Turtle Snorkeling Oahu Tour
Experience the magic of Maunalua Bay! Swim and snorkel with the gentle sea turtles and enjoy the beauty of the underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. Visit reefs where we snorkel with turtles every day, both on the surface and underwater.
It is a 2.5-hour tour dock to dock. All snorkeling equipment is included. Turtle snorkeling guides are in the water and provide basic instruction on snorkeling for first timers. Floatation is provided, and there are even underwater scooter-powered rescue floats for weaker swimmers.
About
The tour visits Koko Crater in Maunalua Bay. The green sea turtles come here to rest under the ledges and feed on the algae that grows on the surrounding reef. While you can see them around the ledges and reef, the closest viewing is generally when they come to the surface to breathe.
Many fish species are also in the area. Your guides will be able to tell you what you are seeing.
The Turtle Snorkeling Oahu Site
The captain will maneuver the vessel to a submerged mooring. These moorings prevent anchor damage at sites we visit daily. A crew member will enter the water to secure the vessel to the mooring.
It will then be time to begin snorkeling with turtles! Generally, more experienced swimmers will enter the water first, as they are usually eager to get wet. Less experienced swimmers will be offered the chance to hold onto the large rescue floats for assistance.
Once you are in the water, you will be able to look down and see the bottom. You will see the turtles resting or feeding there. But wait—it gets better. Turtles breathe air, and every few minutes they swim to the surface to breathe. This is when the close-up encounters happen.
Don’t Touch the Turtles
Besides being illegal, it is also not a good idea for many reasons. Firstly, these turtles trust us not to harass them. They see snorkelers and scuba divers every day—and every day we don’t harass them.
There is a level of trust between human and turtle. We ask you to respect this, not because it is illegal to touch a turtle (it is), but because it is the right thing to do.
In addition, we will have to remove you from the water for the remainder of the trip. We are serious. Don’t touch the turtles.
How Close Can I Get?
Think social distancing—which is pretty close. These turtles do trust us and may come closer. That is okay, just remain still and resist the temptation to reach out and touch them.
When they are coming up to breathe, leave them a clear path to the surface. They will take about five breaths and then head back down to the bottom.
Available Days
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day
Times
Check in: 9:30am
Departs: 10:00am
Duration: 2.5 hours
Meet at Island Divers Dive Shop
GPS: 377 Keahole St Suite E-101, Hawaii Kai, Hawaii, 96825
In Hawaii Kai Shopping Center next to L&L's
Island Divers does not offer transportation.
Public Transportation is available with Uber or Lyft. There is a fee to use any of them.
Hawaii Tickets For Less Cancelation Policy
A 72 hours notice is required for a refund. Only exception is a note from a local doctor.
“No-shows” will be charged full.
What to Expect
Boat departure 9:30am
Snorkeling instruction and free rental gear
Rescue floats to assist less proficient swimmers in accessing the best spots
Boat return to the dock at noon
(A second 1pm trip may be available)
What’s Included
Use of all snorkeling equipment
Positive flotation appropriate for skill level
In-water guides and instruction
What's Not Included
Beverages & Food
(Grocery and liquor store conveniently located across the parking lot from the boat.)
What to Bring
Swimsuit
In-water sun protection
Towel
Optional gratuity
Beside the Green Sea Turtle, What Else Will We See?
The ledges you see underwater are the remains of collapsed lava tubes. All kinds of reef fish and coral are down there, about 30 feet deep.
The first fish you will notice live in the water column above the bottom and are closer to you. Some of these species are:
Black Triggerfish – a relative of the state fish, all black with an intricate pattern of dark green/purple on its face.
Hawaiian Sergeant – an oval-shaped damselfish with dark “prison bar” stripes across its body.
Pennant Butterflyfish – white and yellow alternating body pattern with a long streamer pennant on top.
State Fish – Humuhumunukunukuapuaa – a triggerfish with orange coloring and a yellow V laid sideways on its back half.
Other Possible Sea Life Sightings
Moray eels on the bottom
Small white tip reef sharks (zero danger)
Dolphins
Eagle rays
Monk seals (critically endangered)
Humpback whales in season