Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel & Swim
Waikiki Area
Duration: 2 Hours
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursday, Fridays & Saturdays
1st Tour: 10:00 AM Departure (Check in: 9:30 AM)
2nd Tour: 1:00 PM Departure (Check in: 12:30 PM)
Adults: $115
Kids (2-11): $89
Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel & Swim
Looking to experience the beauty of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle without venturing too far from your Waikiki lodging accommodations?
Then this is the perfect excursion for you! This fun-filled adventure will provide you the opportunity to swim with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles face to face, receive information not only about the marine life but also the south shore of O’ahu with views of the famed Diamond Head Crater as well as the Waikiki shoreline. Before returning to the harbor, our luxury boat will cruise the coast in search of other wildlife while you enjoy a complimentary lunch during the crew’s Hula performance.
Swim in the crystal clear waters of Hawaii and witness stunning sea turtles cruising peacefully in their natural environment.
Board our state of the art double-decker ship and explore its wraparound seating while taking in the sparkling ocean views. During our adventure you may be lucky enough to spot Hawaiian spinner dolphins, or humpback whales in winter.
Our knowledgeable and safety-certified crew makes the experience enjoyable for all ages and levels of swimming experience.
Explore striking reefs teeming with native tropical fish and "honu" sea turtles.
Participate in an authentic Hawaiian chant and enjoy a Hawaiian hula performance.
Enjoy a complimentary lunch as you relax on the deck of the boat.
Bar service is available onboard. Adult beverages are available to purchase at $5 & $10.
Take in the stunning beauty of Diamond Head and the Waikiki coastline from the ship.
Keep your eyes peeled for a chance to spot wild spinner dolphins year round, and whales in the winter.
What's Included in The Turtle Tour
• Water activities (Snorkeling with native Hawaiian marine life)
• Complimentary Lunch
• Sanitized Mask/ snorkels and life-vests
• Hula dancing – entertainment
Canned alcoholic beer, wine, seltzers and non-alcoholic soft drinks for $5 to $10 each.
Sales tax may apply to all optional purchases.
Things to Bring
• Swimsuit (please arrive ready to jump in the ocean)
• Beach Towel (oversized preferable)
• Reef safe Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat
• Long-sleeve Jacket or sweat Shirt (Winter Time)
Location:
9:30 AM / 12:30 PM
Docked in the Kewalo Boat Harbor, our ship – Ariya II – has two decks to explore, a state of the art sound system, a wrap around bow and a bathroom onboard.
Kewalo Basin Harbor Pier D, Slip 111
Check in with the crew before boarding begins.
* Complimentary lunch includes bentos (Guava Chicken, Hawaiian Style Snapper or the Tofu Veggie Stir-fry which is gluten free). All bentos come with rice and corn!
*Minimum of 10 bookings required for tour to take place
*Shoes not allowed on the boat in this tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
We provide water on all cruises. You are also welcome to bring your own food and drinks (including adult beverages) on any of our cruises. We even have coolers with ice that you can use.
-
Expect to see local reef fish, turtles, eels, beautiful living reef formations, and the famous South Shore of Oahu. You get spectacular views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the cityscape of downtown Honolulu. Sharks, dolphins, and whales may also be seen depending on the season.
-
Passengers with mobility issues need to be able to take a step across from the dock to the boat in order to board, and then guests can then be immediately seated. Our crew can assist if needed — just make sure to arrive a little bit early! Once on board, there is plenty of space for all our guests. Walkers and collapsible wheelchairs can be brought on board. Motorized chairs or scooters are not allowed.
What to expect
9:30 AM / 12:30 PM
Arrival at Kewalo Basin Harbor Pier D, Slip 111
Check in with the crew before boarding begins.
Docked in the Kewalo Boat Harbor, our ship – Ariya II – has two decks to explore, a state of the art sound system, a wrap around bow and a bathroom onboard.
We kindly ask you to remove your shoes before stepping aboard the ship. This is for your safety on the tour. We offer storage containers for your items that will be stored under your seat.
9:45 AM / 12:45 PM
Crew Introductions and Safety Briefing
Our crew members are all experienced sailors with incredible positive attitudes! They will keep you safe and make sure you have a great time on your adventure! All of our crew members are CPR-certified and trained in water safety. While the boat leaves the harbor our amazing crew will inform you on how to stay safe during your journey.
Adult beverages are available onboard. Please have your ID ready if you would like to purchase.
Depart from the Harbor
Following departure, join our crew in the Hawaiian chant “E’ho mai“. This is a traditional chant that is used to request safe passage on the sea from the Hawaiian gods.
10:30 AM / 1:30 PM
Snorkeling Session with Native Hawaiian Fish and Sea Turtles
When we arrive at Turtle Canyon our crew will guide you through how to properly use your snorkel, mask, and life-vest.
After that it is officially time to jump into the water and explore! Hawaii’s crystal clear waters are perfect for spotting tropical fish and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Observe the animals as they gracefully swim and play!
11:15 AM / 2:15 PM
Soak in the Scenery
Once guests have finished snorkeling, there will be time to look around the beautiful boat and take in the stunning scenery surrounding Turtle Canyon.
Our crew is well informed on Hawaiian marine life, such as turtles, dolphins and whales and will pass that knowledge onto you. There is a chance you could even spot dolphins or whales on the horizon during the adventure.
Turtles & You Tattoo
Celebrate your Turtles and You adventure with our original Polynesian-style temporary turtle tattoo! This isn’t available anywhere else but with Turtles and You. Just our way to say “thanks” and “mahalo”!
11:30 AM / 2:30 PM
Complimentary Lunch
Time to fuel up with our complimentary lunch! We offer authentic Hawaiian bentos for you to enjoy as you relax.
11:45 AM / 2:45 PM
Head Back to into the Harbor
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the crew’s authentic and energetic Hula Show. You will have the chance to join the dance to spread Aloha and give thanks.
What if I can't swim well?
Our guides are great with guests of all abilities, and every guest is outfitted with a life vest to stay afloat. But we recommend some prior swimming and/or snorkeling for the best experience.
What is your cancellation policy?
Tour fees will be fully refunded if cancellation is made more than 24 hours prior to the start of the tour. Please note that the tour starts early in the morning (departing Waikiki at 6am HST and 9:30am HST). Fees will be refunded fully if a doctor’s note is presented for cancellations made within 24 hours before the tour.
Can I touch the wild dolphins and turtles?
No. Touching marine life and coral is illegal by Hawaii state law. Contact with human skin can make dolphins and sea turtles more susceptible to disease and cause them stress.
But the animals often come close by our guests, and simply being in their presence is incredible.
I am pregnant. Can I go on your tour?
We allow pregnant women to take part in our tour, but advise that it may not be safe during later terms. Please be careful not to slip and fall on board.
I bought a media package. How do I receive my photos?
Your USB will be available for pick-up at our office in Waikiki the day of your tour from 2PM – 7PM if you took the early tour (7AM) or from 5PM – 7PM if you took the later tour (11AM). You may also pick up the USB any day after. Our office is located at 307 Lewers Street, Suite #401, Honolulu, HI, 96815.
Alternatively, we offer shipping within the US for an additional $5 or international for an additional $15. Call our office to inquire about shipping your USB: 808-696-4414.
You may also buy photos online! Use the date switcher to navigate to your tour date and view your photos.
Is there a restroom on the boat?
There is a public restroom in the harbor, and there are two full restrooms on board the boat. There is no restroom on the tour bus.
Can a person in a wheelchair participate?
Our boat is not wheelchair friendly, and wheelchairs are not permitted on our bus transportation. We have a ramp onto the boat, but it is only 19 inches wide and it does not have railings.
What should I bring?
We suggest you have on hand:
Water (or your choice of hydration)
Snacks A complimentary lunch* shall be provided, but swimming can work up an appetite!
Flip flops
A bathing suit
A towel
Sunscreen
A rashguard (if you’re looking for more protection from the sun). We also offer wetsuits for rent for $10 per person.
A light jacket
Cash or card for wetsuits or photo packages
Seasickness medication (if needed) You can pick up seasickness tablets cheaply from local drugstores. Or, if you only ever experience very mild motion illness, ginger-based drinks can help stave it off.
Family Vacay
My husband and I and my two grown children too this turtle snorkeling tour and we really had a wonderful time! The staff was very friendly and helpful and we just had the best time! We did see some turtles and dolphins swam along side the boat for quite awhile! We loved it!