Waikiki: Turtle Canyon Snorkel & Sail at Noon

Board straight from Waikiki sand, snorkel Turtle Canyon at midday, sail back past Diamond Head

You board directly from Waikiki Beach at noon, snorkel Turtle Canyon with a professional guide, and sail back with Diamond Head on the horizon. All snorkel gear, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks are included, and the fixed noon departure means better weather and calmer water than earlier times. Arrive 30 minutes early at The Outrigger Reef to check in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Turtle Canyon Snorkel and Sail

• Check in 30 minutes early
• Board catamaran from Waikiki beach
• Snorkel with professional guide
• Enjoy free snacks and drinks
• Sail toward Diamond Head

The Experience

You're standing on Waikiki Beach at noon, and the boat is right there — no shuttle, no bus ride, no waiting at a harbor. The 45-foot catamaran sits in the shallows, and you walk straight from the sand onto the deck. Check-in happens 30 minutes before at The Outrigger Reef, just a few steps back from where you're standing now. Slip-on shoes only (you'll leave them behind), and you need to fill out the online waiver the day before, but that's it. The whole thing is built around not making you arrange anything else.

Once you're aboard, the boat heads out to Turtle Canyon, and the water clarity is what hits you first — you can see down maybe 60 feet on a good day. A professional snorkel guide goes in the water with you, not just pointing from the boat but actually there, showing you where the turtles hang out and what else is moving through the reef. The gear is all included: fins, mask, snorkel, vest. If the motion bothers you, they have something for that too. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks come free; if you want beer or wine, you can buy it on board. The noon timing matters — the sun is higher, the water is warmer, and the wind is usually calmer than it would be earlier or later in the day.

After the snorkel, you sail back toward Waikiki with Diamond Head filling the view. It's not rushed. The catamaran has a near 360-degree sightline, so there's nowhere on the boat that feels cramped or blocked. Families bring infants for free, and the whole thing runs smooth enough that over 200 people have left verified reviews calling it their best water day on the island. Parking validation at the Embassy Suites valet costs $15 for four hours, which covers the whole trip.

What’s included

Your day includes direct beach boarding from Waikiki, professional snorkel guide in the water at Turtle Canyon, all snorkel gear (fins, mask, snorkel, vest), complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, dry storage for belongings, motion sickness aid if needed, reef-safe sunscreen, a scenic sail toward Diamond Head, and parking validation at Embassy Suites valet ($15 for 4 hours). Alcoholic drinks are available for cash purchase on board.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Holokai Catamaran

Is this one for you?Best for anyone staying in or near Waikiki who wants to snorkel without arranging transport, gear rental, or a guide separately — the noon timing and direct beach boarding mean you walk from your hotel and onto the boat without a second stop.

Traveler reviews

4.77★★★★★★★★★★

328 verified traveler reviews

5 ★287

4 ★24

3 ★5

2 ★7

1 ★5

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Do I need to know how to snorkel?

No. A professional snorkel guide is in the water with you, and snorkel vests are included. You do need to be able to swim or be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

What time does the boat leave?

Departure is at 12:00 PM. Check-in is 30 minutes prior at The Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort (2169 Kalia Rd).

Is parking included?

Parking validation for Embassy Suites valet is included ($15 for 4 hours). Public transportation options are also available nearby.

What's included in the price?

Snorkel gear (fins, mask, snorkel, vest), professional snorkel guide, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, dry storage, and parking validation. Alcoholic drinks are available for separate cash purchase.

Can I bring my infant?

Yes. Infants sail free and do not need to enter the water.

Do I need to complete a waiver?

Yes. All participants must complete an online waiver 24 hours before the activity starts.

What should I wear?

Slip-on footwear only — you'll board barefoot. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (or use the complimentary kind provided).