Turtle Snorkeling on Oahu: The 15 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.Circle Island Tour with Snorkeling & Turtles

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $185

Set out from Honolulu at 7:00 a.m. with a guide such as Shane or Neil for a full Oahu loop. You’ll visit coastal lookouts, Makapuʻu Point, Nuʻuanu Pali, Kualoa, Kahuku, Shark’s Cove, Kawela Bay, and Haleiwa, with snorkeling gear supplied and up to 10 people in the group.

“We loved Shane and all the knowledge he shared brought the tour to life for us! Thanks again Shane for the special experience you shared on your beautiful island!”

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11.Northshore ocean adventure and circle islandJeep Tour- Guaranteed to see turtles

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $700

Start with hotel pickup at 8:00 a.m. and spend up to 10 hours touring Oahu with Steve and the Sea and Board Sports Hawaii team. Paddleboard, kayak, snorkel, see North Shore surf spots, and shape the day around your group.

“What can I say? We have created so many new memories while touring the North Shore with Steve. We started our day spending time in the beautiful ocean. I had always wanted to learn how to paddle board. I can’t think of a better place to have had that experience. He was thorough in touring us around the area to include a fabulous, casual lunch and a hike to the stunning Waimea Falls. We hit the jackpot when we decided to book this private tour!”

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12.Oahu Snorkeling with Turtles, Water Scooter, Paddleboard

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 23 reviews · 2 hours · from $120

Cruise from Waikiki to Turtle Canyon on a newly built catamaran, then snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles. You can also try an electric water scooter and paddleboard before warming up with musubi, cup noodles, snacks, and drinks. Guides speak English, Japanese, and Korean.

“The experience all in all was great. The driver and guide were professional and provided great service. The scooter was not powerful at all and made the snorkeling harder to do. Fins were also so big, it weighed you down even more. There was only about 20 minutes of snorkeling time with the scooter which was disappointing. There were also no GoPro's available during our 3xcursion which meant no pictures for the family. I would do it again but with another company who could offer better equipment.”

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13.Sea Turtle Snorkeling, Small Group Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · from $116

From Kewalo Basin, you’ll cruise to Turtle Canyon aboard a spacious catamaran limited to six people. Guides such as Sam, Ella, Adriana, and Francesco lead the snorkeling, provide gear and flotation, and help you find green sea turtles, tropical fish, and sometimes dolphins. Expect about 45 to 60 minutes in the water.

“Everything was lovely! Adriana and her team were super knowledgeable and chill. We saw a lot of cute fish and turtles! Our guide took us to cool spots around the reef. Highly recommend booking a small group for a laidback time.”

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14.Circle Island tours – swim with turtles,Private & Small Group Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $150

Spend about eight hours touring Oahu with a private guide, either in a Jeep for up to four people or a luxury van for up to seven. Expect Diamond Head or Makapuʻu Lighthouse, beaches, blowholes, local shops, shrimp trucks, turtle watching, a macadamia farm, and Haleiwa.

“The guides listened to what guests wanted to do, and were helpful, patient and friendly. Valerie was like a friend I had for years.”

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15.North Shore day,Waterfalls and Turtles Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $150

Join Seamus and his service dog Sandy for an eight-hour Oahu North Shore outing. Walk through Waimea Valley, swim below a 45-foot waterfall, stop for shrimp-truck lunch, then spend the afternoon at the beach looking for turtles. Pickup and private transport are included.

“It was amazing so much fun. Super awesome guide and a wonderful experience. The sites and tours are so great and cultural.”

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