Turtle Snorkeling

Kewalo Basin Harbor, 1125 Ala Moana Blvd Pier D #112, Honolulu, HI 96814
Not Rated
Duration

2-3 hours

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

Swim alongside Hawaii’s beloved green sea turtles (honu) in the warm, clear water off Oahu’s south shore. This relaxed snorkeling trip takes you to a protected turtle habitat just minutes from Waikiki, where turtles gather year-round to feed and rest along the reef.

Whether it is your first time in a mask and fins or you snorkel every chance you get, the crew provides all the gear, in-water guidance, and plenty of time to float above the reef. Calm conditions and a shallow, sandy bottom make this an easy and family-friendly way to experience Hawaii’s marine life.

Choose Your Turtle Snorkeling Tour

Morning Turtle Snorkel
Approximately 3 hours including Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off.
Includes

  • Guided Snorkel at Turtle Canyon
  • Mask, Snorkel & Fins
  • Flotation Devices
  • Certified Crew & Safety Briefing
  • Bottled Water
  • Fresh Water Rinse On Board
Afternoon Turtle Snorkel & Sail
Snorkeling plus a relaxed sail along the Waikiki coastline.
Includes

  • Guided Snorkel at Turtle Canyon
  • Mask, Snorkel & Fins
  • Flotation Devices
  • Coastal Sail Past Diamond Head
  • Light Snacks
  • Complimentary Beverages

Tour Schedule

Total Duration: Approximately 3 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off

Departure Point: Kewalo Basin Harbor, 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Pier D #112, Honolulu, HI 96814

Hotel Pickup: Complimentary pickup and drop-off within the Waikiki area. Your confirmation lists your exact pickup time and location.

Check-In: Guests travelling on their own should arrive at the harbor in time for check-in and the safety briefing before departure.

What to Bring

Swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Sunglasses and a hat are recommended for time on deck.

Turtle sightings occur in the wild and are not guaranteed. Hawaii law requires guests to stay at least 10 feet away from sea turtles at all times.

Hawaiian green sea turtles are a protected species; see the NOAA Fisheries green turtle profile to learn more. Want more time on the reef? Browse our other snorkeling tours.

Transportation

Optional round-trip transportation is available from select Waikiki hotels and pickup locations. Guests not purchasing transportation should check in directly at Kewalo Basin Harbor, 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Pier D #112, Honolulu, HI 96814.





Highlights

  • Turtle Canyon — snorkel a protected reef where Hawaiian green sea turtles gather year round
  • About 3 hours total including hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off included
  • Calm, shallow water suited to first-time snorkelers
  • Snorkeling equipment and life vests provided
  • Hot and cold water, coffee, tea, snacks, muffin and cup of noodles on board
  • 2 restrooms on board
  • Crew in the water with you, plus a safety briefing before you get in
  • Family friendly — children welcome with a guardian
  • Reef-safe sunscreen guidance so you do not damage the coral
  • Tropical reef fish alongside the turtles
  • GoPro rental available on board

Check-In at the Harbor

Meet the crew at the harbor, complete check-in, and stow your bag. Guests who booked transportation are picked up from their Waikiki hotel beforehand.

Safety Briefing and Gear Fitting

The crew fits your mask, snorkel, and fins, and walks through how to clear your mask, how to use the flotation device, and the rules for keeping a safe distance from the turtles.

Cruise to Turtle Canyon

A short ride out along the Waikiki coastline to the reef, with Diamond Head in view.

Snorkel the Reef

Time in the water above the reef with crew alongside you, watching for green sea turtles and tropical reef fish.

Return to Harbor

Rinse off with fresh water on board and cruise back, arriving at the harbor for drop-off or hotel return.

  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • Life vests
  • Water (hot and cold), coffee and tea
  • Snacks
  • Muffin and cup of noodles
  • 2 restrooms on board
  • Pickup and drop-off (Waikiki area only)
  • GoPro rental ($40 + tax)
  • Gratuities

2 - 3 hours

English

Tour's Location

Kewalo Basin Harbor, 1125 Ala Moana Blvd Pier D #112, Honolulu, HI 96814

Do I need to know how to swim?

Comfort in the water helps, but you do not need to be a strong swimmer. Flotation devices are provided and the crew stays in the water with you. Tell the crew at check-in if you are nervous or new to snorkeling so they can keep an eye on you.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Mask, snorkel, fins, and a flotation device are provided for every guest. If you prefer your own mask, you are welcome to bring it.

Will we definitely see turtles?

Turtle Canyon is a feeding and resting area where Hawaiian green sea turtles gather year round, so sightings are common. They are wild animals, however, so no tour can guarantee them.

How close can I get to a turtle?

Hawaiian green sea turtles are a protected species. State and federal guidance asks you to stay at least 10 feet away and never touch, chase, or feed them. Stay still and they will often swim past on their own.

What should I bring?

Swimwear worn under your clothes, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Sunglasses and a hat are useful for time on deck.

What sunscreen can I use?

Hawaii law bans sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate because they damage coral. Bring a mineral, reef-safe sunscreen, and apply it well before you get in the water.

Can children join?

Yes, with a parent or guardian. Please tell us the ages when booking so the crew can prepare appropriate gear and flotation.

I wear glasses or contact lenses. What should I do?

Contact lenses generally work under a mask, though there is a small risk of losing one if the mask floods. Glasses cannot be worn under a mask. Let us know in advance if you need a prescription mask.

What if I get seasick?

The ride out is short and usually calm, but take motion sickness medication before boarding if you are prone to it. Staying on deck and watching the horizon helps.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom on board, along with shaded seating.

What happens in bad weather?

Trips depend on ocean and wind conditions. If the captain cancels for safety, we will contact you to rebook or discuss the options available.

Is hotel pickup available?

Round-trip transportation is available from selected Waikiki hotels for an additional charge. Guests not using transportation should check in directly at the harbor.

Can I bring a camera?

Yes. A waterproof camera or a phone in a waterproof case works well. Use a float strap or wrist tether, since anything dropped in the water is difficult to recover.

Are food and drinks provided?

Bottled water is provided. Please check your booking confirmation for anything else included on the trip you selected.

Is tip included?

Gratuity is not included. If the crew looked after you well, tips are appreciated but never required.

from $90

Why book with us?

Owner

Hawaii Tour

Member Since 2026

76 Reviews

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