The Best Group Tours in Kona: Private Charters, Snorkel Cruises, and Group Discounts
Getting a group together in Hawaii is the easy part. Keeping everyone together once you’re here is harder. Tours fill up fast, seats get split across time slots, and suddenly half your family reunion is watching dolphins from a different boat.
If you’re planning a group outing on the Big Island, Body Glove Hawaii makes it simple. Book the whole boat for a private Super-Raft charter, or bring your crew aboard our spacious, 66’ catamaran to enjoy a day of snorkeling and dolphin watching with other guests.
Either way, groups of 10 or more save 15% on every Body Glove Hawaii tour!
In This Guide
Why a Private Charter Is the Best Way to Tour Kona as a Group
Group travel works best when the plan fits the people, not the other way around. A private charter lets you:
- Stay together the whole time. No splitting up across tour times or boats.
- Set your own pace. Want more time in the water and less time cruising? It’s your call.
- Build the day around your group. Kids, grandparents, first-time snorkelers, and strong swimmers can all enjoy the same trip.
- Celebrate without strangers around. Toasts, speeches, surprises, and group photos feel different when the boat is yours.
Why the Super-Raft is Perfect for Groups
Our Super-Raft is a fast, comfortable vessel built for reaching the best spots along the Kona coastline quickly. It comfortably seats 24 guests, a great fit for mid-sized groups that want an intimate experience without squeezing in.
It’s also not your typical raft. Compared to other rafts in Kona, ours offers:
- Comfortable seating instead of perching on the edge of a tube
- Plenty of shade to keep your group cool between stops
- A restroom on board, which anyone traveling with kids will appreciate
- Departure from the Kailua Pier, right in the heart of Kailua-Kona
Guests ages 6 and up are welcome, so it works for most family groups.
A Custom Group Tour Means You Choose Your Own Adventure
Every private charter is customized, but most groups build their trip around one of these experiences.
Private Snorkel Charter
Head to secluded snorkel spots along the coast where the reef is full of color and marine life. Our crew guides your group safely through the water and shares insight into the local ecosystem along the way. Snorkel gear, premium soft drinks, and food are all included, so all your group has to do is show up.
Best for: family reunions, friend trips, and groups with mixed ages and swimming abilities.
Private Whale Watch Charter (December through April)
During humpback whale season, take your group out with a marine naturalist who knows exactly where to look. You’ll learn about whale behavior, biology, and migration while cruising prime whale-watching areas off Kona. Refreshments are included.
Best for: winter family vacations, milestone birthdays, and anyone who has always wanted to see a humpback up close.
Private Sunset Charter
Cap off the day with a sunset cruise along the coast and a gourmet dinner prepared by our in-house chef using fresh, local ingredients. It’s a relaxed, beautiful evening on the water with a crew that shares stories about the area’s history and marine life.
Best for: anniversaries, engagements, rehearsal dinners, and celebration nights.
Make It a Celebration
Here’s something no other raft in Kona can offer: the Super-Raft is the only raft in Kona with a liquor license. Add alcohol to your package and turn your charter into a private booze cruise for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, or a well-earned group toast at sunset.
Catering options are available for every charter, and our team can help with additional upgrades and personal touches. Just let us know what you’re celebrating.
Who Books a Private Super-Raft Charter?
Just about any group that wants to experience Kona together:
- Families who want a shared highlight of the trip, especially if traveling with multiple generations
- Friend groups looking for an adventure that isn’t a crowded tour
- Wedding parties planning a welcome outing, rehearsal dinner, or post-wedding celebration
- Birthday and anniversary groups marking a milestone in a memorable way
- Bachelor and bachelorette parties who want drinks, sun, and the ocean all to themselves
- Corporate and team groups in Kona for a retreat or incentive trip
Prefer a Social Vibe? Try the Deluxe Kona Snorkel Tour & Dolphin Watch
Not every group wants the boat to themselves. If your crew is on the larger side, or you’d rather share the fun with fellow travelers, our Deluxe Kona Snorkel Tour & Dolphin Watch is a great fit. It runs on our large catamaran, which has room for bigger groups, and it comes with a built-in social element. Your group can stick together while mingling with other guests on board, trading snorkel stories over lunch, and cheering each other on at the water slide.
Here’s what the day looks like:
- Dolphin watching on the way out. There’s an excellent chance of spotting dolphins and other marine mammals as we cruise to the snorkel site in the Red Hill area.
- About two hours in the water. Snorkel gear and instruction are included, along with life vests, inner tubes, noodles, and a flotation station, so less confident swimmers can join in comfortably.
- Water toys for everyone. Stand-up paddleboards, sea-view boards, a 20-foot water slide, and a 15-foot high-jump platform keep the whole group entertained.
- Two meals included. Start with a continental breakfast and refuel with a BBQ burger lunch.
- A full-service premium bar. Local spirits, craft beers, and blended cocktails are available for purchase.
- Comfort on board. Plenty of shade, cushioned seating, restrooms, changing rooms, and fresh-water showers.
All your group needs to bring is a towel. We provide everything else.
Best for: large family groups, school and club groups, friend trips that want a lively atmosphere, and anyone who loves meeting new people on vacation.
Groups of 10 or More Save 15% on Every Tour
Planning for a crowd? Bring 10 or more guests on any Body Glove Hawaii tour and save 15% on your booking. That includes private Super-Raft charters, which start at $1,900 and seat up to 24 guests, as well as the Deluxe Kona Snorkel Tour & Dolphin Watch and the rest of our cruises.
Private Charter or Group Cruise: Which is Right for Your Group?
| Private Super-Raft Charter | Deluxe Snorkel Tour & Dolphin Watch | |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Exclusive, just your group | Social, share the boat with other guests |
| Group size | Up to 24 guests | Larger groups welcome |
| Itinerary | Fully customizable | Set itinerary with dolphin watch and snorkel |
| Food | Catering options by our in-house chef | Breakfast and BBQ burger lunch included |
| Drinks | Add alcohol to your package | Premium bar available for purchase |
| Extras | Snorkel, whale watch, or sunset options | Water slide, high jump, paddleboards |
| Group discount | 15% off for 10+ guests | 15% off for 10+ guests |
| Best for | Celebrations, private parties, custom trips | Big groups who want a fun, social day |
Looking for a private experience for a group larger than 24? Our larger catamaran is also available for private charters, and the 15% group discount applies there too. Reach out and our team will help you find the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kona Group Tours
Is there a group discount?
Yes. Groups of 10 or more get 15% off their booking on every Body Glove Hawaii tour, including private charters.
How many people fit on the Super-Raft?
The Super-Raft comfortably seats 24 guests.
What if our group doesn’t want a private charter?
The Deluxe Kona Snorkel Tour & Dolphin Watch is a great option. It runs on our larger catamaran, so there’s room for bigger groups, and you’ll get to mingle with other guests on board. Groups of 10 or more still save 15%.
Is it good for kids?
It’s great for kids! Super-Raft charters welcome guests ages 6 and up, and the onboard shade, seating, and restroom make it a comfortable option for families.
Is the Deluxe Snorkel Tour good for non-swimmers?
Yes. Life vests, inner tubes, noodles, a flotation station, and snorkel instruction are all provided, so guests of every comfort level can enjoy the water.
Can we snorkel and whale watch on the same private charter?
Charters are fully customizable, and during whale season (December through April) many groups combine activities. Contact our team to plan your itinerary.
Can we add alcohol?
Yes. The Super-Raft is the only raft in Kona with a liquor license, so you can add alcohol to your private charter package. On the Deluxe Snorkel Tour, a full-service premium bar is available for purchase.
Where do the tours depart from?
All of our cruises leave from the Kailua Pier in Kailua-Kona.
Book Your Group Tour in Kona
The best group trips are the ones where everyone shares the same moments. Want the boat all to yourselves? Plan your private Super-Raft charter. Prefer a lively day with room to mingle? Book the Deluxe Kona Snorkel Tour & Dolphin Watch.