Snorkeling at Turtle Canyon, Oahu: Swim with Sea Turtles

Swim in the turtles' cleaning station

Snorkel at Turtle Canyon, a natural gathering spot off Oahu where green sea turtles come to have their shells cleaned by smaller fish and marine life. You'll board the catamaran KE KAI, ride to the site, and spend time in the water with mask, snorkel and fins, spotting turtles, native fish, eels, octopus and sea urchins. The trip runs 90 minutes total and includes all snorkel gear, drinks and complimentary cocktails after you exit the water.

The experience

Turtle Canyon works because the turtles gather there regularly. It's their cleaning station, where they return to have parasites and algae removed by other marine life. You'll ride the catamaran to the site, put on your snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins and a high-visibility life vest), and enter water that runs 30 feet deep. The guide is live and speaks English, so you'll hear what you're looking at as you move through the site. All participants must be comfortable swimming independently in open water. This is not a shallow-reef snorkel.

What you see shifts with the day and the season, but the turtles are the draw: you'll watch them move through the water and feed. The smaller fish and eels are constant. The water portion is the core of the trip, and once everyone is back on the boat, complimentary cocktails and beer become available for adults 21 and over with valid ID. Soft drinks, juices and water are unlimited throughout.

Check in 30 minutes before departure: missing this window means losing your reservation with no rebooking option. The operator runs rain or shine, so bring a towel and expect to get wet on the boat ride itself. You'll need to complete a digital waiver before arrival. Nearby public transportation can get you to the departure point.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear including mask, snorkel, fins and high-visibility life vest.
• unlimited soft drinks, juices and water.
• complimentary cocktails and beer for adults 21+ with valid ID after the water portion is complete.
• live English-speaking guide.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day at 10:30 and 12:30, from US$ 70 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30 and 12:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 36

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.4 with pickup ›

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (21 and older) · Child (under 21)

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 effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by ALOHA BOATS HAWAII - KE KAI AND NA HOKU 3 CATAMARANS

Is this one for you?You need to be a confident swimmer in open water: Turtle Canyon sits 30+ feet deep and has no shallow alternative, so this is the defining requirement. If you meet that, the catamaran format and the live English guide mean you'll understand what you're seeing as you move through the site.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 21).

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.

Can I snorkel at Turtle Canyon if I'm not a strong swimmer?

No. All participants must be able to swim independently at an average to above-average level, since Turtle Canyon is an open-water site with depths over 30 feet. This is a requirement, not a suggestion, because of the conditions at the site.

What marine life will I actually see at Turtle Canyon?

Green sea turtles are the main attraction. They gather at Turtle Canyon to feed and have their shells cleaned by smaller fish. You'll also see native fish species, eels, octopus (called taco locally) and sea urchins (vana). What you encounter depends on the day and conditions.

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

All snorkel gear is included: mask, snorkel, fins and a high-visibility life vest that you must wear in the water. The vest is required for all guests in the water.

What happens if I don't check in 30 minutes before departure?

If you miss the 30-minute check-in window, you'll lose your reservation with no option to rebook or receive a refund. Arriving on time is non-negotiable, so plan to be there early.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes, complimentary cocktails and beer are available for adults 21 and over with valid ID, but only after you've finished the water portion and returned to the boat. Soft drinks, juices and water are unlimited throughout the entire trip.