Waikiki small group turtle snorkeling & sailing
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Witness the brilliant colors of a sunrise over Diamond Head crater. Ideal for early birds, couples or families who are up at the crack of dawn during their Hawaiian vacation due to time zone changes.
As we start out our tour from Alawa’i boat harbor towards Diamond Head alongside of the Waikiki coast, it will be a short boat ride to reach the Turtle Canyon snorkeling site.
This spot is known for the large numbers of sea turtles that float above the reef while the reef fish swim around them and clean their shells. When the turtles come up to breath, they can even be seen by our guests relaxing on the boat!
After our snorkeling adventure we head towards Diamond head, these early morning hours are the best chance to see the Hawaiian spinner dolphins playing and swimming around the boat.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Snorkel with sea turtles and tropical fish at the famous Turtle Canyon aboard a 45’ sailing yacht in small intimate groups 6 max a must do experiences will be the highlight of your vacation
What‘s Included
Soda/Pop
Bottled water
Snacks
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Snorkeling guide, floatation equipment
No towels, no sunscreen
Options
Waikiki small group turtle snorkeling & sailing
Reviews
90 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Don't miss this opportunity!
Tracy A,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Book with Captain Tony and beat the crowds! This is the only snorkeling trip that is at 7 am. Parking was no problem at this time and the price was very reasonable. Yes it is early but we were the only ones in the water until closer to 8:30 am when it was time to return to the dock. The bigger boats with lots of people come around 9 am. The five of us had the whole ocean to ourselves to view the numerous turtles and schools of fish. We were required to wear a floatation belt which helped preserve energy. The boat is a small sail boat and Captain Tony only allows 6 people at time. There was one other couple on board with us. Captain Tony's assistant got in the water with us while he stayed on the boat. Side note: I did not get sea sick on the boat; however, I did at the end of snorkeling. Perhaps it was due to too much bobbing my head in and out of the water with my phone to take pictures/videos or heavy breathing in the snorkel gear along with salt water. My pictures did not turn out too good, but the video did. Captain Tony's assistant rents GoPros which might have been a better choice. One of the other passengers gave me a Dramamine which saved me because I was surfing 4 hours later and caught a bunch of waves on a board which did have a GoPro attached.
Sail Hawaii
scotthC435PX,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing! Learned so much about sailing in a few hours. Would recommend!
Best snorkel
summerg610,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time with Captain Tony! Him and mark were very welcoming and showed great hospitality! Tony books small groups and makes the experience well worth it! We definitely recommend Tony. He also dropped a pin of all the amazing things to see and do 🤩
Great casual tour for a small group
Savannah G,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Tony was great and the tour was all we could have asked for. He worked with us ahead of time as the day we originally booked the tour for it was going to be too windy and would’ve been bad conditions. He let us change the day of our tour and refund those in our group that couldn’t attend on the new day. While the boat itself is smaller and would be hard for anyone with limited mobility to maneuver around, it was also great because it was felt way less commercial. Captain Tony made sure we beat the snorkel crowds and gave lots of great information and pointers about other things to do in the area. Highly recommend this tour, especially for those staying near Ala Wai Harbor!
My boyfriend and I went...
Grace B,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My boyfriend and I went in January, and it was incredible! Super easy to find and easy to communicate with. It ended up just being the two of us on the trip, and I can’t recommend this over the large snorkeling groups enough. 10/10 recommend.
Amazing time on the beautiful Waikiki waters
ninjanancerec,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a peaceful time exploring the reef and swimming with all the fish! Captain Tony and his deck hand Scott guided us to see turtles and so may amazing sea life. We had an amazing time!
Great snorkeling with the Turtles
Cindy K,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great crew and boat. Really enjoyed this snorkeling trip with just our family on board. Attentive crew and great experience. The fish and turtles were awesome.
Great snorkeling experience!
Vacation10573534319,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic snorkeling trip! We left early in the morning with a small group, which made the whole experience super relaxed and enjoyable. The captain was awesome—friendly, knowledgeable, and gave great recommendations about the island. Our guide made everyone feel comfortable in the water, and we ended up seeing tons of turtles. Overall, an amazing experience and one of the highlights of our trip to Hawaii. Highly recommend!
Highlight of our trip!!!
Maria N,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain John and Olan were outstanding!!! Highlight of our trip’! Captain was excellent in keeping us safe but also making sure we saw lots of fish! Olan was great leading us to the turtles! We even saw dolphins!!!! Worth every penny!!!! Highly recommend!
Very Enjoyable
jorgepU6502EF,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tony was a great Captain and his helper Olen. We got to see many turtles and fish, we got an early start to beat the crowd so we had a good time and the fact that he carries max 6 people makes it very enjoyable. Will definitely come back and choose again.
From US$99.00
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Operated by Waikikisailingtours