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Pink Sails Turtle Snorkeling Adventure

Snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles on an easy two-hour cruise that leaves from Ala Wai Harbor, just minutes from the hostel. Pink Sails takes you out over the calm Turtle Canyon reefs off Waikiki, hands you quality gear, and backs it all with a turtle sighting guarantee. No long drive, no experience needed, just honu.

2 Hours Guaranteed Turtle Sightings Snorkel Turtle Canyon Departs by Waikiki Gear and Snacks Included

$79 per guest ages 4 and up, infants 3 and under free. Departs Ala Wai Harbor, minutes from the hostel.

What’s Included

  • A 2-hour snorkel and sail to the Waikiki Turtle Canyon reefs
  • Top-quality snorkel gear for everyone
  • Light snacks on board
  • An experienced crew with snorkel guidance
  • A turtle sighting guarantee, with a free return trip if no turtles show
  • A relaxed sail aboard the Pink Sails catamaran fleet

Snorkel With Honu, Minutes From the Hostel

If seeing a Hawaiian green sea turtle in the wild is on your list, this is the easiest way to make it happen. Pink Sails runs a relaxed two-hour turtle snorkel that leaves from the Ala Wai Harbor, right on the edge of Waikiki and about a mile from the hostel. There is no need to drive to the far side of the island. You just get to the harbor, hop aboard, and sail a few minutes out to the calm, shallow reefs the locals call Turtle Canyon.

Once you drop anchor over the reef, quality snorkel gear is handed out and the crew helps everyone get comfortable in the water. This spot is known for its resident honu, the Hawaiian green sea turtles that glide over the coral, along with schools of bright tropical fish. Sightings are so reliable here that the tour comes with a turtle sighting guarantee: if no turtles turn up, you can come back and try again for free. The Pink Sails fleet includes a 50-foot double-decker power catamaran and a 55-foot sailing catamaran, both roomy and stable, so the ride out is as easy as the snorkeling.

It is a family-friendly trip that welcomes guests ages four and up, and it is a favorite for travelers staying at the hostel because it is close, quick, and almost guaranteed to deliver. Basic swimming skills are all you need. Bring your swimsuit, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a camera, and if you wear glasses, bring contacts, since prescription masks are not available. Ask the front desk about booking and about local kama'aina rates.

Tour Highlights

  • Guaranteed turtles: snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles, backed by a sighting guarantee and a free return trip if none appear.
  • Turtle Canyon reefs: calm, shallow inner reefs off Waikiki that are perfect for easy snorkeling.
  • Departs by Waikiki: leaves from Ala Wai Harbor, about a mile from the hostel, so there is no long drive.
  • Roomy catamarans: a 50-foot power catamaran and a 55-foot sailing catamaran, both stable and comfortable.
  • Gear and snacks: top-quality snorkel gear and light snacks are included.
  • Family-friendly: welcomes guests ages 4 and up, with an experienced crew guiding first-timers.

How the Tour Flows

  • Check-InMeet at the Ala Wai Harbor, 1 Holomoana Street, just minutes from the hostel.
  • Set SailCruise a few minutes out to the calm Turtle Canyon reefs off Waikiki.
  • SnorkelGear up and snorkel with green sea turtles and reef fish, with the crew helping first-timers.
  • Sail BackEnjoy the ride back to the harbor after about two hours on the water.

The tour runs about 2 hours. Departure times vary by day and season, so confirm your time when you book.

What to Bring

Swimsuit
Beach Towel
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Hat & Sunglasses
Camera
Cash / Card

Come in your swimsuit and bring a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera for the turtles. Basic swimming skills are required. Prescription snorkel masks are not available, so bring contact lenses if you need them, and a little cash or a card for any extras or tips.

Good to Know

  • Where it leaves: Ala Wai Harbor, 1 Holomoana Street, Honolulu, on the edge of Waikiki and about a mile from the hostel.
  • Duration: about 2 hours on the water. Departure times vary, so confirm your time at booking.
  • Turtle guarantee: if no turtles are seen, you can return for another try free of charge.
  • Ages and ability: guests ages 4 and up are welcome (recommended for 7 and up), infants 3 and under are free, and basic swimming skills are required.
  • Vision note: prescription snorkel masks are not available, so contact lens wearers should bring their contacts.
  • Cancellations: changes, including rescheduling and cancellations, must be made at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund or credit. No-shows are charged the full price.

Getting There

This is one of the easiest tours to reach. Pink Sails leaves from the Ala Wai Harbor at 1 Holomoana Street, right on the edge of Waikiki and only about a mile from Waikiki Beachside Hostel. It is a short rideshare or an easy walk along the water, so there is no long drive to the other side of the island. Give yourself time to check in before your departure, and ask the front desk for the quickest way to the harbor. The map below shows the route from the hostel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does it leave from, and how close is it?

It leaves from the Ala Wai Harbor at 1 Holomoana Street, right on the edge of Waikiki and about a mile from Waikiki Beachside Hostel. It is a short rideshare or an easy walk, with no long drive across the island.

Are turtle sightings really guaranteed?

Yes. The reefs here are a reliable spot for Hawaiian green sea turtles, and the tour comes with a turtle sighting guarantee. If no turtles show up on your trip, you can come back and try again for free.

Do I need snorkeling experience?

No experience is needed, but you do need basic swimming skills. Quality gear is provided and the crew helps first-timers get comfortable in the calm, shallow water.

Is it good for kids?

Yes. It is family-friendly and welcomes guests ages 4 and up, with ages 7 and up recommended. Infants 3 and under are free.

What should I know if I wear glasses?

Prescription snorkel masks are not available on this tour, so if you wear glasses, bring your contact lenses for the water.

How much does it cost?

It is $79 per guest for ages 4 and up, and infants 3 and under are free. Local kama'aina rates are available. Ask the front desk about booking.

What is the cancellation policy?

Changes, including rescheduling and cancellations, must be made at least 24 hours before the tour for a full refund or credit. No-shows are charged the full price.