Waikiki Turtle Canyon: Green Sea Turtle Snorkeling Boat Tour

Summary

Snorkel with sea turtles near Waikiki skyline & Diamond Head

You’ll slip into Oahu’s warm waters right off a catamaran near Waikiki and swim alongside green sea turtles at Turtle Canyon. Expect friendly guidance from locals, close-up views of Diamond Head, and plenty of laughter between sips of cold water on deck. It’s less about perfection than feeling part of Hawaii’s ocean life for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that shadow?” our guide, Kaleo, asked, pointing just past the rail as the boat slowed outside Waikiki. I squinted — sun bouncing off the water — and then there it was: a green sea turtle gliding under the surface. The air had that salty tang you only get on Oahu’s south shore. Someone behind me laughed nervously about their mask fitting wrong; I was mostly just trying not to drop my snorkel in excitement. The skyline of Waikiki looked oddly close from here, but out on the deck it felt like a different world.

Kewalo Basin was busy when we first met up — fishing boats coming in, some locals waving to each other with that easy island nod. Our group was all shapes and ages (except little kids; they said under 7s can’t go in the water), and Kaleo made sure everyone actually knew how to use their fins before we even got wet. There was bottled water if you wanted it, but honestly I forgot to drink because I kept watching for dolphins (no luck this time). The catamaran felt solid underfoot, which helped since my nerves were doing little flips.

The first time my face hit the water at Turtle Canyon, I froze for a second — cool and clear, with reef fish flickering everywhere. Then suddenly there were two honu right below me, moving so slowly it almost made me forget to breathe. Someone nearby tried to say “Aloha” through their snorkel and it came out like a weird gurgle; even Kaleo cracked up. Every so often you’d look up and see Diamond Head in the distance, kind of hazy but unmistakable. It’s strange how peaceful it gets out there — just your own breath and the sound of fins stirring up sand.

I still think about floating above those turtles — how calm everything felt for a minute or two before we had to climb back on board (awkwardly, in my case). So yeah, if you’re thinking about a day trip from Waikiki to Turtle Canyon with a local guide, don’t overthink it. You’ll probably smell sunscreen for hours afterward and maybe get your hair tangled in your mask strap — but honestly? Worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling tour at Waikiki Turtle Canyon

• Arrive at Kewalo Basin Harbor
• Board 50' motor catamaran
• Receive snorkeling equipment and instruction
• Snorkel with green sea turtles and reef fish
• Enjoy views of Diamond Head volcano
• Spot dolphins or whales if in season
• Return to harbor and disembark

Top questions

Where does the Waikiki Turtle Canyon snorkeling tour depart from?

The tour departs from Kewalo Basin Harbor, about 10 minutes from Waikiki.

Are children allowed on the snorkeling tour?

Children ages 3-7 can ride along but cannot enter the water; infants must stay with an adult and cannot snorkel.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

How long does it take to reach Turtle Canyon from Waikiki?

The boat ride from Kewalo Basin Harbor to Turtle Canyon takes about 10-15 minutes.

Can non-swimmers join the tour?

Guests should be comfortable swimming; buoyancy vests are provided but basic swimming ability is recommended.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included; complimentary bottled water is provided and snacks or drinks can be purchased onboard.

What marine life might I see while snorkeling at Turtle Canyon?

You may see Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), various reef fish, and occasionally dolphins or humpback whales during whale season.

Is transportation included in the booking?

No hotel pickup is included; guests need to make their own way to Kewalo Basin Harbor.

What’s included

Your day includes use of all snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, vest), bottled water onboard the catamaran, hands-on instruction from a USCG licensed captain or local guide before entering the water at Turtle Canyon near Waikiki and Diamond Head. There’s plenty of shaded seating on deck plus restrooms available throughout the trip—just bring your swimwear and sunscreen before heading back ashore.