11 Snorkeling Trips in the USA to Build a Day Around

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

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

Sail from Panama City Beach to Shell Island aboard Island Time’s roomy catamaran. Captain Keith, Clay, Heath, Sarah, Emma, and other crew members help with dolphin spotting, snorkeling, paddle boards, music, drinks, and the waterslide during this 3-hour outing.

“Tons of fun, great crew worth every penny. Loved seeing dolphins on the way out, shell island was amazing, saw even more dolphins on the way back”

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2.Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

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

Cruise from Kona to historic Kealakekua Bay aboard a power catamaran with Hang Loose Boat Tours. Captain Aiden, Bryce, Jordan, and Kiwami have led trips praised for good humor and careful service. Snorkel among coral and fish, watch for dolphins and winter whales, then enjoy lunch on board.

“Crew was amazing! Great divers jumping off the boat. They were a lot of fun! The snorkeling was awesome as always in Captain Cook! And the boat captain told us about Turtle Beach when we got back which for me was SUPER COOL! Lunch was great too! They provided a nice lunch with more than enough for everyone Will definitely return”

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3.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-person Honu Lani for a guided Turtle Canyon snorkel. Look for green sea turtles, reef fish, dolphins, and winter whales. The midday trip includes a deli lunch, beer, wine, and cocktails. Morning departures include unlimited soft drinks.

“The catamaran sail was very enjoyable but the snorkeling was very crowded. Lunch was simply a deli wrap.”

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4.Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,655 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Meet at the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue for a 2.5-hour Hawea catamaran trip to Turtle Canyon. Your crew provides gear, points out turtles, fish, octopus, and reef life, then raises the sails for a scenic ride back toward Waikiki. Swimming ability is required.

“Awesome and Safe! They were very attentive, polite, experienced and they knew how to keep everyone safe and entertained in and out of the water. 10 out of 10.”

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5.Key West Afternoon Snorkel Sail with Unlimited Cocktails!

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,572 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $59

Sail from Key West’s historic seaport aboard the 69-foot Marquesa to the Florida Reef, about 7.5 miles offshore. The crew supplies gear and instruction, then serves beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks after snorkeling. Captain Brett has earned special praise for his safety-minded approach.

“Not cruise ship friendly. If you're traveling on a cruise ship, they dropped us off far from our port and made it a difficult boarding. At least let me know, so I can plan accordingly. Because I would not have selected this experience.”

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6.Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,523 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Set out from Tierra Verde Marina on a 25-foot pontoon with up to six people. Your captain, often Noel, Megan, or Dave, searches Boca Ciega Bay for dolphins and manatees before stopping at Shell Key for beach snorkeling, shell collecting, and swimming.

“Wonderful Captain and very knowledgeable on her wildlife as she is a Marine biologist. She was able to show us five manities plus dolphins in our trip to Shell Island was amazing snorkeling.”

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7.Oahu Catamaran Snorkel Tour: See Turtles 100% Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,420 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49Best value

Cruise from Honolulu to Turtle Canyon for a guided snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish. Captain Krash, Kareem, Lucy, Shannon, and crew members guide guests in the water, while Sushi the dog may help spot whales and dolphins. Gear, drinks, and snacks are included.

“Great friendly funny and knowledgeable guides, saw turtles so many cool fish and dolphins on our ride back!”

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8.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Join Ocean Joy Cruises aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran for a half-day trip from Ko Olina. Your captain and crew guide you along Oahu’s west coast in search of dolphins, seasonal whales, turtles, and flying fish, followed by snorkeling, a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, and onboard showers.

“There is no snorkeling, we didn’t see any whales or dolphins. We were very disappointed. I would not recommend this trip.”

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9.West Maui Snorkeling Experience by Boat from Ka’anapali

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 881 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $193

From Ka'anapali Beach, join Shasta, Derek, Malakai, or another experienced crew member for a five-hour snorkel outing at two West Maui sites. You may see turtles, rays, dolphins, and winter whales. Breakfast, lunch, gear, drinks, shade, and in-water guidance are included.

“Knowledgeable crew and small group size led to a thoroughly enjoyable experience! Highly recommend this tour!”

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10.Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183

Set out from Kailua Pier on Body Glove’s spacious catamaran for a morning of dolphin watching and about two hours in the water at Red Hill. You get gear, reef-safe sunscreen, breakfast, BBQ lunch, slides, a high-jump platform, paddleboards, and attentive lifeguard support.

“Deluxe large Catamaran vessel very comfortable and great for snorkeling swimming or just lounging in the ocean water. Awesome jump from top deck even a slide off the back of the boat. Easy access off and back on the boat after a swim. Nice breakfast and lunch - burgers were great. Staff very friendly and attentive. I would do it again.”

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11.Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 722 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $136

From Keauhou Bay, you’ll cruise the Kona coast to Kealakekua Bay, then snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument with masks, fins, flotation noodles, and reef-safe sunscreen. The crew shares island history and ocean lore, with snacks and drinks included.

“Lovely afternoon sail to Kealakekua bay for snorkeling. Fun, friendly crew, well organized boat, clean gear, yummy snacks and drinks. Great excursion!”

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