Waikiki Snorkeling Tour at Turtle Canyon (large group, great price!)
Swimming with sea turtles may be the reason you’re coming to Hawaii, and you certainly won’t be disappointed with this Waikiki snorkeling tour. Set off for Turtle Canyon, snorkel at the popular turtle hangout, and keep a lookout for other marine life like spinner dolphins!
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Activity Overview
Waikiki Snorkeling Tour Highlights
- 2 hour duration
- 4 departures daily
- Up to 40 guests per tour
- Location! This is the best snorkel tour that departs near Waikiki Beach. Tour leaves from Kewalo Basin Harbor, 11 minute drive from Waikiki (click here for directions).
- Spot all kinds of sea life such as Hawaiian green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, flying fish, and more while you cruise along the Waikiki Coast and snorkel in a famous sea turtle hangout, Turtle Canyon
- You’ll be provided with all your snorkel gear, floatation vest, and an in-water guide, plus light snacks, soda, juice, and water.
- Children ages 3 and up are welcome!
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“ ”Waikiki Snorkeling Tour Details
We know you want to swim with the Hawaiian green sea turtle, or honu, when you visit Hawaii, and this is a great activity to do just that. Hawaii does a fantastic job of protecting marine life, so your guide will make sure you know the laws and best practices for snorkeling with sea turtles, snorkel safety tips, and know where to find the turtles! Please bring and wear mineral-based sunscreen to keep the reef alive and vibrant!
You’ll set out from Kewalo Basin Harbor to Turtle Canyon, a cleaning station for sea turtles. Turtles will float above the reef while the reef fish clean their shells for them, it’s really quite cool to see! Once you’ve had your fill of snorkeling, you can kick back on the boat and look out for other marine life in the distance. It’s not uncommon to see spinner dolphins, flying fish, and even humpback whales during their winter migration from December through March.
One of the biggest benefits to this tour is the departure location, if you’re staying in Waikiki it really doesn’t get better than this. If you’re without a rental car and you love walking around the island, its a beautiful 45 minute stroll from central Waikiki, otherwise it’s a quick 11 minute drive (click here for directions).
The price is also hard to beat, but it comes with its downside. Turtle Canyon can get pretty crowded because it is so popular and the tour itself takes up to 40 guests at a time. Their boat was custom built and has enough sitting and standing space for 64, so it shouldn’t feel too crowded, but it’s worth noting that this is a large group experience.
If you’re looking for a small group experience, this 6 person maximum power raft tour to Turtle Canyon won’t disappoint! You can also skip the crowds around Waikiki and still snorkel with sea turtles and dolphins on this Ko Olina Snorkel Tour that leaves from West Oahu (a 45-minute drive from Waikiki).
Bring Your Camera
Bring your phone or professional camera for pictures. We like to bring an underwater camera (like a GoPro) to capture close encounters from the boat or use it when snorkeling.
2-Hour Duration Tours
Daily 2-hour tours set out 4 times per day. Ages 3 and older are welcome. Check-in 15 minutes prior to boarding.
Departs from the Kewalo Basin Harbor
The departure location is a very convenient 11 minute drive/45 minute walk from central Waikiki! Click here for directions.
Snorkel Tour
Jump into the water (if you desire) to swim with sea turtles and fish, then kick back on the boat to look out for spinner dolphins, turtles, and even humpback whales in the winter months (December – April).
Waikiki Snorkeling Tour FAQ
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.
What is the cancellation policy?
Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation prior to tour departure time. No-shows or cancellation made within 24 hours of a tour are not eligible for refund.
What if the weather is bad?
In the event of unsafe weather or heavy rain Living Ocean Tours will cancel the tour. Guests will be notified via email and text message (if a text message capable phone number has been provided) as soon as the cancellation is made. If you have purchased your ticket directly through Living Ocean you will have the option of rescheduling (based on availability) or a full refund.
What if I get seasick?
Generally the ocean is calm near Waikiki, but if you are prone to sea sickness or are not accustomed to being aboard ocean going boats take the appropriate seasickness medication as directed or consult your doctor.
Departure time and late arrivals:
If you are running late and do not arrive at the boat prior to the start of the passenger safety briefing your ticket will be forfeited. Refunds cannot be processed for no-shows / late arrivals so plan ahead and arrive on time.
Is there parking?
Parking is available at Kewalo Basin Boat Harbor for $1 per hour. Pay machines accept cash and credit card. Please refer to the Kewalo Basin Boat Harbor Map for parking areas and their boat’s location.
About Living Ocean Tours
Living Ocean Tours was founded in 2011 and is family owned and operated. What started as some snorkel gear and a dream has turned into a successful business where one ohana gets to share their love of the sea with yours.
We are affiliate partners with Living Ocean Tours 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!