glass bottom boat tours in kona

Glass Bottom Reef Tour from Downtown Kailua-Kona

Set out from Kailua Pier, right in downtown Kailua-Kona for this great glass bottom boat ride. See beautiful coral reefs, an abundance of sea life, and even spinner dolphins. This is a fantastic tour for the whole family!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

Activity Overview

• Departs From: Big Island – Kona
• Duration: 50 minutes
• Included in the price: Knowledgeable narration

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Glass Bottom Reef Tour Highlights

• 50-minute duration
• 6 tours per day, 3 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon, see calendar for available times
• Departs from Kailua Pier ( click for directions ).
• 27 guests maximum
• Enjoy an easy boat ride with a glass bottom viewing area to be able to see the coral reefs, beautiful fish, and a whole array of sea life
• All ages are welcome!

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Glass bottom reef tour details.

This is a really simple and fun tour for the whole family to get a chance to get on the water and enjoy sea life without going snorkeling. All ages are welcome making this a really nice family activity.

You’ll get the chance to see coral reefs, tropical fish, and possibly even pods of spinner dolphins. This is coupled with narration and fascinating information about what you’re seeing.

The Glass Bottom

If you’re not sure what to expect or how to picture a glass bottom boat, I’ll cover what it isn’t first. You won’t be standing on glass, looking down at the ocean life. Instead, you’ll be welcomed into a booth – think diner-style – with a glass viewing panel below you that has raised sides so you’re able to lean in to see.

Glass Bottom Reef Tour FAQ

Will i get seasick.

You most likely don’t need to worry about seasickness on their vessel, but if you are especially prone to getting seasick, it’s never a bad idea to take the appropriate medication as directed prior to your tour.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, no, there are steps to get on and off the boat. However, guests using other mobility aids such as canes or walkers rarely have any issues.

What is the cancellation policy?

Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours’ notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

About Kona Glass Bottom Boat

Kona Glass Bottom Boat’s vessel Marion was built in the ’90s by the founder Captain Ralph and Jeannie Jewell. The company has remained family owned and operated as their daughter Amy and her husband Dustin have now taken the reigns and keep the family legacy going.

We are affiliate partners with Kona Glass Bottom Boat which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking made through this site. This is done without any additional cost to you. You can read more about our affiliate policies here . Know that we only recommend tour operators that we know and trust. Your positive experience and your trust in us mean more than any affiliate commission. By booking tours through our website you help us to provide free information and videos to help you and other readers plan their perfect Hawaii vacation. Thank you so much for your support — you are amazing!

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Glass Bottom Boat

Kona Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Description:.

 • Join us aboard “Marian” for the Kona Glass Bottom Boat Tour. This wooden boat was  built by owner Capt. Ralph Jewell right here in Kona!  

 •   Cruise along the coastline of Kailua Bay 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! 

• The Kona Glass Bottom Boat Tour is scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

• 1 Hour Tour

 • The Kona Glass Bottom Boat Tour is located at   Kailua Pier, Kailua-Kona, Hi

  •   Adults  $58

  •   children  $28 , other categories.

T: 808.493.9310

75-5707 Ali'i Drive Suite B Kailua Kona HI 96740

• Sunset / Dinner Cruises
• Kailua Bay Charter
• Kailua Bay & Pier

Glass Bottom Reef Tour

A Relaxing Glass Bottom Tour Along Kona's Beautiful Coast!

A Relaxing Glass Bottom Tour Along Kona’s Beautiful Coast! Duration 50 minutes About

• ENJOY a comfortable and relaxing glass bottom boat cruise along Kona’s beautiful coastline.
• DISCOVER spectacular colors of the island’s underwater world.
• SEE unique tropical fish and colorful coral formations.
• LEARN about Hawaii’s flora and fauna from onboard naturalists.

Adventure Tours Hawaii

Kona glass bottom boat tour.

Peak into Kona’s underwater paradise without getting wet. This tour is a great way to see Hawaii's world famous coral reefs without having to swim or snorkel.

What to Expect

Cruise along on Marian, a 36-foot glass bottom boat specially designed to float within inches of the reef. Have your cameras ready for some close and personal visits with colorful fish, corals, and other sea creatures. Marian is designed for uncrowded, shaded comfort and clear viewing.

As you cruise along, you’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas of the island’s rugged shoreline. Step forward to the bow and you might see frolicking dolphins or whales. Throughout your adventure, the onboard naturalist will share tales and legends that evoke the magic. Our coral reef tour is an eco-tour that is fun for all ages!

• 1 hour glass bottom boat ride
• Knowledgable captain and crew
• Perfect for all ages
• Located at the Kona Pier

We Depart from the Kailua Pier - 75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua Kona, HI 96740

Cancellation Policy

Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

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Shore Excursion Details

Glass-bottom reef tour, kona, hawaii.

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• 1 hr Estimate Duration

Explore Hawaii’s underwater paradise without getting wet. Ride aboard the Marian, a 36-foot glass-bottom boat specially designed to cruise within inches of the reef. Throughout your adventure, an onboard narrator will share fun and interesting facts of the sea, historic points of interest, Hawaiian history, and other fascinating information about the area.

Have your camera ready to capture pictures of the stunning coral reef, colorful tropical fish, and fascinating marine life. Take in the breathtaking vistas of the island's rugged shoreline as the boat cruses along the historic Kona coast. Sometimes spinner dolphins or seasonal humpback whales (December to April) visit the bay near enough to view. The Marian is designed for comfort, with shaded seating as well as an open-air bow to catch some sun. The boat departs directly from the Kailua Pier, allowing you time to enjoy other excursions or a stroll through the village.

Need to Know:

Check out the, activity attributes, excursion type:.

Wildlife Tours

Activity level:.

• 3 Challenging

Kona Glass Bottom Boat Tour on the Big Island Review

Are you looking for the best things to do on the big island with kids keep scrolling to read my honest review of the kona glass bottom boat tour to see if it’s right for your family., this kona glass bottom tour review was written by hawaii travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Looking for the best Kona boat tour for families with young kids?

We’ve been there and we want to help you make the most of your time on the Big Island. That’s why we’re writing this post about our favorite Kona boat tour. Spoiler alert – it involves a glass bottom boat!

You don’t want to spend all day on a boat tour with kids, so our suggestion is short and sweet. Plus, kids will love seeing marine life without even getting wet!

Keep reading to see our full Kona Glass Bottom Boat Tour review to see if it’s right for your family.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting the Big Island with kids.

Best Kid-Friendly Big Island Tours/Activities

• Swim with Dolphins (this is a unique experience for kids of all ages)
• Private Surf Lessons for Kids (this is the BEST way for your kids to learn how to surf in Hawaii)
• Kona Submarine Tour (my kids love seeing sunken shipwrecks)
• Legends of Hawaii Luau (the is the most popular luau for families)
• Waterfall Ziplining (this is the top kid-friendly zipline on the Big Island for families)
• Kona ATV Tour (we love this one because they also do cultural activities)

Best Kid-Friendly Big Island Resorts

• Hilton Waikoloa Village (this is a mega kid-friendly resort where you can swim with dolphins or just enjoy their massive pool area)
• Courtyard by Marriott’s King Kamehameha Beach Hotel (this is a moderately-priced Kona hotel right on a little lagoon)
• Fairmont Orchid (this is a swanky resort with incredible kids’ programming and an awesome pool area)

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Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Brief History of the Kona Glass Bottom Boat Tour

The Kona Glass Bottom Boat Tour is one of the top things to do in Kona with kids.

The boat is called the “Marian” and it was built in the 1990s by the founder Captain Ralph and Jeannie Jewel.

The Kona Glass Bottom Boat Tour uses a fleet of specially designed boats that feature large, clear viewing panels in the hull and comfortable seating for passengers.

Over the years, the tour has become a beloved Kona coast attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who are eager to experience the natural beauty of Hawaii’s underwater world in a unique and unforgettable way.

What to Know about the Kona Glass Bottom Boat Tour Before You Go:

We were already staying at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel , so it was a short walk out to the pier.

We stood in line for a couple of minutes before boarding the boat.

We happened to go during a mild storm so it was a bit rainy and the boat was rocking a LOT when we entered.

Our tour guide offered everyone ginger chews and ginger ale, which helped immensely.

Kona Glass Bottom Boat Ride

The boat ride itself is about 45 minutes long. It goes around the bay near the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.

Our captain moved pretty quickly and got us to several different spots that are popular fish-feeding grounds. This means we got to see a TON of tropical fish.

During this Kona glassbottom boat ride, our tour guide told us a bit about Hawaiian history and cultural traditions.

She also told us fun facts like where boogie boarding was invented. Hint: you can see the beach from the boat!

At the end of the Kona boat tour, we docked back at the marina and climbed off the boat. Check the latest rates and availability .

The Highlight of this Kona Tour and What You Should Look Out For

I mean, seeing tropical fish in a coral reef without going snorkeling is pretty amazing. My 9-year-old kept geeking out over spotting fish and repeatedly said it was a cool tour.

The large windows are perfect for getting a great look at the ocean floor and identifying all types of Hawaiian fish.

The waters off the Kona coast are teeming with hundreds of species of tropical fish, including angelfish, triggerfish, and butterflyfish.

Green sea turtles are a common sight on the Kona Glass Bottom Boat Tour, and passengers often have the opportunity to see them up close as they swim along the ocean floor.

Insider tip: I suggest looking out the window when the boat is moving quickly to get to each stop. There isn’t much to see during that time and it can exacerbate seasickness.

Tips for Families

If you’re planning to do the Kona Glass Bottom Boat Tour , here are some tips to help make the most of your experience:

Dress Comfortably

The tour is conducted in an open-air boat, so it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are also recommended.

We went in February and wore long pants, closed-toe shoes, and sweatshirts and we were comfortable.

Arrive Early

The Kona Glass Bottom Boat Tour is a popular attraction, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid long lines and ensure a good seat.

We were some of the last people to board and we ended up having to squeeze in with 2 other families. Had we gotten in line earlier, we might have had more room.

Bring a Camera

The marine life you’ll see on the tour is truly spectacular, so make sure to bring a camera or smartphone to capture some amazing photos.

You might even want to bring a portable battery charger if you think you’ll be taking lots of video (which I did).

Listen to the Guide

The tour guides are knowledgeable and experienced, and they’ll provide valuable insights into the marine life and history of the area. Be sure to listen to their commentary and ask questions if you have them.

If your family has gone snorkeling on the Big Island, you can also ask them to help you identify any sea life you saw.

Be Prepared for a Little Bit of Motion Sickness

If you’re prone to motion sickness, be sure to take appropriate measures such as taking medication or sitting in the middle of the boat to minimize any discomfort.

We went during a mild storm and the boat was ROCKING. Many of us had to look out the window so we didn’t get sick.

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to have a memorable and enjoyable Kona Glass Bottom Boat Tour experience.

How Much Does it Cost and Where is it Located?

The Kona Glass Bottom Boat tour is located at the pier in front of the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona.

It’s $58 for adults (anyone 12 years or older), $28 for kids ages 3-12, and $5 for lap children ages 0-2 years old. It’s one of the most affordable Kona boat tours for families.

You can get your Kona Glass Bottom Boat tickets here.

Like with any Hawaii boat tour, don’t forget to tip!

Kona Boat Tours FAQs

You can park at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Your parking will be validated if you eat on the property. I highly recommend a stop at Ululani’s Shave Ice!

The tours depart right at the end of the pier. Just look for the sign that says Kona Glass Bottom Boat and you’ll know you’re in the right spot!

Yes, people of all ages can do this Kona boat ride. The boat is very safe for children.

Typically, people don’t get seasick on this Kona boat ride, however, it’s always a possibility. What’s good about this tour is that it’s only 45 minutes long, so you won’t have to suffer too long.

Yes, the Kona Glass Bottom Boat Tour does have a restroom on board.

No, it’s not wheelchair accessible. There are steps involved. However, people who need canes or walkers are usually okay with taking this tour.

So, is the Kona Glass Bottom Boat Ride Worth It?

If you tend to get seasick, I’d definitely recommend the Atlantis Submarine over the glassbottom boat ride. You’ll be looking straight ahead instead of down, which helps with nausea.

However, if you’re usually okay with boats, this is a really interesting tour! We appreciated that it was less than an hour long and we got to see all kinds of tropical fish without getting wet!

Looking for more things to do in Kona Hawaii? Check out our post about where to find an affordable family photographer in Kona , the Aloha Adventure Farm ATV tour , how to visit a macadamia nut factory , where to swim with dolphins in Kona , and the best Big Island luaus .

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• Submarine & Glassbottom Boat (3)
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Hawaii Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Cruise from Waikoloa | Kids 0-5 Ride for Free

Beautiful and informative

Kris & mark, not very impressed, available daily, pick-up not available, not accessible, what to expect.

Check-in at Ocean Sports Beach Hut at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort

Depart from the beaches of Anaeho’omalu Bay, and make your way on a 30 minute glass bottom cruise to see the many of the underwater creatures that call the waters their home. Look down through the large clear windows, and get an inside peek into their world as you cruise through this beautiful bay.

Transportation add-ons

Pick-up/check-in time & location.

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

Start time :

• The Beach Hut (Blue & White with Thatched Roof)

Location, direction and description

• Leaving from the Kona International Airport, go to Highway 19 (the only exit from the airport), and make a left hand turn onto the Highway. Drive for about 25 minutes till you reach the traffic light and the entrance to the Waikoloa Beach Resort. Turn left into the resort onto Waikoloa Beach Drive. You’ll pass by the Queen’s Marketplace on the left, then the King’s Shops on the right, followed by the entrance to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. Just past the resort entrance you’ll see a left hand merge lane – merge into this lane and turn left towards the gated community called “Kolea”. Just before the locked gate you’ll see the entrance to the Beach Access Parking Lot. The paved path to the beach begins just ocean-side of the circle turn-around. If you get lost, please call us at (808) 886-6666 ext. 101 and we’ll help you find us!

Important activity information

Restrictions.

• This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
• Children of all ages can participate in this activity.

Additional notes

• The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
• Gratuity is not included in the price.
• The tour departs from Anaeho’omalu Bay, you will board the boat via a shoreline ramp.

Required items to bring & attire

• Comfortable clothing

Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)

• You can book a maximum of 19.

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Traveler's photos.

Overall rating

Great little trip into the ocean to view coral reef and fish! Beautiful clear blue water. Staff very knowledgeable. Loved it!

The boat was comfortable, the captain was friendly and knowledgeable. We got a text in the morning saying that visibility was poor... and it was. We didn't see much. I don't feel like it was worth the price. Maybe a beve ... rage, a snack or a little souvenir could have been included for the $50 we paid.

Most Amazing

Fun and exciting. Nice view of the ocean and beaches. Saw lots of fish, a green turtle, an eel, and amazing coral. Staff was very knowledgeable. Of the two glass bottom trips I took, this was by far my favorite. was t ... he one with the most fish.

Activity Provider Ocean Sports

Activity provider, payment / cancellation policy.

• Credit card payment

• Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
• Any changes made after 15:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/ time, package, the number of participants, etc.

Payment Methods

Cancellation Policy

Change policy, is this activity suitable for children.

Yes, there's no minimum age limit for children to participate. This is actually ideal for young children as the boat is equipped with an overhead shade cover to keep you safe from the sun and to improve visibility underwater minimizing glare.

Do I need to be able to swim to participate?

No, there is no swimming on this cruise. Although you often have to board from the beach and shallow surf, the water should only come up to your knees.

What kind of boat will be used?

The Glassbottom Boat is a US Coast Guard Inspected, custom designed 26-foot fiberglass vessel, able to accommodate up to 19 passengers. It includes shaded bench-style seating, convenient dry boarding via a beach ramp, and a comfortable ride.

Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.

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Submarine & glassbottom boat other tours and activities, atlantis kona submarine tour & undersea adventure - descend up to 100 feet, kona glassbottom boat & guided coral reef tour with marine naturalist, 日本語ガイド＆オムレツ昼食付き, eur 152.00~.

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