Catamaran Snorkeling Cruises in the USA: Our Top 11

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

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

Cruise from Panama City Beach to Shell Island on a roomy catamaran with Island Time Sailing. Look for wild dolphins, snorkel in St. Andrews Bay, paddle, use the waterslide, or walk the beach. Captain Clay, Heath, Keith, and crew members such as Emma and Sarah have helped make this a lively, family-friendly outing.

“Great time and super friendly staff! We saw some dolphins on the way out to shell island, before snorkeling. While we were snorkeling we were able to see fish, a baby stingray, lots of scallops and crabs. The crew made the day 😁”

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2.Big Island: 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 with a friendly crew that may include Captains Aiden or Bryce, Jordan, and Kiwami. Snorkel over clear reef, watch for dolphins and winter humpback whales, then enjoy sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and a scenic ride home.

“It is a very relaxed, go at your own pace snorkeling tour. The marine life was spectacular! I would do it again in a heartbeat!!!”

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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 to Turtle Canyon aboard the Honu Lani, a power catamaran carrying up to 40 people. Snorkel with a guide, watch for turtles, fish, dolphins, and winter whales, then enjoy lunch and drinks on the midday cruise. Crew members may include Chris, Natalie, Greta, Joey, or Whitney.

“Crew was super friendly, always offering to bring us drinks. We took the 8 AM so I didn’t drink any of the alcoholic drinks offered, and I was driving. But they had fun tropical cocktails as well as beer. The snacks were mini bags of potato chips, so if you are taking the morning excursion, you should eat breakfast first. Water was super calm, sometimes I get motion sickness, but it didn’t bother me at all. Two other people in the boat were extremely sick, but they had actually never been on a boat before. Description says three hours, but we were back at the dock by 10 AM, so…”

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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 Kahanamoku Statue for a 2.5-hour catamaran trip to Turtle Canyon. Your crew provides snorkel gear, points out turtles, fish, octopuses, and reef life, then sails along Waikiki. Morning and afternoon departures are available, with drinks, cold brew, and granola bars included.

“Best snorkel tour! For someone who hasn’t done a snorkel tour in awhile this was perfect. The staff was excellent fun and so helpful. They all made the experience amazing. We saw 3 turtles and some fish. On the return ride tried to see whales but none some saw flying fish! Next time I come with fam I will book this tour. Smooth and way from booking to end of tour. Def worth it!”

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

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

Join Oahu Catamarans at Ala Moana Harbor for a two-hour Turtle Canyon trip. Captain Krash and guides such as Lucy or Shannon may lead you to green sea turtles, tropical fish, dolphins, or whales. Gear, drinks, and snacks are included, with groups capped at 28 people.

“My daughter (8) has never snorkeled and isn’t a strong swimmer (neither am I). Shannon was so patient with her - allowing her to hang on to the surfboard and taking the time to ease her tension in the water. She went above and beyond to ensure she had a great experience! Lucy and the rest of the crew were wonderful also! We felt very safe and welcomed to their family business. I’m so happy we chose this company and would absolutely recommend to anyone! If we go snorkeling again, this is company we’d choose! Thanks for everything!”

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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

Sail from Kailua Pier aboard Body Glove’s accessible catamaran for about four and a half hours. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, gear, reef-safe sunscreen, nearly two hours at Red Hill, and chances to spot dolphins or whales. The slide, high jump, paddleboards, and attentive crew make this especially good for families.

“It was exactly what I expected. The crew were knowledgeable and organized. The snorkeling was fun, with plenty of time to go out several times. The food was good.”

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7.Ko Olina Catamaran Sail and Snorkel with Lunch

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

Join captains and crew members such as Todd, Matt, and Kai for a three-hour sail from Ko Olina. You’ll snorkel among tropical fish, look for turtles, dolphins, and whales, then enjoy sandwiches, snacks, cocktails, juice, and ocean views aboard a roomy 53-foot catamaran.

“Beautiful day sailing on a Catamaran. The crew was excellent; very attentive (both on the boat and in the water). We saw a pod of spinner dolphin from the boat and a few turtles while in the water. So many colorful fish. Beautiful experience.”

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8.Snorkel & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour Aboard the Footloose

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

Join Paradise Adventures aboard the Footloose for a three-hour trip from Panama City Beach to Shell Island. Snorkel with supplied gear, stroll the white-sand beach, watch for dolphins, and enjoy one included drink plus a full bar. Captains and crew such as Gordon, Jamie, Ryan, and Lamar help keep the outing relaxed and family-friendly.

“Beautiful 3 hr cruise to snorkel/visit at Shell Island and see dolphins along the way. Captain Marcie and crew member Jamie did a fantastic job of making sure everyone had a good time. Of all the cruises to choose from, this was the only one that checked all the boxes. They supplied the snorkel gear, had a bathroom on board, had shaded seating, had a complimentary beverage and nicely stocked bar for purchasing drinks & snacks. There was free and ample parking and crew gave great directions and answered all questions when I called to confirm. Absolutely recommend! We had a great time!”

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

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

Join Blue Ocean Snorkeling for a three-hour Waikiki catamaran trip with turtle snorkeling, kayaks, paddleboards, sea scooters, and snacks. Crew members including Dustin, Joe, Vivian, and Captain Nate help with water safety and photos. Hotel pickup may be available, but confirm it 24 hours ahead.

“There was a lot of Korean passengers, but the crew was very attentive to the American passengers. The day we went the sea was quite rough. The captain kept an eye on people that got motion sickness. He gave some chews that helped with the motion sickness. The crew on the ship all spoke English. The crew took pictures for all the Passengers. The whole crew was wonderful! I got to talk to a lot of them! Dustin was awesome! I recommend this tour.”

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10.Private Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Tour in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 152 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Set out from Kewalo Basin with a private crew on a two-hour catamaran cruise along Oahu’s east coast. You can snorkel with provided gear, swim near turtles and fish, watch for dolphins and whales, play your own music, and bring drinks for the cooler. Crew members including Sam, Nick, Francisco, and Rylan are named in guest feedback.

“We had a great time - the water was beautiful, the turtles were right there and our crew helped make sure we even saw some dolphins. Perfect time with sun, snorkel and friends”

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11.Turtles & Tacos Luxury Catamaran Snorkel

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

Sail from Maalaea Harbor on a spacious Alii Nui catamaran for about three hours. Snorkel with green sea turtles, use provided gear and reef-safe sunscreen, then enjoy island-style tacos, margaritas, and local beer. Captains including Josh, Bre, and Tim have earned strong praise for their attentive service.

“This excursion was phenomenal. The crew was fantastic, meeting every need you can imagine. The food was great, the swimming with the turtles was awesome and on the way back, we were able to sail for a bit due to the wind. Would absolutely do it again.”

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