Snorkeling in Waikiki: Many Fish, All Levels

One hour in shallow water, many fish within arm's reach

Snorkeling in Waikiki is a guided activity in a protected Marine Conservation Area where you enter shallow water (max 5 feet) with provided snorkel, mask and fins, see fish up close, and receive free photos and video. The group stays under 14 people. You must be comfortable floating, at least 3.5 feet tall, and have stable footing on sand and rocks.

The experience

The snorkeling happens in one of only eight great spots on Oahu, right in Waikiki: no boat, no drive, walkable from most hotels in the area. Water depth maxes out at 5 feet, which means you stay in control the whole time and can stand up if you need to. The guide provides snorkel, mask, and watershoes (sizes 3–13 in men's and women's). Bring your own if you have crocs or tevas. Fins are available for experienced snorkelers only, so let the guide know what you want before you arrive.

Once in the water, the fish are close enough to watch without chasing them. The guide takes personalized pictures and video throughout, then compiles it into a free video you get after. Groups max out at 14 people, which keeps the spot from feeling crowded and means the guide can work with everyone's level: beginners, families with kids, experienced snorkelers all go in the same session. The whole thing runs about an hour, shallow enough that even hesitant swimmers find their footing on the sandy, rocky bottom.

Timing is flexible. Private classes for 1–6 people or 7–12 people are available, and the guide takes requests for different dates and times. The only hard requirements are that you're comfortable floating in water, tall enough to wear the equipment safely, and steady on your feet: the sand and rocks and waves mean leg stability matters. Public transportation stops nearby if you're not walking from your hotel.

What’s included

• Snorkel, mask, and watershoes in your size.
• personalized pictures taken during the session.
• free compiled video of your snorkeling.
• guide instruction throughout.
• flexible timing and private class options available.

Information

Lasts 1h, runs Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10:30, from US$ 39 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 10:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.4 with pickup ›

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Discover Tours Hawaii LLC

Is this one for you?Pick the shared session to join other travelers, or book a private class if your group wants to set your own start time and stay together.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 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.

Can I snorkel in Waikiki if I've never done it before?

Yes. The water is shallow (max 5 feet), the guide provides all equipment, and the activity is designed for all levels including beginners. You just need to be comfortable floating and have stable footing on the sandy, rocky bottom.

What's included in the snorkeling activity?

Snorkeling in Waikiki includes the guide, snorkel and mask, watershoes, free personalized photos taken during the session, and a free compiled video afterward. Fins are available for experienced snorkelers if you request them.

How many people go snorkeling together?

Groups stay under 14 people maximum on shared sessions. Private classes are available for 1–6 people or 7–12 people if you want a smaller group or flexible timing.

Is this snorkeling spot better than Hanauma Bay?

Snorkeling in Waikiki is in a Marine Conservation Area with many fish and happens in one of only eight great snorkeling spots on Oahu. It's walkable from most Waikiki hotels, shallow, and avoids the crowds and entry fees of Hanauma Bay.

Do I need to arrange transportation to get there?

No. The snorkeling spot is in Waikiki itself, and most hotels are within walking distance. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need them.

What if I have my own snorkeling gear?

You can bring your own watershoes like crocs or tevas and use those instead of the provided ones. Fins are only for experienced snorkelers, so let the guide know what you have before the session starts.