Waikiki Snorkeling Tour with Sea Turtles, Certified Crew
Swim alongside Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles in their natural habitat off Waikiki's coast.
Snorkeling with sea turtles in Waikiki puts you in the water at Turtle Canyon, a protected site just off the coast where Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles feed in shallow, clear water. A certified crew leads the experience on a double-decker boat with round-trip trolley transportation from Waikiki hotels, snorkeling gear, snacks, and a Hawaiian Hula performance included. The tour runs about two hours and welcomes swimmers of all levels, including children from age two.
Step-by-step itinerary
Snorkeling and cultural tour in Waikiki
- Take scenic trolley ride from Waikiki
- Board double-decker boat
- Snorkel with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles
- Watch for dolphins and whales
- Enjoy Hawaiian Hula performance onboard
- Relax with ocean views and snacks
What’s included
- Round-trip trolley transportation from Waikiki hotels.
- snorkeling gear including mask, snorkel, fins and safety vest.
- complimentary soft drinks and snacks onboard.
- Hawaiian Hula performance.
- certified crew guidance throughout the snorkeling experience at Turtle Canyon.
- views of Diamond Head and the Waikiki shoreline from the water.
- Every day 10:00
Information
Snorkel with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles in Waikiki's Turtle Canyon aboard a double-decker boat with round-trip trolley pickup and gear, plus a Hawaiian Hula performance.
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The experience
The day starts with a scenic trolley ride from your Waikiki hotel to the boat. Once you board the double-decker vessel, the crew briefs you on safety and snorkeling basics: first-timers are welcome, and the water at Turtle Canyon stays shallow and calm. Mask, snorkel, fins and a safety vest are provided. You just need to bring a swimsuit and towel. The boat anchors at the site, and you enter the water to snorkel among the turtles in their natural feeding grounds, with Diamond Head visible from the water and the crew watching nearby.
Beyond the turtles, keep your eyes on the horizon. Hawaiian spinner dolphins often appear, and during winter months (roughly November through March) humpback whales pass through the area. After snorkeling, you return to the boat to dry off and relax while the crew serves complimentary soft drinks and snacks. A traditional Hawaiian Hula performance happens onboard, adding a cultural layer to the experience before the return trolley ride to your hotel.
The crew is certified and trained in water safety, which matters because the ocean is unpredictable: the tour operates in mild weather but may reschedule if conditions shift. Shoes stay off the boat for safety (storage is provided), and turtles are protected by law, so you observe them from a distance without touching or chasing. Reef-safe sunscreen is available for purchase if you need it. Bring your own if you have allergies or sensitivities, since the onboard snacks don't accommodate dietary restrictions.
Top questions
Can I be picked up at my hotel?
You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. When you book, you choose your hotel from 5 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you arrange it with the operator after booking. Pickup is about 60 minutes before departure.
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Japanese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).
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.
Can I snorkel with sea turtles in Waikiki if I've never snorkeled before?
Yes. The crew is certified in water safety and the tour is designed for all swimming levels, including beginners. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the water at Turtle Canyon stays shallow and calm, making it suitable for first-timers and families with children from age two.
What's included in the snorkeling tour from Waikiki?
Round-trip trolley transportation from Waikiki hotels, snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, safety vest), soft drinks and snacks onboard, a Hawaiian Hula performance, and the guided snorkeling experience at Turtle Canyon are all included. You bring your own swimsuit and towel.
Will I see dolphins or whales on this snorkeling tour?
Hawaiian spinner dolphins often appear during the tour. Humpback whales pass through the area during winter months (roughly November through March), so there's a seasonal chance to spot them from the boat, though sea turtles are the main focus.
How long does the snorkeling tour take?
The tour runs about two hours total, including the trolley ride to and from your hotel, the boat briefing, snorkeling time at Turtle Canyon, and the onboard Hula performance and refreshments.
What should I bring and wear for the snorkeling tour?
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, and bring a beach towel, sunglasses, a hat, and a light jacket. Leave valuables at your hotel. Shoes are not allowed on the boat, but storage is provided. Reef-safe sunscreen is available for purchase, or bring your own if you prefer.
Operated by Ocean and You. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 3 days ago
Waikiki Snorkeling Tour with Sea Turtles, Certified Crew
2h · EN +1
from US$ 107.10 per person
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