Snorkeling at Turtle Canyon, Waikiki: Swim with Green Sea Turtles

Swim alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat

Snorkel at Turtle Canyon off the Waikiki coast aboard the Spirit of Aloha, a 65-foot catamaran that departs from the only pier in Waikiki. You'll enter the water with lifeguard-certified crew support, use provided snorkel gear, and watch green sea turtles (Honu) in one of Hawaii's prime viewing spots. The boat carries a full bar, fresh water shower and plenty of deck space. Whales are visible December through March.

The experience

The Spirit of Aloha leaves from Port Waikiki and sails straight to Turtle Canyon, where the water clarity and turtle population make the snorkel worthwhile. You'll get in-water help from lifeguard-certified crew, a required safety vest, and sanitized snorkel gear: no need to bring your own or worry about fit. The catamaran itself is built for comfort: two restrooms, a full bar with local microbrews on tap, and both sun and shade on deck so you're not stuck in one spot for the whole outing.

Snorkeling here means watching Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu) behave naturally, not in a tank or from a distance. The crew shares what they know about the turtles' life cycle, behaviors and the threats they face, so you understand what you're seeing. If you're there December through March, whales are also visible from the boat. The whole experience runs about two and a half hours, which gives real time in the water without eating your whole day.

You choose between a morning departure with lunch included or an afternoon slot. Either way, complimentary beverages (cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic options) come with the ticket. Free four-hour parking is available at the Hilton (normally $35), so factor that into your planning if you're driving.

What’s included

• In-water assistance from lifeguard-certified crew.
• required safety vest and sanitized snorkel gear.
• complimentary beverages including locally inspired cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic options.
• lunch on the morning option.
• free four-hour self-parking at the Hilton (a $35 value, with parking ticket at check-in).

Options for this experience

2 options

Hilton Afternoon SnorkelGuide in English · 13:30No lunch; dry snacks such as chips and Chex mix. Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. Two free bar drink tickets per adult; $1 beer, $2 wine and mixers extra.

Morning Hawaiian turtle snorkel at Hilton Hawaiian Village, with lunchGuide in English · 10:30Optional morning snorkel menu: turkey pesto wraps with chip bags. Vegetarian pesto wrap available with advance notice. Gluten-free option: lettuce wrap.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 2h 30m, runs every day at 10:30 and 13:30, from US$ 109.95 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday: 10:30 and 13:30Wednesday: 13:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.3 with pickup ›

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Hawaii Nautical

Is this one for you?Choose the morning departure if you want lunch included and prefer an earlier start. Pick the afternoon slot if you'd rather snorkel later in the day. Both options give you the same Turtle Canyon site and crew support. The difference is timing and whether you eat on board.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 Hawaiian green sea turtles like when you see them snorkeling at Turtle Canyon?

Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu) live 60 to 80 years and are a symbol of longevity, safety and spiritual energy in Hawaiian culture. At Turtle Canyon, you'll observe them at play in their natural habitat, and the crew will explain their behaviors and life cycle while you're in the water.

Do I need my own snorkel gear or does the boat provide it?

The boat provides sanitized, reusable snorkel equipment and a required safety vest. You don't need to bring your own or worry about whether it fits.

Can I see whales on this snorkel?

Whales are visible from the boat December through March. Outside those months, you'll focus on the turtles and fish at Turtle Canyon.

What's included in the price besides snorkeling?

Beverages (locally inspired cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic options) are complimentary. If you book the morning departure, lunch is included. Free four-hour parking at the Hilton is also available with your parking ticket at check-in.

How long does the whole outing take?

The snorkel runs about two and a half hours from departure to return, which gives real time in the water at Turtle Canyon without consuming your entire day.