Turtle Talk

Operating under Hawaii's jurisdiction, the law exclusively affects sales within the state's boundaries. Turtles and You, a tour company accommodating up to 80 guests daily on its Turtle swim excursions, caters to a diverse clientele, many of whom hail from outside Hawaii.

Short Answer: Yes, interfering with wild turtles, whether by feeding is strictly prohibited as it constitutes a disturbance under the law. Feeding sea turtles in Oahu waters is prohibited for several important reasons, primarily aimed at protecting the well-being of these magnificent creatures and maintaining the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem.

Oahu, Hawaii, is renowned for its vibrant marine life and pristine snorkeling spots, particularly for encountering sea turtles. Among the top destinations for turtle snorkeling on Oahu, Turtle Canyon in Waikiki stands out as an iconic hotspot. Here, visitors have the unique opportunity to swim alongside these graceful creatures in their natural habitat. (1) Turtle Canyon, Waikiki: Turtle Canyon lies approximately a mile and a half off the coast of Waikiki Beach in Oahu, serving as a designated nature reserve and is one of the most popular snorkeling sites on Oahu. Its name aptly describes the abundance of Hawaiian green sea turtles that inhabit the area.

Hawaiian sea turtles, known as Honu, possess remarkable abilities when it comes to breath-holding underwater. These majestic creatures, primarily the green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), are renowned for their extended dives, which can last quite impressively. Studies have shown that these sea turtles can hold their breath for an average of 4 to 7 minutes during routine dives.

In Hawaii, the best time to witness the fascinating spectacle of sea turtles is generally during the months of June through October. This period corresponds to the nesting season, particularly on the northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

Sea turtles exhibit a diverse range of eating habits depending on their species, with their diet evolving as they progress through different life stages. The primary diet of adult sea turtles typically consists of jellyfish, sea anemones, squid, and various species of sponges.