Private Turtle Snorkel & Cruise Waikiki

Imagine floating peacefully in warm Hawaiian waters, surrounded by schools of colorful fish, and catching a glimpse of a graceful turtle gliding by — all without the crowds. That’s the promise of the Private Turtle Snorkel & Cruise Waikiki, a curated experience designed to give you a personal connection with Oahu’s vibrant marine life.

What we love about this tour is first its personalized nature — with space for just six people, it promises an exclusive outing where guides can really cater to your interests. Second, the flexibility to choose your destination—be it turtle-filled reefs at Turtle Canyon, whale-watching (seasonal), or a shallow shipwreck—makes it adaptable to your preferences.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is priced at $675 per person, so it’s a premium experience. But considering the intimate setting, expert guidance, and the chance to avoid the crowds, many find it a solid value. It’s best suited for travelers looking for a more personalized, relaxed snorkeling outing—ideal for families, couples, or small groups wanting an authentic encounter with Hawaiian marine life.

Key Points

• Private, intimate experience for up to six guests, ensuring personalized attention.
• Flexible destinations including turtle sites, whales (seasonal), or shipwrecks.
• Includes all necessary snorkel gear, flotation vests, and onboard soft drinks and water.
• Expert guides and crew who prioritize safety, knowledge, and friendly service.
• Cancellable for free with 24-hour notice, offering peace of mind.
• Suitable for those with moderate physical fitness and comfortable with boat rides.

An Authentic, Personal Look at the Tour

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour provides all the essentials: snorkel gear, flotation vests, and refreshing drinks. No need to worry about bringing your own equipment—your guides have it all ready to go. They also offer water and soft drinks, which help keep you hydrated during your underwater adventures.

However, you’ll need to bring your own towels, reef-safe sunscreen, and camera if you want to capture the moment. The latter is worth considering since the crew doesn’t provide photography services, and the reef environment benefits from reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Your adventure begins at Hawaiian Parasail Inc. on Ala Moana Blvd—a location that’s easy to access by public transportation, making your start a breeze. Confirmations are quick, so you’ll know your plans are set, and the tour runs approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. That’s enough time to enjoy a meaningful snorkel without feeling rushed.

How the Tour Works

Once onboard, you’ll be greeted by an experienced snorkel guide and crew who make safety and fun their top priorities. The boat ride itself is short but scenic, offering views of Waikiki that are much better from the water than from the crowded shoreline.

The real highlight is the chance to see turtles away from the crowds. As one reviewer put it, “Chris our guide was amazing! She kept our private tour close and away from the crowded snorkelers. She knew where to go and find turtles.” That personalized approach allows you to focus on the marine life, not fighting for space with dozens of other snorkelers.

The Destinations: Turtle Canyon, Whales, or Wrecks

• Turtle Canyon is the most popular choice, and rightly so. The guides know spots where turtles are more likely to linger, giving you a good chance to observe them up close.
• In season (December to April), you might see humpback whales — a spectacular experience, although sightings depend on whale activity on that day.
• For a different perspective, you can opt for a shallow shipwreck, offering a more structured underwater environment to explore.

Authentic Encounters and Reviews

Multiple reviewers highlighted the quality of the guides. “We saw turtles up close and lots of fish,” says Vanessa, emphasizing the abundant marine life that can often be missed on crowded tours. Another reviewer noted, “The entire time in the water we had several sharks around us,” illustrating that this is not just a turtle tour but an exciting, perhaps even thrilling, snorkel adventure.

The Value of a Private Tour

Booking this as a private experience means you’re not sharing your time with strangers — ideal for families or couples wanting privacy. The cost might seem high, but considering the exclusivity, personalized attention, and the ability to choose your destination, many agree it’s worth the expense.

The Crew and Safety

Reviews commend the friendly and professional crew, who are attentive and knowledgeable. They’re punctual, check in with you beforehand, and make safety a priority. The boat itself is comfortable, and the small group size ensures a more relaxed environment.

Weather and Cancellation

Weather plays a crucial role; the tour requires good conditions, and if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. Cancelations more than 24 hours in advance are fully refundable, providing flexibility and peace of mind.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private snorkel cruise is perfect for small groups who want a tailored, relaxed experience. It suits adventurous travelers eager to see marine life without the chaos of larger tours. It’s also a great choice for families with children (moderate physical fitness required) or couples seeking a romantic, exclusive outing.

If you’re someone who values knowledgeable guides, comfortable gear, and a chance to escape the crowds, this tour offers a memorable Hawaiian underwater experience. The ability to customize your destination makes it especially appealing to those who have specific marine life encounters in mind.

Final Thoughts

This Private Turtle Snorkel & Cruise Waikiki balances value and experience beautifully. For roughly $675 per person, you get a personalized, small-group journey that emphasizes safety, comfort, and authentic encounters with Hawaii’s marine environment. The guides’ local expertise and the flexible options make this more than just a snorkel trip — it’s a chance to connect with Oahu’s underwater world on a deeper level.

While the price is on the higher side, the intimacy, personalized attention, and quality of the experience justify it for many travelers. It’s especially suited for those wanting to avoid the crowds and enjoy Hawaii’s marine life in a more relaxed, authentic setting.

Who Should Book This?

• Small groups, families, or couples seeking a private, personalized adventure
• Travelers interested in wildlife — turtles, fish, and possibly whales in season
• Those who value knowledgeable guides and customized experiences
• Visitors willing to invest in a higher-end, memorable outing
• Anyone comfortable with moderate physical activity and boat rides

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s exclusively for your group of up to six people, ensuring a private, personalized experience.

What’s included in the price?
All necessary snorkel equipment, flotation vests, and onboard soft drinks and water are included.

Do I need to bring my own gear or sunscreen?
Yes, you should bring your own towels, reef-safe sunscreen, and camera if desired. The tour provides the gear, though.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour 40 minutes from start to finish.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance.

Where do I meet the tour?
At Hawaiian Parasail 1651 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu — a location accessible by public transportation.

Is this suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, travelers with moderate physical fitness are advised, so check if your children can handle boat rides and snorkeling.

What if I want to see whales?
Whale sightings are possible from December to April, but they depend on season and luck.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its personalized nature, knowledgeable guides, and focus on marine life away from the crowds make it a top choice for authentic underwater encounters.

To sum it up, if you’re after a more intimate, flexible, and engaging way to experience Hawaii’s underwater world, this private snorkel cruise delivers. It’s a chance to see turtles, swim with fish, and enjoy the ocean’s beauty in a setting tailored just for you. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a meaningful adventure, this tour offers a memorable slice of Oahu’s marine life.