Waikiki Turtle Canyons Cruise and Snorkel Honolulu

4.7 (875 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience

Duration2 hours
Daily
Group

Waikiki Turtle Canyons Cruise and Snorkel Honolulu

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Overview

This two-hour cruise takes you from Waikiki Beach to Turtle Canyons, a reef area where Hawaiian green sea turtles feed and rest, so you can snorkel alongside them in clear turquoise water. After a short cruise and safety briefing, you spend around an hour and a half in the water under certified lifeguard supervision, returning to the boat whenever you like. Snorkelling equipment, light snacks and soft drinks are included. It is a relaxed marine-life outing for beginners, couples and families.

Highlights

Cruise from Waikiki Beach to the Turtle Canyons reef
Snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish
Snorkelling equipment and a briefing provided
Certified lifeguard supervision in the water
Light snacks and soft drinks on the boat
Possible spinner dolphins, and humpback whales in winter
About two hours in total; suitable for beginners

Full Description

Turtle Canyons off Waikiki

Turtle Canyons is a reef area a short boat ride off Waikiki where Hawaiian green sea turtles, called honu, gather to feed on algae and rest near cleaning stations. The water is calm and clear, which is why this is one of the best places on Oahu to snorkel with turtles.

If you are searching for turtle snorkelling in Waikiki or for the best place to see sea turtles on Oahu, this is a dependable choice. Turtle sightings cannot be promised because the animals are wild, but the reef is known for them, and the boat crew choose the spot based on the day.

The cruise along Waikiki's coast

The trip begins with a short cruise along the Waikiki coast, past the beach, Diamond Head and the skyline. From the water you get a new view of the hotels and surf breaks that you may only have seen from the sand.

Between roughly December and April, humpback whales pass Oahu, and spinner dolphins can be seen at other times, so the crew keep watch for them on the way. Your guide will also brief you on the day's conditions, the safe way to enter the water and what you can expect at the reef.

Snorkelling with sea turtles

At the reef, the crew give a short lesson on using your mask and snorkel, and then you enter the water under the supervision of a certified lifeguard. You have around an hour and a half to swim alongside turtles and colourful reef fish, with the option to return to the boat whenever you wish.

Sea turtles are protected in Hawaii, so keep a respectful distance, do not touch or chase them and follow the crew's instructions. Staying calm and floating quietly is the best way to see them. Mineral sunscreen that is reef-safe is recommended.

On board and planning your trip

Back on the boat you can relax with light snacks and soft drinks between swims, dry off and share your sightings with the crew. The total time is about two hours, and it works well as a morning activity before a beach afternoon, and start times are shown on the booking panel when you check availability.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a hat. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and the trip is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women or wheelchair users. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your route to the meeting point on your confirmation.

Itinerary

Check in at the boatArrive at the meeting point on your confirmation and meet the crew.
Cruise and safety briefingEnjoy a short cruise along the Waikiki coast while the crew brief you, about 15 minutes.
Snorkel at Turtle CanyonsSnorkel with turtles and reef fish for up to about an hour and a half, returning to the boat when you like.
Relax on boardEnjoy light snacks and soft drinks between swims.
Return cruiseCruise back along the coast for about 15 minutes and finish after around two hours.

What's included

Boat cruise along the Waikiki coast
Snorkelling equipment
Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
English-speaking instructor

Not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tips

Is this right for you?

Great for

Families with children
Anyone who wants to see it from the water
A short visit — about 2 hours
Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.7/5 by past travellers

Think twice if

You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
You get seasick easily

Not suitable for

Children under 3 years
Pregnant women
Wheelchair users
Anyone who is uncomfortable in open water

Meeting point

The cruise departs from a meeting point on the Waikiki waterfront. The exact location and check-in time are on your booking confirmation. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so arrive about 15 minutes early to check in and get fitted with equipment.

Important information

The trip lasts about two hours; check availability for start times.
Snorkelling equipment, light snacks and soft drinks are included.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a hat.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Guests should not attend under the influence of substances, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.
Do not touch or chase sea turtles.
Hotel pickup and tips are not included.
Trips can be changed or cancelled due to weather and ocean conditions.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the Turtle Canyons snorkel cost?

The price depends on the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each, so you can see the total before you book.

How long is the trip?

About two hours in total, including the cruise, the briefing and around an hour and a half at the reef.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so make your own way to the Waikiki meeting point.

Will I definitely see turtles?

Turtles are wild and cannot be promised, but Turtle Canyons is a reliable place to see them.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You should be comfortable in the water, but a certified lifeguard supervises and you can return to the boat whenever you like.

Is the trip suitable for children?

Children aged 3 and over can join with an adult. Minors must always be accompanied, and the trip is not suitable for children under 3.

What is included?

The cruise, snorkelling equipment, lifeguard supervision, light snacks and soft drinks.