Waikiki: Sail and Turtle Snorkel Experience

If you’re visiting Honolulu and looking for a way to combine sailing with unforgettable underwater encounters, the Waikiki Sail and Snorkel tour by Three Tiki Sailing might be just what you need. This two-hour excursion promises a chance to see Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, and coral reefs—all from a comfortable, well-equipped trimaran. While it might not be the most secluded or exclusive trip, it offers a lively, scenic, and family-friendly way to explore Waikiki’s marine treasures.

What caught our eye are the expert-guided snorkeling, the scenic sail back with Diamond Head views, and the friendly, knowledgeable crew. We also appreciate that the tour is tailored to be flexible, with BYOB options and a convenient meeting spot. One thing to consider is that the experience can be crowded, especially since Turtle Canyon is a popular spot. If you’re after a more tranquil, off-the-beaten-path adventure, this might not be your only choice—but for a fun, accessible, and value-packed outing, it ticks plenty of boxes.

This tour is perfect for those who want expert guidance, enjoy scenic sailing, and are keen to see Hawaiian sea turtles without spending a fortune or spending hours at sea. It’s especially suitable for families, first-time visitors, and anyone wanting a taste of Hawaii’s vibrant marine life with a comfortable, well-organized experience.

Good To Know

Accessible Meeting Point: Conveniently located behind the Prince Hotel at Ala Wai Harbor, easy to reach from most Waikiki hotels.
Includes Scenic Sailing: After snorkeling, you’ll enjoy a relaxing sail back with great views of Diamond Head and Honolulu.
Wildlife Encounters: Turtle Canyon is known as a premier spot for sea turtles, though sightings depend on nature.
Flexible & Fun: Bring your own drinks, enjoy music, and appreciate a lively, friendly atmosphere.
Professional Guides: Knowledgeable crew, like Captain Dave and crew, work hard to make sure everyone gets to see wildlife and enjoys the trip.
Value for the Price: At $108 per person, with all equipment and water included, it offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and scenery.

You can check if your dates are available here:

In-Depth Review of the Waikiki Sail and Snorkel Tour

Starting Point and Accessibility

The tour departs from the northwest corner of Ala Wai Harbor, behind the Prince Hotel, marked clearly with “Three Tiki Sailing” signs. This spot is very easy to find, with most Waikiki hotels within walking distance or a short Uber ride. The meeting time is flexible, with options in the morning and afternoon, making it adaptable to your plans.

The Boat and Crew

The vessel, Hokulani, is a spacious, shaded trimaran that offers plenty of room and protection from the sun. The crew, including guides like Captain Dave, is noted for being friendly, knowledgeable, and dedicated to ensuring everyone has a memorable experience. They try to keep wildlife sightings consistent but clarify that as with all wildlife encounters, there are no guarantees—nature is unpredictable, after all.

The Snorkeling Adventure

Once aboard, the adventure begins with a smooth ride out to Turtle Canyons, renowned as a natural turtle cleaning station. As one reviewer pointed out, “Turtle Canyon is not far from Waikiki Beach,” making it a manageable trip for all ages and levels of swimmers. The clear waters are teeming with tropical fish, and the gentle Hawaiian green sea turtles are a highlight.

Expect to spend about 45 minutes snorkeling, during which guides assist with gear and share interesting facts about the marine environment. Many guests, including Jolene from Malaysia, appreciated the guide’s efforts—she mentioned, “The guide sat on a board rather than swam with us,” which added a layer of safety and convenience. She also noted the crowded nature of the spot, with “many other boats around,” which indicates Turtle Canyon is popular but also busy.

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What You’ll See & Experience

The underwater world is vibrant—brightly colored tropical fish dart around coral formations, and the turtles glide gracefully, often waiting at the cleaning stations. The experience is usually relaxed, with guides eager to point out wildlife and share insights. Because Turtle Canyon is a known turtle cleaning station, the likelihood of seeing sea turtles is high—although, as the guides remind you, sightings depend on the day’s wildlife activity.

The Return Sail & Scenic Views

After snorkeling, you’ll hoist the sails and head back toward Waikiki. This part of the trip is often highlighted as a favorite—”great music” and “breathtaking views of Diamond Head” make for a relaxing, scenic finish. It’s a chance to unwind, sip on your BYOB refreshments from the large cooler, and soak in the iconic Hawaiian scenery.

What’s Included & What You Need to Bring

The tour price covers all snorkeling gear, bottled water, and the boat ride. You’ll want to bring essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), a towel, and a change of clothes. Since it’s BYOB, packing your favorite canned drinks is encouraged, and you can keep them cool in the onboard cooler.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is that Turtle Canyon is a popular snorkeling spot, which can lead to a crowded experience. This might lessen the feeling of solitude if that’s what you’re after. Also, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed—nature has its own schedule—and the guides clarify they won’t lure animals or disrupt their environment.

Overall Value and Suitability

At $108 per person, this tour offers a good balance of affordability, scenic sailing, and marine encounters. It’s well-suited for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a lively, guided tour by experienced crew members. For those looking for a quieter, more exclusive adventure, other options might be preferable, but for a fun, convenient way to see turtles and enjoy the Hawaiian waters, it hits the mark.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best for travelers who want a see-and-be-seen vibe combined with scenic sailing and snorkeling. It’s ideal for those with limited time who still want a meaningful interaction with Hawaii’s marine life. Families with kids, first-time snorkelers, or couples looking for a relaxed, social outing will find it especially appealing.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for the tour?
The tour departs from the northwest corner of Ala Wai Harbor, behind the Prince Hotel. It’s easy to find with clear signage for “Three Tiki Sailing.”

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours, with time split between snorkeling and sailing.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, all snorkeling gear is included in the price, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer specific gear.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Absolutely. The tour is BYOB, so you can enjoy your canned beverages during the sail back.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No, but guides do their best to show guests turtles and fish, and Turtle Canyon is a renowned spot for turtle sightings.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), sunglasses, a towel, a change of clothes, some cash for extras, and your favorite drinks if you’d like to sip during the sail.

The Waikiki Sail and Snorkel tour offers a lively, scenic, and well-organized way to experience some of Hawaii’s most iconic marine life and coastal views. With friendly guides, a comfortable boat, and the chance to see Hawaiian green sea turtles, it provides excellent value for its price point. While it can be busy and wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, the overall experience captures the spirit of adventure and relaxation that many travelers seek in Hawaii.

This trip is a wonderful fit for those wanting a quick yet comprehensive taste of Waikiki’s underwater world, combined with the joy of sailing in the Hawaiian sunshine. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or a seasoned water enthusiast, you’ll likely walk away with fantastic memories—and maybe even some turtle sightings to brag about.

In essence, the Waikiki Sail and Snorkel tour is a practical, fun, and scenic experience that balances ease, excitement, and good value. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy Hawaii’s marine treasures without fuss or complexity—just bring your spirit of adventure and enjoy the ride.

You can check if your dates are available here: