Big Island of Hawaii , United States

Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour

Active

(497 reviews)

50m

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Our tours depart from the Kailua-Kona pier on the Big Island of Hawaii. Discover the beauty of Kona's underwater world aboard Marian, a 36-foot (10-meter), custom-designed glass-bottom boat. Your expert naturalist guide provides insight to the world of corals and colorful tropical fish. View Kona's coastline, mountains, historical sights, and maybe even spot frolicking dolphins or seasonal whales. This 50-minute tour is a must for all ages, from kids to avid divers and snorkelers eager to learn more about Hawaii's unique marine life. Bring along your camera and wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Sit back and relax while the boat skims over the reef, putting you within inches of the underwater world. Marian was specially designed and built for just this experience.

Note: We are located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Please ensure you are on the correct island prior to booking. We cannot wave our cancelation/refund policy for booking when on a different island.

Available options

Glass-bottom Boat Reef Tour

What's included

Local guide

Restroom on board

Live commentary on board

Water and Ginger ale

Detailed itinerary

Our tour departs from the Kailua Pier on the Big Island of Hawaii (Hawaii Island) and will take you on a glass bottomed boat adventure in Kailua Bay. Cruise along the coastline hovering within inches of the coral reef. Enjoy a lively narration by a knowledgeable marine naturalist as you take in the beauty above and below the ocean’s surface. An eco-tour that is fun for all ages! Private Charters available!

What's not included

Food and drinks, but cold water is available

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

304 reviews

5★

235

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.6

193 reviews

5★

143

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Departs from Kailua Pier, on the Big Island of Hawaii. The pier is adjacent to the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona, HI. You may park in this lot.

Check in at the boat 10 minutes prior to departure

Insure you budget 10 minutes to park and walk to the boarding location.

Meet the boat midway down pier on left side. Look for blue and yellow flags on boat mast.

This tour requires reconfirmation with the local supplier

Children must be accompanied by an adult (Two children/infants max per one adult)

The boat will leave at the time of departure so please be on time.

Not recommended for those extremely prone to sea sickness

Meeting point

Meet the boat midway down the Kailua-Kona pier on Hawaii Island (The Big Island) 15 minutes prior to departure. It is located near the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Hotel (75-5660 Palani Rd 96740) a good place to park! Budget 10 min to park and walk to the boat. Look for blue & yellow flags.

Important notes

This tour requires reconfirmation with the local supplier! Please email the following information to info@konaglassbottomboat.com immediately upon receipt of confirmation. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of tour.
• Customer Name and Travel Date
• Customer Contact Number
• Customer email

About Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, known for its diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes, and lush rainforests. It offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This national park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close.

Nature/Adventure Full day Moderate ($30 per vehicle)

Mauna Kea Summit

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.

Nature/Adventure Half day to full day Free (but requires acclimatization)

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.

Nature/Cultural Half day Free (but parking fee applies)

Hapuna Beach State Park

Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.

Beach Half day Free (but parking fee applies)

Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls is a stunning 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The park offers a scenic loop trail leading to the falls.

Nature 1-2 hours Moderate ($5 per person)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poke

A raw fish salad marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, often served with rice.

Appetizer Contains fish, can be made with various types of seafood

Loco Moco

A hearty dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.

Main Course Contains beef, eggs, and gluten (from the gravy)

Shave Ice

Finely shaved ice flavored with syrups and often topped with sweetened condensed milk or ice cream.

Dessert Vegetarian, can be made with various toppings

Kona Coffee

A premium coffee grown in the Kona region, known for its rich and smooth flavor.

Drink Caffeinated, can be decaffeinated

Popular Activities

Hiking Volcano exploration Water sports Beach lounging Spa treatments Scenic drives Traditional Hawaiian luaus Local markets

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

This is the best time to visit the Big Island, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The ocean is warm, and the weather is generally dry and sunny.

21-30°C 70-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST, GMT-10:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The Big Island is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of natural hazards such as volcanic activity and ocean conditions.

Important Precautions:

• Rent a car with full insurance coverage
• Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs and tours, and research options in advance
• Be aware of ocean conditions and currents when swimming and snorkeling

Getting there

By air

Kona International Airport • 20 km from Kona
Hilo International Airport • 10 km from Hilo

By bus

Hilo, Kona

Getting around

Public transport

The Hele-On Bus is the public bus system on the Big Island. It is affordable but has limited routes and schedules.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kona Hilo Waimea

Day trips

Mauna Kea Summit

30 km from Waimea • Half day to full day

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.

Waipio Valley

60 km from Hilo • Half day

Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.

Hapuna Beach State Park

30 km from Waimea • Half day

Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.

Festivals

Merrie Monarch Festival • April Kona Coffee Cultural Festival • November Ironman World Championship • October

Pro tips

Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace and access remote areas
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park early in the day to avoid crowds and see the best views
Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly depending on the elevation and location
Try local dishes like poke, loco moco, and shave ice for an authentic taste of the Big Island
Respect the environment and local culture, and follow guidelines for visiting protected areas and sacred sites