Private Oahu Catamaran Snorkel Cruise – Keanuenue

Luxury Snorkeling Aboard Private Catamaran

Experience the Keanuenue, meaning ‘rainbow’ in Hawaiian, as it departs from Honolulu harbor for a private snorkeling adventure in Oahu’s crystal-clear waters. Enjoy 2 to 4+ hours with just your group aboard this exclusive catamaran, ensuring a personalized experience. Priced from $649, relish the tranquility as you float above coral reefs and watch sea turtles glide below, all without crowded distractions.

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Activity Price

649 USD

Duration

2 - 4+ Hours

Age

All Ages

Location

Honolulu, HI

Amenities

All snorkel gear is provided on board — masks, fins, and snorkels sized for both adults and keiki — so you don't need to haul rental equipment from shore or worry about a mask that leaks. The crew will adjust fit and walk first-timers through breathing technique before anyone enters the water, which makes a real difference if someone in your group has never snorkeled before.

The Keanuenue is a spacious catamaran with wide deck areas, shaded seating, and stable twin-hull construction that keeps things comfortable even when trade winds pick up. Cold fresh water and basic refreshments are available on board, and the stable platform makes it easy for guests of all ages — from toddlers to grandparents — to get in and out of the water safely using the swim ladder.

Special Instruction

Your Private Ocean, No Crowds Allowed

Turtle Encounter Below the Hull

The crew knows where the honu like to feed, and when the anchor drops at the right spot, it’s common to see two or three green sea turtles moving slowly through the coral below — close enough that you can hear the muffled crunch of them grazing if you dip your ears underwater. Nobody’s rushing you back to the ladder because a tour schedule says so; this is your charter, and you stay in the water as long as the moment holds.

Oahu's Coastline from the Water

Sailing back toward Honolulu with Diamond Head rising green and sharp against a blue sky is one of those views that genuinely stops conversation for a minute. From the trampoline mesh at the bow of the catamaran, you’re low to the water and the scale of the coastline hits differently — the city, the mountains behind it, the reef breaking white just offshore — all of it framed by nothing but open Pacific.

Cold Water, Warm Sun, No Agenda

After your first snorkel set, climbing back onto the trampoline mesh and letting the trade winds dry you off while someone hands you a cold drink — that’s a moment the itinerary doesn’t list but you’ll remember anyway. The catamaran rocks just enough to feel alive under you, the salt is still on your lips, and there’s nowhere you’re supposed to be for the next hour. With a private charter, that stillness belongs entirely to your group.

Your Luxury Catamaran Experience Includes

About

Additional information

Pricing

Cancellations

Sightseeing & Snorkeling Adventure on a 30′ Catamaran

Duration:
2 – 4+ Hours

Location:
1125 Ala Moana Blvd C Pier, Honolulu, HI 96814

Cancellations:
Full refund available up to 48 hours before departure or in the case of operator cancellations.

Group Size:
Up to 6 people

Activity Overview:
Join us on a 30′ catamaran for an unforgettable sightseeing and snorkeling experience! Set sail along the breathtaking Waikiki coastline, taking in stunning views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the iconic Honolulu skyline.

As we head towards the offshore reef, keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins and majestic humpback whales (in season). Once we arrive at the reef, we’ll anchor at a prime snorkeling spot, where you can swim alongside Hawaii’s beloved green sea turtles in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned snorkeler, our experienced crew will guide you and ensure your safety throughout the excursion.

Admire the beautiful coral reefs and vibrant tropical fish while you snorkel, then relax with a refreshing drink as we make our way back to shore. Our vessel is exclusively reserved for your party, so feel free to play your own music and bring any refreshments you wish. Our crew will also share their local knowledge and the cultural history of the area as we cruise.

Don’t miss out on this amazing experience – book your spot today and make memories to last a lifetime!

What’s Included:

Snorkel Gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
Snorkel guide / lifeguard
Flotation belts & life vests for safety
Soft drinks (bottled water, local juices, sodas)
Large iced-down cooler for refreshments
Bluetooth sound system to play your music
Marine restroom for comfort
Freshwater shower onboard
Shaded and sun-exposed seating for relaxation
Lily pad and lounge floats for floating and lounging
USCG licensed Captain for a safe journey

What’s Not Included:

Food and alcohol (feel free to bring your own)
Towels (please bring your own)
Prescription masks (available for rent from Snorkel Bob’s)

Itinerary (Example for a 2-Hour Charter, fully customizable)

Depart from Kewalo Basin Harbor near Waikiki
Enjoy coastal views of Oahu’s south shore
Guided snorkeling at an offshore reef, home to green sea turtles and tropical fish
Visit Diamond Head State Monument and offshore Waikiki (perfect photo opportunity!)
Stop to spot turtles, dolphins, or seasonal humpback whales (Jan – March)
Our crew will share local knowledge and the cultural history of the area (feel free to ask questions!)
Charter extensions available for more time on the boat, visiting additional snorkeling spots or exploring more of the coastline.

Highlights:

Sea turtles spotted 99.9% of the time!
Small private group ensures personalized attention and a high level of service and safety
Spacious catamaran to lounge and relax
BYOB—bring your own food and drinks, and play your own music
Customize the tour to focus on what you love most!
Friendly, patient staff who are passionate about the ocean and share the Spirit of Aloha

Check-In Details:
Please arrive early at Kewalo Basin Harbor Pier C:

15 minutes prior if getting dropped off
30 minutes prior if parking

This allows for potential traffic delays, limited parking, and navigating the harbor. Our crew will meet you at the Pier C gate and board your group 5 minutes before departure.

For the exact Pier C meeting location, type “Hawaii Ocean Charters” into Google or Apple Maps.
Paid parking is available for ~$2/hour, but it can be limited on busy days.

[View Kewalo Harbor Parking Map (1).pdf]

What to Bring:

Bathing suit
Towel
Sunscreen (please no spray bottles on the boat)
Hat & sunglasses
Favorite drinks & snacks (BYOB)

Restrictions:

Swimming is required for the in-water portion of the tour.
Snorkeling is physically strenuous and requires participants to be in good health.
This charter may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues, those who are pregnant, or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Disclaimers:

Weather and ocean conditions are beyond our control. While the partially protected south shore of Oahu is a great place to operate, we are still in the open ocean.
Passing light rain showers are common in Hawaii and can create beautiful rainbows.
We will not operate in dangerous conditions.

Plan Your Experience

Add to Your Booking:

Two Hour Private Charter: $649
Three Hour Private Charter: $950 (Not available with current selections)
Four Hour Private Charter: $1,199 (Not available with current selections)
Five Hour Private Charter: $1,498 (Not available with current selections)

Cancellation Policy:

Customers will receive a full refund or credit if they cancel with 48 hours’ notice.
Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in the event of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
To cancel or inquire about a cancellation, please contact us by phone.
No-shows will be charged the full price.

Private Oahu Catamaran Snorkel Cruise – Keanuenue: Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can the Keanuenue catamaran hold for a private charter?
The Keanuenue accommodates small to mid-sized private groups, making it ideal for families, couples, or friend groups who want the boat entirely to themselves. Exact passenger capacity should be confirmed at booking since Hawaii Ocean Charters may adjust limits based on safety regulations and charter type — reach out directly or check availability through the booking page for your group size.
Do I need snorkeling experience to do this tour?
No prior experience is needed — the crew on the Keanuenue is practiced at working with first-time snorkelers and will spend time before the water entry showing you how to clear your mask, breathe through the snorkel, and move with fins on. Because this is a private charter, the pace is entirely yours, so nervous swimmers or kids who need extra time in shallow water near the boat won’t feel rushed by a group schedule.
Where exactly does the Keanuenue depart from in Honolulu?
The catamaran departs from the Honolulu harbor area — exact dock details and check-in instructions are provided at the time of booking confirmation. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time so the crew can get through safety briefings and gear fitting without cutting into your time on the water.
What kind of marine life will we see snorkeling off Oahu's south shore?
Green sea turtles (honu) are the most common highlight and genuinely one of the most moving things you’ll see underwater — they’re large, unhurried, and completely unbothered by snorkelers who keep a respectful distance. Depending on conditions and location, you may also encounter reef fish like Moorish idols, parrotfish, triggerfish, and the occasional octopus tucked under a coral ledge; the crew targets spots where they consistently see active marine life rather than picking locations for convenience.
Is the $649 price per person or for the whole group?
The $649 starting price is for the private charter as a whole, not per person, which is what makes this significantly more accessible for families or groups of four or more compared to individual luxury tour pricing. The exact total may vary depending on the duration option you select and group size, so confirm final pricing during the booking process on the activity page.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of our Keanuenue snorkel cruise?
Hawaii Ocean Charters monitors ocean and weather conditions closely and will contact you directly if conditions make it unsafe or impractical to run the charter on your scheduled date. In the event of a cancellation due to weather, you’ll typically be offered a reschedule or refund — review the cancellation policy at the time of booking so you know exactly what to expect, since policies can vary by charter type and booking date.

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Private Oahu Catamaran Snorkel Cruise – Keanuenue