Snorkeling in Honolulu delivers some of Hawaii’s most accessible underwater encounters. Two standout guided tours rise above the rest: The Oahu Dolphin Swimming Trip offers close encounters with spinner dolphins, while the North Shore Adventure Tour pairs snorkeling with authentic local culture. The practical Circle Island Tour smartly combines snorkeling stops with island highlights, making efficient use of your vacation time. Hanauma Bay remains the crown jewel for independent snorkelers, with its protected cove teeming with green sea turtles and tropical fish. Budget travelers can rent quality gear from Origamitours and explore at their own pace. Let’s explore our favorite Honolulu snorkeling tours.
Good To Know
For an immersive dolphin encounter, consider the Origamitours Electric Beach Snorkeling With Dolphins Tour, which allows up to 14 travelers to snorkel and potentially see dolphins.
Explore diverse marine life and vibrant ecosystems with the North Shore Snorkeling Adventures, known for knowledgeable guides and flexibility to tailor the experience.
Discover the renowned Hanauma Bay Guided Tour, which provides snorkeling equipment, safety box, and bottled water, and is led by knowledgeable instructors for a small group experience.
Combine snorkeling with sightseeing on the Full-Day Snorkeling and Sightseeing Tours, which include snorkeling at Turtle Town and visits to iconic landmarks like Diamond Head and Turtle Beach.
Exercise caution when booking with Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve vendors, as reports indicate inconsistent and unreliable experiences, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and managing expectations.
Hawaii: Oahu Dolphin and Sea Life Swimming and Snorkeling Trip – Honolulu
The Hawaii: Oahu Dolphin and Sea Life Swimming and Snorkeling Trip in Honolulu offers visitors a chance to swim alongside wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
This highly-rated activity takes guests on a boat tour departing at 7:30 AM and returning around 1:30 PM. The tour includes shuttle service, a Hawaiian-style lunch, snorkeling equipment, and souvenir items.
While there’s no guarantee of dolphin sightings, the crew is friendly, and guests often enjoy memorable encounters with marine life.
However, some have reported issues with boat stability and communication regarding pickup times.
Read our full review: Hawaii: Oahu Dolphin and Sea Life Swimming and Snorkeling Trip – Honolulu Review
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Oahus North Shore Adventure Tour Snorkeling
One of the highlights of the Oahu’s North Shore Adventure Tour is the snorkeling experience. The tour provides all the necessary equipment and a tutorial to ensure travelers get the most out of the activity.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world, spotting a variety of marine life. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, providing insights into the local ecosystem.
Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, this tour offers a chance to discover the beauty of Oahu’s stunning North Shore from a different perspective.
With the flexibility to customize the itinerary, travelers can tailor the experience to their preferences.
Read our full review: Oahus North Shore Adventure Tour Snorkeling Review
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Oahu Circle Island – North Shore Snorkeling Tour (Dole & Temple)
Oahu’s Ultimate Tour: Dole, Turtle Snorkel, & Byodo Temple offers travelers a comprehensive circle-island adventure, featuring a captivating North Shore snorkeling experience.
This full-day tour, with a maximum of 40 guests, showcases the island’s natural wonders, including Hanauma Bay and the Byodo-In Temple.
The highlight is the snorkeling excursion at Haleiwa Alii Beach Park, where participants can spot playful sea turtles.
Despite some negative feedback about bus comfort and tight scheduling, the tour’s knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and included snorkeling equipment make it a popular choice, with 90% of over 4,000 reviews recommending the experience.
Read our full review: Oahu Circle Island – North Shore Snorkeling Tour (Dole & Temple) Review
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North Shore Circle Island Adventure Including Snorkeling With the Turtles
Exploring the natural wonders of Oahu’s North Shore, this comprehensive day tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to snorkel alongside the island’s iconic green sea turtles.
With a maximum group size of 28, the tour features stops at must-see attractions like Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, and Dole Pineapple Plantation.
Travelers can enjoy a traditional Hawaiian lunch, explore macadamia nut farms, and visit the North Shore’s famous surf beaches.
The tour’s highlight is the snorkeling excursion at Turtle Town, where guests can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Highly rated by travelers, this full-day adventure promises an unforgettable experience exploring Oahu’s diverse landscapes and marine life.
Read our full review: North Shore Circle Island Adventure Including Snorkeling With the Turtles Review
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Circle Island Tour With Snorkeling & Turtles
Travelers can embark on a comprehensive Circle Island Tour with Snorkeling & Turtles in Honolulu, exploring Oahu’s diverse landscapes and captivating marine life.
This highly-rated tour, with a 98% traveler recommendation, is led by a local guide and features highlights like Diamond Head, Turtle Beach, and a macadamia nut farm.
Participants can engage in activities like hiking, surfing, and snorkeling, with gear provided. The tour accommodates up to 10 travelers in an air-conditioned vehicle and includes alcoholic beverages.
With a flexible cancellation policy and a Reserve Now and Pay Later option, this experience offers an excellent value for those seeking a memorable adventure in Honolulu.
Read our full review: Circle Island Tour With Snorkeling & Turtles Review
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Ultimate Grand Oahu Circle Island Tour With Snorkeling and More
Looking to expand your Honolulu adventure, the Ultimate Grand Oahu Circle Island Tour with Snorkeling and More offers a comprehensive exploration of the island’s diverse landscapes and captivating marine life.
Boasting a 92% recommendation rate, this guided tour takes you on a journey around the island, with stops at key destinations and opportunities to snorkel and appreciate the local culture.
While reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, some guests have noted concerns about the snorkeling conditions and meal quality.
The tour’s inclusion of hotel pick-up and drop-off, professional guidance, and use of snorkel equipment make it a convenient and diverse option for discovering Oahu’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Ultimate Grand Oahu Circle Island Tour With Snorkeling and More Review
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Oahu Circle Island Full-Day Tour With Snorkeling – Honolulu
For those seeking to enjoy Oahu’s diverse natural wonders, the Oahu Circle Island Full-Day Tour with Snorkeling in Honolulu provides a comprehensive exploration of the island’s captivating landscapes and marine life.
Featuring stops at iconic landmarks like Diamond Head Lighthouse and Halona Blowhole, the tour also includes a chance to swim or snorkel at Waimea Beach.
Praised for its knowledgeable and engaging guides, the small-group experience offers personalized attention and valuable insights into Hawaiian history and culture.
With a 5.0 overall rating and Tripadvisor’s Travelers Choice Awards, this tour is a must-do for first-time visitors looking to maximize their Oahu experience.
Read our full review: Oahu Circle Island Full-Day Tour With Snorkeling – Honolulu Review
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Oahu Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Plus Snorkeling – Honolulu
This comprehensive Oahu sightseeing tour invites visitors to explore the island’s diverse landscapes and marine wonders.
Travelers can expect an expertly guided journey, with stops at iconic landmarks like the Byodo-In Temple. The tour also includes a snorkeling experience, allowing participants to encounter vibrant marine life.
While some have noted the pace can feel rushed, especially during the lunch break, the vast majority of reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the tour’s ability to provide a well-rounded overview of Oahu’s top attractions.
With pickup points throughout Honolulu, this tour offers a convenient way for first-time visitors to maximize their sightseeing experience.
Read our full review: Oahu Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Plus Snorkeling – Honolulu Review
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Hanauma Bay Guided Snorkeling Tour
At the heart of Honolulu’s snorkeling experiences lies the renowned Hanauma Bay Guided Snorkeling Tour.
With a 98% traveler recommendation from 66 reviews, this tour offers a captivating glimpse into the underwater wonders of the bay. Priced at $109 per person, the tour provides snorkeling equipment, a locked safety box, and bottled water.
Knowledgeable guides like Fumio and Cumin lead small groups of up to 5 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and assistance, especially for beginners.
Customers rave about the abundance of sea turtles, vibrant fish, and stunning coral reefs encountered during the guided exploration.
This tour is highly recommended for its memorable experiences in Hanauma Bay’s beautiful marine environment.
Read our full review: Hanauma Bay Guided Snorkeling Tour Review
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Diamond Head Sunrise & Turtle Snorkeling
Why not start your Honolulu adventure with the captivating Diamond Head Sunrise & Turtle Snorkeling tour?
This 5-hour excursion takes you on a sunrise hike up Diamond Head, followed by a catamaran cruise and snorkeling with sea turtles. Beginning at 5 AM, you’ll witness the breathtaking sunrise over Honolulu before exploring Diamond Head’s interior.
After, you’ll embark on a catamaran cruise and snorkel with the gentle sea turtles. The tour includes snacks, drinks, equipment, and park admission fees.
With a maximum of 14 travelers, this intimate experience offers stunning views and wildlife encounters. Whether you’re a solo traveler or with a group, this adventure isn’t to be missed.
Read our full review: Diamond Head Sunrise & Turtle Snorkeling Review
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Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
For those seeking a captivating snorkeling adventure in Honolulu, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve offers an unparalleled experience.
However, as the facts reveal, the tour experience at Hanauma Bay has been marred by vendor no-shows, last-minute cancellations, and issues with admission guarantees.
Customers have reported frustrations, with one reviewer describing a “bait and switch” scenario where the vendor offered an alternative location instead of the promised Hanauma Bay.
While one positive review noted a satisfactory experience, it seems the overall snorkeling experience at Hanauma Bay has been inconsistent and unreliable, leading to disappointment for many travelers.
Careful planning and managing expectations are essential when considering this snorkeling tour option.
Read our full review: Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Review
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Diamond Head Hiking & Kailua Town & Kaneohe Snorkeling – Basic
This tour offers visitors a well-rounded exploration of Honolulu’s natural wonders. It combines hiking at iconic Diamond Head, visiting the charming town of Kailua, and snorkeling in the pristine waters of Kaneohe.
The tour includes all necessary fees, lunch, and transportation from various Waikiki hotels. While it lacks a dedicated guide, the itinerary is streamlined, and the activities are suitable for most travelers in moderate physical condition.
With a maximum of 24 participants, this tour provides an intimate experience. Based on the impressive 5-star rating, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a diverse and well-organized day trip around Oahu’s stunning landscapes and seascapes.
Read our full review: Diamond Head Hiking & Kailua Town & Kaneohe Snorkeling – Basic Review
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Origamitours 24 Hour Rental Snorkeling Gear [Mask, Snorkel, Fins]
![Origamitours 24 Hour Rental Snorkeling Gear [Mask, Snorkel, Fins]](https://veronikasadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/origamitours-24-hour-rental-snorkeling-gear-mask-snorkel-fins.jpg)
Origamitours offers a convenient 24-hour rental package for snorkeling gear, including a mask, snorkel, and fins. The package includes use of the equipment and snacks, with a meeting point at the Lilia Waikiki Lobby next to the Waikiki Market.
However, the reviews for this provider are concerning, with a single 1-star rating citing issues with legitimacy and customer service. The reviewer reported making a reservation and payment, only to find the rental location unaware of the company.
Given these negative experiences, travelers should exercise caution and consider alternative, more reliable snorkeling providers in the Honolulu area.
Read our full review: Origamitours 24 Hour Rental Snorkeling Gear [Mask, Snorkel, Fins] Review
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Origamitours Electric Beach Snorkeling With Dolphins Tour
Those seeking a more immersive snorkeling experience in Honolulu can consider Origamitours’ Electric Beach Snorkeling with Dolphins tour.
Priced from $135 per person, this activity allows up to 14 travelers to explore the waters while potentially encountering dolphins.
The tour includes snacks, iPads, WiFi, and video games, and you will meet at 2380 Kūhiō Ave. before returning to the same location.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers.
Booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and confirmation is received upon reservation.
Read our full review: Origamitours Electric Beach Snorkeling With Dolphins Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Weather Conditions for Optimal Snorkeling in Honolulu?
The optimal weather conditions for snorkeling in Honolulu are warm, calm waters with minimal wind and wave action. Clear skies and good visibility underwater create the best snorkeling experience.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear or Is Rental Available?
Snorkeling gear can be rented from various operators in Honolulu, but travelers can also bring their own equipment. Rental options provide convenience, while using personal gear allows for a more customized experience. Both choices are readily available for an enjoyable snorkeling adventure.
Are There Any Age or Skill Level Restrictions for the Snorkeling Tours?
Most snorkeling tours don’t have age or skill level restrictions, though some may have minimum age requirements. Rental gear is widely available, and experienced guides provide instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for snorkelers of all abilities.
How Can I Ensure the Safety of My Personal Belongings During the Tours?
To ensure the safety of your personal belongings during snorkeling tours, it’s best to use a secure dry bag or locker service provided by the tour operator. This will help prevent theft or loss of your valuables.
Are There Any Special Dietary Accommodations Available for the Snorkeling Trips?
Many snorkeling tour operators in Honolulu offer special dietary accommodations for participants. Guests can typically request vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals when booking their tour. It’s best to inquire about specific dietary needs in advance to ensure the tour company can accommodate them.
The Sum Up
Honolulu offers a variety of exceptional snorkeling experiences. From exploring vibrant marine life at Hanauma Bay to swimming with dolphins on the North Shore, there’s something for every snorkeling enthusiast. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, you’ll find the perfect snorkeling adventure to make your Honolulu trip unforgettable.