Snorkeling with sea turtles in Waikiki: Turtle Canyon small group

Relax on a spacious boat while spotting sea turtles in calm, clear waters

Snorkel Turtle Canyon, Oahu's best spot for sea turtles, in a small group (6 or 20 passengers depending on your choice) aboard a deluxe catamaran or power boat departing Waikiki. The boat includes shaded cabin space, snorkel gear, instruction and local refreshments. If you don't see turtles, you book again free.

The experience

You board near Waikiki and head out to Turtle Canyon, the protected waters where green sea turtles feed and rest. The crew briefs you on snorkel technique and safety, then you're in the water with the gear provided (mask, fins, snorkel) watching the turtles move through the reef and tropical fish dart between the coral. The water here stays calm most days, which is why the turtles come back and why the visibility holds. A guide stays in the water with your group, pointing out what you're seeing and sharing facts about Hawaii's marine life as you float above it.

The boat itself matters: a deluxe catamaran with 6 passengers max, or a 54-foot power boat with up to 20, both with a shaded cabin if the sun gets intense. You get local juices and soda on board, a marine bathroom, and the crew's attention focused on making sure everyone in your group is comfortable and safe. The whole outing runs about two hours: time in the water, time cruising the coastline watching for spinner dolphins and humpback whales in season, time to dry off and decompress on the way back.

The guarantee is real: if your group doesn't see turtles, you rebook for free. That promise exists because the crew knows Turtle Canyon and knows when the conditions and the season line up. You'll need basic swimming ability (the boat provides flotation if you need it), and you have to be between 7 and 70 years old. Prescription snorkel masks can be rented at shops near the harbor if you need one.

What’s included

• Hands-on snorkel instruction and all snorkel gear (mask, fins, snorkel).
• shaded cabin space on the boat.
• local juices and soda.
• marine bathroom.
• a guide in English who shares ocean knowledge while you're in the water.

Options for this experience

2 options

Turtle snorkel (maximum 20 people)Guide in English · 08:00, 10:30 and 13:0054-foot power boat: the brand-new power boat "Big Kahuna". We limit our 49-person boat to 20 people for a small-group, intimate experience. Capacity is a maximum of 20 people only. Small groups allow for the highest level of service and safety. Skip the crowded boats and enjoy our attentive, friendly crew.

Turtle snorkel (maximum 6 people)Guide in English · 07:15, 09:30, 11:45 and 14:0030-foot power catamaran: the deluxe power catamaran "Keanuenue" with lounge nets and comfortable seating. Capacity is a maximum of 6 people. This small group size lets us provide the highest level of service and safety. You'll love this intimate, semi-private trip!

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 07:15, the last at 14:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 to 70 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

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 today

Good to know

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

Operated by Hawaii Ocean Charters

Is this one for you?Choose the 6-person catamaran if you want the crew's full attention and a quieter group experience. Pick the 20-person boat if you prefer a larger group and don't mind sharing the guide's focus. Either way, you're in the water with a crew that knows where the turtles are and has the guarantee to prove it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: 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.

What's the difference between the 6-person and 20-person snorkel options?

The 6-person deluxe catamaran gives you a smaller group with more personalized attention from the crew. The 54-foot power boat takes up to 20 passengers and still includes the same snorkel gear, instruction, guide and shaded cabin, just with a larger group experience.

Will I actually see sea turtles in Turtle Canyon?

Turtle Canyon is Oahu's best spot for snorkeling with green sea turtles because the calm, protected waters are where they feed and rest. If your group doesn't see them, you rebook for free. The crew knows the conditions and the season that bring them in.

What snorkel gear do I need to bring, and what's provided?

The boat provides mask, fins and snorkel. You don't bring your own. If you wear a prescription lens, you can rent a prescription snorkel mask at shops in the harbor near the departure point.

How long is the snorkel time in the water versus time on the boat?

The whole outing is about two hours, which includes the safety briefing, time snorkeling in Turtle Canyon with the guide, cruising the coastline to watch for dolphins and whales in season, and the return to Waikiki.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer? Can I still snorkel here?

You need basic swimming ability to participate, and the boat provides snorkel flotation if you need it to stay comfortable and safe in the water. The crew briefs everyone on technique before you enter.

Does the boat pick me up from my hotel?

The snorkel departs from Waikiki, and public transportation options are available nearby. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but you can arrange your own transport to the departure point.