Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise from Waikoloa: See Sea Turtles

Six windows into the reef, sea turtles at eye level

A 30-minute glass-bottom boat cruise departs from Waikoloa and tours Anaeho'omalu Bay with a live marine naturalist guide in English. You board a 26-foot boat with shaded seating and view the reef through six full-sized windows, spotting green sea turtles, tropical fish and Hawaiian coral without entering the water. The boat accommodates all fitness levels and infants can ride in a pram or stroller.

Step-by-step itinerary

Glass-bottom boat cruise at Anaeho'omalu Bay

• Board glass-bottom boat in Waikoloa
• View reefs through boat windows
• Spot sea turtles and tropical fish
• Learn about marine life from naturalists
• Enjoy 30-minute cruise on Anaeho'omalu Bay

The experience

You arrive at the boarding ramp near Waikoloa and walk through shallow water at the shoreline (depending on ocean conditions, that water may reach knee-deep) before stepping onto the 26-foot glass-bottom boat. Once aboard, you settle into shaded bench seating and the boat moves into Anaeho'omalu Bay. The marine naturalist on board points out what's moving below: green sea turtles grazing among the coral, schools of tropical fish in colors that don't photograph well, and the reef structure itself visible through the six full-sized windows that run along the hull.

The 30-minute tour stays in the bay, which means no long transit and no seasickness worries for most people. The naturalist answers questions as they come up and helps you spot the Hawaiian corals and fish species that are easy to miss on a first look. Service animals are welcome aboard, and infants travel in a pram or stroller if you bring one. The whole thing is built for families and people who want to see the reef without snorkeling or diving.

What’s included

• 30-minute glass-bottom boat cruise in Anaeho'omalu Bay.
• marine naturalist guide in English.
• shaded seating on a 26-foot boat with six full-sized viewing windows.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SundayDepartures at 09:15, 10:00, 10:45 and 11:30

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 19 · max 9 per booking

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 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Ocean Sports

Is this one for you?Small groups and families work well here: the boat stays under capacity and the shallow bay keeps the ride smooth for kids and anyone sensitive to motion. If you want to see the reef but snorkeling or diving isn't an option, the glass-bottom windows do the work for you.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): free.

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 can I actually see from the glass-bottom windows?

Green sea turtles and colorful tropical fish are the main sightings, grazing and moving through the coral formations. The marine naturalist helps you spot Hawaiian coral species and smaller reef fish you'd miss without guidance.

Do I have to get in the water to board the boat?

You walk through shallow water at the shoreline to reach the boarding ramp: ocean conditions vary, but the water can be knee-deep on the day of your cruise. Once you're aboard, you stay dry for the entire 30-minute tour.

How long does the whole experience take?

The cruise itself is 30 minutes on the water in Anaeho'omalu Bay. Plan extra time for arrival, boarding through the shallow water, and disembarking.

Will I see sea turtles every time?

Green sea turtles are common in Anaeho'omalu Bay and the tour is designed around spotting them, but sightings depend on the day and ocean conditions. The naturalist knows where to look and will help you find them.