Waikiki Turtle Snorkel: See Green Sea Turtles at Turtle Canyon

What draws green sea turtles to this shallow reef, and why do they stay?

You get a two-hour boat ride to a snorkel site just offshore, full gear and a certified guide included, and time in the water watching green sea turtles and tropical fish in shallow, clear conditions. The tour runs multiple times daily from Waikiki, and you're back on land in time for lunch or an afternoon activity.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waikiki snorkel tour experience

• Board boat in Waikiki
• Enjoy boat ride to snorkel site
• Receive snorkel gear and instructions
• Snorkel at secret location
• Observe tropical fish and angelfish
• Watch green sea turtles at Turtle Canyons
• Return to shore

The experience

The water catches the light in a way that makes you squint before you even step on the boat. That's the first thing you notice, not the boat itself, but how clear it is out there, just across from Waikiki. The ride takes you past the crowded beach and out to a spot the Honolulu Snorkel Company has been running to for years, a place where the reef drops and the turtles actually show up. You get fitted with a mask, fins, snorkel and a lifejacket right there on deck, and then you're in.

The snorkel tour puts you in water shallow enough to stand in, which matters if you're not a strong swimmer or bringing kids: ages three and up can come, though anyone under twelve needs to be comfortable in the ocean. Your certified guide stays with the group the whole time, pointing out where the angelfish hide in the coral caverns and which direction the schools of tropical fish are moving. The turtles are the draw, though. They're large, green, and they come up from deeper water to the cleaning station, locals call it Turtle Canyons, and if you're patient and quiet, you watch them graze on algae like they're in a garden, not the ocean.

Two hours total means you're not out there all day, which is good if you've got other plans or if the sun gets to you. The boat crew handles the logistics, and everything you need for the snorkel tour is already on board: no rental shop stops, no gear to figure out. You bring your swimsuit, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen (important, because the reef is real and fragile), and whatever sun protection you want. The crew accepts tips, though it's not required. If you've got a moderate level of fitness and no spinal injuries or serious heart concerns, you're in the window. Non-swimmers should sit this one out, and full-face snorkel masks aren't allowed for safety reasons.

Multiple tours run daily, so you can pick a time that fits your schedule. The boat leaves from Waikiki, and public transportation gets you there if you don't have a rental car. Infants can come if they sit on an adult's lap, and service animals are welcome. Book early if you're going in peak season. The water is warm year-round, but summer fills up fast.

What’s included

• Your snorkel tour includes mask, fins, snorkel, lifejacket, a certified snorkel guide, and the boat crew for the full two-hour experience. You provide your swimsuit, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen.
• tips for the crew are welcome but not required.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 10:15

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Child (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 25 · max 5 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Japanese and Korean

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Honolulu Snorkel Company

Is this one for you?Right for families with kids ages three and up, or anyone wanting to see sea turtles without arranging gear or navigating the reef alone. The two-hour window and multiple daily departures fit easily into a Waikiki day, though you need to be a comfortable swimmer and have moderate fitness to handle the water entry and time in the ocean.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Korean and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 to 17 years). Under 12: they can't be included in the booking.

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's included in the Waikiki snorkel tour?

Mask, fins, snorkel, lifejacket, certified guide, and boat crew. You bring your swimsuit and towel.

How long is the tour?

Two hours total, including the boat ride and time in the water.

Where do you snorkel on this tour?

At Turtle Canyons, a shallow reef site just across from Waikiki where green sea turtles come to feed.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No, it's not recommended for non-swimmers. You need at least moderate comfort in the ocean.

How many tours run per day?

Multiple tours depart daily. Check availability when booking for your preferred time.

Do you need to bring your own snorkel gear?

No, all gear is provided. Full-face snorkel masks are not allowed for safety reasons.

Is there parking or transportation to the boat?

Public transportation options are available near the departure point in Waikiki.