Top 5 Oahu Turtle Snorkeling Tours
Ready to meet Hawaii’s honu and feel real island energy at the same time? These five Waikiki and Oahu boat tours set you up for clear water, calm guidance, and a strong chance to spot sea turtles. One tour clearly leads if you want culture with your snorkel. Turtles and You adds a live hula moment and a snack on board, which turns a good day on the water into a memory you will talk about for years. Scan the picks, compare the essentials, then book the one that fits your vibe.
1) Why Turtles and You is our top choice
- Live crew hula on board that brings the culture to you
- Snack included so you can refuel fast between swims
- Consistently high guest ratings and friendly crew energy
- Simple check in near Waikiki with morning and afternoon options
Adult: $80.50 / Child: $62.30
Turtles and You – Turtle Canyon Oahu | Swim at Turtle Canyon Oahu with Snack
This is the pick when you want a real Waikiki turtle swim plus an island vibe. The crew sets the tone with a short hula moment that adds culture to your day before you slide into the water at Turtle Canyon. Guides keep things easy with clear safety tips, floatation, and patient help for first timers. You get a quick snack on board so you can refuel between swims without leaving the deck. It is a smooth two hour window that works for families, couples, and small groups who want good energy and a strong chance to see honu.
Four more excellent tours you can book
2) Hawaii Ocean Charters – Semi-Private Turtle Snorkel and Catamaran Cruise
Passengers: $109
Small group feel with space to spread out, plus BYOB. A good pick if you like a quieter boat and personalized attention.
If you like space to spread out and a mellow pace, this small group catamaran checks the boxes. The captain and crew keep the group size tight for personal attention in the water and on deck. Bring your own drinks and snacks to make it feel like a private outing while you glide to the reef. The two hour schedule gives you plenty of time to spot turtles and fish without taking over your whole day. It is a great pick for friends or couples who prefer a quieter boat and a custom feel.
3) Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats – Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
Passengers: $40
Do not want to snorkel but still want ocean views and marine life spotting. The glass viewports make it easy for families and first timers.
No snorkel needed here. You stay dry while clear glass viewports reveal coral heads, schools of fish, and sometimes cruising turtles. The short one hour cruise fits easily between beach time and dinner, and it is friendly for all ages. Bring simple snacks and enjoy Waikiki skyline views along with the ocean show below your feet. This is the easy win for families, grandparents, and anyone who wants marine life sightings without getting in the water.
4) Pink Sails Waikiki – Turtle Snorkeling Adventure
Passengers: $75
Easy two hour window at Turtle Canyon with crew guidance and light snacks. A budget friendly way to get in the water without a big time block.
This two hour trip gets you in the water fast at Turtle Canyon with a helpful crew and a simple setup. Light snacks keep energy up while you dry off between swims and enjoy the sun on deck. The vibe is straightforward and budget friendly, which makes it a smart entry point for first time snorkelers. You focus on the basics, see the reef, and look for honu in clear blue water. It is an easy add to a Waikiki day without a long time commitment.
5) Hawaii Nautical – Waikiki Turtle Snorkel Sail with Lunch
Adult: $149 / Child: $99
Longer sail that includes lunch with drinks. Ideal if you want a full outing with food handled for you.
Go a little longer and make it a full outing with lunch handled on board. After a smooth sail to the reef, you spend unhurried time in the water looking for turtles, tropical fish, and passing dolphins. Back on deck, settle in with included food and complimentary beverages while the crew shares local tips and ocean etiquette. The pace is relaxed and the service forward, which makes this a strong choice if you want comfort plus snorkeling. It is ideal for visitors who prefer an all in one experience with food and drinks included.
| Tour | Price | Review Score | Lunch or Food | Tour length | Hula Dance | Bar on board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turtles and You – Turtle Canyon Oahu | Adult from $80.50 at time of writing* | 5.0 (432 Google reviews) | Snack included | About 2 hours | Yes | Yes – drinks for purchase |
| Hawaii Ocean Charters – Semi-Private Turtle Snorkel | From about $115.14 | 5.0 (360 Google reviews) | BYOB – bring snacks | About 2 hours | Not listed | No bar – BYOB allowed |
| Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats – Waikiki Cruise | $20 to $40 | 4.8 (3792 Google reviews) | BYOB snacks allowed | About 1 hour | Not listed | No bar – BYOB allowed |
| Pink Sails Waikiki – Turtle Snorkeling Adventure | $75 per guest | 4.8 (3033 Google reviews) | Light snacks included | About 2 hours | Not listed | Not listed – no BYOB noted |
| Hawaii Nautical – Turtle Snorkel Sail with Lunch | $149 adult | 4.8 (1232 Google reviews) | Lunch included | About 3 hours | Not listed | Yes – complimentary beer, cocktails, wine |
* Pricing and inclusions change. Always verify details with the operator before you reserve.
How to choose the right tour
- Want culture with your snorkel Pick Turtles and You for the on board hula and included snack.
- Prefer a low key group Choose Hawaii Ocean Charters for the semi private setup and BYOB policy.
- Not planning to get in the water Go with Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats for easy viewing through the glass while you stay dry.
- Looking for a quick and affordable snorkel Pink Sails Waikiki is a straightforward two hour trip with light snacks.
- Want food and drinks included Hawaii Nautical adds lunch and complimentary beverages for a fuller outing.
Book with care
- Check the departure harbor and parking info the day before.
- Arrive early for safety briefings and gear fitting.
- Bring a towel, reef safe sunscreen, and a rash guard if you have one.
- Keep a respectful distance from turtles and never touch coral.
- Follow crew guidance at all times for your safety and the animals’ safety.