Waikiki: Sea Turtle Snorkeling, Small Group Boat Tour

Waikiki’s stunning shores and vibrant culture draw visitors from around the world. But beneath the surface lies a hidden gem – the chance to encounter majestic sea turtles in their natural habitat. A small group boat tour through Turtle Canyon offers the perfect opportunity to experience this breathtaking spectacle. With a near-guaranteed chance of spotting these gentle giants, the tour promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and casual explorers alike. Explore the details to discover why this excursion is the must-do activity for your Waikiki getaway.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Honolulu.

Key Points

• 2-hour small group boat excursion to Turtle Canyon with a 99% chance of seeing sea turtles in their natural habitat.
• Guided snorkeling experience at Turtle Canyon, a turtle cleaning station, with potential sightings of dolphins and humpback whales.
• Scenic cruise past Diamond Head and complimentary refreshments included in the tour.
• Experienced and licensed guides ensure safety and provide information about the local marine life.
• Flexible booking options with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour

The sea turtle snorkeling tour in Waikiki offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

The 2-hour tour takes guests on a small group boat excursion to Turtle Canyon, a renowned turtle cleaning station, where they’ve a 99% chance of seeing sea turtles. Accompanied by experienced and licensed guides, the tour includes a guided snorkeling experience, a scenic cruise past Diamond Head, and potential sightings of dolphins and migrating humpback whales.

With a maximum of 6 participants, the tour ensures a personalized and intimate experience. Complimentary refreshments, top-quality snorkeling gear, and shaded seating options make this an enjoyable and hassle-free adventure.

Highlights of the Tour Experience

One of the primary highlights of the sea turtle snorkeling tour is the near-guaranteed opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

The guided snorkeling experience at Turtle Canyon, a known turtle cleaning station, offers a 99% chance of seeing sea turtles up close.

Along With the turtle sightings, the tour also includes:

1. A scenic cruise past Diamond Head, providing photo opportunities of this iconic landmark.
2. Potential encounters with dolphins and migrating humpback whales, depending on the season.
3. Experienced and licensed tour guides who ensure a safe and informative experience for all participants.

Detailed Itinerary and Schedule

The sea turtle snorkeling tour begins with a departure from Kewalo Basin Harbor.

After a safety briefing, you will enjoy a 45-minute snorkeling experience at Turtle Canyon, a well-known turtle cleaning station.

Following the snorkeling, guests can freshen up with a fresh water wash down and enjoy complimentary refreshments.

The tour then continues with a 15-minute scenic cruise past the iconic Diamond Head.

Finally, the group will return to Kewalo Basin Harbor, completing the 2-hour small group adventure.

Throughout the tour, participants can expect to see sea turtles with a 99% success rate, and may also spot dolphins or migrating humpback whales, depending on the season.

Included Amenities and Gear

Top quality snorkel gear, including fins and flotation devices, is provided for participants on the sea turtle snorkeling tour.

The tour also includes:

• A safety diver and knowledgeable tour guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• A marine restroom for guest convenience.
• Complimentary refreshments like water, local juices, and sodas to rehydrate after the snorkeling activity.

Plus, the boat offers shaded and sunny seating options, allowing guests to relax and take in the scenic views during the sightseeing cruise.

The provided gear and amenities are designed to enhance the overall tour experience.

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Important Tour Information and Guidelines

Guests must meet at the gate entrance of Pier C, where the tour guides will check them in.

Guests should wear swimwear and bring a towel. This tour isn’t suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or non-swimmers.

Parking at the harbor costs $2 per hour. Guests must remove their shoes when boarding the boat, except for medical reasons.

The boat has a marine restroom, and complimentary refreshments, including water, local juices, and sodas, are provided. Towels aren’t included, so guests must bring their own.

The tour give you a personalized experience, with a maximum group size of 6 participants.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customers have raved about the exceptional small group experience and the high success rate in spotting sea turtles on this tour.

Positive feedback highlights three key aspects:

1. Knowledgeable and experienced guides who provide valuable insights about the local marine life and environment.

2. The opportunity to observe sea turtles in their natural habitat, with a reported 99% chance of sighting.

3. The intimate group size, which allows for a personalized and immersive snorkeling experience.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

The sea turtle snorkeling tour offers flexible booking options, with a "Reserve now & pay later" feature.

Travelers can easily secure their spot on the tour with no upfront payment. Plus, the tour operator provides a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

This allows guests to plan with confidence, knowing they can adjust their schedule if needed without penalty.

The combination of convenient booking and generous cancellation terms ensures a stress-free experience for those eager to spot sea turtles and explore the scenic Waikiki coastline on this small group boat tour.

Getting to the Tour Meeting Point

The tour meeting point is located at the gate entrance of Pier C in Kewalo Basin Harbor.

Getting there is straightforward, with a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Parking: Guests can expect to pay $2 per hour for parking at the harbor.

2. Boarding: Guests must remove their shoes before boarding the boat, with exceptions made for medical reasons.

3. Timing: Guests should plan to arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early to check in with the guides and prepare for the tour.

With these details in mind, guests can easily find the meeting point and get ready to embark on an unforgettable sea turtle snorkeling adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?

No, participants don’t need to know how to swim to join this tour. The tour provides flotation devices, and the guides ensure the safety of all participants, even those who can’t swim, throughout the snorkeling experience.

What Should I Do if I Feel Seasick During the Tour?

If you feel seasick during the tour, let the staff know immediately. They can provide motion sickness medication and assist you in finding a comfortable spot on the boat. The crew is trained to help guests manage seasickness.

Are Photographs of the Turtles Allowed During the Experience?

Photographs of the sea turtles are allowed during the tour. Guests are encouraged to take photos, as long as they don’t disturb the turtles or get too close. The guides can provide tips for getting the best turtle shots.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment Instead?

Guests can bring their own snorkeling equipment, but the tour provides high-quality gear. Using the provided equipment ensures proper fit and safety. However, guests must remove their shoes when boarding the boat unless for medical reasons.

Is There an Age Limit for Children Participating in the Tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old. The minimum age requirement is 6 years old, as the tour may not be appropriate for younger children due to the physical nature of snorkeling.

Recap

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Waikiki with a sea turtle snorkeling boat tour at Turtle Canyon. With a 99% chance of encountering sea turtles, this 2-hour excursion offers personalized attention and top-quality gear. Enjoy guided snorkeling, scenic views, and potential wildlife sightings for an unforgettable adventure in Hawaii’s stunning waters.

You can check if your dates are available here: