Top Hawaii On the Water - page 7

Cruise along Oahu’s western coastline in search of dolphins on this exciting snorkel tour from Waianae. Don your snorkel gear and slip into the water to swim with these playful creatures, while maintaining a safe distance. You can also enjoy ocean activities like paddleboarding, or our 21-foot (6.4-meter) water slide built right into our boat during your adventure.

Learn how to surf in a group setting with this lesson in Maui. The instructor-led group session begins with a land lesson that covers ocean safety and beginner-level steps. All participants must be able to swim and feel comfortable in the ocean on their own. There is a maximum of four students for every instructor, so you’ll receive personalized attention in a small group.

Embark on an adventure to Turtle Canyon on this catamaran excursion from Waikiki. Board your vessel and spend your time snorkeling in the pristine waters off the coast of Oahu. See green sea turtles being cleaned by fish and finger reefs as well as octopuses and starfish. The reef is quite shallow so snorkelers of all levels are encouraged to join.

Discover the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing during your time in Maui with this surf lesson. Join a small group of beginners on West Maui and begin learning about ocean etiquette and surfing techniques on the sand. Then, take to the water and try to catch some waves with your instructor providing guidance from the water.

You don't have to go scuba diving or snorkeling to see Hawaii's underwater world from Waikoloa. This glass-bottom boat ride lets you spot tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral while staying dry aboard a 26-foot (7.9-meter) boat. Expert guides join you on board to discuss the reefs of Anaeho'omalu Bay and answer any questions.

Get beyond Kauai’s beaches and explore lesser-crowded locales armed with a paddleboard, map, and all the necessary gear—provided with this tour. Once you’re ready to go, you’ll make your way down the Wailua River to Secret Falls, where you can hike, swim, bask in the cascade, and more. Or go off on your own for more adventures, finding your own slice of heaven on the Garden Isle.

Learn how to surf during your Hawaii vacation with a lesson at one of the best surf beaches on Maui. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, learn the basics and practice your skills in the gentle waves. Necessary equipment is provided.

Explore the tropical waters of the Hanalei River and Hanalei Bay on this two-in-one Kauai tour, which combines both kayaking and snorkeling in one fun outing. With just your guide and a small group, paddle through the lush surroundings down the river and to the bay, where you can glimpse Makana Peak (also known as Bali Hai). Then, snorkel through the Bay Reef Lagoon, home to sea turtles and brightly colored tropical fish.

Enjoy a snorkeling experience in Kauai without the crowds. Set sail for the gentle waters of the island’s southern coast aboard a Zodiac, and pass the famed Spouting Horn blowhole on your way to two different snorkeling spots where you can explore an abundance of marine life such as yellow tang and Hawaiian green sea turtle.

Plunge into the waters off Kailua-Kona to swim with manta rays. During this sunset to moonlight tour, slip on the provided wetsuit and snorkel gear and follow your expert instructor into the water. Watch as the enormous vegetarian animals, some with wingspans of 20 feet (6 meters), swim in loops around you, taking in clouds of plankton for their evening meal. All gear and light snacks and refreshments are provided.

Diving from the shore offers easy entry and exit, a short surface swim and plentiful marine life. This small-group dive on Kauai is for certified divers and takes place at the most popular south shore dive site, in the protected Hanaka’ape Bay. The large horseshoe-shaped bay allows you to dive in two distinct areas, perfect for a two tank excursion, where you may encounter Hawaiian green sea turtles, up to seven species of moray eels, octopus and hundreds of tropical fish.

Skip the crowded boat tours and enjoy a comfortable snorkeling experience aboard a 28-foot (8.5-meter) speed boat in a group of no more than six people. Jump off board and explore the underwater world around Oahu on a guided snorkel to Turtle Canyon, home to marine life such as sea turtles and colorful fish.

Explore the vibrant waterscape of Hawaii on this 2-site diving experience with rental gear included. Launching conveniently from Honolulu, board Dive Oahu’s spacious boat, with free snacks and refreshments provided. Once out at sea, an experienced PADI-certified guide kicks off the excursion with a relaxing surface interval before leading you through a famous deep wreck and shallow reef teeming with marine life.

Sail up the scenic Kona coastline, getting views of ancient lava flows and verdant cliffs, and stopping at the Captain Cook Monument, on this afternoon sail in Kealakekua Bay. Slip into the water using the provided snorkeling gear to see vibrant schools of fish, living coral, and even pods of spinner dolphins. Learn about the area's underwater flora, fauna, and ecosystem through guided commentary.

Get out onto the water in Oahu for a marine-life spotting cruise, even if you have limited to spare. This glass-bottom boat tour is the perfect introduction to Hawaiian sea life, as the expert captain and crew help spot creatures like green sea turtles, migrating whales, and dolphins. Unlike other catamaran cruises, this one lets you look below the surface of the water.

Learn how to surf in Oahu with a private lesson in Waikiki. Choose between meeting your instructor at the beach or getting picked up at the address of your choice. Then get in the water for a personalized lesson with an experienced surfer and sharpen your surfing skills. Receive individual advice during this water adventure with a local guide.

Explore the world beneath the waves with this diving tour off the coast of Kauai. In a small group of no more than four divers, you'll receive detailed instruction and a marine ecology and fish identification briefing before building your confidence with a dive in shallow water. Then you can dive to a maximum depth of 40 feet under the direct supervision of PADI instructors.

Explore Molokini’s top snorkeling sites on this luxury yacht half-day excursion from Maui. Cruise in luxe comfort to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town for snorkeling with colorful coral, fish, and sea turtles. Enjoy breakfast and lunch cooked on board, along with an open bar as you enjoy stunning scenery from this two-level boat with all the trimmings. Guests must be 4 years or older to join this tour.

The Na Pali Coast—"Pali" means "sea cliffs" in Hawaiian—is 17 miles of earthen splendor, best experienced from the water. On this guided sunset catamaran cruise aboard Lucky Lady, you’ll enjoy snorkeling with rays, spotting dolphins and whales, and relaxing over dinner and drinks as you pass the towering cliffs. Listen to narration about Hawaiian history and legends while soaking in golden-hour views.

The offshore crater of Molokini has some of the best snorkeling spots in Maui—if you can reach them. Thankfully, this half-day snorkeling tour heads straight for Molokini and Turtle Town nearby on a 53-foot (16 meters) Lani Kai II boat with a 20-foot (6 meters) waterslide. Visit two snorkeling locations, get the chance to spot whales, and enjoy onboard breakfast and lunch. Whales sightings are seasonal in nature, from November through April.

Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii's Pacific waters each winter to give birth, making the season one of the few times these animals can be reliably spotted close to shore—but accessing the best viewing areas requires getting out on the water. This whale-watching tour from Honolulu covers the humpback migration window, with the chance to spot dolphins and green sea turtles along the route.

Experience the best of Maui's wildlife on this half-day, small-group snorkel tour. Board a comfortable boat in the company of guides who have extensive knowledge of local wildlife. Then, stop at two snorkeling spots where you can swim with turtles, see beautiful reef fish, and look for dolphins. Includes breakfast and lunch.

Explore Maui’s beautiful West Shore on this snorkeling and kayaking tour. Led by a professional guide, you’ll paddle past scenic views of the Ukumehame Valley and snorkel over bright schools of fish. This family-friendly excursion includes all equipment, along with your choice of single or tandem kayaks.

Round out a perfect day in Hawaii on board the Haleiwa Queen as she cruises along Waikiki Beach toward Diamond Head. Timed to sunset, this relaxing cruise allows you to enjoy both the sight of the colors of the setting sun in the sky and the fish, reefs, and marine life beneath the waves, viewed through the boat's glass bottom. Complimentary photos are included to capture your memorable experience.