Waikiki Turtle Snorkel Sail with Lunch

Mid-Day Snorkel Picnic

Set sail from Kewalo Basin Harbor on a thrilling three-hour catamaran adventure for just $149 per person. Experience the magic of swimming with Hawaiian green sea turtles in Oahu’s serene waters, where visibility often reaches 20 to 30 feet. Enjoy a delicious sit-down lunch on deck, with breathtaking views of Diamond Head.

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A group of yellow tangs fish swimming in the crystal clear water, Big Island, Hawaii

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Activity Price

149 USD

Duration

3 Hours

Age

All ages

Location

Honolulu, HI

Amenities

Snorkel gear — mask, fins, and flotation noodles — is provided for every guest on board, so you don't need to haul equipment from your hotel or rent anything separately. The crew does a quick gear-fitting and a genuine snorkel briefing before you enter the water, which means even first-timers aren't fumbling with their mask at the surface while everyone else is already watching a turtle glide by.

A gourmet lunch is served on the catamaran after the snorkel stop, and it's a proper meal — think fresh local ingredients, not pre-packaged fare — eaten while the boat sails gently back toward Honolulu. Non-alcoholic beverages are included throughout the trip, and the catamaran's wide deck gives you room to find a shady spot or plant yourself in the sun depending on what you need after your time in the water.

Special Instruction

Honu in the Wild, Lunch on Deck

Eye-to-Eye with a Green Sea Turtle

You’re hovering about six feet underwater when a Hawaiian green sea turtle the size of a coffee table banks slowly toward you, completely unbothered, its flippers pulling long lazy strokes through the blue. That moment of shared stillness — you holding your breath, the turtle doing absolutely nothing in a hurry — is what guests talk about for the rest of their trip.

Diamond Head at Your Back, Food in Hand

After the snorkel, the catamaran points back east and the iconic silhouette of Diamond Head rises against a blue sky while lunch gets passed around the deck. Salt still on your lips, wind drying your hair, a plate of real food in your hands — it’s a hard combination to beat at noon on a Tuesday in Honolulu.

The Briefing That Actually Makes You a Better Snorkeler

Before anyone hits the water, the crew runs a hands-on snorkel briefing on deck that covers breathing technique, how to clear your mask without panicking, and exactly how to move around the turtles without disturbing them. It sounds basic until you’re actually in the ocean and realize the ten minutes of prep is the only reason you’re calm instead of gulping saltwater. First-timers who’ve never snorkeled a day in their lives step off that boat looking like they’ve been doing it for years.

Complete Sail and Snorkel Experience

About

Additional information

Pricing

Cancellations

Overview

Duration: 3 Hours
Meeting Point: 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Slip F28, Honolulu, HI 96814

Set sail from Kewalo Harbor, just a short distance from the heart of Waikīkī and Ala Moana, aboard our luxurious 65′ sailing catamaran. This spacious vessel offers plenty of comfortable seating, well-maintained bathrooms, and a fully stocked bar, ensuring your journey is as relaxing as it is exciting.

As you cruise along the stunning Waikīkī coastline, you’ll glide past vibrant reef areas where Hawaiian green sea turtles are frequently spotted in the crystal-clear waters. After soaking in the breeze, jump into the water for a snorkeling adventure, surrounded by tropical fish, colorful coral, and, with a bit of luck, the graceful honu (turtle) in its natural habitat.

You can either bring your own snorkel gear or take advantage of our sanitized, reusable sets, all provided on board. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or an experienced adventurer, our welcoming crew will ensure your safety and comfort throughout the trip. A delicious island-inspired lunch is served on board, and after your snorkeling experience, you can unwind on deck, taking in breathtaking ocean views—an experience that blends discovery, relaxation, and the Aloha spirit.

What’s Included

Comfortable sailing aboard a 65’ luxury catamaran with spacious seating, shaded areas, and clean bathrooms
Snorkeling in the vibrant reefs off Waikīkī, known for Hawaiian green sea turtles and an abundance of tropical fish
Sanitized snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, and fins) provided on board
A friendly, professional crew to guide snorkelers of all levels
A delicious island-inspired sandwich or wrap with chips (dietary options available)
Complimentary drinks, including beer, wine, tropical cocktails, juice, soda, and water, along with light snacks
Spectacular views of Waikīkī and Diamond Head from the water

What’s Not Included

Optional shuttle service from select Waikīkī pick-up locations for an additional fee
A customary 20% gratuity for the crew is appreciated and can be added during checkout if you enjoyed your experience

Itinerary

Depart from Kewalo Harbor aboard the Honu Lani
Enjoy a scenic sail along the Waikīkī coastline
Stop for snorkeling to observe sea turtles and vibrant marine life
Seasonal whale watching available from December to April
Return to Kewalo Harbor after your unforgettable adventure

Check-in Details

Departure Time: 11:00 AM
Arrival Time: Please arrive 20 minutes before departure (by 10:40 AM) to allow time for check-in and boarding.
Location: Kewalo Basin Harbor, Slip F28, just minutes from Waikīkī and Ala Moana.
Check-In Process: Look for the Hawaii Nautical sign outside our slip.
Parking: Paid parking is available at Kewalo Basin Harbor. We recommend arriving early to secure a spot and walk to the slip.
Boarding: Boarding closes 10 minutes before departure. Guests arriving late may not be able to join the tour.

What to Bring

Swimsuit and towel
Reef-safe sunscreen (no sprays, please apply before boarding)
Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection
Reusable water bottle (to help reduce plastic waste; water is available onboard)
Optional: Camera or waterproof phone case for photos/videos (don’t forget to tag us @hawaiinautical!)

Special Requirements

Vegetarian and gluten-free meal options are available with advance notice. Please notify us at least 24 hours before your trip.

Pricing

Adult (Ages 13+): $149
Child (Ages 4-12): $99
Infant (Ages 3 and Under): Free!

Need a Ride?

Adult (Ages 13+) with Waikīkī Shuttle Pick-Up: $176.98
Child (Ages 4-12) with Waikīkī Shuttle Pick-Up: $122.62
Infant (Ages 3 and Under) with Waikīkī Shuttle Pick-Up: Free!

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Cancellation Policy

If your tour is cancelled due to the captain’s discretion or weather conditions, you will receive a full refund or the option to rebook your tour for another available date.

Guest Cancellations

Guests who cancel their tour reservations 48 hours or more before departure are eligible for a full refund or can choose to rebook their tour for another available date.

Trip Protection

We are excited to offer Trip Protection! For a small fee, you can add Trip Protection to your booking, which allows you to cancel your tour up to 1 hour prior to departure. Trip Protection can be added during checkout.

Cancellation Without Trip Protection

Guests who do not purchase Trip Protection and cancel their tour reservations less than 48 hours before departure will not be eligible for a refund and will forfeit 100% of their payment.

Waikiki Turtle Snorkel Sail with Lunch — Frequently Asked Questions

Are seeing sea turtles actually guaranteed on this tour?
Nothing in the ocean is guaranteed — these are wild animals — but the honu sightings on this tour are extremely consistent because the crew navigates to established turtle resting and feeding areas that local captains have worked for years. Most guests see multiple turtles during the snorkel portion, often within the first few minutes of entering the water. On the rare day they’re not at the primary spot, the crew knows backup locations to check.
Do I need to know how to snorkel to do this tour?
No prior snorkel experience is needed — the crew runs a proper equipment briefing and basic technique overview before anyone gets in the water. Flotation noodles are available for guests who want extra support at the surface, which takes the pressure off completely and lets you focus on what’s below you rather than staying afloat. If you can float on your stomach and breathe through a tube, you’ll be fine.
What kind of food is served for lunch on the catamaran?
Lunch is a gourmet spread served aboard the catamaran after the snorkel stop, featuring fresh ingredients rather than the grab-and-go fare you might expect on a boat tour. The specific menu can vary by day and season, so if you have dietary restrictions or allergies, reach out to Hawaii Nautical directly at booking to confirm what accommodations are possible. Most guests are genuinely surprised by how good the food is — it’s a real meal, not an afterthought.
Where exactly does this tour depart from and is there parking nearby?
The tour departs from Kewalo Basin Harbor, located on Ala Moana Boulevard between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki — it’s roughly a 10-minute drive from most Waikiki hotels. There is paid parking available at the harbor, but it fills up during busy periods, so arriving early or using a rideshare from your hotel is a smart move. The harbor is easy to find and the check-in area for Hawaii Nautical is clearly marked once you’re in the lot.
Is this tour good for kids, and what's the youngest age allowed?
This tour is open to all ages, and it genuinely works well for keiki — the catamaran is stable and spacious, the snorkel site is calm, and watching a child see their first sea turtle in the wild is something parents consistently mention in reviews. Younger kids who aren’t comfortable snorkeling can still watch from the surface with a noodle or stay on the boat during the water portion. The crew is experienced with families and knows how to keep things fun without pushing anyone past their comfort zone.
What should I bring and what should I leave at the hotel?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen applied before boarding, a towel, a change of clothes or dry cover-up, and any personal medications including seasickness remedies if you’re sensitive to boat motion. Leave the expensive camera gear at the hotel unless it’s fully waterproofed — you’ll be in and out of the water and the deck gets wet. A small dry bag for your phone and valuables is worth throwing in your beach bag, and most guests say bringing a light jacket for the sail back is something they wished they’d done.

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Waikiki Turtle Snorkel Sail with Lunch