Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes, basic swimming ability is required to enter the water; flotation vests are provided for added security.

Are children allowed?

Yes, the trip is family‑friendly but children must be supervised and meet the operator’s safety guidelines.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes—masks, fins, snorkels and flotation vests are included in the booking price.

Can I touch the turtles?

No—there is a strict no‑touch, no‑chase policy to protect wildlife and ensure safe encounters.

Is alcohol allowed on board?

No, the operator enforces a no alcohol and no BYOB policy for safety and wildlife compliance.

How long is the snorkeling portion?

Expect approximately one hour of in‑water snorkeling within the two‑hour total trip time.

Snorkel With Honu at Turtle Canyon — Waikiki Catamaran Adventure | Snorkel | Catamaran

Adventure Brief

Float out from Ala Wai Boat Harbor and slip into the warm, clear shallows of Turtle Canyon. This two‑hour catamaran trip offers about an hour of guided snorkeling with Hawaiian green sea turtles, top‑quality gear, and a relaxed, family‑friendly pace.

2 hours

easy

From $87.46

Waikiki’s turquoise edge hides one of Oʻahu’s most accessible marine encounters: Turtle Canyon, a shallow inner coral reef off the Ala Wai Boat Harbor. The Ultimate Turtle Snorkel Adventure in Waikiki launches from Pink Sails Waikiki at 1 Holomoana St, Honolulu, HI 96815 and packs a two‑hour catamaran sail and roughly one hour of guided snorkeling around resting Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). Board a spacious 50‑to‑55‑foot power or sailing catamaran and feel the city fall behind as the boat glides past Waikiki’s shoreline. The experience is designed for families and first‑time snorkelers: crewed briefings, top‑quality masks, fins, snorkels and flotation vests, plus light snacks and bottled water are included. The reef here is a mix of shallow reef flats and patch coral built atop volcanic substrate, where pockets of branching and boulder coral shelter reef fish, eels and the grazing green sea turtles that give the site its name. On arrival, the crew leads a safety talk and positions the boat for easy access to the water. Expect relaxed, surface‑level snorkeling among schools of butterflyfish, surgeonfish and parrotfish, with the occasional moray peeking from a crevice. Because the canyon is a known resting area for Honu, encounters are often calm and photographic: turtles feed or nap on algae beds, allowing snorkelers to observe behavior from a respectful distance. The operator enforces a no‑touch, no‑chase rule and a no alcohol policy—both good for safety and for protecting the animals. Logistics are straightforward: check in 30 minutes before departure at Ala Wai Boat Harbor, bring reef‑safe sunscreen, a towel and basic swim ability. The catamaran includes shaded seating, a restroom and room to relax between swims, which makes it simple for families with children. Parking at the harbor may incur a fee and hotel transfers are not included, so plan transit ahead. Why pick this trip? It’s a short, low‑commitment way to see Hawaiian marine life without a full‑day commitment—perfect for visitors with limited time in Honolulu who still want a high‑quality ocean experience. For photographers and first‑timers, the shallow, clear water and regular turtle sightings make Turtle Canyon an efficient, memorable marine outing while supporting low‑impact, guided wildlife viewing on Oʻahu. Plan to arrive early to secure parking and attend gear fitting. Bring a secure camera and reef‑safe sunscreen, but leave single‑use plastics behind. The crew provides flotation vests for less confident swimmers, and children can join with close supervision. Honu are culturally significant in Hawaii and often regarded as ʻaumākua (family guardians); guides will remind visitors to observe quietly and keep distance. Operators emphasize low‑impact viewing, reef‑safe practices, and short swim rotations to protect animals and coral. Multiple departures through the day make this an easy add‑on for travelers.

About Explore Hawaii Tours and Activities

Explore Hawaii Tours and Activities is a Honolulu-based tour operator offering curated ocean and cultural experiences in Waikīkī and nearby Oʻahu venues.

The company features evening cruises and cultural events designed for visitors who want front-row views of Waikīkī fireworks and authentic Polynesian performances. Featured offerings include Atlantis Cruises - Friday Fireworks & Cocktail Cruise, a two-hour Friday night cruise with live music, hula, a welcome drink, anchoring off Waikīkī Beach for fireworks, then a coastal return; E Sea Diver - Waikiki Friday Fireworks Cruise, a sunset sail with Diamond Head views, drinks, snacks, live music, and waterfront fireworks viewing; and the Mauka Warriors Luau Fireknife Competition 2025, a one-night-only Coral Crater event showcasing Polynesian warriors spinning flaming knives with music and fiery spectacle.

Tours are marketed to travelers seeking memorable Waikīkī evenings that combine coastal scenery with entertainment. Each trip summary advertises live music, refreshments, and prime viewing of Honolulu’s Friday night fireworks or a special luau competition. The business promotes small-group hospitality on scheduled departures in Honolulu and public event nights at Coral Crater.

For planning purposes, travelers should review each trip description for duration, start times, and included amenities. The operator’s Honolulu location positions it close to Waikīkī piers and Coral Crater event grounds, making the listed cruises and luau easily accessible to visitors staying in the city. Evening cruise options highlight Waikīkī shoreline scenery, sunset views, and onboard amenities like drinks and live music. The Coral Crater luau offers a one-night seasonal spectacle in 2025. Advance reservations recommended.