The 6 Best Snorkeling Trips in Oahu

1.Grand Tour Around Island 16 Locations plus Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8,669 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $109Our pick

Cover Oahu in one long day, from Diamond Head and Halona Blowhole to Waimea Bay, Haleiwa, Dole Plantation, and North Shore snorkeling. Nui Tours provides hotel pickup, snacks, and gear. Guides such as Aka, Dylan, Kat, and Jay bring Hawaiian culture and humor to the ride, though stops and routes can change.

“This is a long, informative, entertaining tour. Kat is full of info and Victor was very kind, helping with my walker.”

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2.Oahu Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling— Small-Groups

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,214 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $149

Spend a full day circling Oahu by air-conditioned minibus with a local guide, stopping at Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, Kualoa Point, North Shore beaches, a macadamia farm, Dole Plantation, and Turtle Beach. Snorkeling gear and Waikiki pickup are included.

“Our tour was 9/13 with guide Nevin and driver John. Nevin was exceptional! We learned so much about the land, culture and history of each stop and more! The highlight was snorkeling with the sea turtles! Our lifeguard was perfect and me as a 1st-timer, I felt like a pro with his guidance! He was so laid back yet made sure we were safe 1st and they made certain we all got a chance to see the turtles. This was definitely the best part of our entire trip. I love that we had the smaller group too (it’s not a giant tour bus). Highly recommend this tour!”

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3.Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,232 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $55Best value

Ride from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay with Kaimana Tours, enter with a prearranged shuttle, and snorkel among tropical fish and coral in shallow water. Drivers such as Philippe, Felipe, Luiz, and Marco provide local tips, gear help, and round-trip transport for a six-to-seven-hour outing.

“Overall the experience was smooth from pickup, equipments, and actually getting down the bay. We saw so many kinds of fishes it was awesome!”

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4.Waikiki Beach: Turtle Snorkeling and Sailing on Hāwea

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 656 reviews · 2h 30m · from $84

Spend 150 minutes aboard Hāwea, a hand-built 50-foot catamaran, snorkeling at Turtle Canyon and sailing past Waikiki. The crew, including captains Jenny, Connie, and Woody on some departures, provides gear, safety guidance, non-alcoholic drinks, and turtle-spotting help.

“Was such an awesome time, the waves crazy, but the crew made sure we were safe, they made sure we could find and see turtles! Would do again forsure!”

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5.Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 382 reviews · 2 hours · from $85

Meet the Charter Oahu crew at Pier B for a two-hour trip to Turtle Canyon. You get quality snorkel gear, floatation aids, snacks, fruit, juice, and water, plus help from certified lifeguards, divers, free divers, and surfers who know the site well.

“the guides were lovely, the boat ride was quick to the destination site for the turtles, and the experience was absolutely lovely. the team was well equipped to help both confident swimmers and those not as comfortable in the water. I swam around with a deflatable life vest, diving at my own pleasure for approx 1.5 hours in total. the turtles were fascinating, alot larger than expected. would definitely recommend this tour group for the activity. I went early morning at 8am so it wasn't too hot, and the water was super clear and a good temperature! great experience if you love the beauty of nature”

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6.Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 351 reviews · 1h 30m · from $81

Join Island Splash Tours for a roughly 90-minute Turtle Canyon trip from Waikiki. The 2025 boat carries up to 49 but limits snorkel groups to 28. Two lifeguard-certified guides lead you through 50 minutes with turtles, reef fish, and possible rays, dolphins, octopus, or seasonal whales.

“We had a wonderful time! Maddie was very knowledgeable and patient, and engaged with the visitors. She checked in with our son to ensure that his snorkel equipment was still working well, and took his phone down to get an amazing video, that we will cherish forever. Alex was very kind and helpful to our daughter who returned to the boat feeling sea sick, bringing her a sprite and checking on her often. As her mom, this was appreciated very much. We got some good time in before other snorkel guide boats and their visitors ascended to the scene, causing crowding and confusion as to who belonged with what group,…”

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