Waikiki Beach: Turtle Snorkeling and Sailing on Hwea

If you’re looking for a way to connect with Hawaii’s incredible marine life while enjoying the comfort of a modern, well-equipped boat, this Waikiki turtle snorkeling and sailing tour might just be your perfect match. Offered by Waikiki Sailing Company, this 2.5-hour experience combines the thrill of close encounters with Hawaiian green sea turtles and vibrant reef fish with the relaxation of a scenic sail along Waikiki’s coastline.

What we love most about this tour are the friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the whole experience smooth and enjoyable, and the stunning views you get as you sail past iconic Waikiki landmarks. One small thing to consider is the limited duration—two and a half hours—so if you’re seeking a longer adventure, this might feel a bit quick. Still, for most travelers, it hits the sweet spot of adventure and relaxation. This tour suits anyone eager for a family-friendly marine experience that offers both fun and a touch of Hawaiian authenticity.

Key Points

• Authentic marine encounters with sea turtles and colorful reef fish
• Well-maintained, modern boat with a family legacy in boat building
• Friendly, attentive guides who enhance your experience
• Inclusive snorkeling gear ensures comfort and safety
• Relaxing scenic sail with complimentary drinks and local treats
• Excellent value for a half-day ocean adventure

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to Waikiki’s Turtle Snorkeling and Sailing Experience

Imagine gliding over crystal-clear waters on a beautiful, newly built catamaran designed with both style and safety in mind. That’s what awaits you with this tour—an opportunity to see Hawaiian green sea turtles up close and personal, while enjoying the laid-back vibe of a classic Waikiki sail.

We’re often drawn to tours that balance adventure with comfort, and this one gets high marks for that. The boat itself, crafted by the owner with a family legacy, is a highlight. It’s only recently launched, meaning it boasts new amenities, a slip-resistant deck, and a smooth ride. This creates a great environment for both seasoned snorkelers and first-timers. The guides’ knowledge, friendly attitude, and attention to detail make all the difference, turning what could be a simple boat trip into a memorable Hawaiian experience.

For just $85 per person, this experience offers a relaxing, scenic, and educational outing. The duration of a few hours makes it perfectly suited for morning activity slots, leaving your afternoon open for other adventures or relaxing on Waikiki Beach. Plus, the complementary snacks and optional beverages add a layer of enjoyment that many other tours don’t provide.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The tour begins at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, a beachfront spot that’s easy to find if you’re staying near Waikiki. The crew will check you in directly on the boat, so no need to hunt down a check-in desk—just walk down to the shoreline. During busy summer months, the departure point may shift to Kewalo Basin Harbor to avoid high surf conditions, but the crew will reach out on the day of your tour if that’s the case.

Once aboard, you’ll set sail along Waikiki’s renowned coastline, with the ocean breeze in your hair and the skyline of Honolulu behind you. The first highlight is the snorkeling at Turtle Canyon. Here’s where the magic happens: you’ll float in crystal-clear waters and have the chance to observe Hawaiian green sea turtles—an encounter that most reviewers agree is unforgettable. Many mention seeing loads of fish and other marine life, adding to the vibrant underwater scenery.

Guides typically find excellent spots for turtle sightings, often resulting in multiple close-up views, which reviewers find both exciting and humbling. As one said, “We saw many turtles and tons of fish,” and another noted how helpful and informative the staff was in guiding everyone to the best viewing areas.

The snorkeling gear, including masks, fins, and flotation belts, is provided and maintained in top condition. Several reviews praise the comfortable life vests and snorkel equipment, making the experience accessible and enjoyable for everyone, including those new to snorkeling.

After about an hour in the water, the crew will invite everyone back aboard for a relaxing sail. This is where the tour truly shines: you can enjoy a refreshing drink—from cold brew coffee and flavored granola bars to a selection of local beers, wines, and tropical cocktails available for purchase. The onboard atmosphere is described as laid-back and friendly, perfect for unwinding and soaking in the views of Diamond Head and Waikiki’s shoreline from the water.

Throughout the trip, guides share fun facts about marine life, coral reefs, and local history, adding educational value without taking away from the laid-back vibe. One guest summed it up as “a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation,” which is exactly what most travelers seek.

The Value and Experience

For $85, you get a comprehensive, well-organized tour that covers transportation, snorkeling equipment, and a friendly crew. Considering the number of positive reviews praising the professionalism and helpfulness of the guides, many agree it’s a good value—especially when you factor in the quality of the boat, the nature encounters, and the relaxing sail.

The tour’s small group size—generally around 20-25 participants—ensures a more personal experience. The boat itself, a newly built, family-owned vessel, offers both comfort and stability, making it suitable for a broad range of ages and swimming abilities.

Many reviewers specifically highlight the well-maintained gear and the guides’ ability to make first-time snorkelers feel confident. One remarked, “Everyone was super helpful and would redirect you if needed to see the turtles,” which shows the crew’s dedication to customer satisfaction.

The tour’s timing in the morning makes it a wonderful way to start the day. It’s often described as not too rushed, leaving plenty of time for photos, gentle swimming, and simply relaxing on deck. The scenic coastline and the opportunity to see sea turtles in their natural environment add genuine, memorable value to this experience.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

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Meeting Point and Departure

The tour departs from a straightforward location behind the Duke Kahanamoku Statue at Waikiki Beach. If you’re staying nearby, it’s walkable—no need for taxis or complicated transfers. During peak summer months, the departure point may move to Kewalo Basin Harbor due to high tide, but the crew will inform you on the day.

Boarding the Catamaran

The boat, called Hwea, is a hand-built vessel crafted by the owner. It’s less than a year old, making it a fresh and clean platform for your ocean adventure. Its non-slip deck makes it safe, and the luxury features offer a comfortable ride. Reviewers consistently mention how impressed they are with its beautiful design and cleanliness.

The Sailing and Snorkeling Experience

Once aboard, you’ll glide along the coast, catching views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the Honolulu skyline. The crew is attentive, offering complimentary cold brew coffee from ARVO Café and granola bars in flavors like Mango & Ginger, Original, Chocolate Chip, and Tropical. You can customize your drinks—adding coconut, vanilla, or cream—adding a personal touch.

When it’s time to snorkel, guides will lead you to spots where turtles are often seen. The crystal waters make it easy to spot marine life, and the friendly guides ensure everyone is comfortable. Some reviews mention seeing multiple turtles and a variety of fish, making it a highlight of their trip.

Post-Snorkel Relaxation and Return

After an hour in the water, you’ll return to the boat for a sailing cruise back. This segment offers chances to snap photos, enjoy a beverage, and listen to more fun facts about the sea and local culture. The relaxed atmosphere makes this a perfect way to wind down.

Optional Beverages and Extras

While included in the price are non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, you can purchase local beers, seltzers, wines, or tropical cocktails. This adds a celebratory element to the sail and keeps the mood festive, yet laid-back.

Authentic Reviews and Authentic Experiences

Guests consistently give this tour high marks—rating it 4.7 out of 5 based on 577 reviews. Many comment on the friendly, professional guides who make everyone feel at ease. One guest shared, “Guides found the best spot for turtles and saw loads of other ocean life,” highlighting the guides’ expertise.

Others appreciate the clean, modern boat and the high-quality snorkeling gear. Several reviews mention how the crew is attentive to first-time snorkelers, providing helpful instructions and reassurance. For example, one reviewer said, “Everyone on the boat was friendly and had a great sense of humor which made the trip even better.”

The value for money is frequently noted; for just $85, travelers enjoy a well-organized, scenic, and engaging ocean adventure. The tour’s small group size is another plus, ensuring you’re not lost in a crowd.

Why the Experience Excels

The combination of snorkeling with turtles and the scenic sail sets this tour apart. The chance to see green sea turtles in their natural environment is a rare experience and something many reviewers say is the highlight of their trip to Waikiki.

The friendly guides and crew are often described as attentive, knowledgeable, and fun, making the whole process feel personalized. Their willingness to help, answer questions, and find the best spots keeps the experience engaging and stress-free.

Considerations for Travelers

While most reviews are glowing, it’s worth noting that snorkeling involves open water, so it’s best suited for confident swimmers. Those with sea sickness might want to take precautions, as being on a boat for 2.5 hours can sometimes cause discomfort. The tour is mostly in the morning, which helps avoid rougher afternoon seas.

The duration might also feel short for some, especially if you’re eager for more in-water time. However, many find that the quality of encounters and the relaxed sailing make up for the limited time.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families, first-time snorkelers, and those wanting a taste of marine life without a full-day commitment. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate friendly guides, modern boats, and a relaxed vibe. If you’re eager to see turtles and fish in a safe, scenic environment, this is a wonderful choice.

It also suits those who enjoy sailing and scenic coastal views, as the cruise back is both calming and photogenic. If you prefer longer outings or more adventurous activities like shark dives or whale watching, this may not meet all your expectations—but for a beautiful, well-organized, and memorable introduction to Hawaii’s marine world, it’s a winner.

This Waikiki turtle snorkeling and sailing tour offers a wonderful mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic Hawaiian charm. The brand-new, beautifully designed boat paired with friendly, highly knowledgeable guides makes it a standout choice for travelers seeking a taste of Hawaii’s underwater treasures.

You’ll love the close-up encounters with sea turtles and the stunning coastal scenery. The included snacks and drinks, along with the option to purchase tropical cocktails, make the trip both fun and comfortable. The value for money is hard to beat, especially considering the high quality of the experience and the positive reviews from past guests.

Whether you’re new to snorkeling or a seasoned marine enthusiast, this tour provides a memorable, engaging, and scenic Hawaiian adventure that nicely balances fun, education, and relaxation.

FAQ

• Where does the tour depart from? The main departure point is behind the Duke Kahanamoku Statue at Waikiki Beach. During summer, it may move to Kewalo Basin Harbor, and you will be notified if that’s the case.

• What is included in the price? The tour price of $85 includes a round-trip cruise, snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, and floatation belts), and access to the boat and crew.

• Can non-swimmers participate? This tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, as snorkeling requires a basic comfort level in the water.

• What should I bring? Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen for protection. It’s also good to have a hat and water if you want extra comfort.

• Is there any food or drinks included? Yes, you’ll enjoy complimentary cold brew coffee and granola bars. Additional beverages, including local beers, seltzers, wine, and tropical cocktails, are available for purchase.

• What happens if the weather is bad? The tour generally operates in good weather, but during high tide, the departure point may shift to ensure safety. The crew will notify you on the day if any changes occur.

• How long is the tour? It lasts approximately 2.5 hours, usually scheduled in the morning, ideal for those wanting a quick but enriching ocean experience.

This tour strikes a pleasing balance between adventure and comfort, making it an excellent choice for anyone eager to see Hawaiian sea life with friendly guides and a scenic sail in the background.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby