Sail and Turtle Snorkeling Tour in Waikiki

If you’re visiting Waikiki and craving a genuine encounter with Hawaii’s vibrant sea life, the Sail and Turtle Snorkeling Tour by Three Tiki Sailing offers a fantastic way to explore. Promising around two hours of relaxed sailing combined with snorkeling, this trip promises a blend of scenic views, wildlife sightings, and a comfortable boat experience.

What really sets this tour apart? We love the stability of the specially designed catamaran, the friendly, knowledgeable crew, and the opportunity to see sea turtles in their natural habitat. Plus, it’s a great value at just $99 per person, especially considering all the included gear, guidance, and safety features. One thing to consider? Wildlife sightings depend on nature, so patience is key. This trip is perfect for those wanting a laid-back, family-friendly experience with a good chance of spotting turtles, dolphins, and colorful fish.

This experience works best for travelers who enjoy outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, or simply unwinding on the water. Whether you’re a snorkeler eager to explore marine life or someone looking for a relaxing day on the ocean, this tour offers an authentic taste of Oahu’s coastal beauty.

Key Points

• Stability and Comfort: The trimaran catamaran offers extra stability and plenty of shaded deck space for relaxing.
• Wildlife Encounters: Good chances of swimming with turtles, fish, and possibly whales, thanks to carefully chosen snorkeling spots.
• All-Inclusive Gear: Snorkeling equipment, safety vests, and an on-board lifeguard make it easy and safe to enjoy the water.
• Professional Crew: Experienced, friendly guides focus on guest comfort and safety to create a personalized experience.
• Convenient Booking: Book in advance for around $99, with the average trip booked 17 days ahead.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for all ages, with reviews highlighting families with children as young as 3 having a great time.

The Experience in Detail

The Boat: Comfort Meets Safety

The catamaran used in this tour is tailored for maximum comfort and stability, making it suitable even for those who might be slightly uneasy on water. Reviewers consistently mention the large shaded sunbrella bimini—a 300-square-foot canopy—that keeps guests cool and protected from Hawaii’s strong sun during the cruise. The boat’s layout includes five separate bench seats, netted lounging areas, and a VIP shaded section—ideal for relaxing while sailing.

The vessel’s design reflects a focus on guest comfort, which many reviewers appreciate. One noted, “The boat was clean and comfortable, and the crew was super friendly.” This comfort combined with safety measures like life jackets and a certified lifeguard onboard helps create a worry-free environment, even for first-time snorkelers or families with young children.

The Route and Snorkeling Spots

The tour takes you to Turtle Canyon or Turtle Town, some of the best locations in Oahu for snorkeling with sea turtles. Expect to see tropical fish, vibrant corals, and marine turtles—the main draw of this trip. Reviewers highlight the opportunity to swim alongside turtles as a real highlight: “If you love sea turtles, go!” says one reviewer, emphasizing how their encounter was a memorable part of their trip.

While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed due to the unpredictability of nature, the crew’s experience and site choices maximize your chances. A guest shared that they saw turtles up close and the captain even took them sailing, which adds a special touch to the adventure.

Snorkeling Gear and Safety

Gear is included in the ticket price—snorkel equipment and safety vests—which means you can focus on enjoying yourself without worrying about rental hassles. The crew’s professional guidance ensures you feel secure, especially if you’re new to snorkeling. Multiple reviews mention how the crew helps guests feel safe and comfortable, with one saying, “The crew made us feel safe and at ease even for our first time snorkeling.”

An on-board lifeguard adds confidence, especially useful for families or less confident swimmers. Guests are advised to have basic swimming skills, but the crew’s attentiveness makes even non-swimmers or nervous water-goers feel supported.

Crew and Service

The reviews consistently highlight the friendly, knowledgeable, and professional crew. Customers describe the guides as caring and attentive, ensuring everyone has a good experience. One reviewer noted, “The skipper and crew were really friendly and made sure we had a great time,” which is an indicator of the personal attention you can expect.

The crew not only guides but also shares interesting insights about the marine environment, making the snorkeling session both fun and educational. Guests often mention how the crew’s enthusiasm and professionalism added to their overall enjoyment.

Duration and Group Size

With approximately two hours of cruise time and a maximum of 35 travelers, the tour strikes a good balance—long enough to enjoy the water without feeling rushed. Smaller group sizes mean more personalized attention, which many reviews praise. One guest remarked, “We loved the large boat and small group—it felt very intimate,” enhancing the overall experience.

Booking and Practical Details

Booking ahead is recommended, with most trips reserved 17 days in advance. The $99 per person cost is quite reasonable considering the included gear, the safety measures, and the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat. The tour departs from 1 Holomoana St, Honolulu, and guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes early to check-in.

The tour includes bottled water and a large cooler for drinks and snacks, but no food is provided. Guests are encouraged to bring snacks or lunch, and the tour is BYOB (no glassware), so it’s a good chance to pack a little picnic for afterward.

What’s Not Included

The tour does not include alcoholic beverages or transportation. You’ll need to get to the meeting point via Uber, Lyft, bike, or walk. It’s worth noting that no snorkeling lessons are provided, so basic swimming skills are necessary. Also, as the experience is focused on wildlife and the ocean, no food is offered, but guests are welcome to bring their own.

The Reviews: Real Experiences from Travelers

What truly makes this tour stand out are the vivid, heartfelt stories from previous guests. Many highlight how the crew made them feel safe and welcomed, with one saying, “The crew helped us feel safe, and the boat was beautiful.” Others mention seeing turtles and whales, with one guest exclaiming, “We saw whales too!”

Families particularly appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere, with reviews stating kids as young as three had a blast. One reviewer shared, “This experience was fantastic, everyone had a great time, and the crew was really friendly.” It’s clear the tour is well-suited for a diverse range of travelers—whether on a honeymoon, family vacation, or solo adventure.

Not all reviews are perfect, and a few mention not seeing turtles or fish, which is the nature of wildlife tours. However, the overall consensus emphasizes the crew’s professionalism and the enjoyable atmosphere.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This sail and snorkel trip offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and wildlife encounters. It’s perfect for travelers who want a low-stress, family-friendly experience with a good chance to see sea turtles, fish, and possibly whales. The comfortable, stable boat ensures even the most nervous water lovers feel at ease, while the knowledgeable crew adds a personal touch that elevates the experience.

If you’re eager to explore Oahu’s marine environment without spending hours on a boat, this is a great choice. The value for money, combined with safety features and honest guides, makes it a practical option for many visitors.

For those wanting a fun, authentic ocean adventure with plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings and a relaxed vibe, this tour is well worth considering. Just remember to bring your own snacks, and expect some wait-and-see moments with the wildlife, which all adds to the charm of Hawaii’s unpredictable and beautiful ocean.

FAQ

Is snorkeling gear included in the tour?
Yes, all snorkeling equipment and safety vests are provided, so you don’t need to bring your own.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately two hours, giving you enough time to enjoy sailing, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting.

Can I see whales on this tour?
Some reviews mention whale sightings, which suggests the crew sometimes takes advantage of whale season for extra excitement.

What should I bring?
Guests are encouraged to bring snacks or lunch (no glassware), plus sun protection, water, and possibly a towel. The cooler onboard is available for drinks.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, families with children as young as three have participated, but basic swimming skills are recommended.

Do I need to know how to swim?
Basic swimming ability is required, but the crew’s safety measures and guides are there to support less confident swimmers.

This sail and snorkel tour in Waikiki blends the best of Hawaii’s ocean life with a safe, comfortable, and eco-conscious approach. It’s a terrific way to spend a couple of hours in the water and see some of the island’s most iconic wildlife, all while enjoying the relaxed vibe of a well-run tour with friendly guides.