Turtle Canyon is a shallow reef system sitting just offshore from Waikiki, on the south shore of Oahu. The warm, protected waters and abundant reef fish make it a perfect feeding and resting area for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles year-round. Unlike many snorkel destinations that require long drives or crowded harbor check-ins, Turtle Canyon is remarkably accessible – which is exactly why a Waikiki turtle snorkel tour with Holokai Catamaran is one of the most popular activities on the island.

On any given morning or afternoon at Turtle Canyon, guests commonly encounter multiple Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles – surfacing for air, gliding over the reef, or resting on the sandy bottom. You may also spot colorful tropical reef fish, octopus (tako), and a vibrant coral ecosystem teeming with life.

Fins, Dive Mask, Snorkel, & Snorkel Vest
Complimentary Snacks and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (water, juice, soda)
Professional Snorkel Guide
Motion Sickness Aid (Lavender Essential Oil)
Reef Safe Sunscreen
Alcoholic Beverages Available For Cash Purchase
Validated Parking at Embassy Suites Hotel ($15 for 4 hours)
Dry Storage
Bathroom

Towels
Underwater Photography
Dramamine

1. Check-in at our office at the Outrigger Reef Hotel (2169 Kalia Rd.)
2. Walk down to the boat after check-in, and board directly from the beach
3. Motor over to Turtle Canyon, then go snorkel for a little over an hour.
4. Pack up snorkel gear, and boat over to Diamond Head for some scenic views while enjoying light complementary snacks.
5. Get dropped back off and deboard the boat directly from the beach.

Direct Beach Boarding – No Harbor Hassles

Most snorkel tours on Oahu depart from Kewalo Basin Harbor, requiring guests to take a shuttle or bus from Waikiki, check in at a crowded pier, and wait on a dock. With Holokai, you check in just steps from your hotel and board our catamaran directly from the beach. No shuttles. No industrial harbor. No bus rides. It’s the most convenient turtle canyon snorkel Waikiki experience available – and it’s the way a Waikiki beach adventure should feel.

A Luxury Catamaran, Not a Powerboat

The Holokai is a beautiful, custom-designed, handcrafted 49-passenger beach catamaran – not a cramped powerboat. With spacious seating, a shaded upper deck, and our famous netted splash area where you can hang over the water as we sail, there’s simply no comparison. Our honu snorkel catamaran experience combines the thrill of sailing with the magic of snorkeling. After your time in the water, relax on the nets with a drink as we sail the Waikiki coastline toward Diamond Head.

Expert Marine Life Guides

Our captains and crew are experts in Hawaiian marine life behavior. They know where the turtles are, how to approach them safely and respectfully, and how to help first-time snorkelers feel confident in the water. We’ll help you identify Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu), octopus (Tako), and a colorful variety of tropical reef fish on your Waikiki snorkeling with turtles Oahu experience. This is also the best snorkeling for kids in Waikiki – our crew goes out of their way to make younger guests feel safe, included, and amazed.

After you check in at our office, the Holokai departs from the beach for all of our sails, so be sure to bring footwear that you can easily slip on and off! The specific beach for arrival and departure changes depending on the tides to ensure a safe boarding, so keep in mind that the departure spot may change and might not always be right outside the check in location at the Outrigger Reef Hotel (2169 Kalia Rd). The walk down to the beach may take from 5 to 10 minutes, a maximum of 0.3 miles down to the boat.

Any guests with mobility issues or are a slower walker: please call us at (808) 922-2210 to let us know after or before you book, so we can make the appropriate accommodations for your group, mahalo!

Towels
Hats, sunglasses (sun protective gear)
Dramamine (if prone to sea sickness - we highly recommend non-drowsy)

Children under 18 MUST have an accompanying adult.

ALL GUESTS MUST have a strong swimming ability to snorkel at Turtle Canyon, as assessed by our on-board captain & crew members. If you are deemed to not have a strong swimming ability, you will be asked to get out of the water as the snorkel guides need to supervise medium to large groups while in the water at all times to ensure safety.

Not suitable for those with heavily impaired mobility - to board the Holokai from the beach requires going up eight steps at the front of the boat & walking on loose sand at the beach.

Parties of 15 or less must contact us 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour to receive a full refund or rebooking at no additional costs. Parties of 9 or more are subject to a 48-hour cancellation policy.

A "No Show, No Call" on a reservation forfeits your right to receive a refund or rebooking and the full amount of the activity will be charged. Contact us by phone at: (808)-922-2210 or by email [email protected] to cancel your reservation. If you have a medical emergency less than 24 hours prior to your reservation, please call us to cancel and for details on how to receive a refund.

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ALL GUESTS MUST have a strong swimming ability to snorkel at Turtle Canyon, as assessed by our on-board captain & crew members. If you are deemed to not have a strong swimming ability, you will be asked to get out of the water as the snorkel guides need to supervise medium to large groups while in the water at all times to ensure safety.