Waikiki: Honolulu Beginner Snorkeling Tour with Videos

If you’re dreaming of dipping your toes into Hawaii’s vibrant underwater world but feeling a bit unsure about snorkeling, this Waikiki beginner tour might be just what you’re looking for. We’ve taken a close look at this experience offered by Try Scuba Diving- Hawaii, and it seems like a solid choice for first-timers wanting a safe, relaxed introduction to snorkeling, with the bonus of taking home footage of their underwater moments.

What immediately caught our eye is how highly rated this tour is—an impressive 4.7 out of 5 from 97 reviews. That’s a lot of happy snorkelers telling us it’s a friendly, beginner-focused outing with knowledgeable guides. Plus, at just $47 per person for 1.5 hours, it offers a good bang for your buck. Two things we love are the opportunity to get professional videos of your snorkel adventure and the fact that it’s tailored for those new to the water. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that underwater visibility can vary, and some reviews note murky water, which might limit what you see.

This tour is ideally suited for travelers who want a gentle, guided intro to snorkeling without the hassle of planning or worrying about safety. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling with someone who’s a bit shy about ocean adventures or if you’re just looking for a low-pressure way to explore Hawaii’s marine life. Keep in mind, it’s not designed for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues, so check your personal comfort zone before booking.

Key Points

• Beginner-Friendly: The focus is on making you comfortable in shallow waters with clear instructions.
• Video Memories: Get professionally recorded clips of your snorkeling experience to share or keep.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides point out fish and sea creatures, making sure you don’t miss the highlights.
• All Equipment Included: Snorkeling gear is provided, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own.
• Safety Focus: The lagoon setting is described as very safe for beginners, with instruction in shallow water.
• Flexible Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind for your plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect in Your Waikiki Snorkeling Adventure

When you arrive at the meeting point near the lifeguard tower 1G at Magic Island, the first thing you’ll notice is how straightforward the setup is. You won’t need to shuffle through complex check-ins or navigate confusing signage—just look for the lifeguard tower, and you’re set. The tour lasts about an hour and a half, which is enough time to enjoy the water, get some practice, and snap a few videos.

Your guide begins with a quick briefing — nothing too long, but enough to make sure everyone understands how to use the gear safely. From there, you’ll practice in the shallow water, which helps those new to snorkeling gain confidence before hitting the deeper parts of the lagoon. This hands-on approach is appreciated by reviews, especially by first-timers who might feel nervous. As one reviewer noted, “Faith, the instructor, was fantastic and very patient with me!”

Once in the water, your guide will lead you around the site, pointing out the different types of fish, and marine life, and highlighting interesting features of the lagoon’s ecosystem. Expect to see colorful fish, and if luck is on your side, maybe even some squid or sea cucumbers, as some reviewers mention. The instructor records these moments, capturing your underwater expressions or letting you hold a starfish—adding a fun, tangible souvenir of your trip. After the tour, your guide will send the videos right to your phone via WhatsApp, free of charge, which many find to be a real highlight.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

The Good Stuff:
Guides like Keith, Faith, Nick, and Alex get high praise for their patience, friendliness, and expertise. Many reviewers mention feeling safe and well cared for, which is crucial in an ocean activity. The lagoon itself is described as a great spot for beginners—calm, shallow, and with plenty of fish to see. Several reviews note how helpful the instructors are with gear and how they make novices feel comfortable, even if they’re nervous or inexperienced.

What Could Be Better:
Some reviews point out that water visibility isn’t always perfect—murky conditions can sometimes limit what you see underwater. This is pretty common in lagoons and doesn’t seem to be a dealbreaker, but it’s worth managing expectations if you’re hoping to spot a lot of marine life. Also, the tour group size can be a bit large, which might affect the personal attention you get—though for most, it still felt manageable.

Practical Tips:
– Bring biodegradable sunscreen, towel, water, and swimwear.
– Wear a life vest if you’re feeling unsure—many reviewers recommend it for confidence.
– Confirm your meeting point at the lagoon to avoid confusion, as it’s not marked with a sign.
– Remember, no hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so plan your transportation accordingly.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This snorkeling experience is best for beginners or those wanting a low-stakes introduction to snorkeling with professional guidance. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with someone who is a bit nervous about the ocean but still wants to see Hawaii’s marine life up close. It’s also a fun, memorable activity for families or groups who enjoy a relaxed, guided adventure.

If you’re looking for a quick, affordable way to dip your toes in or want a professional record of your underwater moments, this tour hits the mark. Just keep in mind that it’s not suited for very young children under 8 or those with certain health issues, and visibility can vary depending on the day.

Final Thoughts

This Waikiki snorkeling tour offers a smart, friendly way to explore Hawaii’s underwater world without the stress of planning or worrying about safety. The guides’ patience and the option to get videos make it a memorable experience, especially for those new to snorkeling. The lagoon setting creates a safe, shallow environment where you can learn and enjoy marine life at your own pace.

At $47, you’re paying for a guided, all-inclusive experience that provides not just access to the water but also a keepsake in the form of videos. It’s great value for first-timers or anyone wanting a relaxed, introductory splash into the ocean.

If you’re seeking an easy, well-organized way to see Hawaii’s sea life with friendly guides and helpful amenities, this tour could be just what you need. It’s not about big adventure or deep-sea thrills—it’s about feeling comfortable and making fun, lasting memories underwater.

FAQ – Your Questions Answered

Is this tour suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the tour is specifically designed for beginners. Guides teach you how to use the equipment and practice in shallow water, making it perfect for first-timers.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour provides snorkeling equipment, videos of your experience, and guidance from an instructor.

Do I need to bring my own gear or water?
Nope, all snorkeling gear is included. However, you should bring your own swimwear, towel, water, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Is it safe for children?
Not suitable for children under 8 years old. The lagoon is very safe for beginners, but children should be within the age limit and comfortable in water.

Do I get to keep the videos?
Yes, the instructor records your snorkeling moments and sends the videos to your phone at no extra cost.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Near the lifeguard tower 1G at Magic Island. It’s best to confirm the exact location to avoid confusion.

Is transportation provided?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting spot.

If you’re after a safe, guided, and fun way to dip your toes into Hawaii’s waters, this Waikiki beginner snorkeling tour is definitely worth considering. It balances affordability, expert guidance, and the chance to create lasting memories—all in a setting that’s perfect for newbies.

You can check availability for your dates here: