Oahu: Turtle Canyon Snorkel & Diamond Head Sail with Guide
Swim with turtles at Turtle Canyon then sail by Diamond Head
You’ll start your morning snorkeling at Oahu’s Turtle Canyon with green sea turtles gliding by, guided by locals who know every hidden creature below. Afterward, relax as you sail past Diamond Head, searching for dolphins or even humpback whales in winter. Includes all snorkel gear, snacks, and friendly guidance—just bring your curiosity (and maybe some clumsy boat moves).
2h 30m
Step-by-step itinerary
Turtle Canyon snorkel and dolphin cruise
- Check in at Outrigger REEF Waikiki
- Walk to boat before departure
- Snorkel with green sea turtles
- Explore tropical fish and marine life
- Spot hidden creatures like octopus
- Hoist sails and cruise Diamond Head
- Look for Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
- Relax on nets with snacks
The Experience
I’ll be honest — I was nervous about snorkeling at Turtle Canyon. The idea of slipping into that cool blue water off Waikiki sounded both exciting and a little intimidating (I’m not exactly a strong swimmer). But our guide, Kimo, just grinned and handed me my mask, cracking a joke about how even the turtles sometimes look confused on their first swim. The salt air was sharp in my nose as we waded out barefoot from the sand, and I could already see the boat bobbing gently just offshore.
The moment my face hit the water, everything went quiet except for my own breathing. It’s strange — you expect chaos but it’s all calm down there. A green sea turtle drifted right by, close enough to see the patterns on its shell. Kimo pointed out a tako hiding under a rock (I’d never have spotted it), and someone else shouted when they saw a vana — those spiky sea urchins look almost fake in that light. I kept fogging up my mask because I was grinning so much. The guides were always nearby but never hovering — just enough to make you feel safe without feeling watched.
After we climbed back on board (awkwardly for me — wet feet plus boat stairs is comedy), they hoisted the sails and we drifted around Diamond Head. The breeze felt warmer than I expected, and everyone sprawled out on the nets with snacks in hand. We scanned for spinner dolphins — no luck that morning, but honestly, just watching the coastline slide by was enough. In winter they said you might spot humpback whales too; kind of wild to think about.
I still think about how peaceful it felt floating above those reefs with nothing but fish and sunlight below me. If you’re looking for a day trip from Waikiki that’s equal parts adventure and just lying back in the sun with salty hair, this is it.
What’s included
Your day includes professional guides who stay close while you snorkel Turtle Canyon’s reefs with all gear provided—mask, fins, vest—and then set sail past Diamond Head with complimentary snacks along the way; validated parking is available nearby and motion sickness aid plus reef-safe sunscreen are offered if needed before returning to shore.
Operated by Holokai Catamaran
Traveler reviews
Compare the 13 similar options
Oahu: Turtle Canyon Snorkel & Diamond Head Sail with Guide★ 4.86 (303)2h 30mENUS$ 72
Waikiki: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour Small Group Max 6Feel the Pacific up close on a Waikiki Turtle Canyon snorkel tour with just 6 guests, expert guides, and all gear included. Book with free rebooking if no turtles.★ 4.98 (493)2hENUS$ 72View ›
Oahu: Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel & Sea Turtles with LunchSnorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles on a 65-foot catamaran from Waikiki. Includes gear, local beer, lunch option, and free re-ride if turtles aren't spotted.★ 4.67 (2,134)2h–3hENUS$ 99View ›
Oahu Catamaran Snorkel: Turtles Guaranteed or Full RefundSnorkel tour from Waikiki to Turtle Canyon Reef with guaranteed sea turtle sightings. Includes gear, snacks, and drinks aboard the Kahala Kai catamaran with restrooms.★ 4.88 (1,786)2hUS$ 60View ›
Waikiki Private Deep Sea Fishing Charter: 8-Hour Oahu TourEight-hour private deep sea fishing charter from Honolulu with experienced captain, all tackle and bait included—battle Blue Marlin8hENUS$ 1,859per groupView ›
Oahu: Turtle Canyon Snorkel with Sea Turtles & Reef FishTwo hours snorkeling Turtle Canyon from Waikiki with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, gear included, professional guide, and drinks on deck. Small groups, all swimming levels.★ 4.83 (4,891)2hENUS$ 79View ›
Parasailing Oahu: Fly 500 feet over WaikikiParasail over Waikiki and Diamond Head from 500 feet with Hawaii's original company since 1977★ 4.75 (1,404)1hENUS$ 50View ›
Waikiki Sunset Sailing: 2-Hour Catamaran Swim & SailSail the Waikiki coastline at sunset on a 2-hour catamaran, swim in the open ocean, and watch the sky turn gold and purple from the water—an experienced guide leads the way.★ 4.73 (619)2hENUS$ 56View ›
Shark Cage Snorkeling North Shore Oahu: Native-Hawaiian OwnedSnorkel with sharks in a cage off Oahu's North Shore aboard a catamaran operated by a Native-Hawaiian company, complete with gear and water.★ 4.92 (310)2hENUS$ 100View ›
Oahu Turtle Canyon: 2-Hour Snorkeling with Sea Turtles2-hour snorkeling tour at Turtle Canyon, Oahu with guaranteed sea turtle sightings, gear included, small groups. Departs Waikiki daily, families welcome.★ 4.72 (1,516)2hENUS$ 81View ›
Oahu Circle Island Tour: Snorkeling, Dole Plantation & North ShoreFeel the salt air on Oahu’s Circle Island Tour—snorkel Turtle Bay, taste pineapple at Dole Plantation, and ride with a local guide. Includes pickup & lunch.★ 4.70 (409)8hENUS$ 38View ›
Waikiki: Catamaran Turtle Snorkel & Water Sports Day TripFeel the ocean breeze off Waikiki, snorkel with turtles, and try kayaking or paddleboarding. Includes pickup, gear, snacks, and a friendly local crew.★ 4.89 (415)3hEN · KOUS$ 90View ›
Waikiki: Turtle Canyon Snorkel & Catamaran Sail with DrinksStart your morning in Waikiki with a Turtle Canyon snorkel, local coffee, and a catamaran sail toward Diamond Head. Includes gear, drinks, and snacks.★ 4.77 (1,777)2h 30mENUS$ 90View › 
Top questions
Where does the Turtle Canyon snorkel tour start?
The tour starts at the Outrigger REEF Waikiki Beach Resort at 2169 Kalia Rd., Waikiki.
Is snorkel gear provided on the Turtle Canyon adventure?
Yes, snorkels, masks, fins, and snorkel vests are included for all participants.
Are there guides during the Turtle Canyon snorkeling?
Yes, professional snorkel guides are present throughout to assist and point out marine life.
What marine animals can you see at Turtle Canyon?
You may see green sea turtles, tropical fish, octopus (tako), sea urchins (vana), and more.
Does the tour include sailing around Diamond Head?
Yes, after snorkeling you’ll sail around Diamond Head looking for spinner dolphins or humpback whales in winter.
Are snacks included on this day trip from Waikiki?
Complimentary snacks are provided during the cruise portion of the tour.
Is parking available near the check-in location?
Validated parking is available at Embassy Suites Valet for $15 for 4 hours.
Is this Oahu snorkel tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, guides help all skill levels feel comfortable in the water; basic fitness required.
Oahu: Turtle Canyon Snorkel & Diamond Head Sail with Guide
2h 30m · EN
from US$ 72 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.86303 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
