Waikiki: Catamaran Turtle Snorkel & Water Sports Day Trip

Summary

Snorkeling with turtles in Waikiki plus kayaking & sea scooters

You’ll float above Waikiki’s reefs with turtles below you, try paddleboarding or kayaking if you want, and snack on muffins while chatting with locals on deck. This isn’t just about ticking off activities — it’s about salty hair, ocean air, and those small moments you’ll remember when you’re far from Oahu.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever tried to put on a snorkel mask with salty hair?” That’s what I asked our guide, Keoni, after the first splash off the catamaran. He just grinned and handed me a muffin — apparently that’s his trick for nerves. We’d left Waikiki behind about half an hour earlier, still shaking sand from our flip-flops, and now it was just blue water everywhere and the sound of someone laughing (maybe me) as I tried to balance on a paddleboard for the first time. The main reason I booked this day trip was the promise of seeing turtles up close — not in some aquarium but right here in Oahu’s wild water.

The catamaran itself felt like a floating living room, honestly. There were two bathrooms (which I didn’t expect), plenty of space to flop down between activities, and always someone from the crew ready with hot coffee or Tang — yeah, Tang! Keoni pointed out Diamond Head in the distance while another guest spotted what might’ve been dolphins off the port side. The highlight though? Floating face-down with my heart thumping as a green turtle drifted past. Its shell looked almost ancient up close. Sometimes you could hear nothing but your own breath through the snorkel and distant splashes from people trying out those sea scooters (I wiped out twice; no regrets).

I liked that nobody rushed us — we could swap between snorkeling, kayaking, or just sitting at the bow watching clouds change shape over Honolulu. At one point I sat next to a local auntie who told me how “the turtles always come back here,” like they’re regulars at their favorite café. Lunch was simple: Cup Noodles and muffins that tasted better than they should’ve after all that saltwater. If you get seasick easy, maybe bring something for it — one guy did look a little green by hour two but mostly everyone was too busy laughing or taking blurry photos of each other.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran water sports and snorkeling

• Board luxury catamaran in Waikiki
• Sail on Oahu's waters
• Snorkel with turtles and marine life
• Use sea scooters and dive
• Kayak and stand-up paddleboard
• Watch for dolphins and whales

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Waikiki catamaran tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for this tour.

What water sports are available during the day trip?

You can try snorkeling with turtles, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sea scooters, and diving.

Are snacks or meals provided on board?

Yes, snacks like muffins and Cup Noodles are provided along with drinks such as water (hot & cold), Tang, coffee and tea.

How many restrooms are there on the catamaran?

The catamaran has two restrooms available on board.

Is snorkeling equipment included in the package?

Yes, all necessary snorkeling equipment is provided for guests.

Can infants join this Waikiki turtle snorkel day trip?

Children under 2 years old can come aboard for free but must be accompanied by an adult.

Should I take motion sickness medication before boarding?

If you’re prone to seasickness or not used to catamarans, consider taking medication beforehand.

Is public transportation nearby for this tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel area in Waikiki, all snorkeling gear and life vests you’ll need (no need to pack your own), access to two restrooms onboard the spacious catamaran, plus snacks like muffins and Cup Noodles along with hot or cold drinks — so you can focus on spotting turtles instead of worrying about logistics.