Oahu North Shore Circle Island Tour & Turtle Snorkel — Full-Day Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Light-to-moderate fitness; must be comfortable entering ocean and snorkeling for short periods.
Overview
Drive the island’s eastern spine, eat garlic shrimp on a family farm, and slip into warm Pacific water to snorkel alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles. This full-day North Shore circle tour blends geology, local culture, and marine encounters into one accessible adventure.
Oahu North Shore Circle Island Tour & Turtle Snorkel — Full-Day Adventure
Select participants and date
The minibus slips out of Waikiki before the day fully wakes—air conditioning humming, coffee cups clinking, and the Pacific already glittering to the east. By the time the vehicle rounds Diamond Head and climbs to Amelia Earhart Lookout, the coastline has stretched into a living postcard: lava-touched cliffs, turquoise bays, and the slow, patient motion of the ocean daring you closer. Later, Halona Blowhole punctuates the drive with a spray of salt and a reminder that this island is still shaped by fire and sea.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring cash for lunch
The farm lunch and many roadside stands accept cash only; bring smaller bills for shrimp plates and tropical fruit.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect coral and marine life—apply reef-safe sunscreen before you arrive and reapply with a towel-dry method after snorkeling.
Respect turtle space
Keep at least 10 feet (3 meters) from honu, avoid touching or feeding them, and let guides direct behavior in the water.
Check winter surf advisories
From November to February big north swells can make ocean access dangerous—follow guide instructions and stay onshore for viewing when conditions are rough.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu)
- Occasional spinner dolphins or Hawaiian monk seals seen from shore
History
The North Shore blends ancient Hawaiian agriculture—especially taro cultivation—with plantation-era and surfing histories that shaped local communities.
Conservation
Visitors are asked to use reef-safe sunscreen, keep distance from marine wildlife, and support local family farms and vendors to help sustain the area’s ecology and economy.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Waikiki (Honolulu)
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin and the reef—apply before arrival and bring extra for reapplication.
summer specific
Swimsuit & towel
Quick change and drying between snorkeling stops keeps you comfortable for the full day.
summer specific
Light waterproof daypack
Keeps phone, cash, water bottle and dry clothes together while you explore beaches and stands.
Water shoes or sandals
Protects feet on rocky entries and at roadside stops; easy to remove for snorkeling.
spring specific