Snorkeling in Hawaii: Turtle Canyon on Catamaran

Snorkel with sea turtles from a catamaran built for comfort, not just access

Snorkeling in Hawaii on the Nalu catamaran includes all snorkel gear, a two-hour session at Turtle Canyon with certified lifeguards in the water, and ample cushioned seating to recover between swims. Dolphins and sea turtles are sighted year-round. Humpback whales appear November to May at no extra cost. Basic swimming ability is required.

The experience

You arrive at the boat and hand off your gear concerns: the crew fits every snorkeler with equipment and walks you through it before the water. The Nalu is an open catamaran with high-quality seating, a restroom on board, and built-in coolers if you bring drinks. Two certified lifeguards work the water on rescue boards while the crew watches from the vessel with a rescue tube, and a large raft stays secured to the boat for anyone who wants to snorkel from a stable platform instead of swimming free. The captain and crew assist each guest with their gear to make sure the fit is right.

The boat heads to Turtle Canyon, where the water holds sea turtles, dolphins and other reef life year-round. From November through May, humpback whales often appear in the same waters at no additional cost. Sea life sightings are not guaranteed on every trip, but the crew knows where to look and the two-hour window gives real time to explore. When you've had enough water time, you climb back aboard and lounge on the spacious deck with the stereo running.

The whole experience runs two hours from start to finish. No hotel pickup is included, so you make your own way to the boat. Public transportation options are available nearby. All snorkel gear stays with the boat. You bring nothing but a swimsuit and a towel.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear (mask, fins, snorkel).
• two hours on the water at Turtle Canyon.
• certified lifeguards in the water on rescue boards.
• crew assistance with equipment fitting.
• restroom on board.
• cushioned seating and a large raft for stability.
• live guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 11:30 and 14:00

Book up to12h before

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Moana Sailing Co.

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so commentary and safety instructions come through clearly: a straightforward choice if you want to understand what you're seeing and hear the crew's cues in the water without translation.

Traveler reviews

4.84★★★★★★★★★★

37 verified traveler reviews

5 ★34

4 ★2

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

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's the water like at Turtle Canyon when I snorkel there?

Turtle Canyon holds sea turtles and dolphins year-round, and humpback whales often pass through from November to May. The reef supports other fish and sea life as well, though sightings depend on conditions and are not guaranteed on every departure.

Do I need to know how to snorkel before I book?

Basic swimming skills are required to participate in water activities. The crew assists with gear fitting and the large raft stays secured to the boat for anyone who prefers a more stable platform, but you do need to be comfortable in the water.

What happens if I get tired while snorkeling?

Certified lifeguards work the water on rescue boards and the crew watches from the vessel with a rescue tube. You can also climb back aboard the Nalu anytime and rest on the cushioned seating while the boat stays in the area.

Is there a restroom on the catamaran?

Yes, the Nalu has a restroom on board. The boat also has built-in coolers if you want to bring your own drinks for the two-hour outing.

How do I get to the boat if there's no hotel pickup?

Hotel pickup is not included, so you arrange your own transport to the departure point. Public transportation options are available nearby the boat launch.