Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkeling with Hula Show

Thinking about adding a snorkeling adventure to your Oahu trip? The Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkeling tour, offered by Ocean and You, has been highly recommended with a perfect 5.0 rating from over 80 reviews. It promises a fun, wildlife-filled experience combined with Hawaiian culture, all packed into about two hours. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, this trip aims to deliver a bit of everything—beautiful views, friendly guides, and plenty of turtles.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines wildlife spotting with cultural elements like the onboard hula performance. Plus, the fact that all necessary snorkeling gear is included makes it easier to just show up and enjoy. The inclusion of transportation from Waikiki and snacks adds convenience, making it a relatively hassle-free way to spend a morning or early afternoon in the water.

That said, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Some reviews mention that the advertised lunch might not meet everyone’s expectations, with comments about it being more of a snack. Also, the water activity portion is roughly 45 minutes—so if you’re expecting a long snorkeling session, this might feel brief. This tour suits those who want a quick, engaging glimpse of Hawaiian marine life combined with scenic views and cultural entertainment, especially if you’re okay with a shorter, more relaxed experience.

If you’re looking for a well-organized trip with friendly guides, stunning wildlife encounters, and a taste of Hawaiian tradition, this tour could be a good fit. Just keep your expectations aligned with the tour’s structure and timing, and you’ll likely have a memorable day.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see turtles, fish, and possibly dolphins or even a manta ray, according to several reviews.
• Scenic Views: The boat ride offers views of Diamond Head and Waikiki shoreline, enhancing the experience.
• All-Inclusive Snorkeling Gear: No need to rent; gear is provided, making the experience straightforward.
• Cultural Touch: The onboard Hawaiian hula performance adds a fun, cultural element.
• Transportation Included: Waikiki Turtle Trolley picks you up, simplifying logistics.
• Food & Snacks: Includes snacks, but the quality and quantity might be more snack-sized than a full meal.

The Experience in Detail

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Your day begins at Kewalo Basin in Honolulu around 10:00 am, where you’ll meet the crew and hop on the Waikiki Turtle Trolley. From there, you’ll cruise along the coast, taking in iconic sights like Diamond Head and the Waikiki shoreline. As the boat glides over the blue waters, your crew will be sharing interesting facts about these sights, making the journey informative as well as scenic.

The main highlight is heading out to Turtle Canyon, a popular spot known for its Hawaiian “Honu” (sea turtles). The boat itself is described as very nice, and many reviews call out the professional and friendly attitude of the staff. The actual snorkeling segment lasts approximately 45 minutes, giving you enough time to see turtles and a variety of fish. Several reviewers mentioned spotting up to eight turtles in one reef, alongside other marine life.

Once in the water, you’ll don the provided snorkel gear—no need to bring your own unless you prefer—and swim to observe turtles in their natural habitat. Notably, some reviewers, even non-swimmers, felt comfortable thanks to the crew’s helpful guidance. One review specifically highlights a crew member who stayed with a non-swimmer, pointing out how attentive and supportive the guides are.

Wildlife and Marine Encounters

Many travelers rave about the number of turtles they saw. One reviewer mentioned, “We saw more than five turtles, and some swam right under us,” while another spoke of “seeing eight turtles over one reef at one point.” The chance to observe these gentle creatures in open water is what makes this tour particularly appealing. There’s also mention of seeing dolphins in the water, with some even catching sight of a giant manta ray during the boat ride.

The underwater viewing is described as beautiful and exciting, with fish and other sea creatures adding to the spectacle. Several reviews highlight how friendly and helpful the staff are in pointing out wildlife and making sure everyone gets the best view possible.

Cultural and Entertainment Aspects

Back onboard, the crew performs a Hawaiian hula that many found charming and authentic. While one reviewer notes it’s more of a relaxing performance rather than a formal show, it adds a fun, cultural touch to the experience. Many guests appreciated this aspect as a way to connect with Hawaiian traditions without it feeling overly staged.

Food and Snacks

Included in the tour is snacks and a lunch option. However, some reviews note that the lunch might lean more towards a snack than a full meal, with one saying, “The lunch was really a snack, and we had a big breakfast, so we were fine.” There’s also a mention that the lunch was not as tasty as some would hope, with a review describing it as dry and tasteless. If you’re expecting a hearty meal, you might want to bring extra snacks or plan accordingly.

Transportation and Group Size

The Waikiki Turtle Trolley makes getting to the departure point straightforward, especially if you’re staying in Waikiki. The tour is capped at 50 travelers, which keeps the group manageable and allows for more personalized attention from the crew. Many reviews praise the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, with some calling out specific team members for going “above and beyond.”

Duration and Timing

The entire experience lasts about two hours, including transport, boat ride, and snorkeling. The boat departs at 10:00 am, and the short duration makes it a good option if you’re juggling other activities or prefer not to commit to a full-day tour. Many reviews emphasize that the timing feels just right—not too rushed, but enough to see wildlife and enjoy the scenery.

Pricing and Value

At $107.10 per person, this tour is priced competitively, especially considering the inclusions of gear, snacks, transportation, and the cultural show. Travelers often mention that they felt it was good value for money, citing the number of turtles and dolphins seen and the professionalism of the crew. Some reviewers pointed out that the experience matches or exceeds their expectations for the cost, especially given the wildlife encounters.

However, one review flagged the lunch as underwhelming for the price. If you’re hungry or expecting a full meal, you might want to bring extra snacks or consider other options after the tour.

Who Will This Tour Suit Best?

If you’re looking for a short, wildlife-focused adventure with scenic views and a taste of Hawaiian culture, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers who want a convenient and well-organized outing with friendly guides and plenty of opportunities to see turtles and fish. It’s also suitable for those who prefer a relaxed pace—the quick snorkeling segment is ideal for avoiding fatigue or disinterest.

This experience could be particularly appealing for first-time snorkelers or families, thanks to the supportive guides and manageable group size. While not explicitly aimed at children, young travelers who are comfortable in the water will find it enjoyable.

But be aware that if you’re seeking a longer, more comprehensive dive or a full meal, this might not satisfy those expectations. Also, the short water time might leave some wanting more, especially if marine wildlife viewing is their top priority.

FAQs

• What time does the tour start?
  The tour departs at 10:00 am from Kewalo Basin in Honolulu.

• Is transportation included?
  Yes, Waikiki Turtle Trolley transportation is part of the package, making it easy to get to the departure point.

• How long is the snorkeling portion?
  Expect around 45 minutes in the water, which is enough to see turtles and some fish but not a lengthy underwater session.

• Are snorkeling gear provided?
  Yes, all necessary equipment is included, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer to.

• What wildlife might I see?
  The main attraction is sea turtles, but you also might spot dolphins, manta rays, and plenty of fish.

• Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
  Many reviews say guides are very helpful, and some non-swimmers felt comfortable with assistance, especially if they’re moderate in physical fitness.

• What about food?
  The tour includes snacks and a lunch option, but reviews suggest it’s more of a snack, and some found it underwhelming.

• Can I cancel if I change my mind?
  Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• Is there a limit on the group size?
  The maximum is 50 travelers, helping keep the experience intimate and personalized.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a great snapshot of Hawaii’s marine life combined with scenic boat rides and cultural entertainment. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a short, lively snorkeling experience with the chance to see turtles and dolphins in their natural environment. The professionalism of the crew and the inclusive nature of gear and transport make it a hassle-free option that many reviews vouch for.

However, if you’re expecting a longer or more intense snorkeling session or a full, gourmet meal, you might want to consider other options or be prepared to supplement with snacks. The short duration and focused wildlife encounters make this a good pick for those wanting a quick, fun taste of ocean life without a lot of fuss.

Ultimately, if you appreciate a friendly crew, scenic views, and plenty of turtles, this tour is worth considering. It’s been praised for its value and memorable wildlife sightings, making it a solid choice for both first-timers and repeat visitors.

Enjoy your time in Hawaii and make the most of every underwater moment!