Oahu Dolphin and Turtle Cruise: Glass Bottom Views

Watch reef sharks and sea turtles glide past the glass bottom as you cruise toward Diamond Head

A 60-minute coastal wildlife cruise on Oahu's South Shore aboard the Haleiwa Queen, a 50-foot power catamaran with 49 seats, departing from Kewalo Basin Harbor. You sail toward Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) while a local crew shares stories of Waikiki's history and points out dolphins, honu (sea turtles), tropical fish, reef sharks, and seasonal humpback whales through magnified glass bottom viewports. The boat carries a restroom, shaded deck, and complimentary beverages. Arrive 20 minutes early at Slip F21 near the big red sign, or take city bus #19, #20, or #42 from Waikiki.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Kewalo Basin15m
2. Waikiki Beach15m

Waikiki Coastline Cruise and Marine Life

• Arrive 20 minutes early at Kewalo Basin
• Board the Haleiwa Queen catamaran
• Cruise along Waikiki Beach boardwalk
• View marine life through glass bottom ports
• Learn about Waikiki history from crew

The experience

The Haleiwa Queen leaves Kewalo Basin Harbor with a live English-speaking crew born and raised in Hawaii. They share stories of their ancestors and growing up in the islands while the boat cruises the Waikiki Beach coastline in search of marine life. The catamaran's 49 seats spread across a shaded deck, and an onboard restroom means you don't have to cut the trip short. Complimentary bottled water keeps you hydrated as you scan the water.

The magnified glass bottom viewports are the centerpiece: you watch live coral reefs, tropical fish, eels, reef sharks, and sea turtles pass underneath without leaving your seat. Dolphins and humpback whales (during season) are part of the search, though the crew notes that ocean conditions sometimes limit what surfaces. The boat heads toward Diamond Head, so you see the coastline from the water while staying focused on what moves below.

Parking at the harbor runs $1 per hour, with metered spots near the restrooms and toward the south end closest to Waikiki. If you're staying in Waikiki, bus #19, #20, or #42 drops you at Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue. Walk to Slip F21 and look for the big red sign. Arrive 20 minutes before your departure time. You're welcome to bring your own beverages and pack a lunch to eat on board.

What’s included

• Complimentary bottled water.
• onboard restroom.
• shaded deck seating.
• live guide in English sharing stories of Waikiki's history and Hawaiian culture.
• complimentary photos.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day12 departure times: the first at 08:15, the last at 16:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (3 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 49

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats

Is this one for you?The 60-minute duration leaves room for other activities in your day: a morning or afternoon slot that fits easily into a Waikiki schedule without eating up a full half-day. The glass bottom viewports mean you watch marine life from a comfortable seat instead of snorkeling or diving, so it suits anyone who wants to see the reef without getting in the water.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What marine life will I see on the Oahu dolphin and turtle cruise?

The Haleiwa Queen searches for dolphins, honu (sea turtles), tropical fish, reef sharks, eels, and seasonal humpback whales. The crew makes every effort to position the boat where marine life appears, but ocean conditions sometimes limit sightings, so nothing is guaranteed.

How do the glass bottom viewports work on this cruise?

Magnified glass bottom viewports let you watch the ocean floor and marine life from your seat without getting wet. You see live coral reefs and the creatures moving through them as the catamaran cruises over the water.

How long is the cruise and what's included?

The cruise runs 60 minutes. Complimentary bottled water, an onboard restroom, and a shaded deck are included. The crew provides a live guide in English sharing stories of Waikiki's history and Hawaiian culture.

Where do I park and how do I get to the boat?

The Haleiwa Queen departs from Kewalo Basin Harbor at Slip F21 (look for the big red sign). Metered parking costs $1 per hour near the restrooms and south end of the harbor. From Waikiki, take bus #19, #20, or #42 to Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue, then walk to the slip. Arrive 20 minutes early.

Can I bring food and drinks on the cruise?

Yes. You're welcome to pack a lunch and bring your own beverages on board. Complimentary bottled water is provided, and the boat has an onboard restroom.