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Home » Activities

Most Popular Oahu Activities Snorkeling

Oahu’s Best Snorkel & Sail Tour: Departs from Ko Olina

Welcome to our favorite snorkel and sailing tour on Oahu. Head out on their 8:00 AM or 12:30 PM tours for three hours of sailing and snorkeling with the chance to encounter dolphins, sea turtles, humpback whales, and amazing marine life. Tour offers transportation from Waikiki.

best oahu snorkel tour

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Activity Overview

  • Departs From: Oahu – Ko Olina, Oahu – Waikiki (Greater Honolulu)
  • Duration: 3-hours
  • Price: $225
  • Included in the price: Lunch, soft drinks, three alcoholic drinks, snorkel gear, chance to see dolphins, sea turtles, and more

Board a 53-foot catamaran from Ko Olina Marina, at the Ko Olina Resorts, to sail the leeward coast in the morning. Snorkel with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (honu), see spinner dolphins, and so much more marine life on the beautiful coral reefs along Oahu’s coast. Enjoy lunch, three complimentary alcoholic drinks, and transportation from Waikiki ( for an additional fee).

Humpback whale watching is possible during their migratory season from December through March.

They also have a sunset sailing cruise with pupus (appetizers) and drinks.

Book this tour below! Note, you can choose a ticket for “With Transportation” or “No Transportation” when booking at the buttons below.

Book the sunrise Tour Book the Mid-Day Tour
hawaii dolphin encounter oahu snorkeling
On this tour, you have the chance to encounter Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, Humpback Whales (December – March), and lots of tropical fish! We encountered a pod of dolphins on our tour, but didn’t see a turtle in the water.

Two snorkeling tours are available per day. We like the morning tour as the sun isn’t as harsh for the kids, and the winds are more likely to be calm compared to the afternoon. They are both good tours, so pick what is right for you and your group!

Book Direct Here: Their Most Popular Snorkel Tour

Our Experience on this Oahu Snorkeling Tour

Our whole family came along to this epic snorkel trip. We used to live in Ko Olina, so we love coming back to stay at the resorts, swim in the lagoons, and go snorkeling! Our son loved the snorkeling and seeing the dolphins. I enjoyed the sailing and the friendly crew. This is a wonderful tour for all ages.

Watch our experience out on the water below. If you’re interested in staying at the Ko Olina Resorts, see our Ko Olina Guide for details or explore our Oahu Where to Stay Directory.

Click to watch our experience going out on this tour!

They’ll Pick You Up

Let them pick you up from your resort or condo in the Waikiki area for a small additional cost per person. Add the With Transportationoption when you go to book. You can walk from the Ko Olina Resorts or park in the marina’s parking lot.


Explore the Waianae Coast

Depart from Ko Olina Marina to swim, snorkel, and sail the beautiful Waianae Coast of Oahu. Ko Olina is located 45 minutes from Waikiki.


See Dolphins and Swim with Turtles

Set anchor at one fabulous snorkel reef teeming with tropical reef fish, fascinating marine life, and frequent visits from Hawaiian green sea turtles.

3

HOUR DURATION

2

TOURS DAILY

$225

STARTING FROM

Book the sunrise Tour Book the Mid-Day Tour

Book this tour above! Note, we offer this tour “With Transportation” from the Waikiki area.

Ko Olina Snorkel and Sail Highlights

  • 3-hour tour – Book the 8:30 AM tour or the 11:30 AM tour. Tours are offered daily.
  • Departs from Ko Olina Marina (click here for directions) 45-minute drive from Waikiki. Parking is available at the marina. There is free parking in the public lot next to the marina. You will find a spot for the 8:30 AM tour but for the mid-day tour, you may need to park in the Marina Parking Lot
  • Sail along Oahu’s leeward coast and anchor at a pristine reef for the chance to swim with sea turtles, 45 to 60-minute snorkel session.
  • Chance to see Hawaiian spinner dolphins year-round
  • Lunch and soft drinks are included (vegetarian option available)
  • 3 complimentary alcoholic drinks. $5 drinks available after that (price may change)
  • Some of the best snorkeling on Oahu
  • Humpback whale watching is possible from December through March
  • All ages are welcome! (infants are offered a reduced ticket price)
hawaii family friendly snorkeling tour
Infants are welcome! We brought our baby girl out on our Oahu snorkeling adventure. She took a nap down in the cabin with my husband while my son and I headed out snorkeling.

Ko Olina Adventure Sail and Snorkel Tours depart from Ko Olina Marina, part of Ko Olina Resorts (45-minutes from Waikiki). Tours leave in the morning and mid-day for 3-hour sail and snorkel tours.

During your shoreline sail, your experienced catamaran Captain and crew are on the lookout for viewing encounters with playful, entertaining Hawaiian spinner dolphins and majestic, seasonal Alaska humpback whales (December thru March). Your Captain will also set anchor at one fabulous snorkel reef teeming with tropical reef fish, fascinating marine life, and frequent visits from friendly Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. They usually stop for snorkeling just offshore Electric Beach, one of our top 5 best snorkeling spots on Oahu.

The crew is friendly and very helpful to beginner snorkelers. They provide detailed instructions, advice, and serve as lifeguards while you are in the water. They can’t guarantee marine sightings but they will do their best to find them along their sailing route.

Sail on the swift and comfortable catamaran, the Holole’a Kai. Holole’a Kai means “to sail freely and with adventure on the ocean.” Enjoy leeward Oahu’s panoramic coast and its vistas of beautiful beaches, mountains, and valleys. The 53-foot vessel features a cushioned suntan deck, teak bar, restrooms, and an outdoor freshwater rinse-off. She holds up to 40 passengers.

ko olina ocean adventures sail boat.jpg
Hop aboard their sailboat for a comfortable time out on the water. Sit in the shade inside the cabin or sit out on the from nets.

Snorkel Tour Details

See their cancellation policy below for details. A lot is included in this tour and is a favorite on Oahu. It is our favorite for snorkeling and the coastal views!

What is the cancellation policy?

Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours’ notice of cancellation (excluding private charters). Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

Is snorkel equipment included? What is included in the tour?

Your Tour Includes Pre-packaged lunch, unlimited soft drinks, three complimentary alcoholic beverages, snorkel gear, snorkel instruction, and life vests. Bottled drinking water, restrooms, and freshwater shower rinse onboard. If you bring your own snorkel gear, they do not allow a full face mask.

How long is the snorkeling?

Your captain tries to get at least 45-minutes in the water, snorkeling time for you.

Do they offer discounts?

Yes, local Kama’aina, military, and children/infant prices are available at checkout.

Book the sunrise Tour Book the Mid-Day Tour

Know Before You Go Snorkel Safety

Swimming and snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean should not be taken lightly. To keep you safe, please know your health limits, swim with a buddy, never turn your back on the ocean, and read and obey posted signs. Check HIOceanSafety.com for ocean conditions at lifeguard beaches.

ABOUT

Two decades ago, Captains Todd Pickering and Mick Riegel took their ocean skills, love of the ocean world, and discovery of new and dramatic underwater vistas along the Ko Olina and Leeward Oahu coastline, and created new snorkeling tours and adventures for visitors and friends.

They were some of the first to pioneer safe and non-intrusive dolphin encounters and whale watching with these wonderful ocean creatures, with thousands of amazed, happy, and repeat customers attesting to their success. They added another great snorkeling adventure, the Catamaran Sail & Snorkel Tour. They and their current Captains Matt, Todd, Travis, and Taylor, their crew, and staff continue Ko Olina Ocean Adventure’s tradition in providing Hawaii’s visitors with an adventurous, fun, memorable and safe ocean experience.

hawaii oahu snorkeling fish
This little guy took an interest in me while snorkeling.

We are affiliate partners with Ko Olina Ocean Adventures which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking made through this site. This is done without any additional cost to you. You can read more about our affiliate policies here. Know that we only recommend tour operators that we know and trust. Your positive experience and your trust in us mean more than any affiliate commission. By booking tours through our website you help us to provide free information and videos to help you and other readers plan their perfect Hawaii vacation. Thank you so much for your support — you are amazing!

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