Oahu: Glass Bottom Boat Cruise & Diamond Head with Marine Life

See the Ocean Floor Without Getting Wet

You board at Kewalo Basin and spend an hour looking down through glass into tropical reefs and a shipwreck off Oahu's South Shore. Honu, reef sharks, dolphins and schools of fish appear when conditions allow. The canopy keeps sun off, water is included, and you get photos to take home. No swimming, no gear needed, one step to board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Kewalo Basin15m
2. Waikiki BeachEntry included10m

Waikiki Beach Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

• Arrive 20 minutes early
• Locate Kewalo Basin Harbor Slip F21
• Park or take bus to harbor
• Board glass bottom boat
• Cruise along Waikiki Beach
• View marine life through glass bottom
• Enjoy Diamond Head views from water

The experience

Hands grip the rail as the boat pulls away from Slip F21 at Kewalo Basin Harbor, and then you realize. You're looking down through glass into water so clear it barely seems there. The 60-minute cruise heads toward Lē'ahi (Diamond Head), and the whole point is what's underneath: live tropical reefs, a shipwreck, and whatever marine life decides to show up that day. Honu (sea turtles), eels, reef sharks, dolphins, schools of fish that move like one organism: all visible from the deck without you having to suit up or jump in. The captain and crew know the route and the conditions, so they position the boat where the light hits the reef right.

The glass-bottom viewports are the whole thing here. You stand or sit on the canopy-covered deck (which matters because Oahu's sun is direct), and look straight down into the Pacific. It's not snorkeling, which means no salt in your sinuses, no fighting current, no kids getting tired. Families bring infants in carriers, convention groups book it for team outings, school groups use it for field trips. The crew hands out complimentary photos at the end, and bottled water keeps you hydrated during the hour. One step up from the dock to board, so it's accessible for most people, though power wheelchairs won't fit and you're not swimming on this one. It's strictly a viewing tour.

Getting there is straightforward. Drive to 1009 Ala Moana Blvd and park in the metered lot upfront (a dollar an hour), or take bus #19, #20, or #42 from Waikiki and walk to the boat. Arrive 20 minutes early so the crew can get you settled. The reef and the shipwreck are always there, but the animals aren't guaranteed: conditions change, and the ocean doesn't perform on schedule. That said, the captain knows where to look, and most days you'll see something.

What’s included

Your 60-minute glass-bottom boat cruise includes a canopy-covered deck for shade, bottled water, complimentary photos, and an experienced captain and crew who navigate toward Diamond Head and the tropical reefs and shipwreck below. The boat departs from Slip F21 at Kewalo Basin Harbor.

Information

Lasts 1h, runs every day, 12 start times, from US$ 46 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day12 departure times: 08:15, 08:45, 10:00, 10:30, 11:15, 11:45, 13:00, 13:30, 14:15, 14:45, 15:30 and 16:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 49

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (3 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Infant (under 3)

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

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats

Is this one for you?Right for families, groups, and anyone who wants to see Oahu's marine life and reefs without getting in the water. Plan for a full hour on the boat with one step to board, and know that animal sightings depend on ocean conditions rather than guarantee.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3).

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.

How long is the cruise?

Sixty minutes from departure at Kewalo Basin Harbor toward Diamond Head.

What animals might I see?

Honu (sea turtles), reef sharks, dolphins, eels, and schools of tropical fish. Sightings depend on ocean conditions and are not guaranteed.

Where do I park?

Metered parking ($1/hour) is available at Kewalo Basin Harbor near the restrooms and south end closest to Waikiki. GPS address: 1009 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813.

Can I take public transportation?

Yes. Take bus #19, #20, or #42 from Waikiki, exit at Ala Moana Blvd + Ward Ave, and walk to Slip F21.

What's included?

Sixty-minute cruise, canopy-covered deck, bottled water, complimentary photos, and experienced captain and crew.

Can I bring an infant?

Yes. Infants can ride in a pram, stroller, car seat, or hands-free carrier. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is there accessibility for wheelchairs?

There is one step from the dock to board. Power wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Service animals are allowed.

Can I swim on the cruise?

No. This is a viewing-only tour. Swimming is not permitted on regular public cruises.

What should I bring?

Sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. Water is provided. Arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Is priority boarding available?

Yes, priority boarding is available. Ask the crew when you arrive.