Snorkel with Turtles in Maunalua Bay — Small-Boat Honolulu Tour
Skip the Waikiki crowds and slip into Maunalua Bay with a small-boat snorkel that puts you in the water with green and hawksbill turtles. This short, guided tour focuses on quiet wildlife encounters, basic instruction for beginners, and reef-safe practices.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Apply reef-safe SPF before arrival and reapply with a towel on board to protect coral and marine life.
Arrive early for check-in and parking
Plan to be at the Hawaii Kai shop 15–20 minutes before departure to secure free parking and get fitted for gear.
Use provided flotation if unsure
Floatation devices and underwater rescue scooters are available for weaker swimmers—don’t hesitate to use them.
Observe turtles from a distance
Federal law prohibits touching or chasing sea turtles; stay back, let them approach if curious, and keep movements slow.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Koko Marina Center overlook for a quiet pre- or post-trip shoreline view
- •Small patch reefs along the eastern edge of Maunalua Bay that hold juveniles and macro-life at low tide
Wildlife
- •Green sea turtle (honu)
- •Hawksbill turtle
Conservation Note
Operators emphasize no-touch rules and reef-safe practices; using fewer boats in dispersed locations reduces pressure on any single reef area.
Maunalua Bay’s modern coastline formed after volcanic flows; the area transitioned from taro and rural land to a suburban marina in the mid-20th century, but the reefs remain vital cultural and ecological spaces.
Photographer's Notes
- • Aboard the small boat near the reef edge
- • Shallow water where turtles surface
- • Hawaii Kai shopping center overlook for pre/post-trip panoramas
What to Bring
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects skin and fragile coral—required for responsible snorkeling.
Rash guard or long-sleeve swim topEssential
Provides sun protection and light insulation in wind or splash.
Waterproof camera or housing
Captures underwater encounters without risking your phone.
Quick-dry towel and change of clothesEssential
Dry off and stay comfortable on the return to shore.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The experience is approximately 2.5 hours from dock to dock, with time in the water for snorkeling.
Is snorkeling experience required?
No—guides give basic instruction, provide flotation devices, and assist less confident swimmers.
What wildlife will I likely see?
Expect green sea turtles most commonly, with occasional hawksbill sightings and reef fish like surgeonfish and parrotfish.
Are there age limits or accessibility accommodations?
The tour is family-friendly and accessible to most ages; infants may be accommodated in strollers onshore but water access depends on mobility and comfort in the sea.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure; trips may be canceled for bad weather.
Where do I meet the boat?
Meet at the operator’s shop in the Hawaii Kai Shopping Center; there’s free parking and boats are staged out back.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2–3 hours
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most people with basic swimming ability; expect short swims from the boat to shallow reefs.
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