Do I need prior surfing experience?

No, this tour is suitable for all skill levels, including complete beginners.

Is transportation provided?

Yes, hotel pickup is available to make your day seamless.

Bring towels, reef-safe sunscreen, and a sense of adventure!

Yes, the tour is family-friendly and accommodates all ages over 8.

What if I don’t want to surf the whole time?

Snorkeling, hiking, or relaxing on the beach are great options during the tour.

How do I get photos of my adventure?

The guide offers photography and video services for memorable keepsakes.

Half Day Surf Safari with Ty Gurney Surf School in Honolulu | Surf | Guided Tour

On the sun-drenched shores of Oahu, Hawaii, the waves of Honolulu beckon both seasoned surfers and curious beginners alike. Ty Gurney Surf School offers a half-day surf safari that immerses participants in the island’s iconic surf scene, whether on the pulsating North Shore or the tranquil East Side. Guided by expert instructors, this adventure not only hones your skills but transforms a day at the beach into an authentic Hawaiian experience. The trip begins with a scenic drive along Oahu’s rugged coastlines, revealing vistas of turquoise water, jagged cliffs, and lush tropical foliage. Upon arrival at the surf spot, rafters gear up with top-quality boards and safety gear, ready to meet the waves. For newcomers, instructors deliver patient, step-by-step coaching, making the sport accessible regardless of experience. Returning surfers can catch waves immediately, honing their technique under Hawaii’s warm sun. The tour also offers snorkeling to explore underwater life, scenic hikes along coastal trails, and photo/video services to immortalize the adventure. What makes Ty Gurney Surf School stand out is its tailor-made approach—customizing each session to skill level, ensuring every participant leaves with a sense of accomplishment. The business’s deep roots in the local surf community foster a genuine, sustainable operation that values environmental care and cultural respect. Students leave not just with surf skills, but with stories of a truly Hawaii-style day spent amid some of the world’s most legendary surf breaks. Whether you’re after a quick intro or an action-packed afternoon, this surf safari offers a perfect blend of adrenaline, scenery, and cultural connection, making it a must-do for adventurers visiting Honolulu.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

4–6 hours.

Fitness level

Participants should be in general good health; no prior swimming or surfing experience required.

Wildlife

Green sea turtles
Spinner dolphins

History

Surfing has deep roots in Hawaiian culture, dating back over a thousand years, and remains a central part of island life.

Conservation

The business emphasizes ocean conservation, using eco-friendly gear and promoting reef-friendly practices to protect marine ecosystems.

Ty Gurney Surf School is a Waikīkī-based surf and stand-up paddleboarding school offering lessons, rentals, and guided surf safaris across Oʻahu. The school provides beginner-friendly surf lessons, semi-private and private SUP and surf instruction, surfboard and SUP rentals, a Romantic Sunset Surf Package, and customizable half-day and full-day Surf Safari tours to the North Shore and East Side. Experienced instructors deliver on-water teaching, tailored coaching, and safety guidance for all ages and skill levels. Lessons and safaris include essential equipment when noted—boards, paddles, fins, leashes, and optional rash guards—so guests arrive ready to enjoy the ocean. Semi-private formats limit student-to-instructor ratios for focused attention, while private lessons offer one-on-one instruction and progression at individual pace. Surf Safari tours combine guided surfing with optional snorkeling, hiking, scenic drives, and photographic add-ons; many safaris include hotel pick-up for convenience. Surfboard and SUP rentals feature 12′ SUPs with full deck pads and a range of surfboard sizes and types, accommodating beginners through intermediate riders. Safety and positive experiences are central: instructors emphasize technique, environmental awareness, and comfortable progression. The school operates from Waikīkī, providing easy access to calm beginner waves and iconic views such as Diamond Head. Guests seeking surf instruction, stand-up paddleboarding, guided island tours, or reliable equipment rental can find tailored options and clear what-to-bring guidance. Ty Gurney Surf School focuses on accessible ocean experiences, local knowledge, and memorable time on the water. Flexible booking options accommodate individual lessons, semi-private sessions, rentals, and full- or half-day surf safaris for travel schedules.

Base locationHonolulu, Hawaii

Tours offered10+

Specialtywater-activities

StewardshipLeave No Trace