Viator Rating : 5 (986 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.8/10 (Solid Experience)
Oahu
Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel: 100% Turtle Sightings!
100
Overview
Turtle Canyon Snorkel from Waikiki guarantees turtle sightings on every tour! This isn't just a boat ride; it's a chance to swim with gentle Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat. With a smaller group size, it's a more personal and unforgettable ocean adventure.
The boat trip cruises along the beautiful Waikiki coastline to Turtle Canyon, a reef famous for attracting turtles that come to have their shells cleaned by reef fish. Keep an eye out for other marine life like reef fish, eels, octopus, and maybe even dolphins or Humpback Whales (December to April). Experienced crew members guide snorkelers around Turtle Canyon, helping them get the most out of their wildlife encounter.
After snorkeling, guests can relax on board with complimentary drinks and soak up the Hawaiian sun. Remember, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles are protected, so admire them from a distance of at least 10 feet. The tour includes experienced crew and snorkel guides, flotation vests, snorkel equipment, and soft drinks. The tour excludes towels. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (8 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (5 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Upsell Risk (7 - Optional) : Upsells exist but avoidable
Mobility (7 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Highlights
See Turtles, Guaranteed!: Spot Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat. Turtle sightings are 100% guaranteed.
Small Group, Big Fun!: Enjoy a more personal snorkeling experience with only 19 passengers.
Expert Snorkel Guides: Snorkel with experienced, lifeguard-certified guides who know Turtle Canyon best.
All Gear Provided: Snorkel equipment and flotation vests are included for a worry-free experience.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved seeing lots of turtles up close.
-
They felt safe with the lifeguard-certified guides.
-
Many enjoyed the smaller group size for a more personal experience.
-
The crew was helpful and friendly
Some customers wished they had more time in the water.
-
A few mentioned the boat could be crowded, even with limited capacity.
The Journey
Waikiki Coast
The tour begins along the scenic Waikiki coast, offering beautiful views as the boat heads towards Turtle Canyon.
Turtle Canyon
A well-known snorkel location famous for its abundance of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, who visit the reef to have their shells cleaned by reef fish. It's a prime spot for observing these turtles in their natural habitat.
Reef around Turtle Canyon
Besides turtles, the reef is home to diverse marine life, including reef fish, eels, octopus, urchins, and rays. During winter months, Humpback Whales may also be sighted.
Know Before You Go
This Turtle Canyon Snorkel tour includes an experienced crew and snorkel guides to help spot wildlife. Flotation vests and all snorkel equipment needed for the tour are also included, as well as soft drinks. Towels are not included, so bring your own! There is no specified pickup or drop-off location so please reference the meet up location when booking.
Hot Tip
Many reviewers suggest bringing an underwater camera to capture the turtles. Also, apply sunscreen before you arrive to maximize your time in the sun.
Review Summary
Customers generally say this is an exceptional snorkel experience with reliably abundant sea turtle sightings and vibrant marine life including colorful fish, rays, and occasionally dolphins. The crew consistently receives praise for being friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and attentive to safety, with many noting that small group sizes (especially early morning tours) create intimate and personalized experiences. The provided equipment is well-maintained and the tour duration is described as perfect without eating up an entire day. Common concerns include occasional overcrowding at the snorkel site when multiple boats are present, variability in photo package quality, and the need to bring cash for tipping the crew. Overall, the tour has excellent ratings with most reviewers highly recommending it as a must-do Waikiki experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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