Where is the best snorkeling on Oahu?

Turtle Canyon suits Waikiki boat trips; Hanauma Bay suits guided shore entry. Living Ocean Tours includes gear in its price. Go Hanauma costs from $115 per person before entry. Your own swimming skills also matter.

Do you need a reservation for Hanauma Bay?

Hanauma Bay reservations are recommended; limited walk-in tickets are available. Slots open two days ahead at 7 a.m. HST. The preserve closes Mondays and Tuesdays. Go Hanauma arranges entry, with the preserve fee paid separately.

Is Turtle Canyon worth it?

Turtle Canyon is worth it for guided snorkeling from Waikiki. You pay for boat access and gear. Hawaii Ocean Charters' 20-person option costs from $85 per person. You'll need basic swimming skills to join your group.

Are turtles guaranteed on Waikiki snorkel tours?

Turtle sightings aren't certain; guarantees cover a missed sighting. Living Ocean Tours offers another trip within 12 months, subject to space. Hawaii Nautical offers another ride without a refund. Oahu Catamarans includes a full-refund guarantee.

How much is a snorkeling tour in Waikiki?

Selected Waikiki snorkeling boat trips start from $39.99 per adult with Oahu Catamarans. Children pay the adult price, and infants pay less. Hawaii Nautical's lunch option costs from $169.95 per adult.

Things to do in Oahu › Oahu tours and activities › Snorkeling tours and Hanauma Bay

Top 14 Oahu snorkeling tours, from Turtle Canyon to Hanauma Bay (2026)

Updated October 30, 2026 Option prices and booking conditions

We compared all 93 snorkeling tours Viator has for Oahu and kept 14, picked the way every tour here gets picked. Hanauma Bay entry costs extra.

See the comparison table Hide the table 14 tours side by side: where, boat, group, pickup, departs, hours, price

Snorkeling tours and Hanauma Bay on Oahu, compared by the exact option

Tour	Where	Boat	Group	Pickup	Departs	Hours	Rating	Price
1. Waikiki Turtle Canyon Guided Snorkel: Turtle Guarantee by Living Ocean Tours	Turtle Canyon	Coral Kai	40 maximum	Kewalo Basin	Daily from 8 a.m.	2 h	★ 4.8 5,041 reviews	from $89 per person
2. Waikiki: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure on Oahu by Charter Oahu	Turtle Canyon	Snorkel boat	20 maximum	Kewalo Basin	Daily from 8 a.m.	2 h	★ 4.9 4,015 reviews	from $89.04 per person
3. Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed by Hawaii Nautical	Turtle Canyon	65-foot catamaran	40 maximum	Hilton pier	Daily 10:30 a.m.	2 to 3 h	★ 4.7 2,135 reviews	from $169.95 per adult
4. Oahu Catamaran Snorkel Tour: Turtles Guaranteed by Oahu Catamarans LLC	Turtle Canyon	Snorkel catamaran	28 maximum	Kewalo Basin	Daily from 9:15 a.m.	2 h	★ 4.9 1,830 reviews	from $39.99 per adult
5. Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on the Hawea Catamaran by Waikiki Sailing Company	Turtle Canyon	Hawea catamaran	45 maximum	Waikiki Beach	Daily 8:30, 11:45 a.m.	2 h 30 min	★ 4.8 1,794 reviews	from $89.56 per person
6. Waikiki 2-Hour Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Adventure by Pink Sails Waikiki	Turtle Canyon	Sail/power catamaran	40 maximum	Ala Wai	Daily from 8 a.m.	2 h	★ 4.7 1,518 reviews	from $80.71 per person
7. Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel Turtles Guaranteed by Island Splash Tours	Turtle Canyon	50-foot boat	30 maximum	Ala Wai	Daily from 7 a.m.	2 h	★ 4.9 1,413 reviews	from $79 per adult
8. Moana Waikiki Grand Guided Turtle Snorkel and Sailing Adventure by Moana Sailing Co.	Turtle Canyon	Sailing catamaran	40 maximum	Kewalo Basin	Daily 10:30 a.m.	2 h 30 min	★ 4.7 979 reviews	from $84.99 per person
9. Turtle Canyon Snorkel: Semi Private Boat Tour by Captain Max Boat Tours	Turtle Canyon	Adventure boat	6 maximum	Kewalo Basin	Daily from 7 a.m.	1 h 30 min	★ 4.9 745 reviews	from $109 per person
10. Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure, Small Group 6 Passengers by Diamond Head Cruises & Adventures	Turtle Canyon	28-foot raft	6 maximum	Kewalo Basin	Daily from 7:30 a.m.	2 h	★ 4.7 732 reviews	from $145 per person
11. Ko Olina Catamaran Sail and Snorkel with Lunch by Ko Olina Ocean Adventures, Inc.	Ko Olina reef	53-foot catamaran	35 maximum	Ko Olina	Daily 12:30 p.m.	3 h	★ 4.8 674 reviews	from $195 per adult
12. Waikiki Turtle Snorkeling and 6-in-1 Adventure with Free Pickup by Blue Ocean Snorkeling	Turtle Canyon	Snorkel catamaran	38 maximum	Waikiki stops	Daily 8, 11:10 a.m.	3 h	★ 4.9 632 reviews	from $90 per adult
13. Waikiki: Small Group Turtle Canyon Snorkel Boat Tour by Hawaii Ocean Charters	Turtle Canyon	54-foot powerboat	20 maximum	Kewalo Basin	Daily from 8 a.m.	2 h	★ 5.0 518 reviews	from $85 per person
14. Hanauma Bay Guided Snorkeling Tour with Transportation by Go Hanauma	Hanauma Bay	Beach entry	5 maximum	Waikiki hotels	Wed to Fri 6:30, 11 a.m.	4 h	★ 4.9 237 reviews	from $115 per person

Each price is the tour's starting price in U.S. dollars, from an option that runs in the next ten weeks; a tour with a later season shows its season's price. Prices, ratings and review counts are re-read every day, last on October 30, 2026. Each rating combines the booking platform's own reviews with Tripadvisor's where a tour has both. Hours are the length of the lowest-priced option where the operator states one, else the tour's range. Times and what's in the price are the operator's own terms.

The 14

Our most recommended snorkeling tours on Oahu

Ranked by reviews. Cards cover price and inclusions, plus pickup and limits.

#1 Guided Flotation

Waikiki Turtle Canyon Guided Snorkel: Turtle Guarantee

Turtle Canyon is the stop, with experienced guides in the water throughout. You get gear and flotation support. Snacks and soft drinks are included after your swim. It's a useful first snorkel if you already swim; this trip has the most reviews of the 14.

2 hours Turtle Canyon · by Living Ocean Tours

★★★★★ 4.8 (5,041 reviews)

2h 8, 9 a.m.; noon, 2, 2:30 p.m. daily Snorkel gear Kewalo B-1 Swimmers 3+ Refundable until 24h

The catch: Swimming is required.

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from $89 per person

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#2 Platforms BYOB

Waikiki: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure on Oahu

Charter Oahu limits your Turtle Canyon boat to 20 guests. Floating platforms give you somewhere to rest beside the boat. Gear and flotation are included, with snacks and soft drinks onboard. It's a useful choice when you want snorkeling with breaks between swims at sea.

2 hours Turtle Canyon · by Charter Oahu

★★★★★ 4.9 (4,015 reviews)

2h 8, 10, 11 a.m.; 12:30, 2, 3 p.m. daily Snorkel gear Kewalo Pier B Ages 3+ Refundable until 24h

The catch: Parking costs extra.

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from $89.04 per person

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#3 Lunch Drinks

Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed

Hawaii Nautical's lunch sailing leaves from the Hilton Hawaiian Village pier. You board a 65-foot power catamaran for Turtle Canyon. The price covers your snorkeling gear and your lunch, with drinks onboard. It's useful when your family wants a meal included and room to sit.

2 to 3 hours Turtle Canyon · by Hawaii Nautical

★★★★★ 4.7 (2,135 reviews)

2 to 3h 10:30 a.m. daily Lunch included Hilton pier kiosk Alcohol 21+ Refundable until 24h

The catch: Missed turtles earn a reride without refund.

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from $169.95 per adult

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#4 Two restrooms Refund guarantee

Oahu Catamaran Snorkel Tour: Turtles Guaranteed

Kahala Kai starts from $39.99 per adult for Turtle Canyon snorkeling. You snorkel Turtle Canyon from a catamaran capped at 28 guests. Your gear and light snacks are included, along with soft drinks. Two restrooms help if you're bringing young children on the 2-hour trip.

2 hours Turtle Canyon · by Oahu Catamarans LLC

★★★★★ 4.9 (1,830 reviews)

2h 9:15, 11:45 a.m.; 2:45 p.m. daily Snorkel gear Kewalo A-0 28 guests maximum Refundable until 24h

The catch: Parking isn't included.

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from $39.99 per adult

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#5 Beach boarding Sailing

Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on the Hawea Catamaran

Hawea boards from Waikiki Beach behind the Duke Kahanamoku Statue. You snorkel Turtle Canyon before sailing toward Diamond Head. The price includes gear and snacks, plus cold brew coffee. It suits swimmers who want a sail after their reef stop without going to a harbor.

2 hours 30 minutes Turtle Canyon · by Waikiki Sailing Company

★★★★★ 4.8 (1,794 reviews)

2.5h 8:30, 11:45 a.m. daily Snorkel gear Duke statue shoreline Swimming required Refundable until 24h

The catch: Under-4s need their own gear.

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from $89.56 per person

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#6 Guided Gear

Waikiki 2-Hour Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Adventure

Pink Sails divides its Turtle Canyon guests into snorkeling groups. You get 30 to 45 minutes in the water. The rest of your 2-hour trip is spent aboard the catamaran. Gear and guidance are included, so this suits swimmers who also want time on deck.

2 hours Turtle Canyon · by Pink Sails Waikiki

★★★★★ 4.7 (1,518 reviews)

2h 8, 9:30, 11 a.m.; 12:30, 2 p.m. daily Gear 1 Holomoana Street Swimming required Refundable until 24h

The catch: Younger prices conflict with a 7-year minimum. Resolve your child's eligibility before paying.

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from $80.71 per person

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#7 30 guests Free reride

Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel Turtles Guaranteed

Island Splash departs beside the Hilton lagoon at Ala Wai Harbor. You reach Turtle Canyon with up to 30 guests. The price covers snorkel gear and soft drinks. Walk from your nearby Waikiki hotel to the loading dock; your trip doesn't include any hotel pickup.

2 hours Turtle Canyon · by Island Splash Tours

★★★★★ 4.9 (1,413 reviews)

2h 7, 7:45, 9, 9:45, 11 a.m.; 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 p.m. daily Gear Ala Wai loading dock Moderate fitness Refundable until 24h

The catch: Towels aren't included.

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from $79 per adult

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#8 Raft First drink

Moana Waikiki Grand Guided Turtle Snorkel and Sailing Adventure

Moana gives you a secured raft beside the Turtle Canyon boat. Lifeguards stay on rescue boards while guests snorkel. The price includes gear and your first round from the bar. It's a fit for swimmers who want that support, then a sail along Waikiki's coast.

2 hours 30 minutes Turtle Canyon · by Moana Sailing Co.

★★★★★ 4.7 (979 reviews)

2.5h 10:30 a.m. daily Gear; first drink Kewalo D108 Swimming required Refundable until 24h

The catch: Extra drinks cost $8 per drink.

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from $84.99 per person

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#9 Six guests Free reride

Turtle Canyon Snorkel: Semi Private Boat Tour

Captain Max takes six guests to Turtle Canyon on a speedboat. The 90-minute trip suits couples who want a smaller group. You get snorkel gear and life vests. Water and snacks are included; your turtle guarantee gives you another ride if the group misses turtles.

1 hour 30 minutes Turtle Canyon · by Captain Max Boat Tours

★★★★★ 4.9 (745 reviews)

1.5h 7, 9:30, 11:30 a.m.; 3:30 p.m. daily Snorkel gear Kewalo office opposite Pier F Ages 5+ Refundable until 24h

The catch: This bumpy ride is unsuitable during pregnancy or with back problems.

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from $109 per person

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#10 Six guests No toilet

Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure, Small Group 6 Passengers

Diamond Head Cruises takes only six guests on a 28-foot adventure raft. You snorkel Turtle Canyon with a guide off Waikiki. The price includes your snorkel gear and flotation, plus snacks and water. Take the Snorkel & Swim option for 2 hours on a small boat.

2 hours Turtle Canyon · by Diamond Head Cruises & Adventures

★★★★★ 4.7 (732 reviews)

2h 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 a.m.; 1:30 p.m. daily Snorkel gear Kewalo A15 Under 5 by arrangement Refundable until 24h

The catch: Under-5s need agreement; there's no toilet.

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from $145 per person

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#11 Lunch Cocktails

Ko Olina Catamaran Sail and Snorkel with Lunch

Ko Olina Ocean Adventures starts at the west-side marina. You sail on a 53-foot catamaran and snorkel a reef. Lunch and three cocktails are included, with gear for your swim. It's the better base for Ko Olina guests wanting a 3-hour outing on this coast.

3 hours Ko Olina coast · by Ko Olina Ocean Adventures, Inc.

★★★★★ 4.8 (674 reviews)

3h 12:30 p.m. daily Lunch included Ko Olina Marina Alcohol 21+ Refundable until 24h Operator confirms after booking

The catch: Waikiki transfers aren't included.

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from $195 per adult

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#12 Pickup Kayaking

Waikiki Turtle Snorkeling and 6-in-1 Adventure with Free Pickup

Blue Ocean combines Turtle Canyon snorkeling with other water activities. You can try kayaking or a sea scooter. Your Waikiki shuttle and gear are included, with snacks onboard. It suits families who want a 3-hour boat trip and different ways to spend their time afloat.

3 hours Turtle Canyon · by Blue Ocean Snorkeling

★★★★★ 4.9 (632 reviews)

3h 8, 11:10 a.m. daily Snorkel gear Designated Waikiki pickup Under 2: no swimming Cancellation conflict: 24h/2 days

The catch: Arrange your pickup 24 hours ahead; cancellation terms conflict.

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from $90 per adult

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#13 Shade Bathroom

Waikiki: Small Group Turtle Canyon Snorkel Boat Tour

Hawaii Ocean Charters' selected option carries 20 guests aboard Big Kahuna. Rest in the shaded boat cabin after your swim. Your gear and drinks are included for Turtle Canyon. It suits swimmers wanting a smaller group aboard a 54-foot powerboat; the six-person catamaran costs more.

2 hours Turtle Canyon · by Hawaii Ocean Charters

★★★★★ 5.0 (518 reviews)

2h 8, 10:30 a.m.; 1, 3:30 p.m. daily Snorkel gear Kewalo Pier A Swimmers 7 to 70 Refundable until 24h

The catch: Minimum age conflicts with younger prices.

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from $85 per person

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#14 Pickup Photos

Hanauma Bay Guided Snorkeling Tour with Transportation

Go Hanauma takes five guests into Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Your Waikiki ride and gear are included. You enter from shore with a guide, with photos after your swim. The operator arranges entry without a reservation, which helps if you want guidance through the bay.

4 hours Hanauma Bay · by Go Hanauma

★★★★★ 4.9 (237 reviews)

4h 6:30, 11 a.m. Wed to Fri Snorkel gear Waikiki pickup Ages 5+ All sales final Operator confirms after booking

The catch: Admission costs extra; pickup and refund terms conflict.

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from $115 per person

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Which one

Which snorkeling tour is right for you

A Waikiki hotel doesn't always mean hotel pickup. Blue Ocean includes designated Waikiki stops and starts from $90 per adult. For your first snorkel, Living Ocean adds in-water guidance from $89 per person. You'll need to reach Kewalo Basin yourself and swim.

Ko Olina guests can start at Ko Olina Ocean Adventures from $195 per adult. The selected afternoon sail doesn't include your Waikiki ride. From a windward rental, Go Hanauma lets you meet at the preserve. You'll still pay the entry fee.

Families with young children get free infant prices on Hawaii Nautical. Ages 3 and under sail free, and children pay less. Lunch is included from $169.95 per adult. Couples seeking a smaller group can choose Captain Max from $109 per person.

A cruise-ship day needs time for your harbor transfers. The 2-hour Kahala Kai trip starts from $39.99 per adult. It suits a tight budget. Your sailing time must leave room before your ship's all-aboard deadline.

Above the bar, without a card

Waikiki Coral Reef Snorkel & Waterslide Adventure waterslide reef snorkeling, from $89 per person; 515 reviews at 4.86; the card favors Turtle Canyon · dates and prices ↗
Hanauma Bay Guided Snorkel Tour (with guaranteed entrance time) guided Hanauma snorkeling, from $103.66 per person plus entry paid to the operator; 76 reviews at 4.82; Go Hanauma includes pickup · dates and prices ↗
Waikiki: Turtle Canyon Morning Snorkel & Sail from Beach | Oahu beach boarding, from $84.77 per person aged 4+; 306 reviews at 4.86; Hawea covers this format · dates and prices ↗
Waikiki Snorkel Tour, Small Group Experience + Free Videos beginner shore instruction, from $41 per person; 289 reviews at 4.78; boat trips take the cards · dates and prices ↗
[4HR w/PickUp]Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkeling& 6-in-1 Activities snorkeling with pickup, from $99.89 per adult; 287 reviews at 4.94; Blue Ocean covers this format · dates and prices ↗
Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour - Semi-private: 6 passenger max six-guest snorkeling, from $103.66 per person; 169 reviews at 4.95; selected six-guest boats have more reviews · dates and prices ↗

Good to know

Know before you go

Pickup Kewalo Basin and Ala Wai are different harbors. Your booking page identifies the pier; most boats don't offer hotel pickup.
Hanauma entry Most nonresidents pay $25 per person; online payments add 2.35%. Ages 12 and under enter free. Bring matching photo ID.
Swimming Your child needs the swimming skills required for the tour. Blue Ocean doesn't let under-2s enter the water at all.
Cancellation Most boats offer free cancellation until 24 hours before departure. Go Hanauma doesn't. Your trip can change with unsafe weather.
Packing Bring your swimsuit and towel. Sun protection and a water bottle are useful too; all selected tours include snorkel gear.
Turtles NOAA recommends at least 10 feet between you and a turtle. Don't touch or chase them while in the water.

Good to know

Top 14 Oahu snorkeling tours, from Turtle Canyon to Hanauma Bay (2026)

Snorkeling tours and Hanauma Bay on Oahu, compared by the exact option

Our most recommended snorkeling tours on Oahu

Which snorkeling tour is right for you

Know before you go

People also ask