Private 5Hrs Island Tour with 2Hrs Sail and Snorkel with Turtles

Exploring Honolulu’s Best with a Private Island Tour and Sail

If you’re eyeing a full, personalized glimpse of Oahu, this Private 5-Hour Island Tour combined with a 2-Hour Sail and Snorkel adventure might just be what you’re looking for. It’s designed for those who want to see the highlights at their own pace, then unwind with some fun on the water — all in one day.

What truly stands out about this experience are two things: first, the chance to customize your island stops, making it perfect for those who dislike cookie-cutter tours. Second, the sail and snorkel segment, where you can swim with turtles in Turtle Canyon — a highlight for many visitors.

One aspect to keep in mind is this tour’s price point, at $1,100 per group of up to five people. While it’s not cheap, the private setting and flexibility mean you’re paying for a tailored experience without the crowds. This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate personalized attention, have a moderate physical fitness level, and want an all-encompassing day of sightseeing and snorkeling.

Key Points

• Customizable itinerary allows you to select your preferred stops around Oahu.
• Private experience means no sharing with strangers, offering a more relaxed vibe.
• Includes a sail and snorkel session at Turtle Canyon, swimming with sea turtles.
• Perfect for small groups (up to five), making it intimate and flexible.
• Great value for those wanting a comprehensive day with varied activities.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights about the island and its wildlife.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

This tour packs a lot into one day, combining land exploration with sea adventures. It’s split into roughly five hours on land and two hours on the water, giving you a well-rounded view of what makes Oahu special.

The Land Portion: Flexibility and Highlights

The first part of your day involves a custom island tour modeled around your preferences. You’ll be picked up from your accommodation or other designated spot, with a guide who’s keen to tailor your experience. This flexibility is a big perk; rather than sticking to a rigid schedule, you can choose to spend more time at certain stops or skip others depending on your interests.

Your stops include iconic sights like Halona Blowhole, where waves shoot through a natural hole creating a dramatic display — and it’s a film-famous spot, having been featured in “From Here to Eternity.” We loved how this spot offers a quick but memorable visual, without a long wait or crowds.

Next is Makapu’u Point, a scenic lookout offering sweeping views of the east coast, including Rabbit Island. It’s a photographer’s dream and a good place to stretch your legs while soaking in the scenery.

The journey then takes you on a Grand Circle Island drive, but with a twist: it’s customizable. You can choose where to stop along the route, making the experience more personal. With five hours allocated, you’ll have ample time to explore the areas that appeal most to you, whether that’s beaches, viewpoints, or local spots.

The last stop on land is Tantalus Lookout at Puu Ualakaa State Park, perched about 1,000 feet above Waikiki. The panoramic views of Honolulu and the Pacific are breathtaking, perfect for snapping memorable photos.

The Sea Segment: Sailing and Snorkeling

After your island day, you’ll head to Waikiki harbor for the sailboat adventure. The boat departs between the harbor and Diamond Head, a classic Waikiki sight, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze.

This part of the tour is about two hours, including a sail out to Turtle Canyon. Here, you’ll have the chance to swim or snorkel with turtles, a highlight for many. Reviewers rave about the experience, with one mentioning they saw “hundreds of fish and large sea turtles,” making it clear why this is such a popular activity.

The boat ride itself offers a different perspective of Oahu, with views of Diamond Head and the coastline. It’s a laid-back but memorable way to see the island from the water, especially since it’s private and tailored to your group.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who value customization and comfort, as it’s private and flexible. It suits those who want to see key sights but also have the freedom to explore at their own pace. If you’re keen on snorkeling or swimming with turtles, this tour hits that sweet spot.

It’s also well-suited for small groups or families, as reviews mention how well the guides adapt to different ages and interests, even accommodating young children and teens. However, since moderate physical activity is involved, make sure your group is comfortable with walking and swimming.

The Value of This Experience

At $1,100 for a group of up to five, this tour isn’t a bargain-basement option, but it offers a lot of value for the price. You’re paying for the flexibility to personalize your day and the convenience of door-to-door pickup, which saves time and hassle. The inclusion of the sail and snorkel trip, with the opportunity to see turtles, makes it a memorable half-day on the water.

Reviewers have praised the knowledgeable guides, with one noting that JP was able to answer questions about everything from Hawaiian pronunciation to local fauna. Another appreciated Carey’s flexibility and local tips, including sampling local foods — a nice bonus if you’re into trying regional flavors.

Practical Details and Considerations

• The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with about 5 hours on land and 2 hours on the water.
• Pickup is offered, making logistics straightforward.
• The tour operates daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, giving you ample flexibility to choose a time that suits your plans.
• Confirmation is immediate at booking, and you can cancel for free at least 24 hours in advance if your plans change.
• Weather can impact the sailboat trip, so keep an eye on the forecast. If conditions aren’t suitable, a different date or full refund will be offered.

Final Thoughts

This private tour is a flexible and well-rounded way to see Oahu, blending iconic sights with a memorable ocean adventure. It’s especially good for travelers who prefer personalized experiences over group tours, and those who want to combine sightseeing with snorkeling — particularly swimming with turtles, which is a major draw.

While the price is on the higher side, the private, customizable aspect makes it worthwhile if you’re seeking a tailored day that covers both land and sea. The guides’ knowledge, the scenic stops, and the chance to snorkel with turtles make this a solid choice for those who want an immersive, relaxed, and memorable Hawaiian experience.

If you’re traveling with a small group of up to five and enjoy exploring at your own pace, this tour could give you a fantastic day in Oahu without the hassle of crowded buses or fixed itineraries. For anyone wanting a mix of scenic viewpoints, cultural insights, and a splash of marine adventure, this tour hits most marks beautifully.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is private and adaptable, the physical aspects such as walking and snorkeling mean it’s best for kids who are comfortable with moderate activity levels. Families with very young children should consider their child’s comfort with water activities.

What’s included in the tour price?
The price covers the private land tour, the sailboat trip from Waikiki harbor, and snorkeling with turtles at Turtle Canyon. Pickup service is also provided.

How long does the entire experience last?
Expect about 8 hours total, including both land and sea segments. The land tour is around 5 hours, and the sailing/snorkeling part lasts approximately 2 hours.

Can I customize the stops during the land tour?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible, allowing you to choose which sights to visit and how long to spend at each.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
Highlights include the scenic views at Halona Blowhole, Makapu’u Point, and Tantalus Lookout, plus the chance to swim with turtles at Turtle Canyon.

Is the tour suitable for people with moderate fitness?
Yes, the tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, mainly for walking and snorkeling. Make sure you’re comfortable with these activities before booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions prevent the sailboat from operating, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in each tour group?
The tour is private for up to five people, ensuring a relaxed and personalized experience.

How do I book this tour?
You can secure your spot through Viator, with confirmation provided immediately upon booking.

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated, private way to experience Oahu’s natural beauty, from scenic viewpoints to underwater encounters. It’s a smart choice if you want to avoid cookie-cutter tours and instead craft your own Hawaiian adventure.