Waikiki: Turtle Canyon Snorkel & Catamaran Sail with Drinks

Summary

Snorkel with turtles at Turtle Canyon then sail Waikiki’s coast

You’ll start your day sailing from Waikiki with cold brew coffee and granola bars before snorkeling at Turtle Canyon with green sea turtles and reef fish. Afterward, relax with a complimentary mai tai as you cruise along the coast toward Diamond Head. Expect friendly guides, laughter, and those small moments that stick with you long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to be half-awake on a catamaran at 8 a.m., clutching a cup of cold brew from ARVO Café and squinting at the Honolulu skyline. The granola bar I picked (mango & ginger — not my usual) tasted like someone had actually seen a mango before, which was nice. Our guide, Kaleo, handed out fins and masks while joking about how the sea turtles here have better dental care than he does. People laughed, but it was true — apparently Turtle Canyon is where they go to get cleaned by little fish. Who knew?

The water off Waikiki was calmer than I expected, almost glassy except for the slap of the hull every so often. When I slid in, everything went quiet except for my own breathing through the snorkel. A green sea turtle drifted by right under me — slow, totally unbothered — and I remember thinking how weirdly ancient they look up close. Kaleo pointed out an octopus hiding in some rocks (he called it “he’e” and tried to teach us the word; I probably butchered it). There were flashes of yellow fish everywhere, but honestly I kept looking back at that one turtle.

Afterwards we climbed back on board with salt still on our faces. Someone passed around mai tais (included if you want one), and there was this easy feeling as we sailed toward Diamond Head. The crew put on some local music — not too loud — and people just sprawled out on the nets or leaned against the railings watching Waikiki slide past. It’s funny how fast you can feel part of a group when you’re all slightly sunburned together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and sail on Oahu catamaran

• Enjoy complimentary cold brew coffee
• Eat Anahola Granola bars
• Snorkel at Turtle Canyon with turtles
• Observe octopus and starfish
• Use provided snorkel gear
• Sail along Waikiki coastline
• Drink complimentary mai tai or beverages

Top questions

Do I need to know how to swim for this Turtle Canyon snorkel tour?

Yes, knowing how to swim is required for participating in this snorkeling adventure.

Are drinks included on the Waikiki catamaran sail?

You get a complimentary mai tai or non-alcoholic drink; other alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

Is snorkel gear provided on this tour?

Yes, all snorkel gear including mask, snorkel, fins, and flotation life belt is provided.

How long does the Turtle Canyon snorkel & sail last?

The full experience lasts about 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Are snacks or breakfast included?

You’ll get cold brew coffee from ARVO Café plus Anahola Granola bars in several flavors.

Can kids join this Waikiki snorkeling tour?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; children under 4 who want to snorkel need their own equipment.

Where does the tour depart from in Waikiki?

The catamaran departs from Waikiki Beach; details are provided after booking.

What’s included

Your morning includes fresh cold brew coffee from ARVO Café and Anahola Granola bars before heading out on a hand-built catamaran for your Turtle Canyon snorkel adventure. All necessary snorkel gear—mask, fins, snorkel, flotation belt—is provided along with a complimentary mai tai or soft drink as you sail along Waikiki’s coastline toward Diamond Head.