Types of Marine Life to See While Snorkeling near Kona
Located on the west coast of Hawaii Island, The Big Island, the Kailua-Kona Coast is a premiere destination for vacationers and locals alike. With beautiful white-sand beaches, bustling local culture, and pristine ocean waters, Kona offers many unique and fun experiences to its visitors. One of the most popular activities in the area is snorkeling due to the calm waters and vast array of marine life that live in them. One of the best ways to see some of these incredible animals is with a snorkel tour from Kona Ocean Adventures! Here are some of the species of marine life that call the Kailua-Kona Coast home.
Coral Reefs and Tropical Fish
Kona is home to many healthy and vibrant coral reefs that snorkelers can view. These reefs are home to many tropical fish, including colorful butterfly fish, parrotfish, yellow tangs, and eels. Snorkelers may even come face to face with Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, or reef triggerfish! Our Kealakekua and Captain Cook Adventure are the perfect opportunities to snorkel among the beautiful coral gardens and see some of these amazing fish, all with the help of an expert guide.
The Honu or Green Sea Turtles: A Scuba Tour In Kona Marvel!
Hawaii’s Green Sea Turtles, also known as honu, are the largest hard-shelled turtles in the entire world! Adults can weigh up to 350 pounds and live an estimated lifespan of about 60-70 years. These incredible marine animals call the Kailua-Kona Coast home and can be seen swimming gracefully in the quiet waters around Kauai.
Manta Rays
At Kona Ocean Adventures, we offer snorkeling tours that can get you up close and personal with one of the largest fish on the planet! The manta ray is known as the gentle giant of the sea and, despite its large size, is known to be quite docile. Kona, Hawaii, is one of the best places in the world to see these magnificent animals. On our night time manta ray tour, snorkelers will have the chance to see the manta rays gliding in the waters. It is truly an unforgettable experience!
Dolphins
Hawaii is home to several species of dolphins, including spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and spotted dolphins. These playful creatures leap and soar out of the waves all around the Big Island and are sometimes known to swim right next to surfers, paddleboarders, and snorkelers. Dolphins are some of the smartest animals on the planet and are known for their complex language, problem-solving skills, and incredible social intelligence. There is nothing quite like seeing a dolphin swimming freely in Hawaii’s beautiful ocean waves!
Sharks
The waters off the Kailua-Kona Coast are also home to sharks! Worry not, for many of these species are quite harmless to humans and can be seen swimming peacefully along the reefs around Hawaii. Some sharks you may see while snorkeling in Kona include whale sharks, which eat small plankton, and reef sharks. It is important to keep a respectful distance from all wildlife you may encounter during your snorkel excursion with Kona Ocean Adventures.
Come Snorkeling in Kona!
With the abundance of marine life, gorgeous beaches, and pristine ocean waters, it’s no wonder the Kailua-Kona Coast is such a popular place to snorkel. If you’re ready to book the snorkeling tour of a lifetime and see some of these incredible animals, give us a call or book online with Kona Ocean Adventures!