Waikiki
Turtle Canyon snorkel tours
Short answer: for the most turtle time and the smallest group, a 6-person raft. For comfort, shade and a bathroom, a bigger boat. All of them include snorkel gear and run about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Boats compared
| Tour | Boat | Length | Group | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small-group raft | Power raft | 1.5 hours, 45 min in the water | 6 | Ages 5+. Turtle guarantee with a free repeat trip. |
| Charter Oahu | 38-foot power boat | 2 hours | Capped at 20 | Partly shaded; often moors at Turtle Rock away from crowds; family-run with an all-female crew |
| Living Ocean Tours | 50-foot boat | 2 hours | Up to 40 | Ages 3+. Four trips a day, bathroom on board, snacks on the way back |
| Moana Sailing Company | 55-foot catamaran | 2 hours | Up to 48 | Three trips a day; front nets for lounging |
| Private or semi-private | Varies | Varies | Up to 6 | Local captain, custom route; whales possible December to April |
How to pick
- Turtles above all: the small raft with the guarantee.
- Young kids: Living Ocean Tours takes ages 3 and up and has a bathroom.
- A relaxed cruise: the catamaran.
Prices were not published consistently, so check each operator’s current rate.
Quick answers
Where do Turtle Canyon tours leave from?
Most leave from Kewalo Basin Harbor, a short drive or ride from Waikiki.
Is snorkel gear included?
Yes. Every tour we compared includes a mask, snorkel and fins, and some add a flotation device.
Are turtles guaranteed?
One small-group raft offers guaranteed turtle sightings with a free repeat trip if you see none. Others do not promise it.
Sources, checked November 2026. Confirm prices and rules before booking.