11 Catamaran Snorkeling Cruises in the USA Worth Booking

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

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

Sail from Panama City Beach to Shell Island aboard a roomy catamaran with a captain and deck crew. Watch for wild dolphins, snorkel in St. Andrews Bay, collect shells, paddle board, or use the waterslide. The crew, including names such as Emma, Sarah, Heath, and Clay on some trips, keeps the outing lively and easygoing.

“It was a stunning trip and they went out of their way to make sure everyone had a unique and fun experience. Everyone on board was kind and welcoming. You could truly tell how much they love their job and the people they are surrounded by. 10/10 and would absolutely book again. One of the highlights of our trip”

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2.Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

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

Meet Captain Aiden, Bryce, Jordan, Kiwami, or another Hang Loose crew member at Honokohau Marina for a four-hour power-catamaran trip to Kealakekua Bay. You’ll hear about Captain Cook and Hawaiian royalty, snorkel among coral and fish, watch for dolphins and winter humpback whales, then enjoy sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and drinks before returning along the volcanic Kona coast.

“Beyond our expectations absolutely fabulous tour. Captain Bryce was entertaining and very knowledgeable about Hawaiian history. He also found whales and dolphins along the way to our snorkel spot. I highly recommend the Hang Loose tours!!”

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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 per person

Sail from Kewalo Basin to Turtle Canyon aboard the Honu Lani, a power catamaran limited to 40 people. You get premium snorkel gear, a guide in the water, turtle sightings guaranteed by a free re-ride, and lunch with beer, wine, and cocktails on the midday trip. Crew members have included Chris, Natalie, Greta, and Captain JoJo.

“It was amazing, from start to finish. The catamaran trip, the instructions, the snorkeling, the various turtles and types of fish, the attention of the crew and the good conversations. I highly recommend it!”

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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 per person

Meet at the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue for a 2.5-hour Hawea catamaran trip to Turtle Canyon. Snorkel in shallow reef water with green sea turtles, tropical fish, octopus, and starfish, then sail past Waikiki. Guides such as Jenna, Julia, Dez, Claire, and Kapono help with safety and marine life.

“Amazing experience, got the full package. Pretty up close Whale sightings, so many fish and sea turtle sightings. As well as dolphins swimming with the boat. Recommend to anyone who loves the ocean and its inhabitants!”

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

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

Cruise from Honolulu to Turtle Canyon on a two-hour catamaran trip with Captain Krash, Kareem, Lucy, Shannon, and their small dog Sushi. You get snorkel gear, guided time in the water, snacks, and drinks. Expect turtles and fish, with possible dolphins, whales, seals, rays, or an octopus.

“Super fun tour! Plenty of sea turtles and other fish. The water was clear, the guides are very friendly and knowledgeable. A must-do experience in Hawaii”

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

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

Sail from Kailua Pier aboard Body Glove’s large catamaran for about two hours of snorkeling in the Red Hill area, plus dolphin watching, breakfast, BBQ lunch, floating toys, a 20-foot waterslide, and a 15-foot jump platform. The boat is wheelchair accessible, but Kealakekua Bay is not part of this trip.

“My family and I had the best time on the Body Glove Catamaran! The crew and Captain were professional, personable, and always watching for the safety of the guests. There’s something for entire on this boat. Everyone enjoyed snorkeling while my husband, teen daughter, and I enjoyed the slide, high jump, and paddle boarding. My parents enjoyed the beautiful scenery and beverages handcrafted by our gorgeous bartender. This boat has everything!!”

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7.Ko Olina Catamaran Sail and Snorkel with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 630 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $195 per person

Set out from Ko Olina Marina aboard a 53-foot catamaran for a three-hour sail, reef snorkeling, lunch, and drinks. The crew, including captains Todd and Travis on some departures, helps swimmers of different skill levels. You may spot spinner dolphins, sea turtles, whales, or eagle rays along Oahu’s west coast.

“This excursion is a must do. The crew is amazing they looked after our every need. For is good and the snorkeling is great so many fish. I will book it again”

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8.Snorkel & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour Aboard the Footloose

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 441 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50 per person

Spend about three hours aboard the Footloose catamaran, snorkeling at Shell Island, walking its white-sand beach, and searching for dolphins in the Gulf. Snorkel gear is included, each adult receives one complimentary beverage, and crew members such as Captain Gordon, Captain Marcy, Ryan, Jamie, and Lamar help keep the trip friendly and relaxed.

“My family and I (group of 7) had an amazing experience! Captain Gordon and first mate Lamar are both great! We had so much fun snorkeling and exploring shell island. We were able to find two sand dollars, many shells, and others found a star fish and a few sea urchins! Absolutely worth every penny! Totally recommend!”

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9.Kailua-Kona: Captain Cook Reef Catamaran Day Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 189 reviews · 4 hours - 270 minutes · from $80 per person

From Honokohau Harbor, cruise with guides such as Bryce, AJ, Kelly, or Aiden toward Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay. Choose the snorkeling option for up to two hours in clear water with provided gear, then enjoy sandwiches, pineapple, snacks, juice, and water. Expect local history, music, scenic stops, and possible dolphins or whales.

“I loved it. Fun experience with the family and small enough group where it was enjoyable.”

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10.Waikiki Catamaran Escape: Snorkel with Turtles & Water Sports Fun

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $120 per person

Blue Ocean Snorkeling takes you from Honolulu Harbor to Waikiki waters aboard a catamaran capped at 35 guests. You can snorkel with turtles, use sea scooters, kayaks, and paddleboards, or relax with snacks. Crew members including Dustin, Justin, and Joe are often praised for patient safety help and underwater photos.

“The captain and he crew did an amazing job was able to see a ton for sea life and of course sea turtles were the main event. The environment and energy was so welcoming and warm. Great experience definitely recommend.”

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11.Turtles & Tacos Luxury Catamaran Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 103 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $199 per person

Sail from Maalaea Harbor on Alii Nui’s spacious catamaran for about three hours of turtle snorkeling, fresh tacos, margaritas, local beer, and open-deck lounging. Captains such as Bre, Josh, and Tim have earned strong praise for calm, attentive service. The boat holds up to 60 people, and professional photos are available to buy.

“The boat was really nice, and the crew and captain (Josh) were excellent! They knew exactly where to go to see green sea turtles and an abundance of tropical fish. The service was top, and the food was really good as well. Definitely recommend this to anyone wanting a great snorkeling experience and swimming around turtles!”

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