Waikiki: Catamaran Snorkel Sail & Lunch with Turtles

Summary

Snorkeling Waikiki’s Turtle Canyon by catamaran with lunch

You’ll board a Waikiki catamaran for a barefoot sail along Oahu’s coast, snorkel above Turtle Canyon with green sea turtles swimming below you, then relax with lunch and local drinks as Diamond Head drifts past. Expect laughter from your guide, salty breezes in your hair, and moments you’ll want to replay long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped barefoot onto the deck at Kewalo Basin — shoes in a basket, toes already salty before we even left the pier. The crew was all smiles, cracking jokes about sunscreen and sea legs. I could smell coconut lotion and something faintly metallic from the boat rails. As we pulled away from Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head slid into view behind us, all hazy blue and sharp edges against the sun. A couple next to me pointed out surfers bobbing in the distance — I’d never seen so many at once. Our guide, Keoni, told us to keep an eye out for spinner dolphins but not to get our hopes up (he winked anyway).

The ride out to Turtle Canyon was smoother than I expected — just a few bumps that made my stomach flutter in a good way. I leaned over the side and caught that first whiff of open water: kind of sweet, kind of briny. When we anchored, Keoni gave us this quick rundown about Hawaiian green sea turtles (locals call them “honu”) and how they come here to get cleaned by little reef fish. He actually mimed the fish nibbling at turtle shells — everyone laughed except maybe one kid who looked suspiciously serious about it. Slipping into the water was a shock; it felt cooler than I thought it would be but clear enough to see my own hands waving below me.

I lost track of time floating above the reef — honestly, I forgot about everything else until someone shouted “there!” Sure enough, two big turtles glided right underneath us, totally unbothered by our flailing fins. They moved slow, like they owned the place (which I guess they do). Afterward back on deck, there was this quiet moment where everyone just watched Waikiki’s skyline while munching sandwiches and sipping cold beer. The wind made my hair stick everywhere but nobody cared; even Keoni had crumbs on his shirt.

On the way back, someone spotted what might’ve been a dolphin fin but it disappeared before anyone could snap a photo — so yeah, maybe next time. The sun felt different then; softer somehow. I still think about those turtles sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel and Sightseeing

• Depart from Kewalo Basin port
• View Waikiki coastline from ocean
• See iconic Diamond Head
• Snorkel at Turtle Canyon
• Enjoy Waikiki coastline on catamaran

Top questions

Where does the Waikiki catamaran snorkel sail depart from?

The tour departs from Kewalo Basin in Honolulu.

Are Hawaiian green sea turtles guaranteed on this tour?

If you don’t see turtles during your trip, you can book another tour for free with the operator.

Is lunch included on this Waikiki snorkeling tour?

Lunch is included if you book the 3-hour 11:00am option; snacks are provided on shorter trips.

What is Turtle Canyon?

Turtle Canyon is a natural cleaning station where green sea turtles gather above reefs to be cleaned by fish.

Are drinks provided on board?

Yes—local beer, signature cocktails, wine, and unlimited nonalcoholic drinks are included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Premium snorkeling gear and flotation devices are included for all guests.

Can children join this tour?

Yes—infants must sit on an adult’s lap; all ages are welcome but alcohol is only for guests 21+.

What happens if weather cancels the trip?

If canceled due to poor weather conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes premium snorkeling gear and flotation devices for Turtle Canyon, lunch or snacks depending on your time slot, complimentary local beer or cocktails plus unlimited soft drinks after snorkeling—and yes, shoes-off sailing from Kewalo Basin with guides who know every corner of Waikiki’s waters.