Waikiki: Snorkel Tour to Turtle Canyons & Gear Included

Summary

Snorkeling Waikiki’s reefs with turtles, laughter, and salty hair

You’ll set out from Waikiki by boat with a small group and local guide, heading for Turtle Canyons where green sea turtles glide between coral heads. Mask on, you’ll float above reefs alive with color while tropical fish swirl below. Expect laughter, salty skin, close-up moments with marine life — and maybe a new sense of calm that lingers after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the quiet — or maybe it was just the way the city faded as our boat pulled away from Waikiki. There’s this moment when the skyline slips behind you and all you hear is water slapping at the hull, plus a few excited voices (mine included). Our guide, Keahi, handed me a mask that still smelled faintly of salt and sunscreen. He grinned and said, “You’ll remember your first honu,” which I guess means turtle in Hawaiian — I probably pronounced it wrong when I tried to repeat it back.

The ride out wasn’t long, maybe fifteen minutes? Hard to say because I kept getting distracted by flashes of green water and those volcanic ridges off in the distance. When we anchored at Turtle Canyons, Keahi gave us a quick rundown — don’t chase the turtles, keep your fins up so you don’t kick coral. It felt reassuring having him there; he seemed to know every ripple of this place. The water was cooler than I expected when I slid in but not cold. My heart thumped for a second before calming down as schools of yellow tang darted past my mask.

I’d seen photos of snorkeling tours in Waikiki but nothing really prepared me for floating above these slow-moving sea turtles while tiny fish zipped around cleaning their shells. One swam so close I could see its eyes blink — weirdly gentle, almost like it was used to us gawking at it. Someone nearby laughed through their snorkel (which sounds funnier underwater) when a parrotfish nibbled their fin strap. Sunlight flickered down in stripes and for a minute I just let myself drift with the current.

Getting back on board was clumsy — my legs never seem to work right after swimming — but nobody cared. We passed around towels and swapped stories about what we saw; one kid insisted he spotted an eel (Keahi just nodded like he’d heard that before). On the way back toward Waikiki’s shore, my hair stiff with salt, I realized how much lighter everything felt. I still think about that slow moment underwater whenever things get noisy again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Waikiki snorkel tour experience

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

Top questions

How long does the Waikiki snorkel tour last?

The tour lasts about 2 hours total from departure to return.

Is snorkeling gear provided on this tour?

Yes, all necessary snorkeling equipment is included: mask, fins, snorkel, and lifejackets.

Are children allowed on the Waikiki snorkel tour?

The cruise is family-friendly for ages 3 and up if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Where does the snorkel tour depart from in Waikiki?

The tour departs by boat from Honolulu near Waikiki Beach.

What should I bring for the snorkel trip?

You should wear your swimsuit and bring a towel plus reef-safe sunscreen; sun-protective clothing is encouraged.

Can non-swimmers join this snorkeling tour?

This tour is not recommended for non-swimmers or those with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries.

Will we see sea turtles during this Waikiki snorkel trip?

The Turtle Canyons site is known for frequent green sea turtle sightings but wildlife can’t be guaranteed.

What’s included

Your day includes use of all snorkeling gear—mask, fins, snorkel, lifejacket—and guidance from certified instructors and friendly crew throughout your two-hour adventure departing by boat from Honolulu near Waikiki Beach.