Snorkeling with sea turtles on Oahu: Turtle Canyon small group

Swim with Hawaiian sea turtles in a group small enough to actually see them

Snorkel Turtle Canyon on Oahu with a small group (max 6 people) and a guaranteed sea turtle sighting or a free return trip. The boat departs from Waikiki, takes about 90 minutes, and includes snorkel gear, life vests, bottled water, snacks and local juice. A live guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese. Good for all experience levels, from beginners to advanced.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel with turtles at Turtle Canyon

• Board the semi-private boat
• Enjoy scenic boat ride to Turtle Canyon
• Snorkel and see turtles and fish
• Return to Waikiki

The experience

The boat leaves Waikiki and heads to Turtle Canyon, the spot where Hawaiian sea turtles reliably gather. A max group of six means you're not jostling for position or waiting your turn in the water. You get space to move and time to actually watch. The ride itself is fast and scenic. The boat is built for speed and adventure rather than comfort-cruise comfort. Snorkel gear and life vests are provided, so you show up in a swimsuit and the equipment is ready.

Once in the water at Turtle Canyon, you're looking for turtles against the Waikiki backdrop. The operator guarantees you'll see them, or you get a free return trip to try again. Beyond the turtles, tropical fish, dolphins, whales, flying fish and monk seals show up depending on the day. The whole outing runs about 90 minutes from start to finish. Bottled water, snacks and local juice are included, which matters on a boat in the sun.

The activity suits all levels: beginners and experienced snorkelers both go. A live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese or Japanese is with you the whole time. The boat is fast and can be bumpy, so if you're prone to seasickness, take precautions beforehand. Arrive on time. Late arrivals forfeit the ticket. Respect for the turtles is built into the experience: they're endangered, so you maintain distance and follow the guide's lead on how to behave around them.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear and life vests.
• bottled water and snacks.
• local juice.
• a live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese or Japanese.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 11:30 and 15:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Captain Max Boat Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel in a small group where you're not competing for space with dozens of others, and you'd rather have a fast, active boat ride than a leisurely cruise.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese.

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 are the chances of actually seeing sea turtles at Turtle Canyon?

Turtle Canyon is where Hawaiian sea turtles reliably gather, and the operator guarantees a sighting or offers a free return trip if you don't see them.

Is snorkel gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkel gear and life vests are both provided. You bring only a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and sunglasses.

How long is the boat ride and what's the water time like?

The whole outing is about 90 minutes. The boat is fast and can be bumpy, so it's not a leisurely cruise. It's built for speed and adventure.

Can beginners snorkel here, or do I need experience?

The activity is good for all levels, from beginners to advanced snorkelers. A live guide is with you throughout.

What else might I see besides sea turtles?

Depending on the day, you may spot tropical fish, dolphins, whales, flying fish and monk seals in addition to the turtles.