The 9 Best Beach Shore Excursions in the USA

1.Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,338 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $159Our pick

This six-hour Hilo shore excursion takes you to Kilauea’s steam vents, crater views, Thurston Lava Tube, Richardson Black Sand Beach, and a macadamia nut stop. Guides such as Robert, Jess, Donna, and Hannibal are known for lively island stories. Port pickup, park fees, and bottled water are included.

“Robert’s fascinating and energetic narration was terrific! He also shepherded us, took our group photos for us, and shared lots of interesting local tidbits of info. We could not have done this on our own. HIGHLY recommend Robert! His wife Jessica is also a tour guide.”

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2.City Tour of Los Angeles from Long Beach and San Pedro Cruise Terminals

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 128 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $152

Start at Long Beach or San Pedro at 9:00 am, then ride an air-conditioned minibus through Downtown LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the coast. Guides such as Alberto, Eduardo, and Gabriel lead the day, with lunch at Mel’s Drive-In and drop-off at LAX or your ship.

“We enjoyed the tour but it wasn't clear from the description that some of the listed attractions would only be a drive by. For example it was disappointing not to actually stop at Santa Monica pier but have an hour at Venice Beach.”

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3.Kauai: Napali Coast Sail & Snorkel Tour from Port Allen

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 90 reviews · 1 day · from $274

From Port Allen, Holo Holo Charters takes you along Kauai’s Napali Coast aboard a custom catamaran. Captain Kelly and the crew share Hawaiian stories, serve breakfast and lunch, provide snorkel gear, and may sail under trade winds when conditions allow.

“Crew was great ! Didn’t see very many fish while snorkeling”

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4.Visit Volcano, Waterfall, Beach with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $189Top rated

Join Anthony, Desmond, or another Shaka Braddah guide for a 6 to 7-hour Hilo shore excursion to Rainbow Falls, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Nahuku Lava Tube, and Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. Lunch, local fruit, hotel or port pickup, and a group of no more than 12 are included.

“Such a great tour and an exciting day as Kilauea was percolating. Great stop at the lava tube, lookout points and tge black sand beach. Even better was the presentation in the van complete with photos on a screen and tons of island props to pass around.”

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5.Wild Dolphin Reefs Snorkel and Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 73 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

From Kailua Pier, you’ll ride a 32 or 45-foot Zodiac to Kealakekua Bay, stopping for sea caves, lava formations, and marine life. Captain Trevor, Chris, Christian, and other local crew members lead the outing, with about an hour to snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument.

“This was my teenagers favorite excursion of our trip! The boat ride to and from the diving sight was beautiful. We saw a whale and tons of dolphins. The snorkeling was breathtaking. There were a lot of boats there, but we didn’t feel over crowded. The crew was excellent and made the trip extremely enjoyable.”

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6.Princeville – Snorkeling Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · from $123Best value

Meet at Anahola Marketplace at 8:00 am for a private, self-guided Kauai snorkeling outing. You’ll learn to use a sea scooter, collect your mask and fins, and receive a map with advice on spots such as Anini and Tunnels Beach. Kelly may also arrange resort gear delivery in Princeville.

“Kelly was great, she lent us her equipment and gave us detailed instructions about parking and what to expect at each of the beaches. We had a lot of fun snorkeling in Anini Beach and Tunnels Beach! The sea scooters were so fun and made gRead more”

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7.Kona Cruise Ship Excursion Hapuna Beach Day & NHS

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $134

Spend about five hours touring the Kohala Coast from Kailua Pier with guide Adam or another Hawaii Island Time guide. You’ll visit Hapuna Beach, taste local macadamia nuts, hear about Puʻukoholā Heiau, pause at Kiholo Bay, and return to Kona in a small, air-conditioned vehicle.

“Adam was our driver. He was personable, interesting, and helpful. He was building a home on the Big Island. He was willing to alter the tour to please us. We were very impressed with his work ethic and kindness. Great tour guide!!”

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8.Hilo Waterfall Swim and Hike with Hilo Cruise Ship Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $198

Meet your guide at Hilo’s cruise port for a four-and-a-half-hour outing along the Hamakua Coast. Walk a 300-acre working farm, see three private waterfalls, and swim at Kawainui Falls if conditions allow. The tour runs Tuesdays, includes dry packs, and suits beginners who can walk 3 miles on uneven ground.

“Abby was an exceptional guide. Very knowledgeable about the indigenous plant life and history of the island. The waterfalls are breathtaking love the whole experience.”

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9.Private Hilo Shore Excursion – Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Beaches

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 7 hours (approx.)

Start at Hilo’s cruise pier with guide Shawn for a private seven-hour loop through waterfalls, Richardson Ocean Park, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Expect steam vents, a lava tube, crater viewpoints, flexible stops, and practical help with lunch and changing weather.

“What we an amazing day!! We booked the Fire and Water tour. My husband and I had been to Kona several times before but were never able to make it to the volcano. Since that was our priority this trip, we reached out to Shawn for a private guided tour. We cannot say enough anazing things about him or our day. We were incredibly lucky in that the volcano has been erupting periodically for the last several”

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