What to Expect

Your journey starts at Ala Wai Boat Harbor, Dock X, where you’ll be welcomed by your local guide and outfitted with premium snorkel gear, mask, fins, and snorkel included. After a short safety briefing and cultural overview, you'll cruise out just 10 minutes offshore to the vibrant reef system known as Turtle Canyon, a cleaning station where sea turtles regularly gather to be cleaned by reef fish.

Once moored, the crew will guide you through ocean safety practices and conservation etiquette. With just six guests aboard, you’ll have room to relax and engage meaningfully with your guide, who will share stories about the turtles, reef ecosystem, and the local significance of these waters—including references to the history of Waikīkī and the surrounding area. 

Entering the water, you'll swim approximately 10–20 yards from the boat to the heart of Turtle Canyon. The snorkeling session lasts 35–40 minutes and includes a guided experience identifying turtles and native reef fish. While Hawaiian green sea turtles are guaranteed, each tour brings surprises, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, manta rays, monk seals, or even tiger sharks may cruise through the area depending on the season and conditions.

Your guide remains in the water, ensuring safety while educating guests on marine life and sustainable practices, including how human interaction impacts the delicate reef environment. After your snorkel, the crew gives a short conservation talk and offers optional media packages (photo/video) for purchase. Then it’s a scenic, relaxed ride back to the harbor with sweeping views of Diamond Head Crater and the Waikīkī coastline.

Included

• Guided snorkel at Turtle Canyon
• Guaranteed Hawaiian green sea turtle sightings
• Intimate 6-guest speedboat experience
• Snorkel gear: mask, fins, snorkel
• Lifeguard, CPR & First Aid certified crew
• Marine life and cultural education
• View of Diamond Head Crater

Requirements & Restrictions

• Swimming ability required: Must know how to swim and tread water. Non-swimmers may remain on the boat.
• All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by a guardian; infants/toddlers must be held or in a carrier.
• This is not a swim lesson; ocean comfort is essential.
• Snorkelers must be able to follow the guide 10–20 yards from the boat to reach the canyon.
• Guests must bring their own water and swimwear.
• Morning tours are strongly recommended for calmer weather and better wildlife visibility.
• Multiple tour boats may also visit the area. While we aim to avoid crowds, it will not be entirely private.

What's Not Included

• Gratuity
• Bottled water
• Photography package
• GoPro video package
• Prescription snorkel masks