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

People who go snorkeling in Oahu say it’s definitely worth it. Hanauma Bay is one of the island's most popular snorkeling spots; it’s a marine life conservation area with coral formations and sea turtles. The North Shore has excellent snorkeling around its coves, while Electric Beach on the island’s west coast provides ideal snorkeling conditions.

Snorkeling tours in Oahu cost from US$50 for a 1-hour snorkel around the shallow waters off Waikiki up to US$3,000 for a private chartered boat with a customizable sailing itinerary. In the mid-range, you can join a shared boat tour to a specific snorkeling spot for around US$100.

Oahu's east coast has Hanauma Bay, a marine life conservation center with calm waters ideal for beginners and families. On Oahu’s west coast, Electric Beach has diverse fish species and clear but deep water popular with advanced snorkelers. On the north shore, there's offshore Shark’s Cove and Kuilima Cove with its sheltered, calm waters.

Snorkeling in Oahu is better for beginner and young snorkelers, particularly spots on the south and east coast. Some Oahu snorkeling spots can only be reached by boat or kayak. Those looking to snorkel in deep waters should head to Maui. Either way, you’ll see an abundance of marine life and likely some turtles.

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 on the island—check the departure location before booking. Some tours include hotel pickups. Snorkeling tours range from private to large groups, and shared group snorkeling tours are typically less expensive. The length of tours also can vary, so consider this when choosing which tour to book. Some longer tours include breakfast, lunch, and other activities, such as pineapple plantation visits.

Arrive early for your snorkeling tour so you don’t miss the departure—most tours will not wait for late guests. Stay hydrated before and after snorkeling, as it is easy to get muscle cramps when dehydrated. Make sure you slather on reef-safe sunscreen to protect you and the delicate ecosystem. And, keep your distance from wildlife, especially turtles, and avoid touching the coral, as you might damage it or injure yourself.

You can typically find decent snorkeling conditions any time of year on Oahu. In summer, you’ll likely have the best swimming conditions with the least amount of waves. This is also when the water will be the warmest. Snorkeling in winter can also be possible, depending on the weather and winds. You may even hear whales underwater when snorkeling in the winter months.