The neighborhood of Waikiki in Honolulu is home to Hawaii’s most popular tourist destination, the iconic, world-famous Waikiki Beach.
Stunning views of the blue Pacific lapping against soft white sand and the Diamond Head Volcanic Crater can be seen, and coupled with the pleasant weather, they provide an excellent retreat for sunbathing, surfing, and snorkeling.
Underneath the iconic palm-fringed beaches and the clear blue waters of Waikiki lies a stunning world of marine life waiting to be explored, making it a paradise for snorkeling activities.
The experience of being gently swayed by the ocean currents, surrounded by the soothing silence, with graceful visions of aquatic life gliding past, is profoundly invigorating and tranquil for your senses. It’s an experience that etches itself into your memory for lifetimes to come!
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to the snorkeling tours in Waikiki.
Top Snorkeling in Waikiki Tickets
# Turtle Canyons Snorkel Excursion from Waikiki, Hawaii
# Turtle Canyon Catamaran Snorkel Cruise from Waikiki
# Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure
Table of contents
- What to expect at Snorkeling in Waikiki
- Where to book tickets
- How do online tickets work
- Snorkeling in Waikiki ticket price
- Snorkeling in Waikiki tickets
- Meeting point for Waikiki Snorkeling Tours
- Waikiki Snorkeling Tours timings
- How long does the tour take
- Best time to go for snorkeling in Waikiki
- FAQs about Snorkeling in Waikiki
What to expect at Snorkeling in Waikiki
Choose from a range of guided snorkeling tours tailored to various skill levels, from beginners to experienced snorkelers, led by expert guides.
Hop on to a catamaran or an inflatable boat and cruise along the lovely Oahu shore to arrive at the reef known as “Turtle Cleaning Station,” the site where Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles congregate.
The captains and crew are made up of certified divers, lifeguards, free divers, and surfers, who are all experts in these waters and will provide you with the perfect safety equipment, safety guidelines, and pointers about the areas to explore.
Once you are geared up, leave the terrestrial world behind as you take a dunk toward coral caverns led by your guide diver.
Dive deeper into the sunlit waters and swim with the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, who are guaranteed to show up.
Spot the angelfish darting in and out of the coral caverns, and see other marine life endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
After a session of pure solace, head back onto your boat and lounge in the Hawaiian sun with drinks, snacks, and music while admiring possible sightings of spinner dolphins, flying fish, and humpback whales.
Enjoy beautiful views of the Oahu shoreline and Diamond Head Crater while relaxing on your boat in the waters.
If swimming isn’t your preference and you’d rather unwind than venture into deeper waters, we have inflatable floating platforms attached to the boat for your enjoyment. Additionally, there’s the option for a swim step, where you can comfortably sit and dip your feet in the water.
Where to book tickets
Tickets for Snorkelling in Oahu Waikiki are available online or at the operator’s ticket counters.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out. Booking early also helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Visit the booking page for Snorkelling In Waikiki.
Specify your planned travel date. number of members and the preferred time slot.
Once you complete the booking process, the tickets will be mailed to you.
You do not need to carry printouts.
Show the e-ticket on your smartphone to the staff at the pickup point and carry a valid ID.
Snorkeling in Waikiki ticket price
For the Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure, the ticket cost for all ages is US$85.
For the Turtle Canyon Catamaran Snorkel Cruise from Waikiki, the ticket cost for all ages above 13 is US$107.
Children aged between four and 12 can get access at US$76.
Infants under four years old are not charged anything.
For the Moana’s 2-Hour Guided Turtle Snorkel Adventure at Waikiki, the ticket price for all ages is US$70.
For the Turtle Canyons Snorkel Excursion from Waikiki, Hawaii, the ticket cost for all ages is US$85.
For the Turtle Canyon Snorkel (Small Occupancy Boat Tours), the ticket cost for all ages above five is US$109.
Children below five are not allowed on the tour.
For the Turtle Snorkeling Adventure in Waikiki (Boat Tour), the ticket cost for all ages above four is US$60.
Infants below four are not charged anything.
Snorkeling in Waikiki tickets
Snorkeling tours in Waikiki allow you to pick from various tours with different boat types, tour timings, transportation, and food and drink options.
All safety and snorkeling equipment will be provided, but please remember to bring your own towels.
Carry medicine if you are prone to seasickness.
Turtle Canyons Snorkel Excursion from Waikiki, Hawaii
You will be taken to the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles cluster at a “Turtle Cleaning Station” above the reef in Turtle Canyons.
You will receive your snorkeling gear and then be given a quick instruction on snorkeling safety and the local marine fauna.
A professional guide will lead you on the snorkeling tour.
Once you are back on the boat, you can enjoy complimentary refreshments and unwind on board in the Hawaiian sun.
A maximum of 40 people groups are allowed.
Ticket Prices: US$85
Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure tickets
Tickets to this tour will take you on a snorkeling boat tour through Turtle Canyon.
Before entering the sea, you can lounge about on a leisurely cruise.
The expert crew on the boat, including certified divers, surfers, and lifeguards, will show you where to look, and all equipment will be provided.
Floatation devices will also be available.
The snorkeling tour itself will not be led by a guide.
After the snorkeling experience, you can unwind on floating platforms attached to the boat.
Light refreshments will be provided. You also have the option to bring your own alcoholic drinks.
For non-swimmers, swim steps will be attached where you can sit with your feet in the water.
The maximum number of people on the tour is 20.
Tickets Price: US$85
Turtle Canyon Catamaran Snorkel Cruise from Waikiki
With this tour, you are guaranteed a sighting of turtles. Otherwise, you will be given a second tour for free!
Dive into a snorkeling tour led by a professional guide, and enjoy unlimited refreshments, including two alcoholic drinks, while on the boat.
You have four options on this tour.
You can go for a morning tour, which is the least expensive, or opt for a morning tour with convenient pick-up and drop-off services at your hotel.
You have the choice of either a midday tour which offers a scrumptious Hawaiian lunch, or a midday tour that not only includes lunch but also provides transportation from your hotel.
Infants must sit on laps.
Ticket Prices
Morning Tour
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$108
Child Ticket (4 to 12 years): US$70
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Morning Tour with Transportation
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$122
Child Ticket (4 to 12 years): US$86
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Midday Tour
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$162
Child Ticket (4 to 12 years): US$108
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Midday Tour with Transportation
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$177
Child Ticket (4 to 12 years): US$123
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Moana’s 2-Hour Guided Turtle Snorkel Adventure at Waikiki
The tickets to this tour are the cheapest option available for the Turtle Snorkelling Adventure.
You will head out to shallow coral reefs on a catamaran, put on your snorkeling gear and jump into the waters to see the turtles and other aquatic life.
You will be briefed on the boat; the snorkeling tour itself will not be led by a guide.
Lifeguards will be on board for your safety.
Comfortable cushioned seating awaits you on the catamaran.
All snorkeling gear will be provided.
The ticket prices are same for all ages, but please mention clearly if children under 13 are part of your group.
Ticket Prices : US$70
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Meeting point for Waikiki Snorkeling Tours
Waikiki snorkeling tours are offered by different touring companies.
Some tours involve hotel pick-ups, while others ask you to assemble at a meeting point at a predetermined time.
Most snorkeling tours in Waikiki, Hawaii, have the following meet-up point:
Address: Kewalo Basin Harbour, 1125 Ala Moana Blvd Slip B-01, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA. Get Directions.
By Bus
The Auahi St + Ward Ave bus stop is a 3-minute walk away.
The Ala Moana Bl + Koula St bus stop is a 5-minute walk away.
By Car
Put your starting point here to navigate to the Kewalo Basin Harbor.
You can also rent a car or hire a taxi easily in Honolulu.
You’ll find ample parking spots nearby.
Waikiki Snorkeling Tours timings
The snorkeling tours at Waikiki start between 8 and 9 am, and the day’s last tours are offered at 3 pm.
Different touring options have different itineraries, so please check on the booking page before finalizing your ticket.
How long does the tour take
The snorkeling tours in Hawaii take between 90 minutes to 2 hours to finish.
You are dropped off at the original pick-up point at the end of the tour.
Best time to go for snorkeling in Waikiki
The best time to take the turtle snorkeling tours in Hawaii is early morning during summer.
If you prefer a more peaceful experience, plan your visit early in the morning on a weekday morning as soon as the attraction opens between 8 and 9 am.
It’s less crowded in the mornings.
Weekends and public holidays are crowded.
FAQs about Snorkeling in Waikiki
Here are some frequently asked questions about Snorkeling In Waikiki:
Yes, all safety equipment and snorkeling gear are provided.
No, please bring your own swimwear and towels.
Unfortunately, snorkeling in Waikiki Oahu is unsuitable for people with mobility issues.
Certified divers and lifeguards are present on the tours to ensure your safety and keep a vigilant watch over you.
You can book a tour by visiting the online ticket portal for the Snorkeling Tour in Oahu.
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