Explore the captivating waters of Oahu’s Turtle Canyon on a 2-hour sailing and snorkeling adventure. This small-group tour offers the chance to witness sea turtles, vibrant coral reefs, and tropical fish in their natural habitat. Depart from the convenient Ala Wai boat harbor near Waikiki and sail towards the iconic Diamond Head, with the possibility of spotting Hawaiian spinner dolphins along the way. Benefit from the personalized attention and local insights of the experienced captain, ensuring you make the most of your wildlife-spotting experience. With a maximum of 6 participants, this tour promises an intimate and unforgettable encounter with Oahu’s marine wonders.
Key Points
- Small group size of 6 participants for personalized attention and increased opportunities to spot wildlife.
- Depart from the conveniently located Ala Wai boat harbor, near Waikiki, for a seamless transition to the tour.
- Witness sea turtles at a ‘cleaning station’ area and explore vibrant coral reefs while snorkeling.
- Sail towards the iconic Diamond Head crater with a possibility of spotting Hawaiian spinner dolphins.
- Tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
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Experience Overview
This 2-hour sailing and snorkeling tour in Turtle Canyon, Oahu, offers the opportunity to witness sea turtles, tropical fish, and vibrant coral.
It also provides the chance to sail towards the iconic Diamond Head crater with a possibility of spotting Hawaiian spinner dolphins.
The small group size, limited to 6 participants, ensures a personalized experience.
Depart from the conveniently located Ala Wai boat harbor, just a short walk from Waikiki.
Snorkeling gear, juice, and water are provided, so you can focus on exploring the underwater world.
With the captain’s local knowledge, your chances of spotting wildlife increase, making this an unforgettable adventure in Hawaii’s beautiful coastal waters.
Tour Details
The tour departs from the conveniently located Ala Wai boat harbor, which is within walking distance of Waikiki.
The small group size is limited to 6 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
Snorkeling gear, juice, and water are provided, so you can focus on taking in the natural wonders.
The tour’s small size allows the captain to share their local knowledge, increasing your chances of spotting wildlife like sea turtles and Hawaiian spinner dolphins.
Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world of Turtle Canyon and the stunning vistas of Diamond Head.
Highlights
One of the highlights of this tour is the chance to witness sea turtles at a known ‘cleaning station’ area, where they gather to have parasites removed from their shells. Guests will also have the opportunity to swim through schools of tropical fish and over vibrant, colorful corals. The captain’s local knowledge helps increase the chances of spotting wildlife, and the breathtaking views of Diamond Head crater make for an unforgettable experience.
| Highlight | Description |
|---|---|
| Sea Turtle Sighting | Witness these majestic creatures at a ‘cleaning station’ |
| Tropical Fish | Swim through schools of diverse, colorful marine life |
| Coral Reefs | Explore the vibrant, underwater coral ecosystems |
| Diamond Head Views | Sail towards the iconic volcanic crater for stunning panoramas |
Policies
Guests can take advantage of the tour operator’s free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. There’s also a reserve now, pay later option available.
However, the tour may not be suitable for children under 4 or individuals over 243 lbs. The company has strict policies in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.
Guests should come prepared with biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and a towel. Sandals, flip-flops, and smoking aren’t allowed during the tour.
While the tour give you the best possible experience, it may be subject to weather and water conditions beyond the operator’s control. Guests are advised to check the forecast and plan accordingly.
Additional Information
Participants should bring biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and a towel to fully enjoy the tour. Sandals, flip-flops, and smoking are strictly prohibited during the excursion. While the operator give you an exceptional experience, the tour may be subject to weather and water conditions beyond their control, so guests are advised to check the forecast and plan accordingly.
| What to Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable Sunscreen | To protect skin and marine life |
| Beachwear | For comfort and ease during snorkeling |
| Towel | To dry off after snorkeling |
| Closed-toe Shoes | For safety on the boat |
| Weather-appropriate Attire | To stay comfortable in changing conditions |
Departure Location
The Ala Wai boat harbor, located within walking distance from the vibrant Waikiki area, serves as the departure point for this captivating 2-hour sailing and snorkeling adventure.
Conveniently situated, the harbor provides easy access for participants, allowing them to seamlessly transition from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki to the serene waters of Turtle Canyon.
This strategic location minimizes travel time and maximizes the opportunity to immerse in the natural wonders that await.
Guests can simply stroll to the harbor and board the vessel, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to their unforgettable excursion in Oahu’s picturesque coastal settings.
Group Size
This sailing and snorkeling adventure caps the group size at a modest 6 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for all aboard. With such a small group, guests can enjoy greater attention from the skilled captain and have more flexibility to tailor the tour to their interests. The limited capacity also allows for easier coordination, quicker transitions, and a more peaceful atmosphere on the boat.
| Group Size | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 6 participants | Personalized attention | May sell out faster |
| Flexible itinerary | Less social interaction | |
| Easier coordination | Higher per person cost | |
| Peaceful ambiance | Limited availability | |
| Greater wildlife spotting | Potential for long waitlists |
This small group size is a key feature that sets this Oahu sailing and snorkeling tour apart, providing guests with an exclusive and memorable experience.
Sights and Activities
During the 2-hour sailing and snorkeling tour, guests can witness the natural wonders of Turtle Canyon.
They’ll have the opportunity to spot sea turtles at a known ‘cleaning station‘ area, where the turtles congregate to have their shells cleaned by small fish.
As the boat sails towards the iconic Diamond Head crater, participants may even catch glimpses of Hawaiian spinner dolphins frolicking in the waves.
Once in the water, snorkelers will swim through vibrant schools of tropical fish and over a colorful coral reef.
With the captain’s local expertise, the chances of spotting abundant marine life are greatly increased, making for an unforgettable experience in Oahu’s stunning underwater world.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?
No, you don’t need to know how to swim to participate. The tour provides snorkeling gear and life jackets, so even non-swimmers can enjoy the underwater sights by floating on the surface with the snorkel gear.
What Happens if I See a Shark While Snorkeling?
If you see a shark while snorkeling, remain calm. Back away slowly, avoid sudden movements, and alert the guide. Shark encounters are rare, and the guides are trained to safely handle any wildlife sightings.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?
You can bring your own snorkeling gear, but it’s generally recommended to use the gear provided by the tour operator. This ensures the equipment is properly maintained and fits you correctly for a safe and enjoyable experience.
How Long Does the Sailing Portion of the Tour Last?
The sailing portion of the tour typically lasts around 1 hour. Participants will sail towards Diamond Head, taking in views of the iconic crater and potentially spotting Hawaiian spinner dolphins along the way.
Is Photography Allowed During the Snorkeling Activity?
Photography is allowed during the snorkeling activity. Participants can bring underwater cameras or use their smartphones to capture photos of the sea turtles, tropical fish, and vibrant coral they encounter while snorkeling in Turtle Canyon.
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Recap
Discover the wonders of Oahu’s Turtle Canyon on a 2-hour sailing and snorkeling tour.
Marvel at sea turtles, colorful fish, and vibrant coral reefs in a small group setting.
Sail towards the iconic Diamond Head crater and keep an eye out for Hawaiian spinner dolphins.
Depart from the convenient Ala Wai boat harbor near Waikiki and benefit from the captain’s local expertise for an unforgettable wildlife-spotting experience.
