Snorkeling with sea turtles on Oahu's west coast

Whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in one morning

Snorkel with sea turtles and tropical fish on Oahu's west coast aboard a 42-passenger catamaran limited to 25 guests for a relaxed experience. Winter departures include whale and dolphin watching as humpbacks return to Hawaiian waters. The three-hour trip includes snorkel gear, lunch, snacks and bottled water, with pickup from Waikiki hotels.

The experience

Can you actually see whales and sea turtles on the same trip? Yes, at least during winter, when humpback whales migrate to Hawaii's warm waters and dolphins often travel the same routes. The catamaran heads out from Oahu's west coast, and the boat stays limited to 25 passengers even though it holds 42, which means you're not packed in with crowds. The snorkeling happens in shallow water where sea turtles feed, and the tropical fish are there year-round.

Snorkel gear is provided, along with a life vest if you want one. Lunch and snacks come aboard, so you're not hungry between the whale watching and the water time. The whole thing runs about three hours, though the transfer from Waikiki takes roughly an hour depending on traffic, so plan for a half-day commitment. Winter is the only season for the whale watching. If you're visiting outside that window, the operator offers a sunset cruise option instead of the snorkeling.

Shoes come off on the boat: a safety rule to prevent slips on the deck. Bring only what fits in your hands or pockets. Personal items left on the shuttle bus during the tour stay there. One quirk: bananas are forbidden aboard due to Hawaiian superstition. Weather and wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed, and if the minimum number of passengers isn't met, you'll get offered another date or a full refund.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear and life vest.
• lunch and snacks.
• bottled water.
• hotel pickup from Waikiki with approximately one hour transfer time to the harbor.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 12:00, from US$ 166.49 per person, with a live guide in English and Japanese and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and JapaneseOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Indigo Ocean Hawaii

Is this one for you?Pickup from Waikiki is included, so you don't need a rental car or your own transport to reach the west coast harbor. The catamaran and the transfer are one booking.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): 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.

Do I need my own snorkel gear or is it provided?

Snorkel gear is included with the activity. Life vests are also available if you want one.

What's the difference between the whale watching and sunset cruise options?

Winter departures (roughly November through March) include whale and dolphin watching as humpbacks return to Hawaii. Outside that season, the operator offers a sunset cruise experience instead of snorkeling.

How long does the whole thing take, including the ride from Waikiki?

The snorkeling and whale watching run three hours on the water. The transfer from Waikiki to the harbor takes approximately one hour depending on traffic, so budget about four hours total.

Are sea turtle sightings guaranteed?

Sightings of sea turtles and other marine wildlife are not guaranteed. Weather and wildlife conditions may also delay your return to the harbor.

What's included in the price?

Snorkel gear, life vest, lunch, snacks, bottled water, and pickup from Waikiki hotels are all included. You'll need to bring your own sunscreen, towel, and hat.