15 Snorkeling Trips on Oahu to Build a Day Around

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 Nui Tours, stopping at lookouts, surf beaches, farms, Haleiwa, and Dole Plantation before snorkeling on the North Shore. Guides such as Aka, Dylan, Kat, Jay, and Kathleen bring local stories, humor, and Hawaiian culture to a busy day.

“This is a long, informative, entertaining tour. Kat is full of info and Victor was very kind, helping with my walker.”

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

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

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.Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,232 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $55

Travel from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay with Kaimana Tours, using provided snorkel gear and round-trip shuttle service. Guides such as Felipe, Philippe, Luiz, Marco, Diogo, and Martha have helped with park entry, equipment, and local tips. Plan on an early start, a $25 cash admission fee, and several hours in the bay.

“Really wonderful experience. The snorkeling equipment was top notch- had zero issues with it. Would definitely recommend!”

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4.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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5.Kaneohe Sandbar Snorkeling Tour – 2nd Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 443 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $158

Meet Captain Bruce’s crew at Heʻeia Kea Boat Harbor for a 2-hour-45-minute afternoon trip to Kaneohe Bay. You’ll snorkel near the reef, look for green sea turtles, stand-up paddle board, swim in shallow water, and use included gear, snacks, and drinks.

“I have been to Hawaii numerous times and I cannot believe I have never done this. The staff were amazing and so friendly. They provide snacks and all the fun ocean items you need! The views are breathtaking and the trip was a 10/10”

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6.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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7.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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8.Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tour

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

From Island Splash Tours, you’ll cruise about 15 minutes from Honolulu to Turtle Canyon, then spend 50 minutes snorkeling with Hawaiian green sea turtles. The boat holds 49 but limits tours to 28. Two lifeguard-certified guides, including crew members such as Alex, Maddie, and Elle, lead the water session.

“It was incredible they showed me how to free dive also, a lot of turtles and other sea life”

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9.Oahu 5-in-1 Deluxe Cruise: Turtle Snorkeling & Ocean Activities

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 290 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $59

Spend about three hours aboard a 65-foot catamaran off Waikiki, using snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, a water slide, trampoline, and 20-foot jump platform. Crew members such as Kelsey, Clint, Isaiah, and Jim have earned praise for friendly help. Hotel pickup costs $20 per person.

“I paid for the snorkel trip for 2 $278.00 and was at pick up spot early and waited almost an hour and they never came! I sent a few messages and not 1 response. We were really looking forward to this excursion but I would highly recommend NOT selecting this excursion, the level of customer service is a zero and they will not return my $.”

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10.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, followed by guided snorkeling near coral reefs. Guides such as Captain Mo, Alexio, Shamus, and Jamie help you spot turtles, fish, rays, and sometimes dolphins. Gear, instruction, and light snacks are included.

“The guides where so entertaining, they made sure everybody feels good and gave good instructions. We saw so many turtles, the marine life in general and even dolphins. They made sure everybody got to see things and was comfortable!”

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11.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 from Waikiki without renting a car. You will see Diamond Head, Makapuʻu, Waimānalo, the North Shore, Dole Plantation, and more, with snorkeling gear included. Guides such as Rob, Henry, Dave, and Maya add Hawaiian stories, jokes, and local color.

“Kawika was our guide , he was the most likable man who cared about each and every one of us as his family ! He gave us the best day with his enjoyable talks about culture family and life in Hawaii , the stops were all ample time , we had good food great service and he was always pleasant . The beaches and stops were beautiful, we just were happy to sit back and relax without worrying about where to go . Without Kawika this tour would not have been the great experience that it was . We enjoyed it and for the price was great value”

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12.Snorkeling in Waikiki Many Fish All Levels Free Video & Pics!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 206 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $38Best value

Meet Lynne in Waikiki for a one-hour, shallow-water snorkel in a Marine Conservation Area. She supplies masks, snorkels, water shoes, flotation aids, photos, and a compilation video. The calm, personal format suits beginners, families, and anyone seeking an easy alternative to Hanauma Bay.

“We never had never done this before so we were a bit nervous about it. Lynne explained everything in detail, helped us with our gear and showed pictures of the fish we might see. And we did see a lot of fish. It was the most amazing experience!! Lynne gave us the time we needed to get comfortable under water with the mask. Highly recommended.”

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13.North Shore Cageless Shark Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 177 reviews · 2 hours · from $166

Join Island View Hawaii in Haleiwa for a two-hour, cage-free shark snorkeling trip. Swim with a safety diver in a group of up to eight, watching for sandbar, Galapagos, hammerhead, or tiger sharks, plus turtles and dolphins. Snorkel gear, photos, and videos are included.

“Amazing team, crazy experience recommend everyone to experience this thing, for those who are afraid of sharks don't worry!”

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14.Hanauma Bay Guided Snorkeling Tour with Transportation

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 173 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $115

Go Hanauma takes you from Waikiki or Kahala to Hanauma Bay in a group of up to five. Guides such as Fumio and Tran provide gear, safety help, fish-spotting tips, and downloadable photos. Choose an early or late start, and plan for about one hour in the water.

“A great excursion! Everything went without a glitch starting from a booking point to drop off back at the hotel. Fumio was a wonderful guide.”

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15.Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Waikiki Hawaii Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Join Iruka Hawaii from Kewalo Basin Harbor for a 2.5-hour catamaran trip to Turtle Canyon. Guides such as Captain Ryan, Sam, Maki, and Wiley provide safety help, marine-life facts, and snorkeling gear. Look for turtles, reef fish, dolphins, and seasonal whales, then cruise past Diamond Head.

“The BEST ever! Crew was super professional & customer service was off the charts! We saw several turtles, varieties of fish, and once we got in the boat we heard reports of a whale shark & our captain took us right to it, a RARR & FABULOUS EXPERIENCE.”

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