Top Oahu Snorkeling

Oahu has plenty of snorkeling tours to choose from. Looking at ratings and reviews given by previous travelers, here are the best tours available right now:

• North Shore Circle Island Adventure Including Snorkeling with the Turtles
• Turtle Canyons Snorkel Excursion from Waikiki, Hawaii
• Oahu Circle Island - North Shore Snorkeling Tour (Dole & Temple)
• Hawaiian Sea Turtle Snorkel Sail from Waikiki
• Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure

Yes. Oahu has some world-class snorkeling sites and plenty of options for snorkeling tours. The island’s shallow offshore reefs are ideal for beginners, with sightings including green sea turtles and a wide variety of tropical fish. Hanauma Bay is one of the island’s most popular snorkeling spots and a marine life conservation area, while other top choices include Electric Beach on the island’s west coast and several coves around the North Shore.

Snorkeling tours in Oahu range from US$39 per person for a 1-hour snorkel in the shallow waters off Waikiki to US$700+ per group for a private chartered boat with a customizable sailing itinerary. In the mid-range, you can join a shared boat tour to snorkel in Hanauma Bay or Turtle Canyon for about US$100.

It depends. Most Oahu snorkeling tours are suitable for beginners, but you should still be comfortable swimming unassisted in open water. However, there are a few tours, such as this Snorkeling in Waikiki Tour, that are suitable for non-swimmers, provided you are comfortable floating in water and are tall enough to stand up. For boat tours, read the tour description carefully to ensure you meet the requirements—at a minimum, you should be comfortable treading water and climbing up and down a boat ladder.

Wherever you go on Oahu, you’ll find great snorkeling. The east coast is home to one of the island’s most renowned snorkeling sites, Hanauma Bay, a marine life conservation center with calm waters ideal for beginners and families. On Oahu’s west coast, Electric Beach is teeming with tropical fish, but the deep waters are better suited to more experienced snorkelers. On the north shore, there’s offshore Shark’s Cove and Kuilima Cove, both with sheltered, calm waters.

Yes. Green sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, and Sandbar sharks are all common sightings along the coast of Oahu. Many tours—including popular Turtle Canyon excursions from Waikiki—offer the opportunity to snorkel close to turtles in their natural environment, and some even offer a free tour if you don’t spot a turtle. Oahu shark diving tours typically take place along the North Shore and involve snorkeling inside an underwater cage to keep you safe.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Oahu aside from snorkeling. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Sunset Cruises
• Jet Ski Rentals
• Parasailing
• Dinner Cruises
• Catamaran Cruises

Oahu snorkeling prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

• Waikiki Snorkeling Tons of Fish All Levels Free Video and Pics!
• Guided Snorkel Tour for Beginners in Honolulu
• 5-in-1 Deluxe Cruise: Turtle Snorkeling, Activities, and Pick Up
• Turtle Snorkeling Boat Tour and Adventure in Waikiki
• Waikiki Turtle Snorkeling Tour

Oahu snorkeling tours leave from various marinas across the island, so check the departure location before booking—or opt for a tour that includes hotel pickups. Snorkeling tours range from private to large-group experiences; shared tours typically offer the best value, but make sure to check the group size before booking. Tour length also varies, so take note of how many snorkeling stops are included and whether the tour includes breakfast, lunch, or other activities.

Arrive early for your snorkeling tour so you don’t miss the departure and leave plenty of time to park and board the boat—most tours won’t wait for late guests. Seasickness medication often isn’t required, especially on larger catamaran tours, but if you’re prone to seasickness, it’s best to take it before boarding. Stay hydrated before and after snorkeling, as dehydration can cause muscle cramps, and slather on reef-safe sunscreen to protect you and the delicate ecosystem. While snorkeling, keep your distance from wildlife, especially turtles, and avoid touching the coral, as you might damage it or injure yourself.

You can usually snorkel year-round on Oahu, but summer (June through September) offers the best conditions with warm, calm waters, less chance of rain, and high visibility. For fewer crowds and lower prices, the shoulder seasons of Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) are also great times for snorkeling tours.

Wear your swimsuit and comfortable, easy-to-remove beachwear over the top so you won’t waste any time on arrival at the snorkeling site. Bring a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle, along with sunglasses and a sunhat for your time on board the boat. Some boat tours are designated “barefoot cruises,” and you’ll leave your shoes behind at the pier; otherwise, opt for flip-flops or sandals to wear on board. Most tours include snorkeling equipment, but you can also bring your own mask, snorkel, or rash guard if you prefer.

Almost all Oahu snorkeling tours include the necessary snorkeling gear—masks, snorkels, and fins—so you don’t usually need to worry about additional rental fees. Flotation devices are often available. Check the inclusions for details of food and drink provided on board: many tours offer bottled water or light refreshments, while others serve breakfast or lunch. Some tours include hotel pickup and transfers to the port or offer pickup as an optional upgrade, but others require you to make your own way to the meeting point.

Absolutely. Hanauma Bay is one of Oahu’s premier snorkeling destinations, known for its colorful coral reefs, abundant tropical fish, and sea turtle sightings—all accessible from the shore. Located on the island’s east coast, the bay is a marine life conservation area and is teeming with fish. Join one of the many tours from nearby Waikiki and look out for butterflyfish, spotted boxfish, parrotfish, and more.