5 Whale and Dolphin Watching Sails in Oahu Worth Casting Off For

1.Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,655 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89Our pick

Meet at the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue for a 2.5-hour catamaran trip to Turtle Canyon. The crew provides snorkel gear and guides you to turtles, tropical fish, reefs, octopus, and starfish. Morning and afternoon departures are available, with snacks, drinks, and a sailing ride along Waikiki included.

“The crew made this an awesome, safe, and fun experience! The bar onboard was a great bonus after snorkeling :-)”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Moana’s Waikīkī Grand Guided Turtle Snorkel & Sailing Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 936 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $76Best value

Sail from Kewalo Harbor to Turtle Canyon for a guided family snorkel with provided gear, certified lifeguards, and a secured raft for children and beginners. You may see turtles, tropical fish, starfish, octopuses, dolphins, or even a monk seal. The first drink from the premium bar is included.

“Such a great experience even with 2 kids.We saw 2 turtles and tons of fish. Everyone who worked the boat was very knowledgeable and sweet. One even swam down and brought up a sea urchin for my son to hold. Great adventure!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.West Oahu Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Sail with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 320 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $125

Cruise Oahu’s Leeward Coast aboard a catamaran with Hawaii Nautical, watching for spinner dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales before snorkeling over coral reefs. Captain Jessie, Ian, Nick, Nicole, and other crew members have earned praise for helping families and nervous swimmers. Breakfast, lunch, drinks, gear, restrooms, and optional pickup are included.

“No breakfast, but fun trip just got sea sick. In the description it said there would be breakfast with fruit and a biscuit but there was none, couldn’t wear shoes so deck was hot, fun trip though”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Sail and Turtle Snorkeling Tour in Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 242 reviews · from $99

Spend two hours aboard Three Tiki Sailing’s stable trimaran, cruising from Waikiki to a turtle-snorkeling site. Swim with fish and honu when conditions allow, or relax under the large shaded canopy. Crew members including Chad, Jack, and Austin focus on safety, comfort, and friendly help for first-time snorkelers.

“My family's first time snorkeling and it was a great experience. We saw turtles and all sorts of different fishes. It was like being in the Nemo movie is what my family kept saying.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Waikiki Turtle Snorkel Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 103 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $99

Sail from Kewalo Harbor on the 65-foot Honu Lani, then snorkel Waikiki reefs where Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish often gather. The crew helps beginners, supplies sanitized gear, and serves drinks, snacks, and island views. Past sailings featured Captain Greg, Julia, and Kiara.

“We had a great time and the crew was very friendly and hopeful.”

Check availability →Read our full review