Waikiki small group turtle snorkeling & sailing

Starting at $99 per person, the Waikiki small group turtle snorkeling & sailing adventure offers a unique way to experience the waters of Oahu. This 2.5-hour tour departs from Ala Wai Boat Harbor and caters to small groups of up to 6 travelers, making for an intimate and personalized experience. Perfectly suited for early risers, couples, and families, this tour highlights the vibrant marine life around Turtle Canyon, along with the chance to see Hawaiian spinner dolphins in their natural habitat during the morning hours.

The tour is led by Waikikisailingtours, and includes all necessary snorkeling gear, bottled water, snacks, and a knowledgeable guide to ensure safety and fun. While it does not provide towels or sunscreen, the focus remains on the close encounters with sea turtles and tropical fish in a relaxed, small-group setting. The high ratings—a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 67 reviews—reflect consistent satisfaction, especially among those who value expert guides and a peaceful, crowd-free environment.

Key Points

• Small group size of maximum 6 travelers enhances comfort and personalized attention.
• Includes snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks to keep you refreshed during the adventure.
• Snorkeling at Turtle Canyon offers frequent sightings of sea turtles and colorful reef fish.
• Morning departure increases chances to see dolphins playing around the boat.
• Guides Tony and Abe earn praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and safety consciousness.
• Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility in case of weather issues or changes.

Departing from Ala Wai Boat Harbor at Dawn

The adventure begins at Ala Wai Boat Harbor, where travelers meet with Waikikisailingtours for a morning departure just before sunrise. The early start is key for catching the best marine activity, including dolphins and sea turtles at their most active. The boat ride along the Waikiki coast is brief but scenic, setting the perfect tone for a tranquil morning on the water.

This small boat experience emphasizes comfort and unobstructed views, with a maximum of 6 travelers onboard. This limits crowds and creates a more personalized atmosphere, which many reviews highlight as a major advantage over larger, busier snorkeling excursions.

Reaching Turtle Canyon: The Marine Sanctuary

After a short sail, the boat arrives at Turtle Canyon, a renowned reef known for its frequent sea turtle sightings. The reef teems with colorful tropical fish and marine life, providing plenty of opportunities for underwater photography and close-up encounters.

Guests are equipped with snorkeling gear and guided by experienced guides who share insights about the local ecosystem. The calm waters and clear visibility make this a comfortable and accessible spot for snorkelers of moderate physical fitness, though some waves may be strong—guides are attentive to safety, especially if seasickness or rougher conditions arise.

Observing Sea Turtles and Reef Fish

The main highlight at Turtle Canyon is the chance to see large sea turtles floating above the reef or resting on the seabed. The guides are praised for their patience, allowing ample time to observe without feeling rushed. Reef fish, including brightly colored species, swim around the turtles, creating a vibrant underwater scene.

Guests can also see turtles coming up to breathe, often very close to the boat, which many reviews note as a memorable aspect of this trip. The snorkeling experience is gentle enough for families and those with moderate physical fitness, but no towels or sunscreen are provided, so packing accordingly is advised.

Sighting Dolphins During the Sail Back

Once the snorkeling session concludes, the boat sets its sails toward Diamond Head, and the early morning hours often reveal Hawaiian spinner dolphins swimming and playing around the vessel. Many reviews emphasize this as a special bonus, making the return sail equally exciting as the snorkeling.

The sailing part of the tour offers a relaxed atmosphere, with guides sharing stories and insights about the local waters and wildlife. Watching dolphins leap and spin adds a lively dimension to the tranquil morning cruise.

The Expertise of Guides Tony and Abe

The tour’s guides, Tony and Abe, receive outstanding praise across reviews. They are noted for their wealth of knowledge, friendly demeanor, and attention to safety. Whether explaining marine life or sharing local stories, their professionalism helps create a memorable experience.

Guests appreciate how patient and accommodating guides are—especially when seasickness occurs or conditions become challenging. Their ability to make everyone feel comfortable and well-informed stands out as a key reason for the high ratings.

Practical Aspects: Meeting Point and Group Dynamics

The meeting point at Ala Wai Boat Harbor is accessible via public transportation, making logistics straightforward. The maximum group size of just 6 travelers ensures an intimate atmosphere, avoiding the crowds often encountered on larger tours. This small-group approach is a major draw for those seeking a peaceful and personalized adventure.

While the tour is rated suitable for most with moderate physical fitness, it does not include towels or sunscreen, so travelers should prepare accordingly. The experience is flexible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, which offers peace of mind against weather cancellations.

Pricing and Value for Money

At $99 per person, this tour provides a well-rounded experience that combines snorkeling, sailing, and wildlife viewing. The inclusion of snorkel equipment, snacks, and drinks adds to its value, and the small group size enhances the overall quality.

Many reviews highlight the professionalism of guides and the peaceful, crowd-free environment as major benefits, making this tour stand out against busier, more commercial options.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This small-group snorkel and sailing trip is ideal for early risers and those who want a more personalized experience. It’s especially suited for families, couples, or small groups who prioritize marine wildlife encounters and a relaxed pace. The guides’ expertise and the absence of large crowds create a friendly, informative, and intimate atmosphere.

However, it may not be suitable for those who prefer more extensive snorkeling or require sunscreen and towels, as these are not included.

Final Thoughts on the Waikiki Small Group Turtle Snorkeling & Sailing

This tour offers a highly rated, value-packed experience that emphasizes personalized service, wildlife sightings, and peaceful sailing. The combination of sea turtles, tropical fish, and dolphins makes it a compelling choice for those wanting a genuine ocean adventure, especially at sunrise.

While it’s a shorter tour, the quality of guides and the small group size make it stand out. It’s a practical choice for anyone seeking an authentic and tranquil marine experience in Oahu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $99.00 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from Ala Wai Boat Harbor and returns there at the end.

What is included in the package?
Snorkeling equipment, soda, bottled water, and snacks are included, along with a snorkeling guide and flotation equipment.

Are towels or sunscreen provided?
No, towels and sunscreen are not included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, and it’s family-friendly given the relaxed environment.

What wildlife might I see?
You can expect sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and during the sail back, dolphins.

What are the guide’s names and qualities?
The guides, Tony and Abe, are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and attention to safety.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The meeting point at Ala Wai Boat Harbor is accessible via public transportation.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the tour requires good weather; cancellations due to poor weather are fully refunded or rescheduled.

This small-group snorkeling and sailing adventure in Waikiki offers a genuine chance to connect with marine life in a peaceful, personalized setting. It’s a highly recommended choice for those who value expert guides, wildlife encounters, and a less crowded experience.