Waikiki Snorkeling: Swim with Sea Turtles on Hawea Catamaran

Swim among green sea turtles at Turtle Canyon, then sail past Diamond Head

Snorkeling in Waikiki combines a guided dive at Turtle Canyon with a catamaran sail along Honolulu's coast aboard the Hawea. You swim among green sea turtles and tropical reef fish, then relax on deck while the crew raises the sails toward Diamond Head. The 2.5-hour outing includes snorkel equipment, cold brew coffee and snacks. A live English-speaking guide leads the group. Suitable for beginners and experienced swimmers. You must know how to swim and be able to sign a waiver before departure.

The experience

If you've got a free afternoon in Waikiki and want to get in the water without arranging a boat yourself, this snorkel-and-sail combo on the Hawea Catamaran handles the logistics. You board near Waikiki, and the crew takes you out to Turtle Canyon, where green sea turtles move through the reef alongside tropical fish. The snorkel gear is provided (mask, fins, snorkel), so you just need to bring your comfort level in the ocean.

After you've spent time in the water at Turtle Canyon, you climb back aboard and the catamaran raises its sails. The crew heads along the coast toward Diamond Head while you dry off on deck, sip cold brew coffee from ARVO Café, and eat granola bars (Original, Chocolate Chip, Tropical, or Mango & Ginger flavors). The whole experience runs 2.5 hours from start to finish, which means you're back on shore with the rest of your day still open.

The guide speaks English and stays with the group throughout. Children under 4 who want to snorkel need to bring their own equipment. Younger kids can ride along on an adult's lap or in a specialized infant seat. You'll need to sign a waiver before you go, and the operator asks that you know how to swim. This is open water, not a pool.

What’s included

• Use of snorkel equipment including mask, fins and snorkel.
• cold brew coffee from ARVO Café.
• Anahola Granola bars in four flavors.
• soda or pop.
• a live English-speaking guide for the full 2.5-hour experience aboard the Hawea Catamaran.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 11:45

Book up to1h before

GroupUp to 45

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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Waikiki Sailing Company

Is this one for you?The 2.5-hour window means you can snorkel and sail without losing the rest of your afternoon. Book this if you're in Waikiki for a day and want to get in the water without renting a car or planning transport. It's not a full-day commitment, so it fits between other activities or before an evening dinner on shore.

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Top questions

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 are the sea turtles like at Turtle Canyon?

Green sea turtles glide through the tropical reefs at Turtle Canyon, where you'll also see colorful reef fish. The snorkel site is where the turtles naturally feed and rest, so encounters are common but not guaranteed, the ocean decides.

Do I need my own snorkel gear, or is it provided?

The Hawea Catamaran provides snorkel equipment (mask, fins and snorkel) for all swimmers. Children under 4 who want to snorkel must bring their own gear. Everyone else uses what's on the boat.

How long is the whole experience, and what happens after snorkeling?

The outing runs 2.5 hours total. After you finish snorkeling at Turtle Canyon, you board the catamaran and the crew raises the sails, heading along the coast toward Diamond Head while you relax on deck with coffee and snacks included.

Is this snorkeling trip good for beginners?

Yes, the experience is designed for both beginners and experienced swimmers. You do need to know how to swim and be comfortable in open ocean water. The guide is there throughout, and the crew manages the boat while you focus on the reef.

What's included in the price, and what should I bring?

Snorkel equipment, cold brew coffee, and granola bars are included. Bring a towel, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and water shoes if you prefer them. Hotel pickup is not included, but public transportation options are available near the departure point.

Can I bring my infant or very young child?

Infants can sit on an adult's lap during the sail. Specialized infant seats are available on request. Children under 4 who want to snorkel must bring their own equipment. Older children use the provided gear.