Snorkeling on Oahu's Anahulu River: Guaranteed Sea Turtles

Paddle into a river where Hawaiian green sea turtles rest between ocean voyages

A guided stand-up paddleboard and snorkeling activity on Oahu's Anahulu River, led by a born-and-raised Hawaiian guide. You paddle down a quiet North Shore waterway where green sea turtles use the stream as a safe haven, and you'll see them swimming and resting on the banks. All equipment is provided. No experience is necessary.

The experience

The Anahulu River, the longest watercourse on Oahu, sits on the North Shore as a well-kept secret among locals. A Hawaiian guide leads you onto a paddleboard into water that serves as a highway for Hawaiian green sea turtles migrating between ocean voyages. You're guaranteed to see them: swimming, resting on the banks, or basking in the sun. The river is lined with unique Hawaiian trees and flora, and the whole experience takes about 90 minutes.

You'll paddle and have the chance to snorkel, getting an up-close view of what lies beneath the surface. Stand-up paddleboarding itself has roots in Hawaiian tradition: in the 1940s, Waikiki surf instructors like Duke Kahanamoku would stand on their boards with paddles to get a better view of the water. This activity is built for beginners: no prior experience is required, and your guide handles the instruction as you go.

What’s included

• Stand-up paddleboard and paddling equipment.
• snorkeling gear.
• lifejacket.
• instruction from a Hawaiian guide.
• guaranteed sea turtle sightings.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs Monday to Saturday at 08:00 and 16:00, from US$ 193.72 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 08:00 and 16:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 10

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 to2d before

AgesAdult (2 and older) · Infant (under 2): 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sea and Board Sports Hawaii

Is this one for you?The 90-minute paddle is steady and beginner-friendly, so it suits anyone who can sit on a board and wants to see sea turtles without needing prior water sports skill.

Traveler reviews

4.96★★★★★★★★★★

56 verified traveler reviews

5 ★54

4 ★2

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 2): 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 will I actually see on the Anahulu River?

The Anahulu River is a resting ground for Hawaiian green sea turtles during their long Pacific voyages, so turtle sightings are guaranteed. You'll see them swimming and resting on the banks or basking in the sun, along with other water life and the native Hawaiian trees and plants that line the stream.

Do I need paddleboarding experience to join?

No experience is necessary. The activity is designed for beginners, and your Hawaiian guide provides instruction as part of the outing. All equipment is provided, so you only need to bring a taste for adventure.

What's included in the paddleboard activity?

Your guide provides the paddleboard, all paddling equipment, a lifejacket, and snorkeling gear. If you're traveling with an infant, they can sit on an adult's lap during the activity.

Where on Oahu does this paddleboard snorkeling happen?

The activity takes place on the Anahulu River on Oahu's North Shore. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need to reach the meeting point.