Oahu: Turtle Snorkel & Sailing with Luxury Catamaran & Bar

Snorkel with sea turtles off Waikīkī on a catamaran built for comfort & safety

You board a large catamaran at Waikīkī, snorkel Turtle Canyon with certified lifeguards in the water and a secured raft for beginners, then return to the boat for a complimentary cocktail and views of Diamond Head. The crew handles your gear and safety protocols throughout, and the boat's size means you're not crowded even with a full group.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel and cruise Waikiki coast

• Cruise along Waikiki coast
• Snorkel at Turtle Canyon
• Enjoy views of Diamond Head
• Relax with premium onboard bar

The experience

"You're going to see them," the captain said as we boarded, nodding toward the water like he'd made the same promise a thousand times and meant it every time. The Moana catamaran is wide and stable. You notice that first, the way it doesn't pitch the way smaller boats do. The crew moves through the deck checking gear, making sure straps fit, asking if you've snorkeled before. Two certified lifeguards are already in the water on rescue boards when you arrive at Turtle Canyon, and there's a large secured raft tethered to the boat for anyone who wants to float and watch instead of diving down.

The snorkel itself is straightforward: mask, fins, and a guide pointing out where the turtles actually are, not a vague "somewhere out there" but a specific direction and depth. The equipment is solid, not the rental-shop stuff that leaks. Once you're back on deck, still dripping, the bar opens and your first round is on them: a real cocktail, not watered down, at prices that make you wonder how they do it. Diamond Head sits on the horizon the whole time, and you realize that backdrop is doing something to the light, making the water look clearer than it probably is.

The boat has two restrooms, cushioned seating everywhere, and enough space that you're not packed shoulder-to-shoulder with thirty other people. The crew helps you with your gear before and after, which sounds small until you're trying to wrestle a wetsuit off while standing on a moving deck. If you're bringing kids or you're nervous in the water, that raft changes the equation. You can be in the ocean without the commitment of a full snorkel, and the lifeguards are watching the whole time.

What’s included

Certified lifeguards on rescue boards in the water, snorkel equipment for all guests, one complimentary cocktail from the premium bar, ample cushioned seating throughout the catamaran, two restrooms on board, and a large secured raft available for beginners and children. The crew assists with gear fitting and snorkel instruction.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

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 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Moana Sailing Co.

Is this one for you?Right for swimmers and snorkelers who want sea turtles without the stress of arranging their own gear or worrying about safety: the lifeguards in the water and crew on deck handle both. Plan for a half-day on the water. The catamaran's size is what keeps it from feeling crowded even with a full group.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

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.

Do you need to know how to snorkel before booking?

Basic swimming skills are required. The crew will help fit your gear, and a large secured raft is available if you want to float and observe instead of diving down.

What's included in the price?

Snorkel equipment, one complimentary cocktail from the premium bar, certified lifeguard coverage, and use of the raft. Seating and restrooms are included.

How many people go on the boat?

The reference doesn't specify a maximum group size, but the catamaran is described as the largest on the island, with ample cushioned seating and two restrooms.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The secured raft lets you stay in the water without snorkeling. Lifeguards are in the water the entire time, and the crew assists with all gear.

Can you see Diamond Head from the boat?

Yes. Diamond Head is the backdrop for the snorkel site along the Waikīkī coast.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes, there are two restrooms available to all guests.

What if I have health concerns?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to participate.