Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Sunset Cruise: Reef Fish & Sea Turtles

Watch marine life through the hull while staying completely dry.

A 90-minute glass bottom boat tour departing from Kewalo Harbor near Waikiki, where you cruise along the reef and Diamond Head coastline viewing tropical fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles, dolphins and seasonal humpback whales through underwater viewing windows. The boat carries a live English-speaking guide who shares island history and marine education. Complimentary photos, bottled water and onboard restroom are included. Daytime reef tours, sunset cruises, Friday night fireworks cruises and private charters are available, with wildlife sightings changing daily.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Sunset Cruise

• Depart from Kewalo Harbor
• Cruise along Waikiki Beach boardwalk
• View Diamond Head and city
• Observe tropical reef fish and sea turtles
• Learn island history and marine life

The experience

The boat departs from Kewalo Harbor, just minutes from Waikiki, and heads out along the iconic Waikiki Beach boardwalk toward Diamond Head. You stay seated below deck, looking out through the glass bottom viewing windows as the crew navigates the reef. Tropical reef fish move past the windows constantly; Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) surface nearby; dolphins appear without warning. On certain months, humpback whales breach in the distance. Nothing requires you to get wet or suit up. The whole reef comes to you through the hull.

Your local crew brings the islands to life with stories and marine education throughout the cruise. They know which fish are which, where the turtles usually rest, what the seasonal patterns mean. The commentary is live and in English, so you hear it as it happens, not as a recording. Complimentary photos capture the moments; bottled water keeps you hydrated; a restroom is onboard if you need it. The boat is family-friendly, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap. Service animals are welcome.

Sunset cruises, daytime reef tours, Friday night fireworks cruises and private charters all run from the same harbor. Wildlife sightings change daily: some departures bring dolphins, others bring whales, some days the turtles are active and others they are resting. Popular times sell out in advance, so booking early improves your odds of getting the departure you want.

What’s included

• Glass bottom boat cruise with live English-speaking guide.
• complimentary photos.
• bottled water.
• onboard restroom.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 17:00 and 17:15

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (3 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 49

Live guideEnglish

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

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats

Is this one for you?The live English guide makes the marine education and island stories accessible as they happen, so families with children and first-time visitors to Oahu can follow the commentary without needing prior knowledge. Book a sunset cruise if you want the light and the reef together. Choose daytime tours if you prefer the clearest underwater visibility.

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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.

What marine animals will I see on the glass bottom boat tour?

Tropical reef fish are visible on every cruise through the underwater windows. Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), dolphins and seasonal humpback whales appear regularly, though sightings change daily depending on where the animals are feeding and resting that day.

Do I need to get wet or wear a wetsuit on this tour?

No. The glass bottom boat keeps you completely dry. You stay seated below deck viewing the reef through the underwater windows, so there is no swimming or snorkeling involved.

How long is the Waikiki glass bottom boat cruise?

The cruise runs 90 minutes from departure at Kewalo Harbor through the return. The boat travels along Waikiki Beach toward Diamond Head and back.

Is there a guide on the boat, and what language does the guide speak?

A live guide in English is onboard for every cruise, sharing island history, marine education and stories about the reef and wildlife you are seeing through the windows.

Can I bring food and drinks on the boat?

You are welcome to pack a meal and bring it onboard. You can also bring any beverages you like. Complimentary bottled water is provided as well.