Private & Custom – Family Fish and Snorkel Charter

Planning a day on the Big Island that balances adventure, relaxation, and family fun? This private Fish and Snorkel Charter offers an intriguing mix of activities, personalized to your group’s interests. Whether you’re angling for a trophy catch or exploring vibrant coral reefs, this experience provides a tailored day at sea with expert guidance and plenty of chances for memorable moments.

What immediately stands out is the versatility—you can hunt for fish, watch whales, spot dolphins, or snorkel in clear waters. We also love the flexibility in itinerary adjustments based on sightings and weather, ensuring your day is as exciting and comfortable as possible. The family-friendly nature of this trip means everyone can join in, whether they’re seasoned anglers or first-time snorkelers. However, one thing to consider is the price point, which is on the higher side, but for a private group, it can be seen as a valuable investment in quality time.

This tour works best for families or groups seeking a personalized day on the water, with interests spanning fishing and marine discovery. It’s ideal for those wanting a customized experience that blends adventure with relaxation — perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply making the most of your time in Kona.

Good To Know

• Private & Custom Experience: Tailored to your group’s interests, whether fishing, snorkeling, or whale watching.
• Flexible Itinerary: Captain can adapt based on sightings and weather conditions for maximum enjoyment.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, creating shared memories with personalized activities.
• Marine Encounters: Opportunities to see whales, dolphins, and vibrant reef life in Kona waters.
• All-Inclusive: Snorkeling gear, fishing tackle, licenses, bottled water, and snacks included.
• Duration & Price: Approximately 4.5 hours for $1,835, catering up to 10 guests, offering good value for a private experience.

The Experience Breakdown

Meeting Point & Timing

The adventure begins at Manta Adventures Inc. in Kailua-Kona at 7:30 am. From here, the boat departs for an estimated 4.5-hour journey, which packs in plenty of activities. Being a private tour, it’s just your group on board, enhancing comfort, flexibility, and the chance to tailor the itinerary.

The Itinerary

This charter is about balancing fishing thrills with marine exploration, making it perfect for a family that enjoys a variety of activities.

Fishing Half:
Half of your time will be dedicated to fishing along the Kona Coast’s renowned waters. The experienced crew, including captain Jason and first mate Ian, are adept at making the most of the day. They’re praised for their professionalism and ability to get everyone involved — something that reviewers highlight as a major plus. Guests have caught fish like Ono, Mahi Mahi, skipjack, and yellowfin tuna, with some even cooking their catch that night. One reviewer shared how their son caught a beautiful Ono that became a family feast, emphasizing how special and personal this part of the day can be.

Marine Exploration & Snorkeling:
The latter part of the trip shifts gears to explore the vibrant marine environment. Depending on sightings, you might encounter whales breaching the surface, playful spinner dolphins, or snorkel in the clear, reef-filled waters. The boat provides snorkel equipment included in the price, making it easy to jump into the water and discover Kona’s underwater treasures. Reviewers appreciated the crew’s attentiveness, noting how they identified challenges with boarding but quickly provided solutions, ensuring everyone could enjoy snorkeling comfortably.

Marine Life & Sightings

The Kona waters are renowned for their rich marine biodiversity. Guests have reported seeing whales, especially breaching, which is awe-inspiring, and dolphins, who often leap through the waves in playful groups. Plus, the coral reefs boast vibrant fish, sea turtles, and colorful corals, making snorkeling a highlight.

The Crew & Service

Guests consistently praise the crew’s friendliness, professionalism, and attentiveness. Captain Jason and first mate Ian are highlighted for their ability to create a welcoming environment and to adapt the schedule based on conditions. Reviewers mention how they went above and beyond, whether by helping with fish handling or ensuring all guests felt comfortable in the water.

Food & Drinks

While the tour includes bottled water and snacks, there’s no mention of a full meal, but the snacks and drinks are enough to keep everyone energized. The availability of bottled water is especially appreciated on a day spent in the sun and sea.

Price & Value

At $1,835 for up to 10 guests, the cost might seem steep at first glance. However, considering it’s a private experience with flexible itinerary options, all equipment and licenses included, and personalized attention, many find it offers good value for a bespoke day on the water. It’s especially attractive for families or groups celebrating special occasions who want exclusivity and tailored adventures.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Personalization & Flexibility

Unlike standard group tours, this private charter can be customized on the fly. Whether you want more fishing, more snorkeling, or whale watching if in season, your captain can shift gears. This adaptability means you’re not stuck with a rigid schedule, making the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.

Marine Life & Scenic Views

The waters off Kona are famous for their marine diversity and stunning scenery. Guests often rave about the quality of marine encounters — whales breaching, dolphins leaping, and reefs teeming with fish. The chance to see such sights in a private setting makes this a memorable experience.

Family-Focused Approach

The trip caters to all ages, with crew members attentive to safety and comfort, and the option to snorkel or fish based on interests. This makes it an excellent choice for families wanting a shared adventure, rather than a crowded, hurried tour.

Expert Crew & Service

Guests repeatedly mention the knowledgeable and friendly crew, who are skilled at making everyone feel involved and safe. This kind of personalized service adds significant value, especially for first-timers or those unfamiliar with local waters.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience best suits families or small groups seeking a customized, intimate day on the water. It’s ideal if you want to combine fishing with marine exploration, and if you value flexibility and personal service. Those celebrating a special event, like a birthday or anniversary, will also find this private charter perfect for creating lasting memories.

The Practical Details

Duration & Booking

At approximately 4.5 hours, it’s a manageable half-day trip that fits well into a vacation schedule. Most travelers book about 7 to 8 weeks in advance, highlighting its popularity. The tour runs from early morning, allowing you to maximize your day.

What’s Included & Not

Included in the price are bottled water, snacks, snorkeling gear, and fishing tackle and licenses—removing a lot of logistical concerns. Tipping isn’t expected but is appreciated. Keep in mind that if weather conditions are poor, the tour can be canceled for a full refund, offering peace of mind.

Accessibility & Considerations

While most travelers can participate, those with mobility challenges should consider the boarding process, which some reviewers noted can be challenging for certain guests. The crew’s attention to safety and comfort helps mitigate this, but it’s worth checking if you have specific needs.

The Sum Up

This private Family Fish and Snorkel Charter in Kona offers a tailored, flexible day at sea that stands out for its combination of fishing excitement and marine discovery. It’s perfect for families or groups who want an exclusive experience with a crew committed to making the day memorable. The focus on personalized activities, stunning marine encounters, and attentive service makes it a worthwhile splurge for those seeking more than just a standard tour.

While the price may be higher than some group options, the value lies in the flexibility and intimacy of a private adventure. Whether your family’s goal is to catch a fish, see whales, or snorkel in vibrant reefs, this tour can adapt to deliver a day full of smiles and stories to tell.

If you’re after a customizable, family-oriented experience that emphasizes quality time on the water, this charter is well worth considering.

FAQ

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable half-day activity perfect for a day trip.

How many people can participate?
Up to 10 guests can join in, making it suitable for families, small groups, or celebrations.

What’s included in the price?
Bottled water, snacks, snorkeling equipment, fishing tackle, and licenses are included, reducing additional costs.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the captain can adjust the schedule based on sightings, weather, and your interests, whether fishing, snorkeling, or marine watching.

Is there a specific start time?
Yes, the trip begins at 7:30 am, optimal for catching marine life and enjoying the day early.

What about weather cancellations?
If weather conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled, and you will be offered a different date or full refund.

Is this experience family-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s designed to be suitable for all ages, with crew assistance ensuring safety and comfort.

Do I need any experience to fish or snorkel?
No prior experience is necessary; the crew is there to help and guide you through both activities.

How do I book this tour?
Most travelers book about 49 days in advance through the provider’s website or Viator, securing a private and flexible adventure.

This private Kona tour offers a well-rounded, personalized day at sea combining fishing, snorkeling, and marine life encounters. It’s a fantastic way to create shared memories with loved ones while enjoying the stunning waters of the Big Island.