Waikiki: Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tour with Crew & Safety Gear

Summary

Swim with turtles at Turtle Canyon from a spacious catamaran

You’ll board a roomy catamaran near Waikiki Beach and snorkel at Turtle Canyon alongside sea turtles, with certified crew guiding you every step. Enjoy top-quality gear, safety support in the water, and plenty of space to relax after your swim. Expect laughter, salty air, and moments that linger long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

We climbed onto the Nalu catamaran just off Waikiki, still shaking sand out of our shoes. The crew greeted us right away — I think it was Kimo who handed me my mask and made some joke about my sunhat being “lucky” for spotting turtles. The ocean was that deep blue you only see in Hawaii, and the salt air hit me before we even left the dock. There was music playing but not too loud, just enough to make it feel like a holiday. I kept thinking how much space there was to stretch out — no one bumping elbows or fighting for a spot.

When we anchored at Turtle Canyon, our guide (I wish I remembered her name — she had this calm way of explaining everything) helped me adjust my snorkel gear. She double-checked everyone’s straps and gave tips for beginners, which honestly made me less nervous about jumping in. The water felt cool but not cold, and there were lifeguards actually in the water on rescue boards, which I didn’t expect. It smelled like sunscreen and salt and something green — maybe seaweed? I saw my first turtle after maybe five minutes; it glided past so close I could see its shell markings. Someone nearby laughed underwater (you can hear that muffled sound), and I realized I’d been holding my breath just watching.

I didn’t see dolphins or whales this time — apparently they show up more from November to May — but honestly, floating above the reef with those turtles was enough for me. After snorkeling, we lounged on these big cushioned seats while the sun dried us off. People shared snacks from their coolers and swapped stories about what they’d seen below. The crew checked in on everyone without hovering, which I appreciated. My hair still smelled like salt hours later. Sometimes you don’t need everything to go perfectly to have a day stick with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and relax on luxury catamaran

• Board the Nalu Catamaran
• Receive snorkel gear assistance
• Snorkel Turtle Canyon
• Spot sea turtles and marine life
• Relax on spacious catamaran deck

Top questions

Is snorkeling gear included on the Waikiki Turtle Canyon tour?

Yes, top-quality snorkel gear is provided by the crew for all guests.

Are there lifeguards or safety staff during the snorkeling trip?

Yes, there are 1-2 certified lifeguards in the water plus crew watching from the vessel.

Can beginners or kids join this Turtle Canyon snorkeling experience?

Yes, beginners and kids are welcome; there’s extra support like a large raft secured to the boat.

Is there a restroom available on board during the tour?

Yes, the Nalu catamaran has a restroom available for guest use.

What wildlife might be seen during this Waikiki snorkeling tour?

You may see sea turtles year-round; dolphins and humpback whales are possible from November to May.

Are drinks or food provided on this snorkeling trip?

No food or drinks are provided but guests can bring their own to store in built-in coolers onboard.

How comfortable is seating on the Nalu catamaran?

The boat features ample cushioned seating so guests can relax comfortably before and after snorkeling.

What’s included

Your day includes use of high-quality snorkel gear, guidance from expert certified crew members (with lifeguards present), access to ample cushioned seating throughout the spacious catamaran, built-in coolers for any drinks you bring along yourself, and an onboard restroom for added convenience during your time at sea.