Turtle Snorkeling on Oahu: The 10 Best Trips

1.Oahu’s Ultimate Tour: Dole, Turtle Snorkel, Pali Lookout & More

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,461 reviews · 10 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $108Our pick

This 10 to 12 hour Oahu circle island tour combines scenic lookouts, Byodo-In Temple viewed in passing, North Shore beaches, turtle snorkeling, Dole Plantation, macadamia nuts, coffee, and local food stops. Guides may include Rob, Kap, Cap, or Dirk. Pickup is available in Waikiki.

“Fun trip with a fun tour guide, Kap?, and group. Saw many places and many beaches. I wouldn’t waste my time on the Dole Train next time. Saw many plants, but too long with the return trip useless. We had to hurry to the train, and then buy Dole Whip. No time to look in shop or around grounds. Our snorkeling beach was too rocky to really enjoy the beach.”

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2.Oahu Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling— Small-Groups

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,214 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $149Top rated

Join a local guide such as Nevin, Raul, Justin, or Mike for an eight-hour Oahu loop from Waikiki. You’ll visit Diamond Head, Kualoa Point, North Shore beaches, a macadamia farm, Dole Plantation, and a turtle snorkeling beach in a minibus for up to 28 people.

“Enjoyable day overall - Nevin was a great host and we liked his energy, enthusiasm and local knowledge.”

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3.Turtle Snorkeling and Sailing on Hāwea

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 656 reviews · 2h 30m · from $84

Sail from the Duke Kahanamoku Statue to Turtle Canyon aboard Hāwea, a 50-foot catamaran built by its owner. Snorkel with green sea turtles and reef fish, then relax under sail with Waikiki and Diamond Head in view. Morning trips include cold brew and granola.

“This was one of the best activities we did during our stay here on Oahu! The crew was professional, informed, and friendly. We walked from our hotel, they picked everyone up beachside behind Dukes statue. So easy! We saw 20+ sea turtles, schools of fish, and the sailing at the end was so beautiful. If we come back, we’d definitely consider doing this again with Hāwea!”

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4.Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 351 reviews · 1h 30m · from $81

From Island Splash Tours in Honolulu, you’ll take a short boat ride to Turtle Canyon for 50 minutes in the water with two lifeguard-certified guides. The 2025 boat carries up to 49 but limits tours to 28. Guides such as Alex, Maddie, Elle, and Preston help guests spot turtles and reef life.

“Everyone was very nice and accommodating. The guides knew exactly where to go to see the turtles and a lot of other sea life. They gave clear instruction. They stopped along the way back when we saw some dolphins and gave everyone a lot of time to see them even though the tour was actually over at that point. I was sea sick from a prior expedition the day before and they allowed me to reschedule to another time quickly and hassle free. Great group, very knowledgeable.”

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5.Best Waikiki Snorkel Tour: Guaranteed Turtles at Turtle Canyon

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 299 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Sail from Honolulu past Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Magic Island, and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel before snorkeling at Turtle Canyon. Three Tiki Sailing supplies gear, guidance, and an onboard lifeguard. The small boat carries up to 35 people, and the crew may include Cameron or Jake.

“Very fun! Cameron was very nice and helped me swim out to find the turtle again. Lots of cool fish and the boat was very vibey with good music!”

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6.Waikiki Turtle Snorkeling Adventure Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 248 reviews · 2 hours · from $67

Join Pink Sails Waikiki for a two-hour catamaran trip along Waikiki, then swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful fish, coral, and possibly dolphins or rays. English-speaking guides provide gear, safety instructions, and light snacks. Meet near Prince Waikiki 45 minutes early.

“Super fun experience! We saw so many turtles and fish and had a great time swimming.”

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7.North Shore / Waimea, Falls Day & Swim with Turtles

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 106 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $150

Spend about eight hours with guide Seamus and, often, his friendly dog Sandy, visiting Waimea Valley, a macadamia or coffee and chocolate stop, North Shore beaches, local shops, and a shrimp truck. Pickup is offered from Honolulu hotels or the airport. Waimea admission and lunch cost extra.

“Seamus picked us up on time and was really engaging all day. He clearly knows his stuff and the benefit of a private tour meant we didn’t have to wait on other people every time we wanted to move on. We learned so much from him and his partner sandy was such a good girl! Thanks Seamus we had a really great day and will recommend you anytime! Mahalo”

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8.Kayak, Snorkel, and Surf with Turtles in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · from $200

Join local guides Shane and Neil for a three-hour Waikiki water adventure. Paddle by kayak or stand-up board, snorkel at Turtle Canyon and a shipwreck, then receive patient surf instruction. Hotel pickup, gear, water, snacks, and a group limit of five are included.

“I can’t thank these two enough. They were so gracious and patient with us. The kayaking and turtle snorkeling was so much fun. But for us the highlight was watching our daughter’s first attempt ever at surfing. We have memories thanks to Read more”

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9.Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour – Semi-private: 6 passenger max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 94 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

Join Hawaii Apex Charters from Ala Moana for a 90-minute Turtle Canyon snorkel with no more than six people aboard. Phil, Ianthe, Danny, or Daniel may guide you through safety, turtle viewing, and reef fish spotting, with optional underwater photos and videos.

“Looking for a more private snorkeling adventure? Opt for an intimate snorkel experience that avoids large crowds, allowing you to explore marine life in a serene and personal setting. This smaller-group excursion provided tailored guidance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable underwater journey while respecting the natural environment. The crew went above and beyond to ensure a positive experience for our six-year-old, who wasn’t too fond of the ocean. Their patience and creativity helped make the trip enjoyable for everyone in the family. Highly recommend for families with young children! Enhance your snorkeling experience with personalized underwater photos taken by our experienced diver-all at ...”

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10.Waikiki Turtle Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $59Best value

Spend two hours aboard a 55-foot double-decker catamaran with Captain Marley and crew. See the coast from the water, check the underwater viewing room, then snorkel at Turtle Town, Rainbow Reef, or Turtle Canyon. Snacks, drinks, gear, bathrooms, and shaded seating are included.

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