The 15 Best Turtle Snorkeling Tours on Oahu

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 circle-island tour links Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, Nuʻuanu Pali, North Shore beaches, turtle snorkeling, Dole Plantation, and local farm stops. Guides such as Dirk, Cap, Kap, and Rob lead the day. Pickup, drinks, snacks, and snorkel gear are included.

“The tour was good, the tour guide, Kap was awesome! I wish the tour wasn’t focused and stated that there would be swimming with sea turtles. The beach was not a great place to “snorkel” as there were sea urchins everywhere and not one sea turtle in sight. Six people stepped on a sea urchin (there was a land mind of them). I would suggest that either a different beach is picked or taking that part out of the tour and adding something else in. Overall, the stops were good, there was lots to do but it was disappointing to be excited for the snorkeling and have it not happen.”

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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

Spend about eight hours circling Oahu from Waikiki in a minibus for 28 people or fewer. Your guide leads you to Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, Kualoa Point, North Shore beaches, a macadamia farm, Dole Plantation, and a turtle-snorkeling beach. Guides such as Nevin, Raul, Justin, and Mike are known for lively local stories.

“This is a great overall trip to see the highlights of Oahu. Our guide Neven was great! Made the trip fun and memorable! Loved the the tour was small (9 people) The sites and stops were great! The only downfall is that we spent all day in a very small vehicle. We were the last to be picked up so the only seats were way in back and difficult to get to. It was so cramped that one couple left for that concern which did make it more comfortable. Would have been tough if all 11 stayed.”

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3.Turtle Canyon Snorkel Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,656 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79

Spend about two hours from Waikiki at Turtle Canyon, swimming with green sea turtles and reef fish under the care of a professional crew. Living Ocean Tours supplies masks, fins, and flotation gear, plus snacks and drinks. Guide Chance has earned special praise for his fun, helpful approach.

“Our family ages 10 to adult loved the snorkeling experience. Seeing sea turtles, and lots of fish. Our snorkel guide Aaron was great, diving to the bottom to show us sea urchins and a crown of thorns. We could even see some dolphins in the distance as we returned.”

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4.Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure in Waikiki, Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,197 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $85

Set out from Ala Moana Harbor with Charter Oahu for a two-hour Turtle Canyon snorkel trip. Certified guides and lifeguards provide gear, flotation aids, snacks, and calm instruction. Look for green sea turtles, angelfish, and schools of tropical fish, then relax on floating platforms.

“Crew was very helpful and efficient. Saw turtles and other sea life. If you are not a strong swimmer, the currents could be challenging.”

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5.Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,655 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Meet at the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue for a 2.5-hour Hawea catamaran trip to Turtle Canyon. You’ll snorkel with provided gear, look for Hawaiian green sea turtles, reef fish, octopuses, and starfish, then sail along Waikiki with snacks, drinks, and cold brew from ARVO Café.

“This is a must do! Crew was great, sailing was super chill and a bonus. Will definitely do this again.”

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6.Oahu Catamaran Snorkel Tour: See Turtles 100% Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,420 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49Best value

Set out from Pier A at 1025 Ala Moana Blvd for a two-hour Turtle Canyon snorkel trip. Captain Krash, Kareem, Lucy, Shannon, and crew guide you toward Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful fish, and possible dolphins or whales. Gear, drinks, snacks, and a maximum of 28 people are included.

“Great friendly funny and knowledgeable guides, saw turtles so many cool fish and dolphins on our ride back!”

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7.Turtle Canyon Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,294 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $68

Sail from Pink Sails Waikiki to Turtle Canyon in 10 to 15 minutes, then spend 30 to 45 minutes snorkeling near Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish. Captains such as Jamie and Mo help with safety and gear. Basic swimming skills are required, and the tour suits children age 7 and older.

“The crew was great, but the experience was NOT anything like the photo in the listing. It’s not super shallow water that allows for great views, and there were at least 5 other boats and literally hundreds of people at the snorkeling site. We did see several turtles and a lot of cool fish, but it was extremely crowded and difficult to get good views or good pictures. We were constantly bumping into people and getting kicked. The listing also doesn’t say anything about being required to wear a floatation belt, which makes it impossible to dive down further than a couple feet below the surface. All in all, it…”

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8.Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel: Turtles Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,001 reviews · 1 hour 40 minutes (approx.) · from $81

Swim at Turtle Canyon, about three quarters of a mile off Waikiki, with guides such as Emma, Luke, Ella, and Maddy helping you find Hawaiian green sea turtles. The 1-hour-40-minute trip includes gear, flotation vests, drinks, Diamond Head views, and a maximum of 28 people.

“Amazing adventure! Highly recommend this one and will definitely be returning on my next trip to Hawaii!! My fiancé and I have never been snorkeling before so we didn’t know what to expect logistically. This team took care of us and connected with every person on board. They are naturals at what they do and they make the most nervous people feel in control and comfortable. This is the team that you need to book with to have great fun and see the best part of our amazing ocean! They are punctual and knowledgeable about their environment!”

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9.Moana’s Waikīkī Grand Guided Turtle Snorkel & Sailing Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 936 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $76

Sail from Kewalo Harbor to Turtle Canyon with Moana Sailing Co. Snorkeling gear, lifeguards, a secured raft, restrooms, cushioned seating, and a complimentary first drink are included. Look for turtles, fish, starfish, octopuses, and possibly dolphins or a monk seal.

“Amazing snorkeling experience for the kids! The crew was extremely professional and wonderful with our girls! We saw four turtles up close and tons of beautiful fish. The crew supervises from the water and you wear a life preserver belt so it’s perfectly safe for beginners. Highly recommended!”

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10.Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure – Small Group 6 Passengers

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 710 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $105

From Kewalo Basin Harbor, you’ll ride a 28-foot speedboat to Turtle Canyon for about an hour of guided snorkeling. Crews such as Paul, Brittney, Jason, and Zoey help beginners, point out turtles and fish, and keep the outing personal with no more than six people aboard.

“The Staff was knowledgeable and helpful. Had an amazing experience with them All 3 times I booked with them”

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11.Turtle Canyon Snorkel: Semi Private Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 710 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $109

From Captain Max Boat Tours’ Ala Moana meeting point, a small crew takes up to six people by fast zodiac to Turtle Canyon. Guides such as Max, Sophia, Santiago, and Chris offer gear, safety help, and close-up turtle spotting during about an hour on the water.

“Great trip with very knowledgeable and helpful guides. We saw several turtles within minutes of getting in the water!”

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12.Waikiki Beach: Turtle Snorkeling and Sailing on Hāwea

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

Spend 2.5 hours aboard Hāwea, Waikiki Sailing Company’s hand-built 50-foot catamaran. Snorkel at Turtle Canyon with green sea turtles and reef fish, then sail past Waikiki and Diamond Head. Crew members including Jenny, Julia, Kaitlyn, and Kaola help you stay safe and spot marine life.

“It was my first time snorkeling so I didn't know what to expect. I absolutely LOVED this tour/activity. The staff was beyond friendly and kind and super attentive they really wanted to make sure we had an enjoyable experience and soaked in every moment we could. it was the highlight of my trip and I would totally recommend Hawea to friends and family if they ever visit waikiki because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do!”

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13.Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion in Waianae

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 590 reviews · 3 hours · from $193

Ride from Waikiki or Ko Olina to Waianae for a three-hour wildlife cruise led by an experienced captain and marine naturalist. Look for wild dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, sea turtles, and reef fish, then snorkel in protected bays. Lunch, drinks, gear, hotel transport, and free parking are included.

“Everything was great ! We saw dolphins and turtles right away ! Thank you so much”

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14.Waikiki Green Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour – Boat Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 408 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $129

You’ll cruise from Kewalo Basin to Turtle Canyon aboard a 50-foot catamaran, where the captain helps beginners use their gear before you enter the water. Expect about 90 minutes near turtles and reef fish, with possible dolphin or whale sightings. Bring snacks and arrive 15 minutes early.

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15.Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 382 reviews · 2 hours · from $85

From Honolulu, Charter Oahu takes you by boat to Turtle Canyon for two hours of snorkeling among tropical fish and green sea turtles. Certified guides such as Nina, Lucy, and Angelina have helped beginners feel safe, while the crew provides gear, flotation aids, fruit, snacks, and drinks.

“Amazing experience—we got to see a few turtles, and our guides were great at making sure we kept a respectful distance from them. Unlike another group nearby, who were shouted at by their guide for getting too close, our guides were spaced out well enough to keep an eye on everyone and ensure we stayed together, so we all had the chance to see the turtles.”

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