Oahu: Green Sea Turtle Snorkeling & Catamaran Tour

Swim with Turtles off Waikiki's Coast

You board a catamaran at Kewalo Basin, snorkel among Hawaiian green sea turtles and reef fish with Diamond Head as your backdrop, and return with all gear and instruction included. The boat provides shade, a restroom, and free water. Plan for a morning or afternoon on the water with a USCG-licensed captain who keeps groups safe and small.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Waikikipass by
2. Kewalo Basin15m
3. Diamond Headpass by

Snorkeling tour at Waikiki Turtle Canyon

• Meet 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 lucky
• Return to harbor and disembark

The experience

The water is so clear you see the turtles before the boat stops moving. Kewalo Basin fills up early (fishing boats, charter yachts, the smell of salt and diesel fuel), and then you're walking the dock toward a 50-foot catamaran that's already loaded with snorkeling gear. The crew checks you in fast, hands you a buoyancy vest if you want one, and points you toward the shade on deck. Ten minutes from Waikiki, and you're already moving past Diamond Head, the volcanic crater rising sharp against the skyline while the water underneath shifts from green to that impossible turquoise.

Turtle Canyon is maybe a fifteen-minute ride from the harbor. The catamaran slows, the engine cuts, and the guide gives you the basics: how to clear your mask, how to breathe through the snorkel, where the turtles usually hang. Then you're in. The reef fish come first, small and fast and everywhere, darting between coral that's been growing there longer than anyone on the boat has been alive. And then you see one: a green sea turtle moving through the water like it owns the place, which it does. They're slow and deliberate, and you can float maybe ten feet away and just watch. Sometimes a second one drifts past. The guide stays close, pointing things out, making sure nobody panics or gets too close. Dolphins show up some days. During whale season, roughly January to March, you might hear a humpback breach in the distance, though you won't see it clearly from the water.

The boat has a restroom, which matters on a snorkeling trip, and they hand out free bottled water all morning. Alcoholic drinks and snacks are available for purchase if you bring cash: the crew doesn't take cards. You're out there maybe two to three hours total, depending on conditions and how long people want to stay in the water. Kids under eight can ride along and stay on deck, which is fine if they're not swimmers yet, but they won't get in. Arrive fifteen minutes early. The boat leaves on schedule, and parking at Kewalo Basin is tight: some free spots, but paid lots are right there if you need them. Uber and Lyft can drop you at the marina too.

What’s included

• The tour includes a fully equipped 50-foot motor catamaran with deck seating, shade, and an onboard restroom.
• Snorkeling gear and instruction from a USCG-licensed captain are provided, along with complimentary bottled water.
• Alcoholic drinks and light snacks are available for purchase onboard.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday and SundayDeparts at 14:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (13 to 60 years) · Youth (8 to 12 years) · Child (3 to 7 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 40

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 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Go Tours Hawaii

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles without arranging your own boat or gear. The catamaran, equipment, and instruction are all set. Expect a morning or afternoon on the water. The boat leaves on time, so arrive fifteen minutes early.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 12 years); Child (3 to 7 years). Under 3: 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.

How far is Kewalo Basin from Waikiki?

About 10 minutes by car or rideshare from central Waikiki.

What's included in the tour?

Snorkeling equipment, instruction, bottled water, and use of the catamaran with shade and onboard restroom. Alcoholic drinks and snacks are available for purchase.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Buoyancy vests are available onboard. The crew recommends that guests be comfortable swimming, and the captain provides hands-on instruction before you enter the water.

When do you see whales?

Humpback whales are sometimes visible in the distance during whale season, roughly January to March. Dolphins can appear any time of year.

Is parking available at Kewalo Basin?

Limited free parking is available, with paid lots nearby. Uber and Lyft can also drop you at the marina.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, sunscreen, a hat or visor, towel, and a camera. Bring cash if you want to purchase drinks or snacks onboard.

How long is the tour?

Typically two to three hours total, including the boat ride to Turtle Canyon and time snorkeling in the water.