Expect fast open-water riding, sea caves when conditions allow, snorkeling, waterfalls, marine life, island stories, and a light deli lunch. This is an active ocean adventure, not a gentle cruise.

“One of the most wild experience with such an amazing captain and crew! Would highly recommend them both, no other tandem can top them😏”

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5.Kona Shore Excursion: Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 73 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

From Kailua-Kona Pier, a 19 to 28 passenger Zodiac heads south past lava formations and sea caves to Kealakekua Bay. You get about an hour in the water near the Captain Cook Monument, with reef fish, turtles, coral, and possible dolphins or whales along the route. Captains such as Trevor, Chris, and Christian add local stories and careful water supervision.

“We were able to see dolphins and the fish were there. Our three guides, Trevor, Scott and Tamae, did a good job. Very well organized and fantastic excursion.”

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6.Dolphin, Sea Cave, Captain Cook, Kealakekua Bay Reef Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Ride a Navy SEAL-style Zodiac RIB from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay for a fast, small-group snorkel trip. You’ll explore the Captain Cook Monument area, coral reefs, lava tubes, coves, and sea caves, with gear, pineapple, and water included. Guides such as Erik, Lacey, and Rory help with equipment and safety.

“Very fun trip. Enjoyed the ride, music and the small group. Enjoyed Lacy , Although we did not see dolphins, we saw a lot of different species of fish .”

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7.Kailua Kona: Dolphin, Sea Cave and Captain Cook Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 14 reviews · 2h 30m · from $115

You’ll ride a Zodiac RIB from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay, snorkel the coral reef at Captain Cook Monument, and search for wild dolphins and whales. The crew also visits lava tubes, coves, and a sea cave when wind and swells allow. Gear, flotation devices, pineapple, and water are included.

“The boat was great and our Captain drove it perfectly to make everyone comfortable yet fun. The snorkeling was great. A great trip and the pineapple was delicious.”

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