
Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 532 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour worth booking?
Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour is a 0.8-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $72 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 532 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (532)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $72 per person
Our tours depart from the Kailua-Kona pier on the Big Island of Hawaii. Discover the beauty of Kona's underwater world aboard Marian, a 36-foot (10-meter), custom-designed glass-bottom boat. Your expert naturalist guide provides insight to the world of corals and colorful tropical fish. View Kona's coastline, mountains, historical sights, and maybe even spot frolicking dolphins or seasonal whales. This 50-minute tour is a must for all ages, from kids to avid divers and snorkelers eager to learn more about Hawaii's unique marine life. Bring along your camera and wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Sit back and relax while the boat skims over the reef, putting you within inches of the underwater world. Marian was specially designed and built for just this experience. Note: We are located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Please ensure you are on the correct island prior to booking. We cannot wave our cancelation/refund policy for booking when on a different island.
What you get
About this experience
Our tours depart from the Kailua-Kona pier on the Big Island of Hawaii. Discover the beauty of Kona's underwater world aboard Marian, a 36-foot (10-meter), custom-designed glass-bottom boat. Your expert naturalist guide provides insight to the world of corals and colorful tropical fish. View Kona's coastline, mountains, historical sights, and maybe even spot frolicking dolphins or seasonal whales. This 50-minute tour is a must for all ages, from kids to avid divers and snorkelers eager to learn more about Hawaii's unique marine life. Bring along your camera and wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Sit back and relax while the boat skims over the reef, putting you within inches of the underwater world. Marian was specially designed and built for just this experience. Note: We are located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Please ensure you are on the correct island prior to booking. We cannot wave our cancelation/refund policy for booking when on a different island.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- On-board restrooms
- Live commentary on board
- Carbonated beverages
Not included
- Food and drinks, but cold water is available
What you'll see and do
Kona Glassbottom Boat - Kailua Bay Charter Co.
Our tour departs from the Kailua Pier on the Big Island of Hawaii (Hawaii Island) and will take you on a glass bottomed boat adventure in Kailua Bay. Cruise along the coastline 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! Private Charters available!
50 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Meet the boat midway down the Kailua-Kona pier on Hawaii Island (The Big Island) 15 minutes prior to departure. It is located near the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Hotel (75-5660 Palani Rd 96740) a good place to park! Budget 10 min to park and walk to the boat. Look for blue & yellow flags.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet the boat midway down the Kailua-Kona pier on Hawaii Island (The Big Island) 15 minutes prior to departure. It is located near the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Hotel (75-5660 Palani Rd 96740) a good place to park! Budget 10 min to park and walk to the boat. Look for blue & yellow flags.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kona Glassbottom Boat
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Departs from Kailua Pier, on the Big Island of Hawaii. The pier is adjacent to the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona, HI. You may park in this lot.
- Check in at the boat 10 minutes prior to departure
- Insure you budget 10 minutes to park and walk to the boarding location.
- Meet the boat midway down pier on left side. Look for blue and yellow flags on boat mast.
- This tour requires reconfirmation with the local supplier
- Children must be accompanied by an adult (Two children/infants max per one adult)
- The boat will leave at the time of departure so please be on time.
- Not recommended for those extremely prone to sea sickness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 531 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
531 verified traveler reviews for Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Better ways to see fish
Not the best viewing of sea life. I’m disappointed. I’ve been on other glass bottom boats tours with bigger glass viewing areas. My wife got sea sick
Response from the operator: Thank you Darrell for your feedback. We’re sorry the tour didn’t live up to your expectations and that your wife wasn’t feeling well during the trip. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know about your experience.
via Viator
Recommend tour for non water people
Amy is knowledgeable friendly and hospitable. Captain Steve gave a great smooth and clear ride. They help you on and off the boat which is clean and they provide helpful props for children.
Response from the operator: They’ll be delighted to hear that Ruth! We really appreciate you coming aboard and taking the time to leave a review. Mahalo for joining us out on the water!
via Viator
"Row, row, row your boat gently down the..." Pacific Ocean
Our guide made this trip unforgettable with fun facts and deep knowledge of the reef and shoreline. She kept the positive vibes so high that you barely notice that you get a little seasick.
Response from the operator: We love to hear that, thank you for such generous review and for joining us! Mahalo
via Tripadvisor
Great experience for...
Great experience for small children and elderlies. But not a good idea if you have motion sickness. The crew will help you if you get motion sickness.
Response from the operator: Aloha Meng! We're glad to hear the tour was enjoyable for your group. We’re sorry to hear about the motion sickness. Your feed back helps us improve. Mahalo!
via Viator
Perfect outing for those that don't snorkel
You might think 50 min is too short but timing was perfect. Great excursion for those that can't snorkel but want to see what's in the sea. Boat was easy to maneuver on and off for the handicap. Guides were friendly and informative. Our family enjoyed this!
Response from the operator: Aloha, we are grateful for your kind words and for taking the time to share your review. Mahalo.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 186
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour cost?
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Prices start at $72 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Island of Hawaii usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour take?
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Plan for about 0.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.
Is Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 532 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour?
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Around 186 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Big Island of Hawaii can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Island of Hawaii and add a light layer if any part of the 0.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Island of Hawaii within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Big Island of Hawaii?
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The Big Island is volcano country: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours, Mauna Kea summit stargazing, night manta ray snorkels off Kona, Waipio Valley lookouts and coffee farm visits. Summit tours have real altitude rules, so we weight safety detail. On Outty we rank every Big Island of Hawaii experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii?
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April to October, though the island runs year round. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Big Island of Hawaii?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour?
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Included: Local guide; On-board restrooms; Live commentary on board; and Carbonated beverages. Not included: Food and drinks, but cold water is available. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour?
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Meet the boat midway down the Kailua-Kona pier on Hawaii Island (The Big Island) 15 minutes prior to departure. It is lo. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Children must be accompanied by an adult (Two children/infants max per one adult). If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour?
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Across 532 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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