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Oahu Turtle Canyon Snorkel

Snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles at Turtle Canyon, one of Oahu's most reliable turtle spots. This easy 2-hour trip includes gear, a live hula, and a round-trip trolley that picks you up near the hostel, so first-timers and families can just show up and jump in.

About 2 Hours Green Sea Turtles Turtle Canyon Reef Waikiki Pickup Included Ages 2 and Up

Adults 12+ $125, Children 2 to 11 $99. Round-trip Waikiki trolley included.

What’s Included

  • Round-trip Waikiki hotel trolley pickup, near the hostel
  • About two hours out of Kewalo Basin aboard the double-deck Ariya II
  • Guided snorkeling at Turtle Canyon
  • Snorkel gear for everyone, a mask, fins, and a life jacket
  • A complimentary snack and a soft drink on deck
  • A live Hawaiian chant and hula performance, plus a turtle tattoo souvenir
  • A safety briefing from a CPR-certified crew

Snorkel with Honu at Turtle Canyon

This is an easy morning or midday out to snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles at Turtle Canyon, one of Oahu's most reliable turtle spots. A round-trip trolley picks you up near the hostel and brings you to Kewalo Basin Harbor, where the double-deck Ariya II heads out for the short ride to the reef. The water at Turtle Canyon sits about 15 to 25 feet down and stays calm and clear, so the honu are easy to spot gliding over the coral below.

Snorkel gear and a life jacket are provided, and the CPR-certified crew gives a full safety briefing before anyone gets in, so beginners, kids, and non-swimmers are all welcome. Turtles are the main event, but keep an eye out for tropical reef fish, and now and then spinner dolphins or, in the winter months, humpback whales passing by. Turtles are protected by law, so the crew keeps a respectful distance and never touches them, and neither should you.

Back on board there is a snack and a drink, a live Hawaiian chant and hula, and a Polynesian-style turtle tattoo to take home. The boat has a shaded upper deck, a rinse-off area, and a restroom, and there is a bar if you want a drink for purchase. With turtle sightings this consistent, the tour even backs it up with a free rebooking if no turtles turn up on your trip.

Watch the Tour

Tour Highlights

  • Snorkel with honu: Hawaiian green sea turtles at Turtle Canyon, one of Oahu's most consistent turtle spots.
  • Calm, clear reef: Turtle Canyon sits about 15 to 25 feet down in calm water, easy for first-timers.
  • Waikiki pickup included: a round-trip trolley picks you up near the hostel, so there is no need to drive.
  • Double-deck Ariya II: a roomy powerboat with a shaded upper deck, rinse-off area, and restroom.
  • Snack, hula, and tattoo: a snack and drink on deck, a live Hawaiian hula, and a turtle tattoo souvenir.
  • Turtle-sighting guarantee: if no turtles are seen on your trip, you can rebook the tour for free.

How the Day Flows

  • Hotel PickupThe trolley picks you up near the hostel. Pickups begin about 8:40 AM for the morning tour and 11:35 AM for the midday tour.
  • Board the Ariya IIArrive at Kewalo Basin Harbor and board for a safety briefing.
  • Out to Turtle CanyonCruise the short distance to Turtle Canyon with Diamond Head and Waikiki behind you.
  • Snorkel with TurtlesSnorkel the reef with gear and a life jacket, looking for green sea turtles.
  • Snack and HulaBack on board, enjoy a snack and a drink, a live hula, and your turtle tattoo.
  • Back to WaikikiReturn to the harbor and the trolley drops you back near the hostel.

Two departures daily at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Pickup times are approximate and depend on your location, so check your confirmation. The order and timing can shift with the ocean and the weather.

What to Bring

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

Come in your swimsuit and bring a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. A light jacket is nice for the ride back in winter. Shoes come off on the boat, so wear sandals you can slip off, and bring a little cash or a card if you want a drink from the bar.

Good to Know

  • Where it leaves: Kewalo Basin Harbor, 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Pier D, Slip 111, about 10 minutes from Waikiki. A round-trip trolley from Waikiki is included.
  • Times: two tours daily at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Trolley pickups begin about 8:40 AM and 11:35 AM, so be ready at your pickup point on time.
  • Ages: open to guests ages 2 and up. Beginners and non-swimmers are welcome, with life jackets and a safety briefing provided.
  • Respect the honu: sea turtles are protected by law, so the crew keeps a respectful distance and never touches them.
  • Turtle-sighting guarantee: if the captain confirms no one on your tour saw a turtle, you can rebook the tour for free.
  • Cancellations: cancel or change at least 48 hours before departure for a full refund. Within 48 hours is final sale, and no-shows or late arrivals are not refunded.

Getting There

There is no need to drive. A round-trip trolley is included and picks you up near Waikiki Beachside Hostel, then brings you to Kewalo Basin Harbor, about 10 minutes away. Pickups begin around 8:40 AM for the morning tour and 11:35 AM for the midday tour, so be ready at your pickup point on time. The map below shows the harbor where the boat departs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?

About 2 hours from harbor to harbor, with roughly 45 minutes in the water. With the round-trip Waikiki trolley included, plan for most of your morning or midday.

Where does it leave from, and is pickup included?

The boat leaves from Kewalo Basin Harbor at 1125 Ala Moana Boulevard, Pier D, Slip 111, about 10 minutes from Waikiki. A round-trip trolley is included, with pickup near the hostel beginning around 8:40 AM for the morning tour and 11:35 AM for the midday tour. Ask the front desk to confirm your pickup.

Will we really see turtles?

Turtle Canyon is one of the most consistent green sea turtle spots on Oahu, so sightings are very common year round. On the rare trip where the captain confirms no one saw a turtle, you can rebook the tour for free.

Do I need snorkeling experience?

No. Snorkel gear and life jackets are provided, and the CPR-certified crew gives a full safety briefing, so beginners, children, and non-swimmers are all welcome.

What is included?

The round-trip Waikiki trolley, snorkel gear, a snack and a drink on deck, a live Hawaiian hula, and a turtle tattoo souvenir. A bar is on board with drinks for purchase.

How much does it cost?

Adults ages 12 and up are $125, and children ages 2 to 11 are $99. Ask the front desk about booking.

Can children and non-swimmers come?

Yes. The tour welcomes children ages 2 and up, and non-swimmers are fine with the life jackets and safety briefing provided.

What is the cancellation policy?

Any cancellations or amendments, including tour date and time, must be made at least 48 hours before the departure time on your reservation date for a full refund. Reservations made within 48 hours of departure are final sale, and we do not provide refunds for no-shows or late arrivals.