Waikiki Snorkeling Tours: The 15 Best Trips Out to the Reef

1.Grand Tour Around Island 16 Locations plus Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8,669 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $109Our pick

Spend 8 to 10 hours circling Oahu with a guide such as Aka, Dylan, Kat, or Jay. Visit beaches, surf spots, farms, Haleiwa, Dole Plantation, and coffee country, with snorkeling gear and hotel pickup included. Expect a large bus, many short stops, and a route that can change.

“This was definitely a full day experience. But we had an incredible tour guide Kathleen who was super insightful about the area and made sure we hit every stop”

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

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

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

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

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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4.Oahu Dolphin and Snorkel Tour with Waikiki Pickup & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,687 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $164

Ride from Waikiki to west Oahu for a wildlife cruise led by guides including Captain Dani, Tyler, Lauren, and Bennett. Look for spinner dolphins and whales, snorkel near Hawaiian green sea turtles, then enjoy lunch, hula, kayaks, paddle boards, and a fast 20-foot water slide.

“My daughter and I loved this excursion. The crew was so friendly and accommodating, especially the captain who let the kids sit with her and karaoke. Also, don’t skimp on the photo package! We are so glad we purchased the pictures.”

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5.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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6.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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7.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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8.Guided Snorkel Tour for Beginners in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 269 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59Best value

Meet at 1501 Ala Moana Blvd for a 90-minute beginner snorkel lesson in a sheltered Honolulu lagoon. Your guide teaches breathing, gear use, and water safety before leading a small group over a reef with more than 20 fish types. Videos are sent to your phone afterward.

“Very family friendly! Nick was our snorkeling instructor and was excellent. It was perfect for first time snorkeling. It was a small group which was a great way to learn. Definitely worth it!”

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9.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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10.All Day Circle Island Tour with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 245 reviews · 9 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $72

Spend 9 to 10 hours circling Oahu by shuttle, with stops at Diamond Head, Makapuʻu, Waimanalo, Kahuku, Haleiwa, Turtle Beach, Dole Plantation, and more. Snorkel gear is included, lunch is not. Guides such as Rob, Henry, and Maya add local stories and humor, but surf may cancel the water stop.

“This is an amazing trip. Johnny is a fantastic guide and made a very fun and informative day. You get to see and enjoy the entire island in 1 day. Would definitely recommend.”

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11.Oahu’s Ultimate Grand Circle Island Tour with Snorkeling and More

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 116 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $94

Spend about 10 hours circling Oahu by air-conditioned minibus, with hotel pickup, cultural stops, North Shore scenery, snacks, snorkeling gear, and local food stops. Guides such as Aka, Dylan, Jake, and Prince are known for island stories, songs, and humor. Snorkeling conditions can vary, especially in winter.

“I think this would good for older people ( we are late 20s). Appreciate our guide was called into work, however, they proceeded to drink alcoholic drinks while taking the tour (bear in mind they were already in a state as it was). There were kids on the bus, and felt like a rip off since we’d paid money for this. You see a lot of the island from the bus windows but that’s it. Feels like a whirlwind and felt as though you just get taken to tourist spots where they want you to spend money. Some great stories and information at times, but most of the time we’re…”

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12.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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13.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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14.Half Day Oahu Combo Adventure: Bike, Sail and Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 68 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $196

Meet guides such as Terry, Terii, Rudolph, or Captain Krash for a downhill Tantalus bike ride, then sail from Kewalo Basin on a 38.6-foot catamaran. You may snorkel with reef fish and turtles, spot dolphins or seasonal whales, and return toward Waikiki after about 5.5 hours.

“We were picked up by our bike guide, and drive about 5 minutes before pulling over on the side of the road for an entire hour. Got picked up at 12pm, sat on the side of the road until almost 1pm. “Waiting for another guide to show up” when he finally did show up we headed on our way. The biking was nothing special for 100$ a person……the bikes were not well maintained. The snorkel group / sail was fun. Personally I would just book this separately and skip the scam bike ride all together……. Really wish I could get a REFUND for my bike ride. We sat there for…”

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15.Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling on the West Coast of Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 62 reviews · from $156

Cruise West Oahu with Indigo Ocean Hawaii on a stable catamaran, searching for wild spinner dolphins before snorkeling near reef and turtle areas. The three-hour trip includes gear, snacks, lunch, drinks, hotel shuttle service, and a friendly crew including guides Julie and JB.

“I would not recommend it. It was expensive and unfortunately, no one got to see dolphins. We sailed non-stop for pretty much the entire 3 hours. I was told morning crews do get to see dolphins however afternoon crews don't. If afternoon creRead more”

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