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

Discover the Private 5-Hour Island Exploration with a 2-Hour Turtle Snorkel Sail

This private 8-hour tour in Honolulu combines a customizable 5-hour island exploration with an unforgettable 2-hour sail and snorkel adventure featuring turtles. Designed for small groups of up to five people, the tour offers flexibility, allowing guests to select their preferred stops along the island. The tour starts with a drive around Oahu, visiting notable sites like Halona Blowhole and MakapuU Point, before heading to the harbor for the sailboat trip. The package is priced at $1,100 per group, making it an intimate and personalized way to see Honolulu.

The sailboat departs from Waikiki harbor, sailing between the shoreline and Diamond Head Crater. The highlight is the stop at Turtle Canyon, where swimmers and snorkelers can enjoy close encounters with large sea turtles. This tour suits those looking for a balanced mix of scenic sightseeing, cultural insights, and aquatic adventure, with a guide who is praised for their activity knowledge and flexibility.

Key Points

• Private, customizable 8-hour experience for up to five guests
• Includes a 5-hour island tour with stops at Halona Blowhole, MakapuU Point, and Tantalus Lookout
• A 2.5-hour sailboat cruise from Waikiki, sailing past Diamond Head to Turtle Canyon
• Swim or snorkel with big sea turtles at Turtle Canyon
• Advance booking is common, with an average reservation time of 38 days
• Accessible pickup and mobile ticket, with free cancellation available

The Flexibility of a Customizable 5-Hour Island Tour in Honolulu

The core of this experience is the flexible 5-hour driving tour of Oahu. Guests can pick and choose stops during the drive, making it ideal for those with specific interests. The itinerary starts with Halona Blowhole, a natural water spout where waves shoot through a hole in the rocks, and the nearby beach featured in the film “From Here to Eternity.” Next, the MakapuU Point lookout offers sweeping views of the east coast and Rabbit Island.

The tour also includes a drive around Oahu’s Grand Circle, covering notable sights at a comfortable pace. The emphasis on customization allows guests to explore at their own speed and focus on areas they find most captivating. This part of the experience completes in around five hours, leaving ample time to enjoy the sailing segment.

Setting out on a 2.5-Hour Sail and Snorkel Adventure from Waikiki

Following the island tour, the tour transitions to a sailboat cruise departing from Waikiki harbor. The boat sails between Waikiki and Diamond Head, offering scenic views along the way. The star of this segment is a stop at Turtle Canyon, where snorkeling or swimming with sea turtles becomes the highlight.

The two-hour sail includes the opportunity to swim or snorkel with turtles, an experience highly praised for its ease and intimacy. The sailboat’s route provides a relaxing cruise with beautiful vistas, making it a memorable aquatic adventure. The included admission to Turtle Canyon ensures a seamless experience, with no need to organize separate activities.

Meeting Points and Practical Details

The tour operates daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with pickup offered for convenience. The activity is suitable for individuals with moderate physical fitness, as some walking and swimming are involved. Guests meet at the harbor in Waikiki, where the private sailboat awaits. The mobile ticket system simplifies entry, and free cancellation offers peace of mind, allowing cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

The Expertise of Guides and Personal Touch

Reviews highlight knowledgeable guides like JP and Carey, who are praised for their flexibility, local insights, and friendly demeanor. Guests commend the guides for answering all questions, whether about Hawaiian history, fauna, or pronunciation of Hawaiian words. Carey’s ability to adapt to different stops and sample local foods adds a personalized element that seems to enhance the overall experience.

Highlights of Stops on the Island Tour

Halona Blowhole is a favorite for its natural spectacle, with waves shooting up through a hole in the rocks, and the beach nearby offers a stunning setting that has appeared in movies. MakapuU Point provides a panoramic view of the coastline, perfect for photos and appreciating Hawaii’s rugged beauty.

At Tantalus Lookout in Puu Ualakaa State Park, visitors enjoy vistas about 1,000 feet above Honolulu, with sweeping views of Waikiki and the cityscape. This stop is ideal for capturing memorable photos and appreciating the island’s geography from a high vantage point.

The Scenic Route to Turtle Canyon

The sail to Turtle Canyon is a highlight, offering a chance to see Diamond Head from the water and enjoy a relaxing cruise. The route is designed to maximize views of Honolulu’s shoreline while setting up the snorkel experience. The swimming or snorkeling activity at Turtle Canyon allows guests to observe large sea turtles, which are a major attraction of this tour.

The Sailboat Experience and Turtle Encounter

Once at Turtle Canyon, guests have around two hours to swim or snorkel. The calm waters and clear visibility make it easy to observe sea turtles up close. The included admission streamlines the process, so no additional tickets are necessary. The sailboat’s route and timing create a relaxed atmosphere ideal for enjoying Hawaii’s marine life.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

The tour requires confirmation at booking, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance. Weather conditions are a factor, and the experience may be canceled if the weather is poor; in such cases, guests are offered rescheduling or a full refund. The tour’s popularity—booked on average 38 days ahead—reflects its appeal among those seeking a personalized Hawaiian adventure.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for small groups wanting customization and flexibility. Since the tour includes both island exploration and aquatic activities, it suits those interested in scenic sightseeing, wildlife, and sailing. The moderate physical activity level makes it accessible for most, provided guests are comfortable with walking and swimming.

Final Thoughts on the Private Honolulu Experience

The Private 5-Hour Island Tour with a 2-Hour Sail and Snorkel with Turtles offers a well-rounded, intimate look at Honolulu and Oahu. The customizable island stops, combined with the sailing adventure, create a balanced day of scenic views, cultural insights, and marine encounters.

While the price of $1,100 per group might seem steep, the private nature and personalized itinerary provide strong value for those seeking an exclusive Hawaiian experience. The knowledgeable guides and smooth logistics make this a compelling choice for travelers eager to explore in comfort and style, especially those with a keen interest in marine life and island vistas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves moderate physical activity, such as walking and swimming, so it is best suited for children able to handle these activities comfortably.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the entire 8-hour experience, including the island tour, sailing cruise, snorkeling with turtles, and admission to Turtle Canyon.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking is recommended at least 38 days in advance due to its popularity and limited group size.

What should I bring for the snorkeling activity?
Guests should consider bringing swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and waterproof cameras for capturing underwater moments.

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered at the meeting point, typically in Waikiki, making the start of the tour convenient for visitors.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, guests are offered a different date or a full refund.